Sporting KC topple Toronto FC to rebound after collapse against LA Galaxy

Sporting Kansas City managed to get back in the win column against Toronto FC with a 3-1 victory to rebound after their collapse last week against LA Galaxy.

It was just what the doctor ordered for Sporting KC, as the team's two goal lead vanished into thin air a week ago at the hands of the Galaxy at Children's Mercy Park. Vermes' side found themselves in a familiar scenario this week holding a 2-0 advantage with 10 minutes to go in normal time.

Instead of conceding three goals in the span of 10 minutes, SKC added a third goal that secured all three points thanks to Alenis Vargas' 83rd minute strike. Kansas City were unable to keep a clean sheet, though, as Jonathan Osorio bagged a stoppage-time goal to pull one back for TFC. However, it was too little too late, as the visitors took home all three points Saturday night.

Speaking to the media after the match, head coach Peter Vermes admitted his team were "embarrassed" after their Galaxy collapse but he was proud of how his side rebounded at BMO Field.

"I think the guys feel confident in the things that they're doing and, and I think they were, easily said, they were a little bit, I guess, embarrassed," Vermes said of his team's mentality after their defeat last weekend. "We were all embarrassed with the result last week because we should have finished that game out 2-0 or even more. We know that we missed some chances and we also took our foot off the gas pedal when they scored their goal. So it was great."

Vermes went on to praise the team's mentality as they were in a similar situation where they had a two-goal lead, but instead of throwing away their advantage, they found a way to add to their lead and take all three points against an up-and-coming team under first-year Toronto boss John Herdman.

"As I said this before, the mentality of the group is pretty good and strong and it was a tremendous result away from home, like I said, against a team that I think has been playing very well and their coach (Herdman) has done a good job in turning around the team in regards to their mentality and attitude," he said.

It's been a much better start for SKC in the 2024 MLS season when compared to the dismal beginning to the 2023 campaign. After six games played in 2023, Vermes' side had collected an abysmal three out of a possible 18 points. Fast-forward to 2024, SKC have picked up nine points that has them seated in sixth place of the Western Conference standings, a huge improvement after the team were ravaged with injuries last term.

They take the pitch again this Sunday to square off with Portland Timbers and their first-year boss Phil Neville at Children's Mercy Park, looking to make it three wins from their last four games played.

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