News

Dejan Joveljić’s first-half goal rallies Sporting Kansas City to 1-1 tie with Sounders

Dejan Joveljić’s first-half goal rallies Sporting Kansas City to 1-1 tie with Sounders

Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris in action against FC Dallas during an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Photo: Associated Press


KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Dejan Joveljić scored to offset an early goal by Seattle’s Paul Rothrock, helping Sporting Kansas City earn a 1-1 draw with the Sounders on Saturday.

Seattle (6-1-2) took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd minute on an unassisted goal by Rothrock. It was the fourth goal this season for the 26-year-old Seattle native — one off his career high.

Joveljić scored unassisted in the 18th minute to pull Sporting KC (1-7-2) even. It was his fifth goal this season and his 23rd in 42 appearances with the club. He scored 34 times in 106 matches with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It was the first goal for Sporting KC in a 351-minute span across all competitions after being outscored 11-0 in three road losses.

Stefan Cleveland saved seven shots in his first start for Sporting KC. Cleveland made 24 of his 29 career starts with the Sounders from 2021-23, totaling four clean sheets. He started five times for the Chicago Fire in 2018.

Andrew Thomas finished with six saves in goal for the Sounders, who are unbeaten in seven straight matches.

Seattle fell short of its 100th regular-season victory on the road since 2009. The Sounders’ 99 road wins are 18 more than any other club over that span.

The Sounders entered with 19 points through their first eight games, matching the club record set in 2012.

Sporting KC is still looking for its first win at home, going 0-3-2.

Up next

Seattle: Hosts San Diego FC on Saturday.

Kansas City: Visits the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Sports

Knicks crush the 76ers 137-98 to start the second round and keep up a historic postseason roll

Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his 35 points in the first half and the New York Knicks emphatically added to a historic postseason roll by overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

1 day ago in Sports

Lakers’ Doncic, Thunder’s Williams ruled out for Game 1 of West semifinals with hamstring injuries

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams have been ruled out of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night with left hamstring injuries.

2 days ago in Sports

Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to have elbow surgery to remove loose bodies

Two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow after being scratched from Monday's start against the Boston Red Sox.

2 days ago in Sports

Jury selection begins in former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs’ assault trial

Jury selection began Monday in the assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs in connection with a heated dispute he had with his private chef.

2 days ago in Sports

Allen ties playoff career high with 22 points as Cavaliers beat Raptors 114-102 to advance

Jarrett Allen tied his playoff career high with 22 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of their series Sunday night.