Sporting Kansas City captain Johnny Russell was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday bench on Thursday for Matchday 25 of the 2023 campaign, earning his selection for a second time this season with a goal and an assist in Sporting's 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake on Wednesday at Children's Mercy Park.
Russell set up the game's opening goal in the 30th minute, clipping a cross to the backpost for Daniel Salloi to volley home. Six minutes later, Russell turned from provider to goal scorer as the Scottish winger cut past a defender and hammered high into the roof of the net with his right foot to cap off a scintillating 31-pass scoring sequence.
Russell now has 97 combined goals (56) and assists (41) for Sporting in all competitions, tying Chris Klein for third most in club history.
"It’s been a frustrating year for me. To have two hamstring problems this year has been uncharacteristic," Russell said postgame. "I’m just trying to get myself back to the top of my game and help my team and my teammates."
Sporting will now prepare for its final MLS fixture before Leagues Cup takes center stage, with Manager Peter Vermes’ side venturing south to face Austin FC in an 8:30 p.m. CT showdown on Saturday. Fans can follow the action from Q2 Stadium live on Apple TV, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.
