Sporting Kansas City faced a challenging match on Saturday, succumbing to a 4-0 defeat against the reigning MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew. The team, struggling with the absence of seven key players and playing their third match in eight days, adopted a 3-4-3 formation with John Pulskamp in goal.
Pulskamp, the 23-year-old goalkeeper, delivered four saves throughout the night, including a critical intervention in the 19th minute to clear a dangerous cross with two Columbus attackers poised to strike.
Columbus Crew took the lead in the 32nd minute when Cucho Hernandez netted his first of three goals for the evening. Under pressure, Diego Rossi managed to pass to Max Arfsten, who then assisted Hernandez with a precise cutback. Hernandez skillfully maneuvered inside and finished the play, marking his third consecutive match with a goal.
As halftime approached, Pulskamp executed two impressive saves, first diving to stop a long-range shot from Aidan Morris and then deflecting a curling effort from Hernandez. Despite these efforts, Columbus doubled their lead from the subsequent corner kick, with Hernandez scoring again after benefiting from a deflection.
In the second half, Columbus maintained their dominance. Christian Ramirez extended the lead in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Pulskamp's initial save. Hernandez completed his hat trick with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards, making it his third MLS regular-season hat trick in ten months.
Columbus, known for their robust defense, restricted Sporting Kansas City to just three shots, none of which were on target. This marked only the fifth time in club history that Sporting Kansas City failed to register a shot on goal in an MLS match. The visitors’ best opportunity came in the seventh minute, with Willy Agada narrowly missing the target.
Sporting Kansas City is now on a 17-game streak without a shutout, the longest in club history. Additionally, the team has conceded four or more goals in three consecutive regular-season matches, a feat matched by only four other teams in MLS history. Their losing streak on the road has reached seven matches, tying their worst away record.
Sporting Kansas City's next challenge is a home match against Austin FC on June 29 at Children’s Mercy Park, where fans can also enjoy a post-match fireworks display in celebration of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
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Referee: Marcos DeOliveiraAssistant Referees: Ian McKay, Chantal BoudreauFourth Official: Nabil BensalahVAR: Kevin StottAVAR: Joshua Patlak
