Brad Davis’ first goal with Sporting KC beats Toronto FC 1-0

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Brad Davis scored the first goal with his new team in the 70th minute Sunday night and Sporting Kansas City stayed atop the MLS standings with 1-0 win over Toronto FC.

Davis joined Sporting KC (3-0-0) for his 15th MLS season after playing the last 10 years for the Houston Dynamo.

“We have only played three games so far and one thing we are is well organized,” said Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes. “I think the team is disciplined. I think we have been taking our chances pretty well. Everyone is stepping up from different places. I think that is the reason why we are getting results.”

Davis beat defender Justin Morrow to a loose ball near the end line, used a hesitation dribble to create an opening and slotted a left-footed shot into the far corner. It was his 56th career MLS goal.

Morrow fell to the turf during the tussle with Davis and received a yellow card after the play for arguing the no-call.

“We didn’t have a ton of possessions but we were fairly comfortable in our shape professionally…. We had a handball last week and a little (blemish) here this week that might’ve cost us the game, really,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney.

“Yeah, I think their goal was a missed call,” added Morrow. “(But) we had chances to get ahead in the game. I’d say it was a good game overall.”

Sporting KC went down a man in the 84th minute when Roger Espinoza was sent off for a serious foul.

Sebastian Giovonco’s free kick for Toronto FC (1-1-1) was blocked by the wall in the final minute of second-half stoppage time.