MLS Preseason 2020: Johnny Russell scores, but Sporting KC drops penultimate match

Johnny Russell vs. Phoenix Rising

Johnny Russell scored the MLS club's lone goal as Sporting Kansas City fell to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising, 2-1, in the club’s penultimate preseason match Wednesday night at Casino Arizona Field in Scottsdale, Arizona.


Russell opened the scoring in the 56th minute, latching onto a Jaylin Lindsey cross and burying his second goal of the preseason.


The USL Championship side equalized 10 minutes later when Santi Moar settled a Joey Calistri through ball and clinically finished under the crossbar from the edge of the 18-yard box.

The Phoenix Rising winner came in the 78th minute off a defensive gaffe as Calistri intercepted Tim Melia’s attempted pass to a defender and easily scored over the goalkeeper.

SKC close out their preseason slate against the New York Red Bulls Saturday at Kino North Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.


Goals


  • 56’ — SKC — Johnny Russell
  • 66’ — PHX — Santi Moar
  • 78’ — PHX — Joey Calistri


Lineups


Sporting Kansas City, starting lineup (4-3-3): Richard Sanchez (46' Tim Melia) – Jaylin Lindsey, Botond Barath, Graham Smith (46' Kaveh Rad), Amadou Dia â€“ Camden Riley, Jake Davis, Cameron Duke – Johnny Russell, Erik Hurtado, Gerso Fernandes


Sporting KC, 60th min (4-3-3): Tim Melia â€“ Graham Zusi, Roberto Puncec, Matt Besler, Luis Martins â€“ Ilie Sanchez, Roger Espinoza, Gadi Kinda â€“ Khiry Shelton, Alan Pulido, Daniel Salloi