Sporting KC battle to win over Toronto

Sporting Kansas City have climbed up to fourth in the Western Conference after beating Toronto 3-1 at BMO Field.

It was Kansas who asked more of the questions in the early stages of the game and the visitors were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Chance Myers powered a volley just past the post.

Kansas were gifted the opportunity to take the lead midway through the first half when Ahmed Kantari brought down Kevin Ellis inside the box, and Benny Feilhaber stepped up to fire home the penalty.

Toronto's response was immediate as they equalised less than a minute later through Michael Bradley, who collected Sebastian Giovinco's through ball before slotting past Tim Melia.

However, it was Kansas who took a lead into the interval when Krisztian Nemeth found enough space to flick a header over Joe Bendik from Feilhaber's free kick.

Chances were difficult to come by for both sides early in the second half, but the visitors were breathing a sigh of relief when Collen Warner climbed highest, only to head wide after meeting Bradley's inviting corner.

Kansas were happy to sit deeper and protect their advantage for long spells, and Melia came to the rescue to keep out a Giovinco header late on.

Toronto were left ruing the missed opportunity when their former forward Jacob Peterson slotted past Bendik with three minutes of normal time to play to secure the win which leaves Kansas just two points behind Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.