Dennis Buanga scored his 10th goal of the season to give Los Angeles FC an early lead against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night. Buanga capitalized on assists from Kwadwo Opoku and Sergi as Palencia in the 13th minute. However, just seven minutes later, Jonny Russell tied the score for Sporting KC with assists from Remi Walter and Alain Pulido. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Kendall McIntosh made six saves in his first start for Sporting KC, while Erdin Jakupovic made two saves in his second start for LAFC, ending Sporting KC’s three-game losing streak against their opponents who hold a 5-4-1 series lead.
LAFC has scored 16 goals in their five wins, but only five goals in their other five games. With 14 wins in 15 regular-season games, LAFC missed a chance to join the San Jose Earthquakes in their 2001-02 feat. Buanga has seven goals and two assists in five league home games this season.
Sporting KC remains winless and has only scored three goals in total. LAFC, with a 2-0-1 record in their last three games, will host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. On the other hand, Sporting KC will travel to face St. Louis City on Saturday.