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Sporting KC vs. New York Red Bulls: Preview and How to Watch

By Eric Harris

Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara (3) passes the ball against the D.C. United during the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara (3) passes the ball against the D.C. United during the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Midweek MLS action, as Sporting KC looks to extend their undefeated streak at home against a Red Bull team charging up the table.

Neither team has completely lived up to the name of the beautiful game. Instead both Kansas City and New York have been pragmatic and effective all season. The two sides will look to do the same against each other in a match that should be fascinating but not always pretty.

Sporting KC has gotten 10 points in their last five matches, the Red Bulls have nine and three consecutive wins. The Red Bulls win streak has been effective but all the wins have come at home to eastern conference foes. Playing against Sporting on a short week will be a new challenge.

Sporting Kansas City

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  • Current Record: 4-1-3 (15 pts)
  • Last Time Out: 3-0 win vs. Real Salt Lake
  • Player to Watch For: Ilie Sanchez. He has been the unsung hero for Sporting this season. With the high pressing style Peter Vermes wants, that midfielder in front of the center backs is especially important. Sanchez has a big test keeping the Red Bulls midfielder in check.
  • Why They Win: They can keep the pressure on New York’s backline, get more chances in the attacking third and wear down the defense who is traveling on a short trip.
  • Why They Won’t: Sacha Kljestan does what ever he wants in midfield and is able to get the ball in space and pick apart gaps in Sporting’s formation.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

New York Red Bulls

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  • Current Record: 5-3-1 (18 pts)
  • Last Time Out: 2-1 win vs. Chicago Fire
  • Player to Watch For: Tyler Adams. The young defensive midfielder has turned heads in the first part of the season. Now he will have to deal with a lot of on the ball pressure in a hostile environment. How he responds will have a big impact on the final score.
  • Why They Win: The ball moves smoothly from defense to attack, the midfield can link up with the back line and complete passes to get to open spaces.
  • Why They Won’t: Adams struggles to get the ball out of the back, allowing Sporting KC to get possession in the attacking third and pepper Luis Robles with shots.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

How To Watch:

Where: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City

When: Wednesday, May 3rd – 8:30 p.m. ET

How To Watch: MLS LIVE

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