match recap
sporting kc 1-0 la galaxy
By Raquel Hernandez May 4, 2025
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Sporting Kansas City Stuns LA Galaxy 1-0 Despite Zero Shots on Goal
Date: May 4, 2025
Competition: MLS Regular Season
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City
Final Score: SKC 1–0 LA Galaxy
Match Overview
On May 4, 2025, at Children’s Mercy Park, Sporting Kansas City pulled off a surprising 1-0 win over LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. The stunning part? Sporting KC did not register a single shot on goal, and the game was decided by an early own goal from Galaxy’s Maya Yoshida.
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Key Moment: The Own Goal
The lone goal came in the 13th minute when Galaxy’s veteran defender Maya Yoshida misjudged a defensive clearance, heading the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Yoshida, known for his composure, was attempting to deal with a cross but mistimed his intervention.
This own goal ultimately became the match-winner — a rare and painful moment for the Galaxy, who were otherwise dominant.
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Galaxy’s Frustrating Dominance
Statistically, the Galaxy controlled the game:
Possession: 71.5%
Shots: 11 total, but only 1 on target
Despite pinning Kansas City deep and creating numerous half-chances, Galaxy couldn’t find the breakthrough:
Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljić both came close but lacked finishing sharpness.
The final pass and shot decisions consistently let them down, extending a worrying trend for the reigning MLS Cup champions.
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Sporting KC’s Defensive Grit
Sporting Kansas City may not have troubled Galaxy’s goal, but their defensive shape held firm:
John Pulskamp, SKC goalkeeper, needed just one save to earn a clean sheet.
The center-back pairing of Andreu Fontàs and Dany Rosero stayed organized, throwing bodies in front of shots and frustrating Galaxy’s attackers.
Historic Context
The result deepens the Galaxy’s crisis:
LA Galaxy’s current record: 0 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws (0-8-3) — the worst-ever start by a defending MLS champion.
Sporting KC improves to 3-7-1, gaining a critical morale boost.
Greg Vanney’s Galaxy, packed with talent, is now under increasing scrutiny as they search for answers.
Quotes & Reactions
Greg Vanney (Galaxy manager): “We controlled everything but the scoreboard. We need to be more ruthless in the box.”
Peter Vermes (Sporting KC coach): “We bent but didn’t break. Sometimes you win ugly, and that’s okay.”
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What’s Next?
LA Galaxy: Must regroup quickly to snap their 11-match winless streak.
Sporting KC: Looks to build momentum and climb the Western Conference table after this confidence-boosting result.