In the 78th minute of Sunday’s match between Seattle and Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park, Nouhou Tolo’s afternoon went from very bad to even worse.



The 20-year-old Cameroonian had been at fault for Sporting’s opening goal when he brought down Johnny Russell, SKC’s tricky winger, inside the Sounder’s box, and Sporting’s Ilie Sánchez converted the ensuing penalty kick. The Sounders battled back to take a hard-earned lead, and with 12 minutes left in the match, the team’s first win of the season looked possible. Then came the 78th minute. Nouhou’s teammates would not be able to absolve their left back of his second major lapse of the game.



Having skied an unnecessary shot into the stands from 30-plus yards out, Nouhou loped unhurriedly toward his own goal. KC goalkeeper saw Sporting right back Graham Zusi sprinting into the space Nouhou would normally occupy and sent a long ball into his...