D.C. United lost in heart-breaking fashion as C.J. Sapong (a Virginia native) scored the game-winner in stoppage time to seal three points for Sporting Kansas City.
The second half proved to be much more open than the first 45 minutes. It was dominated by Sporting Kansas City, as D.C. United's Bill Hamid did everything he could to keep the home team in the game. But in the 93rd minute, substitute C.J. Sapong scored the game-winning goal off a corner kick -- a header that Hamid had no chance of saving and doomed United to a 1-0 defeat in the club's 17th season opening match.
Ultimately, Sporting KC dominated the game, and deserved the three points. The visitors had most of the possession and a majority of the chances. United hung around, but the goal came too late for a lackluster United attack to muster a tying goal.
It's a disappointing start to the 2012 campaign for United as they looked to steal a point from the reigning regular season Eastern Conference Champions. United now have a week to prepare for the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy in Carson, Calif.
That game against the Galaxy kicks off at 4 p.m. Sunday and can be seen on Galavision.
This is definitely the first game of the season for both teams. Both D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City have had periods of sloppy play, but both have had a scoring chance in the first half.
United's best chance of the half came through the run of play as Chris Pontius played a give-and-go with Dwayne De Rosario in the middle of the pitch. Pontius took a low shot on the ground that went just wide left of Jimmy Nielsen's goal.
Sporting's best chance of the half came just before the break from a cross to Kei Kamara. Kamara got a head to the cross and headed the ball straight down. United Goalkeeper Bill Hamid had to make a fantastic save with his feet to knock the ball clear.
Both teams will be looking for a second-half winner and the three points that come with it. Look for both teams to shake the rust off more in the second half, and try to open up the game.
