Johnny Russell scores early, gets red-carded and Sporting KC still beats Houston Dynamo

Sporting Kansas City’s effort and energy were criticized after a midweek loss to Nashville.

But Sporting KC responded with fire against a red-hot Houston team on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park, battling a man down for 68 minutes through a 2-1 victory to remain in the race for a playoff spot.

“I give credit to the guys for incredible fight, effort and concentration,” Sporting manager Peter Vermes said.

It was much needed.

Up 2-1 at halftime, Sporting KC was playing with 10 men thanks to a first-half red card.

Vermes delivered a halftime message to the team: “I promise you you’re not going to die by the end of the game — just run, run, run, run,” Vermes said. “For the most part, everybody did that exceptionally well.”

Sporting KC’s record today is 10-13-8, with 38 points. As of late Saturday night, they were one point off the MLS playoff line.

They would’ve been further away if not for Saturday’s effort.

Sporting KC got on the scoreboard first against Houston. Captain Johnny Russell converted a penalty kick awarded by official Chris Penso, after a video review at the monitor. Penso determined Erik Thommy’s rocket of a shot had deflected off the outstretched arm of a Dynamo defender inside the penalty area.

Russell’s shot to the goalkeeper’s left was good for his fifth goal of the season and an early 1-0 Sporting KC lead.

But VAR giveth, VAR taketh away.

Russell made a challenge on Houston attacker Nelson Quiñones in the 39th minute. No foul was called live by Penso or the assistant referee, but Quiñones stayed on the ground a while. Replay official Daniel Radford hailed Penso to the monitor for a video review, and Penso returned to give Russell a straight red card.

Per the pool report process, referee Chris Penso said that Russell “came over the top of the ball, and in doing so his studs made contact with the opponent’s leg high on the shin while the leg was planted on the ground.”

“I considered this challenge serious foul play for endangering the safety of his opponent,” Penso said.

Russell said that Penso told him on the field that he was being “malicious” and endangering the safety of an opponent.

“I think you could ask any player in the league if I’m a malicious player, and the answer’s going to be a resounding, ‘No,’” Russell said. “I’m very rarely in trouble. I never try and hurt any opponent.”

Russell said he hopes the team appeals the red card, as the suspension that comes with it may keep him out of the next match during this crucial playoff stretch.

Following a lengthy delay for multiple video reviews and a massive collision between three players, 12 minutes of stoppage time were added to the end of the first half. And Sporting’s Willy Agada used that time to mop up a loose ball and stick it back to make the score 2-0 ... for a couple of minutes, anyway.

“I’m always there to finish,” Agada said. “It’s all about staying focused.”

Before the sides exited for the locker rooms, the Dynamo got one back via defender Teenage Hadebe off set-piece service from Hector Herrera.

And that’s the way it stayed, with Sporting KC winning by a goal. Tim Melia made a crucial save in the 94th minute in a one-on-one situation with Corey Baird to preserve the victory.

Sporting KC will travel east on I-70 next Saturday for the final match of their inaugural rivalry series with MLS newcomer St. Louis. That match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.