Kickers beat Sporting KC in US Open Cup quarters

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)—Shaka Bangura scored seconds after play resumed following a long lightning delay, sparking the minor-league Richmond Kickers to a 2-0 upset of Sporting Kansas City in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night.

It was Kansas City’s first loss in seven outings in its new home, the $200 million Livestrong Sporting Park.

“In any kind of cup, whether it’s here or overseas, the little guy has a chance,” said Richmond forward David Bulow, a second-half sub who assisted on Bangura’s 66th-minute winner and added an insurance goal on a penalty kick in the 83rd. “We know all of us are capable of playing at the MLS level.”

David Bulow assisted on Bangura’s 66th-minute winner and added an insurance goal on a penalty kick in the 83rd. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale made five saves, including several down the stretch as Sporting tried furiously to get back in the game.

Tuesday night’s defeat, after his team had controlled the run of play up to the lightning delay, left Kansas City coach Peter Vermes fuming.

“To come out in the second half and give that away, it’s almost like some guys were just walking around the field,” he said. “It’s unacceptable, it’s embarrassing and everybody’s going to know about it in the next couple of days, that’s for sure.”

Richmond, which plays in USL Pro—the third tier of professional soccer in the U.S.—will face the Chicago Firein the semifinals on Aug. 30. The Kickers have beaten two MLS teams already in the tournament, including a 2-1 victory over Columbus in the third round that put them in the quarterfinals.

The game was scoreless when lightning forced an 82-minute delay in the 65th minute. Moments after play resumed, Bulow crossed to a streaking Bangura, who calmly put the ball past keeper Erick Kronberg.

“The situation was just what we wanted, a 25-minute match,” Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw said. “We switched up our lineup, put Shaka and Bulow up high— and then we had to switch it back, because we didn’t want to score that quickly.”

Bulow’s penalty kick came after defender Aurelien Collin brought down Jamal Wallace in the area in the 82nd minute.