It took a lot longer than expected, but Sporting Kansas City finally picked up their first win of the 2023 MLS season, stunning Seattle Sounders FC, 2-1, Sunday at Lumen Field to end Matchday 11.
“Ten games we didn’t have a win and we know that we played a lot of games where we played very well. We just didn't get the result,” said SKC manager and sporting director Peter Vermes, referencing their 0W-7L-3D start with three goals scored.
“But, as I've tried to say many times, there's no doubt that the guys were dejected because of where we were and having not won. But they haven't given up or they’re not in a place where they don't believe. They continue to work very hard.”
SKC broke new ground in the road win, starting their Designated Player triumvirate – Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Erik Thommy – for the first time. And all three got on the scoresheet, with Kinda setting up Thommy’s first goal of the season in the fourth minute and then Pulido scoring his first MLS goal since Aug. 14, 2021.
“[Pulido] loves the game. I think that's a big part of the reason why he's back and able to play like he does and he helps our team immensely,” Vermes said of the Mexican striker and club-record signing. “And we're starting to feel in the game what he does, and how we should play off of it because he's been out for us for a long time. … I'm very happy for him. The goal was a great goal, but it's so typical of him, the run, the finish, he's always so clinical around those situations.”
Pulido, who missed all of the 2022 season due to a serious knee injury that needed surgery, said he was happy to score but was even happier for the three points.
“For me, the more important is the first win for the team,” said the 32-year-old who arrived in late 2019 from Liga MX's Chivas. “And of course, the goal brings me a little confidence and I need this goal, but I am more happy about the team and winning [the first match].”
Nicolas Lodeiro's penalty-kick goal for Seattle in the 66th minute brought about some nervy moments during the second half. But the raw emotion behind SKC's first win of the season was evident among players and staff when the final whistle sounded.
“The sensation is amazing because we worked all the week for this game and we speak a lot about the situation, what happened with the team, with the players because the last matches and the last results is not very good for us,” Pulido said.
Can this be a jumping-off point for Sporting Kansas City, who still sit bottom of the Western Conference table? Vermes said he wasn’t interested in making predictions. But he’s finally seeing his team, which he said has never wavered in their belief or effort, getting healthier.
“What I do believe is that we are building towards who we can be and I think tonight was a very good representation of that,” Vermes said. “Is that it? No, not even close. There's so much more that we can do better. And we'll keep working towards that.”
