LAFC at Sporting Kansas City
Saturday, July 23, 2022
5:30pm PT
Children's Mercy Park - Kansas City, Kansas
TV: KCOP 13, Estrella 62.2
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
LAFC is looking to win its third straight game on Saturday when it travels to face Sporting Kansas City. The Black & Gold will take their fourth trip in the Club’s history to Children's Mercy Park, where LAFC has won just one time (1-3-0).
The match will be a reunion on the pitch and the sidelines, as LAFC midfielder Ilie Sánchez returns to Kansas City for the first time after spending five seasons with the Wizards. LAFC midfielder Latif Blessing also played with SKC in 2017, playing in 25 matches.
SKC currently sits at the bottom of the Western Conference table through 22 games played and will hope to snap a three-game home losing streak when it faces LAFC.
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KANSAS CITY IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Peter Vermes, SKC has had a rough 2022, only scoring 19 goals and owning the league’s worst goal differential at -19. SKC has lost four games at home this season after only having lost three games at home in all of 2021. The Wizards will be without midfielder Roger Espinoza (red card suspension), as well as two of their Designated Players in Alan Pulido (knee surgery) and Gadi Kinda (knee surgery).
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They set the tempo early and avoid falling into Kansas City’s gameplan. LAFC will need to create space and play out of Kansas City’s pressure to avoid conceding any early goals. The Black & Gold will be in good shape if Cristian Arango and José Cifuentes can continue their hot streak as the duo, with help from Carlos Vela, have combined for the team’s last five goals. If not, Steve Cherundolo has proven his super subs can score from outside of the box, not to mention, we have seen what Gareth Bale can do around the goal.
KANSAS CITY CAN WIN IF
LAFC allows Johnny Russell and Dániel Sallói to have their way. Russell and Sallói are a threat anywhere on the pitch and are not afraid to shoot from outside of the box.
Kansas City is aggressive and will push forward in a hurry, especially through overloading one side of the field, but will also instantly press and limit space if the ball is lost. SKC may also see a boost in their offense as newly acquired signings Erik Thommy and William Agada look to take the pitch for the first time in their last match and will be looking to make an impact.
Inspired by Fortnite, an online video game developed by Epic Games and released in 2017.
