(NashvilleSC.com, 10.11.20)

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — After going down a man in the 54th minute, Nashville SC (4W-6L-6D, 18 pts.) fell 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City (9W-5L-2D, 29 pts.) on Sunday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Nashville SC took an early lead on a towering header by defender Walker Zimmerman off of a corner from winger Randall Leal in the 15th minute. A strong second half from Sporting KC gave them all three points.

Just a minute before the ejection of Alistair Johnston due to a second yellow card, SKC equalized on a tap-in from left-winger Gerso after a slaloming dribble from right-winger Johnny Russell.

Head Coach Gary Smith had to adjust his team being down a man, leading to 2020 MLS SuperDraft pick Jack Maher’s Major League Soccer debut.

NSC’s tough defense could not prevent forward Erik Hurtado from finding the back of the net as he vollied left-back Amadou Dia’s pinpoint cross over goalkeeper Joe Willis in the 79th minute.

Set-Piece Expertise
Randall Leal combined with Zimmerman early in the match to create Nashville’s sixth set-piece goal of the season. The centerback rose above the rest to meet Leal’s perfect delivery in the box and head the ball past goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Abu Danladi Stars in Attack
following his return from injury as a sub in Tuesday’s match against Minnesota United FC, Abu Danladi started tonight for the first time since Sept. 12. He took three shots and successfully stretched SKC’s backline to create space for his supporting midfielders.