Sporting downs Union to clinch East's top spot
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sporting Kansas City clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Livestrong Sporting Park courtesy of C.J. Sapong's 82nd- minute goal.
A tally from Antoine Hoppenot in the 53rd minute for the Union canceled out a first-half goal from Sporting's Jacob Peterson as the two sides entered the final 10 minutes of the contest on level terms.
A draw would have been enough for the home side to clinch the East, but Sapong capped Sporting's regular season in style after a nice set up from Kei Kamara, who also assisted on the first goal scored by Peterson.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sporting will enter the postseason on a 12-match unbeaten run after clinching the East's top spot for the second straight season, while the Union closes out its campaign at Red Bull New York on Saturday.
The opening goal came in the 40th minute as Kamara hit Peterson in stride with a nice ball from the left wing, allowing him to beat goalkeeper Zac MacMath with a first-time shot.
But Philadelphia got back to level terms early in the second half when Michael Farfan's penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, only for Hoppenot to score on the rebound.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Union then hit the post twice in a three-minute span as a header from Jack McInerney struck the woodwork before Keon Daniel saw a shot from outside the area also hit the frame of the net.
Kansas City slowed the Union attack and was then able to grab the winning goal after a pass from Kamara split the Philadelphia defense open, allowing Sapong to slot his shot past MacMath.