Claudio Bieler (left) scored two goals in Sporting Kansas City's 3-0 CONCACAF Champions League win over visiting Real Esteli on September 23, 2014. (Photo: Mike Gunnoe/Sporting KC)

KANSAS CITY, Kansas – Claudio Bieler scored two goals and Sporting Kansas City earned a 3-0 win over visiting Real Esteli in the CONCACAF Champions League at Sporting Park on Tuesday. 

The victory lifted Sporting (2-1-0, 7 points) into sole possession first place in Group 2, three points ahead of idle Saprissa (1-1-1, 4 points).  Real Esteli (0-2-2, 2 points) was eliminated from the competition, marking the fifth time it has failed to reach the quarterfinals in as many attempts. 

MoneyGram Player of the Match: Claudio Bieler (Sporting Kansas City)

In a physical encounter that saw referee Oscar Moncada issue eight yellow cards – five to Kansas City and three to Estelli -- the host took an early lead. 

After Elvis Figueroa nearly put the Nicaraguans ahead, Bieler struck in the 13th minute.  Benny Feilhaber played a defense-splitting ball down the left side to Seth Sinovic, who got into the box and crossed on the ground to the Argentine for an easy tap in. 

The match continued at an active, but somewhat choppy pace, as three cautions were distributed within the opening 18 minutes. 

The current Major League Soccer champion should have doubled the lead in the 26th thanks to some enterprising work by Graham Zusi.  The United States international burst into the left side of the penalty area and fed a wide open Bieler.  Rather than shoot directly into a gaping net, the forward seemed to take a touch that would allow a teammate to get on the scoresheet, but that player never arrived. 

Real Esteli – to its credit – attacked with vigor and were unlucky not to score as the first half wound down. 

In the 36th minute, Juan Barrera’s left-footed effort from 26-yards out whistled wide of the right post.  Then, in stoppage time, a right-footed attempt by Daniel Da Silva just curled beyond the same post. 

Midway through the second half, Sporting was awarded a penalty, when Elmer Mejia took down Bieler in the box.  The 30-year-old took the kick in the 69th minute and converted for his second career CCL goal. 

Eleven minutes later Sal Zizzo made it 3-0, back-heading Toni Dovale’s right-sided corner kick inside the far post from the right corner of the six-yard box. 

With a minute remaining in normal time, Bieler almost netted his third, but hit the outside netting, following a powerful run in the left side of the box. 

Kansas City will visit Saprissa on October 23 in the final and decisive group game.