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.