Sporting KC and St. Louis City SC Play to Thrilling 3-3 Draw

On April 21, 2024, Sporting KC and St. Louis City SC played to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Children's Mercy Park in a match that showcased the unpredictability of Major League Soccer. Sporting KC took the lead twice, but St. Louis City SC fought back each time, including a stoppage-time equalizer by Tomas Totland to cap the scoring.

Alan Pulido opened the scoring for Sporting KC in the 17th minute, but João Klauss equalized for St. Louis City SC in the 31st minute. Célio Pompeu then gave the visitors a 2-1 lead just before halftime. In the second half, an own goal by St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki tied the match at 2-2 in the 65th minute. Erik Thommy scored in the 77th minute to put Sporting KC back in front 3-2, but Totland's goal in the second minute of stoppage time secured the 3-3 draw for St. Louis City SC "in an entertaining derby between the two rivals," according to match reports.

The game was a physical affair, with the teams combining for 36 fouls and five yellow cards. St. Louis City SC outshot Sporting KC 20-7 despite Sporting KC having 56.8% possession. Klauss had a goal and two assists for St. Louis City SC, while Pulido and Thommy scored for Sporting KC.

Why this matters: The match was a rematch of the 2023 playoff series between the two clubs, which Sporting KC won. It also marked the first time St. Louis City SC earned a point at Children's Mercy Park. The draw leaves Sporting KC with a record of 2-2-5 (11 points) and St. Louis City SC at 2-1-6 (12 points) early in the 2024 MLS season.

The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,637 and has been described as a "must-see MLS fixture" and one of the league's "fiercest rivalries." Sporting KC captain Johnny Russell and goalkeeper Tim Melia believe the team can overcome its struggles holding leads, having dropped 14 points from winning positions this season, including 10 in the final 15 minutes of matches. Sporting KC will look to rebound when they face Minnesota United FC on Saturday.

Key Takeaways

• Sporting KC and St. Louis City SC played a thrilling 3-3 draw on April 21, 2024.
• The match showcased the unpredictability of MLS, with both teams exchanging leads.
• Klauss, Pulido, and Thommy scored for their respective teams in the high-scoring affair.
• The draw was the first point earned by St. Louis City SC at Children's Mercy Park.
• Sporting KC struggles to hold leads, having dropped 14 points from winning positions this season.