KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen came within 10 minutes of a shutout despite being hit in the head by an object thrown from the stands, and Sporting Kansas City beat the Portland Timbers 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Graham Zusi scored twice and Soony Saad marked his 19th birthday and his MLS debut with another goal for Kansas City (8-7-9).
Portland (7-12-5) lost its second straight.
Nielsen was struck by a piece from an Omar Bravo bobblehead doll, one of thousands given away to fans in attendance. The Danish keeper lay on the field for 4 minutes but was able to continue after being checked out by medical personnel.
Two people were arrested.
Nielsen, who was getting a drink beside the goal when he was hit, said he’s had objects thrown at him “a million times, but never at home.
