KANSAS CITY, Kan., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Goals by C.J. Sapong and Teal Bunbury, along with a controversial expulsion, sent Sporting Kansas City to a 2-0 victory over New York Saturday.
Kansas City clinched a playoff berth and moved into a tie with Philadelphia for first place in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have one game remaining in the regular campaign.
The game turned on a decision by referee Kevin Stott in the 28th minute when New York star striker Thierry Henry collided with Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza.
Espinoza had clear possession of the ball near midfield and Henry took a big swing with his right leg in an attempt at a steal. Henry missed the ball and ran into Espinoza. Stott immediately signaled Henry had been kicked out of the game.
With New York playing a man short the rest of the way, Kansas City dominated and took the lead when Bunbury scored in the 57th minute. Sapong came through in the 74th minute off a pass from Davy Arnaud.
New York is clinging to the fourth and final wild-card playoff berth heading into the final round of regular-season games next week.
