Loons lose to last-place Sporting Kansas City in restart of MLS play

Minnesota United’s struggling offense became even more glaring in its first game back from the FIFA World Cup break on Wednesday.

Against Sporting Kansas City — which allowed a Western Conference-worst 39 goals in 15 matches — MNUFC managed only a late goal in a 2-1 loss at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan.

Last-place Sporting still allowed the Loons chances late, but Minnesota couldn’t capitalize. United, which focused on creating more scoring opportunities during the run-up to the restart of the season, now has only 18 goals in 16 matches.

MNUFC (6-5-4, 22 points) is now winless in five consecutive matches, with first-place Vancouver coming to Allianz Field on Saturday night.

Trailing 2-0, Joaquin Pereyra chipped a short free kick to the front post and Devin Padelford headed it home in the 74th minute.

Kansas City winger Capita Capemba, one of the fastest players in MLS, out-raced Padelford to get the space to send a cross into the box in the 28th minute. Dejan Joveljic’s near-post run got in front of Michael Boxall and he finished past Drake Callender for a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the Loons defense and midfield were out of sorts and Manu Garcia took advantage with a goal in the 55th minute

Minnesota’s best chance of the first half came in the 15th minute. Owen Gene and Pereyra combined in the final third, but Kelvin Yeboah’s shot went off the left post. Then Morris Duggan’s long-range follow up was saved by Stefan Cleveland.