Sporting Kansas City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Deportivo Toluca FC on Monday in the Leagues Cup 2024 group stage finale at Children’s Mercy Park.
Despite a valiant effort, the hosts were unable to overcome Toluca’s dominant possession and control of the game.
Ghanaian-born Canadian winger Stephen Afrifa started the game and played for 60 minutes, scoring a brilliant equalizer just before halftime to bring the score to 1-1. However, Toluca’s goals from Jesus Angulo and Maximiliano Araujo in the second half secured their victory and top spot in West Region Group 4.
The loss marked the first time Sporting Kansas City had fallen to Toluca in the competition, with the head-to-head record now standing at one win for Toluca and two wins for Sporting Kansas City.
Despite the defeat, Sporting Kansas City has advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage as the second-place finisher in the group.
The team will now travel to face defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in the Round of 32 on Friday at Lower.com Field.
