Woes continue for Minnesota United in 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath was tired of it.

His Loons had failed in seven previous tries in MLS regular-season games at Sporting Kansas City, a fact he did not hide before Saturday's game.

"I told them I was fed up with coming here and not really being in the game," Heath said.

The trend continued.

A two-goal deficit by halftime ended in a 3-0 loss against struggling Sporting Kansas City. Making matters worse for Minnesota (3-5-3), the challenges extend beyond any one opponent.

The Loons are without a victory in six consecutive league games. If not for their ongoing success in U.S. Open Cup tournament matches, their desperation would be palpable. Even so, the league is unforgiving to teams unable to secure points with more regularity.

"We're going to have to go on a little run here very quickly," defender Michael Boxall said.

"Criminal," was how Heath described his team's lack of defending on the set piece.

SKC's pressure continued. Sallói added a goal of his own in the 22nd minute on a slick back heel pass from Rémi Walter.

A potential turning point arrived in the 26th minute as Jeong Sang-Bin drew a penalty kick opportunity. Heath watched from the sideline believing a goal would change the game's complexion.

"They hadn't won here all season, so getting the next goal would maybe put a little doubt in their minds," Heath said.

What followed only tightened SKC's grip on the game. Goalkeeper Tim Melia's effortless save of Jeong's weak attempt redeemed the foul Jeong drew at Melia's expense. And the exchange caused "The Cauldron" supporters section to boil over with glee for their boys in blue.

The lack of output was concerning after Minnesota's relative offensive explosion Tuesday. The Loons tied their season-high with three goals in regulation, this time in a U.S. Open Cup victory against Philadelphia, and won 7-6 on penalty kicks. More worrisome to Heath was his team's suddenly poor defending. The Loons have conceded three goals in three consecutive games.

"Every opportunity they got was from us giving away the ball in bad areas and making bad decisions," Heath said.

Minnesota United's Luis Amarilla got a good look on goal with about 10 minutes to play, but backup goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh slid to thwart the attempt.

Moments later, in the 84th minute, Gadi Kinda tallied SKC's third goal. Once again, Minnesota conceded a late goal. But Heath's main concern was the first half. "I'm disappointed how we started really sloppily," he said.

Minnesota United is in a stretch of six games in a span of 17 days. The last of those six is their next U.S. Open Cup game May 23 at Houston