Money shot: André Luiz opens MLS account with WORLDIE in SKC upset | OneFootball

By José Nuñez

André Luiz looks like money well spent for Sporting Kansas City.

The club-record signing who arrived as a Designated Player last month for a reported $18 million fee opened his MLS account in jaw-dropping fashion during his first start at Sporting Park, leading his side to a 3-1 upset over star-studded LAFC with a Man-of-the-Match performance.

In the process, Sporting KC snapped a seven-game winless streak.

Warm welcome

Since arriving in mid-August from Greek Super League powerhouse Olympiacos, Luiz had been waiting for the right match to announce his arrival, especially as he continues to build fitness following his summer move.

A game-changer on the night, Luiz’s first MLS goal was certainly one to remember. After controlling the ball inside the 18-yard box, the Brazilian left an LAFC defender behind before firing a shot past veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and into the far corner.

“That is why we bought him, right? That is why he is here,” said manager Raphael Wicky.

“He is a very good player. From the first moment he trained with us, you could see his qualities, individual qualities. His change of pace, his 1v1, and obviously what he showed today, here, he showed from the first day.”

Sparking success

Crucially, Luiz's impact is going beyond a single result, helping a struggling Sporting Kansas City find life at the foot of the MLS table.

“He is a good guy. He has integrated very quickly with the team,” said Wicky. “He is a person who enjoys, smiles and laughs a lot. So I am very happy with him.”

Sporting now have five wins on the season, far from where Luiz and Wicky would like their team to be. But Saturday’s performance could be a turning point.

“It is a great win. I am very happy for all the fans who didn’t see enough wins this year,” said Wicky. “For us, the preparation for the next game already starts. I hope that everyone can enjoy this evening and then we have to keep going, game-by-game.”

Things don’t get any easier for Luiz and Kansas City as they aim to continue winning ways against the red-hot Philadelphia Union and 16-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan, who come to town on Sept. 19 (8:30 pm ET | Apple TV).

“The next most important game is next Saturday, and we are going to prepare and we are going to try to bring our best version against Philly,” said Wicky.

“We just have to keep working hard and believing in what we do so that we can actually, not only win one game, that we can turn games around and get more wins. Then we will see what happens.”

WATCH: André Luiz pilots Sporting KC to upset over LAFC