Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper makes late penalty save

John Pulskamp's stop secures a draw against Columbus Crew

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With just three minutes left in regulation, Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp came up with a crucial penalty save to deny the Columbus Crew and preserve a 2-2 draw for the home team. The 24-year-old's heroics in the dying moments earned him the Energy Moment of the Matchday award.

Why it matters

Pulskamp's late penalty save allowed Sporting Kansas City to salvage a point against a tough Columbus Crew squad, preventing a potential home loss that could have major implications in the tight MLS Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

After Sporting KC took a 2-1 lead in the second half, the Crew equalized in the 82nd minute to make it 2-2. In the final minutes, a Crew player was awarded a penalty kick that could have given them the late victory. But Pulskamp dove to his right to make a strong save, keeping the match tied and earning his team a crucial point at home.

  • The penalty kick was awarded in the 87th minute of the match.
  • Pulskamp made the game-saving penalty stop with just 3 minutes remaining in regulation.

The players

John Pulskamp

The 24-year-old goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City who made the late penalty save to preserve the 2-2 draw.

Wessam Abou Ali

The Columbus Crew player who had the chance to give his team the late lead from the penalty spot, but was denied by Pulskamp's save.

Raphael Wicky

The head coach of Sporting Kansas City, who praised Pulskamp's performance and the importance of the penalty save.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think this is a really good performance from John and helps him to grow. Of course, at the end, he helps us with the penalty save to keep this point at home against a very good Columbus team.”

— Raphael Wicky, Sporting Kansas City Head Coach (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

Sporting Kansas City will look to build on the momentum from Pulskamp's late heroics when they host the New England Revolution on March 6th.

The takeaway

Pulskamp's clutch penalty save demonstrated the importance of strong goalkeeping in close MLS matches, and how a single moment can make the difference between a valuable home point or a disappointing defeat for a team fighting for playoff positioning.