KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Dairon Asprilla converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute to give Portland a contentious 2-2 draw with Sporting Kansas City on Sunday night, keeping the Timbers in line for a playoff spot.
Asprilla was given the opportunity for his first goal after Ilie Sanchez fouled Jeremy Ebobisse in the penalty area. Sanchez drew a red card for his efforts, the third issued in the game, including a record-breaking red for KC teammate Roger Espinoza.
The point moved Portland (13-13-7) one point up on Dallas and two on San Jose, which is a point out of playoff position, with one game to play. San Jose plays at Portland next Sunday.
Portland took the lead in the 29th minute when Sebastian Blanco pounced on a loose ball and put it over two defenders off the cross bar for his fifth goal. But it only took a minute for Kansas City to get the equalizer. Johnny Russell put a cross into the box and Kristian Nemeth got a head on it to send it into the bottom corner for his eighth goal.