Sporting Kansas City midfielder Ilie Sanchez, bottom, sweeps Columbus Crew forward Mike Grella, top, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Tim Melia had his sixth shutout of the season, including a diving save on a penalty kick, in Sporting Kansas City's 0-0 tie with the Columbus Crew on Sunday night.
Melia, the 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, finished three saves. After he was called for a foul against Gyasi Zardes - tied for the MLS lead with eight goals - in the area, Melia went to his left to deny Zardes' penalty kick in the 43rd minute.
Kansas City (7-2-4) is unbeaten in its last four games and has just one loss since dropping the season opener against New York City FC.
The Crew played the second half a man down after Federico Higuain was shown a straight red card for a serious foul in first-half stoppage time.
Columbus (7-3-4) is unbeaten in its last seven following a three-game losing streak. Zack Steffen had three saves in his MLS-leading seventh shutout this season.
Kansas City is unbeaten in its last six home games, outscoring opponents 13-4.
Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler, back, kicks the ball over Columbus Crew midfielder Cristian Martinez (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City forward Khiry Shelton, front, works in front of Columbus Crew defender Lalas Abubakar, back, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City forward Khiry Shelton (14) heads the ball over Columbus Crew midfielder Artur, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler, back, kicks the ball over Columbus Crew midfielder Cristian Martinez (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City forward Khiry Shelton (14) heads the ball over Columbus Crew midfielder Artur, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Ilie Sanchez, bottom, sweeps Columbus Crew forward Mike Grella, top, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Associated Press