Sporting KC clinch last-16 spot after beating Real Salt Lake

Sporting Kansas City became the latest team to clinch a knockout berth at the MLS is Back Tournament, securing progression from Group D with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Goals from Johnny Russell and Gerso ensured Peter Vermes' side can finish no lower than second in the group, regardless of the result in tonight's match between Minnesota United and Colorado; Minnesota can still top the quartet with a win, while the Rapids have been eliminated from contention.

Despite the loss, RSL will also advance to the next stage as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sporting KC, now sitting on six points, got off to a dream start, as Russell bundled home the opener after just 51 seconds. Gerso cemented the result in the waning minutes, coming off the bench and finding the net with a delightful left-footed strike.

Marquee offseason signing Alan Pulido, meanwhile, was credited with assists on both markers, giving him three goals and four helpers in his first five MLS matches since joining the club from Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara.

At the other end of the pitch, Tim Melia was forced into just a single save, highlighting the control that Sporting KC enjoyed during the contest.