On the same day Sporting Kansas City set club records for most goals and away goals in a regular season, newcomer Johnny Russell entered rarefied air of his own.
The Scottish international continued his brilliant debut campaign in MLS on Sunday, firing home the final goal in a resounding 3-0 victory over FC Dallas that saw Sporting KC leapfrog their opponents for first place in the Western Conference.
In doing so, Russell became just the fourth player in Sporting KC history to record double-digit goals and assists in the same regular season. The 28-year-old joins the exclusive club alongside former greats Preki, Josh Wolff and Benny Feilhaber.
SPORTING KC: DOUBLE-DIGIT GOALS AND ASSISTS
(ALL-TIME, MLS REGULAR SEASON)
<strong>Year</strong> |
<strong>Player</strong> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
1996 |
Preki |
18 |
13 |
1997 |
Preki |
12 |
17 |
1998 |
Preki |
10 |
13 |
2003 |
Preki |
12 |
17 |
2005 |
Josh Wolff |
10 |
10 |
2015 |
Benny Feilhaber |
10 |
15 |
2018 |
Johnny Russell |
10 |
10 |
Russell, who has 10 goals and 10 assists in MLS play, also tallied two goals and two assists in Open Cup competition. His sparkling form for Sporting KC has resulted in a return to the Scotland Men's National Team, where he has earned four caps since the start of June.
The victory in Dallas ensures that Sporting KC can finish no worse than fourth place in the West heading into Sunday’s all-important Decision Day duel with LAFC at Children’s Mercy Park. As a result, Sporting KC is guaranteed to host at least one game in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking the first time the club has hosted a postseason match since winning MLS Cup on Dec. 7, 2013.
Tickets for Sporting KC’s freshly clinched home playoff tilt at Children’s Mercy Park are now on sale via SeatGeek.com. Season Ticket Members will automatically retain their seats for all playoff matches, excluding the MLS Cup final, and can contact their Client Services Executive for questions and further information.
Prior to kicking off their postseason campaign, Sporting KC will host LAFC in their regular season finale at 3:30 p.m. CT on Sunday. Tickets for the monumental matchup are available at SeatGeek.com as the top two teams in the Western Conference battle for the No. 1 seed.
