Sporting Kansas City vs. Whitecaps Matchup Insight
The Whitecaps have not played a competitive match for eleven days, since the disastrous 3-1 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes. Vancouver had led 1-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining in the match before uncharacteristically, for this season anyway, collapsing down the stretch.
The main problem was poor marking, an error that would be rapidly punished by Sporting KC, who currently dominate MLS with a perfect 6-0-0 record.
Sporting Kansas City
Kansas City’s sparkling start is primarily thanks to a dominant defence which has been breached just once in their six league wins.
The team’s formation is a conservative 5-3-2 alignment, as they look to put plenty of bodies behind the ball. Sporting as a result look to break on the counterattack or utilize set pieces for goals.
Hassli and the Caps currently look up at KC in the standings. (Photo - Associated Press)
Despite their perfect record, they have only scored 9 times in their 6 matches, and there has been some uncertainty with their choice of lead striker. Teal Bunbury started the season, but has lost his place recently to CJ Sapong.
Vancouver
Vancouver has the defence to handle the KC forwards; Jay DeMerit and his fellow crew will be eager to prove themselves following last week’s poor showing where their slack marking permitted San Jose to steal the win.
The strikers are also due to break out following a grand total of just one goal in their last three matches.
The team is getting healthy again after a string of injuries, though speedster Darren Mattocks at forward and first choice defender Alain Rochat remain out.
Atiba Harris will be returning from suspension as well.
Predictions
The ‘Caps are finally playing at home after a stretch away, in a rare mid-week evening match, and will be hungry to get back on the winning track. Look for burly Eric Hassli to break his duck and pot a first goal of the season.
Vancouver has already earned a 3-0 win over KC, in a pre-season tournament, and should enter this match with confidence.
Vancouver will come out strong and look for a 2-1 decision over Sporting Kansas City.
About C-Mac
