Sporting KC 1-3 San Jose Earthquakes: Player ratings and tactical analysis from SKC’s third consecutive loss

Sporting Kansas City slumped to a third straight loss on Saturday, falling 3-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS Week 7. Sporting Kansas City led 1-0 in the first half thanks to Jacob Bartlett’s first-ever MLS goal. However, as has been the problem all season, and last campaign, the defense fell apart, conceding three goals.

Despite the defensive issues the Wizards showed against the Quakes, the attack looked improved, registering 10 shots and looking like a threat throughout the match. That attacking intent, however, continues to be undermined by a team that simply cannot defend transitions or manage key moments.

Sporting Kansas City conceded 10 goals in their last three MLS games. Having given up 70 goals in 2025, the most in the league, Sporting Kansas City are currently on pace to shatter that figure. This isn’t a blip. It’s a trend backed up by both the eye test and the numbers.

With Sporting losers of three straight matches, let’s look at Fotmob’s ratings to see how each individual player performed.

Goalkeeper

John Pulskamp – 4.9

Pulskamp was the lowest-rated Sporting KC starter, and it’s difficult to argue with that assessment. It was another poor night for the SKC No. 1, conceding three times from just three shots on target. Yes, the defense, especially the center-backs, let him down again. However, Pulskamp continues to look shaky in goal in moments where a team needs authority. According to Fotmob, Pulskamp prevented -1.16 goals. He made zero saves. Zero. San Jose tested him three times and scored three times.

Defenders

Right-back

Justin Reynolds – 7.1

Reynolds looks like a brilliant signing by Sporting KC and continues to be one of the few consistent positives in this team. The right-back had 76 touches and was a constant outlet down the right flank. His heat map shows just how aggressive he was in pushing into attacking areas.
Reynolds created two chances, completed 86% of his passes, and added seven defensive contributions. In a team lacking structure, Reynolds is showing clear development and intent on both sides of the ball.

Center-back

Ian James – 6.2

James received a respectable rating, but the performance tells a different story. There is a strong argument that his positioning and decision-making contributed to all three San Jose goals. He failed to track Jack Skahan’s movement for the opener, allowing a simple run to turn into a goal. Raphael Wicky clearly believes in James, but at 17, he has been pushed into a role that demands experience he simply does not yet have. 

Center-back

Diego Borges – 6.2

Borges also received a moderate rating in his first start for the club, but like the rest of the back line, key errors defined his night. His positioning in the second half allowed San Jose to exploit space too easily, particularly on the second goal. Preston Judd beat Borges positionally and for pace before assisting Skahan. Borges did win three of four duels and recorded seven defensive contributions, but as has been the theme all season, one critical lapse outweighs the positives.

Left-back

Jayden Reid – 5.9

Reid returned from injury and immediately provided balance at left-back. His heat map showed consistent involvement in advanced areas, and he finished with 52 touches and an 82% pass completion rate. However, the same issue persists. Reid attempted five crosses and failed to complete a single one. While he contributed defensively with five tackles and five recoveries, Sporting KC’s inability to convert wide play into end product continues to limit the attack.

Midfield

Center midfielder

Jacob Bartlett – 7.5

This was easily Bartlett’s best performance as a professional. After heavy criticism in recent weeks, he responded with his first MLS goal, making a well-timed run through midfield to finish Dejan Joveljic’s through ball. Bartlett made six passes into the final third, completed seven of eight long balls, and added a successful dribble. The attacking side of his game was excellent. The defensive side remains a problem. Zero tackles, one interception, and being dribbled past twice highlight the imbalance in his profile.

Center midfielder

Manu Garcia – 6.5

Garcia’s performance was one of his quietest of the season. He completed just 69% of his passes and had only 36 touches, unusually low for a player expected to dictate play. More concerning was his defensive output. Garcia won just 14% of his ground duels and made zero defensive contributions. His substitution after 66 minutes was notable, whether tactical or fitness-related, and reflects a lack of overall influence on the game.

Center midfielder

Lasse Berg Johnsen – 7.0

Johnsen continues to be Sporting KC’s most reliable midfielder. Once again, he led the team in touches with 99, a clear indicator of how much responsibility he carries in this system. His 91% pass completion rate and 16 passes into the final third show both control and progression. Add in five defensive contributions, and it’s clear Johnsen is trying to do everything. The issue is that he has to do too much.

Attack

Right wing

Shapi Suleymanov – 5.8

After a run of improved performances, Shapi has reverted to inconsistency. He completed 92% of his passes, but with just 33 touches in 66 minutes, his overall impact was minimal. The numbers look tidy, but the influence on the match was limited.

Striker

Dejan Joveljic – 6.8

Joveljic continues to produce goals despite limited service. His assist for Bartlett’s goal was a perfect example of his ability to link play and create chances out of nothing. Still, the bigger issue remains. He had just one shot across 90 minutes. Joveljic has now contributed five of Sporting KC’s seven goals this season, and yet the team still struggles to get him consistent opportunities. 

Left wing

Calvin Harris – 6.1

Harris played 57 minutes and, like much of the attack, struggled for meaningful involvement. He had 28 touches and spent much of his time in the defensive half, as shown by his heat map.

He created no chances and saw both of his shots go off target. Harris continues to show flashes, but the play around him is not allowing him to consistently impact games.

Substitutes

Capita – 6.5

Capita made his long-awaited debut and immediately showed glimpses of quality. In 33 minutes, he had 16 touches and completed 80% of his passes. However, even with his ability, the same issues remained. He attempted two crosses and completed none, largely because there was no presence attacking the box. The problem isn’t the delivery. It’s the lack of coordinated movement to get onto the end of the pass. 

Jake Davis – 6.3

Davis contributed in possession, completing 88% of his passes in his 24-minute cameo. However, like Bartlett, he offered nothing defensively, registering zero defensive contributions. That lack of midfield protection continues to expose Sporting KC’s already fragile defense.

Stephen Afrifa – 6.3

Afrifa added energy off the bench but had limited involvement with just 12 touches. He completed eight of nine passes and forced a save with a long-range effort. The intent was there, but the overall impact remained minimal.

Kwaku Agyabeng – NR

Angyabeng continues to impress in limited minutes. In just nine minutes, he recorded 14 touches and created one scoring chance. He also added two tackles and a recovery, showing both attacking intent and defensive awareness. The question is no longer about potential. It’s about when he gets more consistent minutes.

Taylor Calheira – NR

Calheira made another brief appearance, logging six touches and getting one shot on target. He also had three touches inside the penalty area, which is more than can be said for many starters. However, the lack of service and overall attacking pressure continues to limit his effectiveness.