Sporting Kansas City returned to their stingy ways on Saturday, recording their first clean sheet of 2018 with a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at Children's Mercy Park.
Spearheading the shutout effort were holding midfielder Ilie and center back Ike Opara, who were named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week today for their instrumental roles in a win that vaulted Peter Vermes' men to the top of the Western Conference standings.
Ilie was solid as usual in possession, completing 81 of 89 pass attempts while winning a game-high nine duels and making six recoveries. The Spaniard also led all MLS players in Week 5 with four chances created, his most ever in a regular season match.
Opara, meanwhile, completed 55 of 62 passes, won six duels and made seven clearances as Sporting KC limited D.C. United to just three shots on target and none in the second half.
Manager Peter Vermes' men now look ahead to this weekend's trip to Carson, California, where they will face five-time MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy on Sunday at StubHub Center. The marquee matchup will kick off at 8 p.m. CT, broadcast nationally on FS1 with local radio calls on Sports Radio 810 WHB (English) and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM (Spanish).
