The MLS Homegrowns scored really early and really late to claim a 2-2 draw against the Chivas de Guadalajara U-20s in the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game on Tuesday night in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Sporting Kansas City center back Erik Palmer-Brown played 45 second-half minutes in the annual showcase of Major League Soccer's best homegrown talent at Toyota Park. The Chicago Fire's Djordje Mihailovic opened the scoring at his home stadium in just the first minute before the Mexican opposition equalized through José de Jesús GodÃnez near the half-hour mark.
Palmer-Brown entered the action as a halftime substitute, making his second Homegrown Game appearance after starting in the 2015 edition. Chivas would then take the lead in the 68th minute on a superb long-range strike from Rubén DomÃnguez, but the Homegrowns salvaged a tie when Colorado Rapids defender Kortne Ford found the back of the net with a looping header three minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Tuesday's Homegrown Game served as a precursor to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. CT Wednesday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Sporting Kansas City right back Graham Zusi will join Major League Soccer's best players in facing Spanish juggernaut Real Madrid, the defending UEFA Champions League and La Liga winners.
Palmer-Brown and Zusi both figure to be available for Sporting Kansas City's next game against expansion side Atlanta United FC, set for 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Children's Mercy Park. Tickets for the marquee interconference clash are on sale at SeatGeek.com as Atlanta's league-leading offense goes up against a Sporting KC team that occupies first place in the Western Conference and hasn't lost at home in 20 straight MLS matches.
