This US Open Cup clash between Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas was a captivating affair that showcased the strategic prowess and resilience needed at this stage of the competition. Sporting Kansas City emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after an intense battle that extended into extra time, reflecting their tactical superiority and effective execution on key plays.

Sporting Kansas City's offensive stats demonstrate their dominant attacking approach, as highlighted by their 11 corner kicks compared to FC Dallas's 4. This significant disparity in set-piece opportunities not only underscores Kansas City's aggressive strategy but also points to their persistent pressure on the Dallas defense. This constant threat eventually paid off, with Kansas City capitalizing on these chances, particularly in extra time when their perseverance was rewarded.

Defensively, FC Dallas displayed vulnerabilities, committing 6 fouls to Kansas City's 2 and accumulating a yellow card in the second half. These factors disrupted their rhythm and provided Kansas City with additional set-piece opportunities. Conversely, Kansas City maintained better discipline, with only 2 yellow cards given in the first half of extra time, indicating a more controlled approach under high-stakes conditions.

The goal sequence is particularly telling; Kansas City's opening goal early in the second half set the tone, while Dallas's equalizer slightly over nine minutes later briefly neutralized the advantage. The match's turning point was undoubtedly Kansas City's decisive goal in the second half of extra time. This late winner was a testament to their superior fitness and strategic substitutions, which bolstered their performance when it mattered most.

Kansas City's coordination in the final third and their clinical finishing were crucial, especially considering that both teams had minimal offsides (2 for Kansas City and none for Dallas), highlighting their efficient attacking formations. The limited number of offsides indicates disciplined forward play, ensuring they maximized their goal-scoring opportunities.

In conclusion, Sporting Kansas City's triumph can be attributed to their effective use of set-pieces, disciplined defensive play, and superior fitness levels, which allowed them to sustain their aggressive game plan into extra time. FC Dallas, despite their equalizer and initial resilience, ultimately fell short due to their higher foul count and inability to capitalize on limited attacking opportunities. This match serves as a case study in the importance of disciplined play and strategic execution in high-stakes football.

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