With the 2020 MLS season on temporary hold, SportingKC.com is taking daily strolls down memory lane with an "On This Day" web series that celebrates memorable moments in team history. As one of Major League Soccer's proud charter members, Sporting has a decorated past full of thrilling victories, amazing goals, momentous off-the-field developments and more. "On This Day" pays tribute to these specific instances, turning back the clocks while treating fans to nostalgia and club history lessons. To catch up on the series as it unfolds, visit SportingKC.com/OnThisDay.
Supporters won't have to think too far back to recall what happened on March 31, 2018.
Two years ago today, midfield newcomer Felipe Gutierrez continued his scintillating start to life in MLS with the lone goal in a 1-0 victory against D.C. United at Children's Mercy Park. In doing so, the Chilean had become just the second Kansas City player all-time to notch five goals in the first five games of a regular season.
Less than a week after leading his team to the win over D.C., Gutierrez was justly named MLS Player of the Month for March 2018. He was the 13th player in club history to win the award and the first since May 2015.
FELIPE GUTIERREZ: MARCH 2018 HIGHLIGHT REEL
- GOAL: 9th minute at Chicago Fire (March 10)
- GOAL: 86th minute at Chicago Fire (March 10)
- GOAL: 68th minute vs. San Jose Earthquakes (March 17)
- GOAL: 57th minute at Colorado Rapids (March 24)
- GOAL: 3rd minute vs. D.C. United (March 31)
Gutierrez would miss nearly half of the 2018 campaign through injury, but returned in time to help Sporting finish the season in terrific form and claim top spot in the Western Conference standings. After notching seven goals and five assists that year, he was even more prolific in 2019 with 12 goals and four assists across all competitions as the club's most valuable player.
