Sporting Kansas City’s Johny Russell is mobbed by his teammates after his first half goal against the San Jose Earthquakes at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday AUG 26, 2023. (Sporting KC)

by Marko Ukalovic

Johnny Russell had himself a night.

Sporting Kansas City’s star forward recorded a goal and an assist in his team’s 3-0 commanding shutout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Children’s Mercy Park.

Sporting KC dominated from start to finish as it snapped its three-match pointless streak. San Jose had its four-match unbeaten streak end in its first MLS match back from an early exit in the League’s Cup.

It was another disappointing result for San Jose in their house of horrors. Their record in Kansas City is 1-16-3 dating back to 2004, including losing 10 straight from 2004-2014.

Sporting KC (7-11-8-29 points) drew first blood three minutes into the match. Russell sailed in a cross over to a wide open Dániel Sallói who buried a point-blank chance past ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his sixth goal of the season.

Russell doubled the lead for the home team in the 42nd minute. Nemanja Radoja set up Russell inside the box and the Scottish striker deked out two ‘Quakes defenders before beating Daniel with a left footed shot for his fourth goal of the season.

San Jose (9-8-8-35 points) looked flat out of the gate and weren’t able to gain any momentum in the opening 45 minutes. Sporting KC controlled possession by a 57%-43% margin and had four shots on target to zero for the Earthquakes.

Forward Matthew Hoppe made his ‘Quakes debut to start the second half when head coach Luchi Gonzalez substituted in for Cade Cowell in the 46th minute. Hoppe, who the ‘Quakes acquired on load from English Championship club Middlesbrough, sent in a nice cross to Jack Skahan in the 86th minute but Skahan’s attempt missed wide left.

Sporting KC iced the game in the 69th minute with Erik Thommy’s fourth goal of the season. Radoja recorded his second assist on Thommy’s goal.

“We have to have more pride in having a more complete game, attacking and defending the boxes. We are very disappointed in the score. It wasn’t our night. It’s done. Let’s move on and respond to the next moment, it is what this team has been doing all season. I believe they will be ready to fight again,” Gonzalez said.

San Jose’s best attempt to avoid the shutout came in the first minute of stoppage when Skahan drew a penalty kick inside the box off a foul from Logan Ndenbe. However, Carlos Gruezo right footed shot was saved by Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia with a diving attempt.

Melia finished with two saves for the clean sheet. Daniel made three saves on six shots on goal.

GAME NOTES: Each team finished with five corner kicks in the match.

San Jose currently holds an 26-30-10 record against Kansas City, including an 8-23-2 record on the road.

Defender Paul Marie made his 100th career appearance for the Quakes, entering as a sub in the 67’ minute.  

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 98th edition of the California Classico on Wednesday 8/30 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.