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Published 08:16 IST, November 23rd 2020

Tim Melia's triple save in shootout earns Kansas City Conf. Semi spot

Tim Melia stopped three straight penalty kicks in a shootout that Sporting Kansas City won 3-0 over the San Jose Earthquakes, launching the Western Conference's No. 1 seed into the semifinal round of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.

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Tim Melia stopped three straight penalty kicks in a shootout that Sporting Kansas City won 3-0 over the San Jose Earthquakes, launching the Western Conference's No. 1 seed into the semifinal round of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Meanwhile, Sporting made all three of their attempts, with the spot kicks coming after the clubs battled to a 3-3 draw and neither could pull ahead in extra time.

Sporting appeared to have a 91st-minute game-winner from Homegrown midfielder Gianluca Busio, but MLS all-time goals king Chris Wondolowksi had other plans in the 97th minute, equalizing at 3-3 deep into second-half stoppage time. Wondolowski drifted to the back post and deftly headed home a left-footed, in-swinging cross from Cristian Espinoza.

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Before then, Busio capped off a wonderful team move, latching onto a back-heel flick from Khiry Shelton at the near post and supplying a right-footed blast that gave the West's No. 1 seed a 3-2 advantage. The entire sequence was orchestrated by Johnny Russell and Gerso, who combined on the left flank before the 18-year-old found net.

(Image Credit: AP)

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08:16 IST, November 23rd 2020