Wicky finally goes back to 4-4-2 with speed in wide areas to claim much-needed win over LA Galaxy

After eight matches without a win in all competitions, Sporting Kansas City finally gave supporters something to cheer about. Although, let’s be honest, there weren’t many fans in attendance for this one.

Sporting KC defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 on Wednesday night at Sporting Park, earning its first victory since March 15 and improving to eight points from 12 MLS matches. The Wizards remain eight points outside the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but for the first time in weeks, there was evidence that this team may actually be moving in the right direction.

The biggest change was tactical. Head coach Raphael Wicky abandoned the 4-3-3 that had repeatedly left Sporting exposed and returned to the 4-4-2 formation that produced two wins during preseason at the Coachella Valley Invitational. The result was a far more organized and aggressive performance. Even if the Galaxy were about to get behind the Sporting defense, goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland was there to make the stop.

Sporting pressed high, attacked in transition, and used its pace in wide areas to overwhelm a Galaxy side that never looked comfortable.

“I’m very proud of the reaction of the team,” Wicky said after the match. “The way the team competed today and how they put a great performance on the field. With the great performance came an amazing result.”

Calvin Harris delivers a breakthrough performance

Calvin Harris was the standout performer, finishing with a goal and two assists to earn man-of-the-match honors.

Harris set up Capita for his first goal in Sporting KC colors before scoring one himself. Dejan Joveljic added his sixth goal of the season to complete the scoring.

Wicky said the team’s pace was central to the game plan.

“When you have these guys on the field with pace, and you can find them, then quite often it is dangerous,” he said.

Sporting generated 15 shots, seven on target, and a season-best 2.14 expected goals while holding just 40% possession. Rather than dominating the ball, Sporting won possession through pressing and immediately attacked the spaces behind the Galaxy defense.

Roger Espinoza’s message sparks the team

Midfielder Zorhan Bassong credited club legend Roger Espinoza for delivering a pregame speech that helped shift the mood.

“He said nobody believed in them, but they believed in themselves,” Bassong explained. “We’re the only ones who can change our destiny.”

Bassong, back from injury, added energy and leadership in midfield and said the team must now build on the result.

“If we keep showing up the way we did today, then we can be doing something really good for the team.”

The victory does not erase Sporting KC’s poor start to 2026, but it offers a reminder that this roster is more effective when it plays with courage, speed, and intensity. After weeks of defensive collapses and attacking ineptitude, Sporting Kansas City finally looked like a team with a gameplan.

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