Moralez, Medina score, NYC beats Sporting KC 2-0 in opener

Posted March 04, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

New York City defender Anton Tinnerholm, back, hangs on to Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, March 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Jesus Medina scored in his MLS debut, Maximiliano Moralez had a goal and New York City FC beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 on Sunday night in a season opener for both clubs.

NYC handed Sporting KC its first home-opening defeat since 2009 in front of a crowd of 20,831.

Moralez opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. David Villa was left open at the corner of the 18-yard box and dribbled it to the end line for a cross to a sliding Moralez at the near post.

Medina, a 20-year-old Paraguayan winger, scored in the 53rd minute. Ben Sweat ran past Sporting KC's defense for Yangel Herrera's back-heel pass and fed it across for Medina's chip shot.

NYC's Maxime Chanot was given a straight red card in the 88th minute for taking down Gerso Fernandes during a goal-scoring opportunity. It happened just outside the penalty box and Felipe Gutierrez's free kick was deflected off the crossbar by goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell, front, plays the ball in front of New York City defender Anton Tinnerholm (3) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, March 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The Associated Press

New York City midfielder Alexander Ring (8) heads the ball away from Sporting Kansas City forward Cristian Lobato (19) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, March 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The Associated Press

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