Nielsen hit by object as Sporting KC tops Timbers
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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 Sporting K.C. (8-7-9).
Portland (7-12-5) lost its second straight.
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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.
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"It happens," he said. "It's no big deal."
The incident happened shortly after Zusi's 25th-minute goal put Sporting up 1-0. Zusi scored his second in the 40th, tapping in Troy Perkins' save of Teal Bunbury's shot for a 2-0 lead.
Saad, a second-half sub, scored in the 72nd minute when he deflected Eric Brunner's clearance attempt over Perkins.
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Bright Dike's goal in the 81st broke up Nielsen's shutout bid.