Archives for May 2013

In a stadium not yet 10-years old Busch Stadium already has a lengthy history of late-game drama and heroics.

Add Manchester City’s dramatic second-half comeback to the list.

In a game that was nothing more than an international friendly between to Premiere League sides second half substitutes Edin Džeko and Micah Richards were able to add a chapter to Busch’s late game history. With their side down 3-0 Dzeko got two goals including a tally that tied the game 3-3 in the 88th minute before Richards knocked home the game winner in the 90th minute.

Read the game recap from the Manchester Evening News

Džeko’s play may cause the front office brass for City to reconsider his fate as rumors were already swirling that he would be shipped off to Napoli despite his 14 goals last season. Such is the fate on a squad that also has Carlos Tevez and Sergio Ageuro on it.

The squads clearly were still playing for pride and after opening goals from Chelsea (the first off the head of Demba Ba that finished off a great run of play and crossing pass) gave them a 2-0 lead at the half.

Observers would have understood if Man City decided to put in less of an effort at Busch. Despite losing the FA Cup to Wigan by conceding a 90th minute goal and the squad’s manager being ousted all within the last two weeks, but they treated the sell-out crowd to a world class effort.

It was Bosnian Džeko who came on as a 2nd half sub but scored City’s second and third goal that was not only the man of the match, but the man of the hour in St. Louis where Bosnian immigrants are greater than anywhere else in the country.

Brian Kidd was acting manager for Man City for the match. He said afterwards that he was delighted to hear the match had sold-out in 12 minutes when tickets went on sale but even more pleased with the atmosphere of the match.

“The crowd really was great,” he said. “I think for a friendly match they got to see a great product and they responded in a great way. There was a lot of energy in the crowd and that translated to the pitch. It was a great night.”

This story was written by Kevin Smith, who regularly covers Sporting KC on behalf of this website.

Here’s a small gallery of locals captured at the game. Were you there? Send a pic to Ole at SGFsoccer dot com and I’ll add your photo to this gallery!