Sporting KC vs New York City FC: Match Preview and how to watch
MLS returns to the pitch in Kansas City this Sunday as Sporting KC plays host to New York City FC in the season opener for both teams.
Last time New York City FC and Sporting KC met at Children’s Mercy Park, Sporting took a 3-1 win in 2016. All-time Sporting leads the series 2-1.
With the new season comes changes on both sides, though. This game will feature the debut of NYCFC’s Jesus Medina along with SKC newcomer Khiry Shelton. Both players will fill valuable roles for their teams as they will be seeking to replace the departed Harrison (NYCFC) and Blessing (SKC).
Peter Vermes, the longest-tenured boss in MLS, is back for his 10th full season with SKC and will be looking to match wits with the resume-building Patrick Vieira of NYCFC.
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Sporting Kansas City
Record: 0-0-0
2018 Preseason Results: 4-2-1 in all matches
Players to watch: Reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melina will anchor a solid SKC defense again this season. New forward Khiry Shelton will stretch the defense to allow Gerso, Salloi, llie, Espinoza, and Croizet space to attack from pockets in the exposed midfield.
Why Sporting KC win: Solid defense paired with some tidy finishing keeps the game tight and out of NYCFC reach.
Why Sporting KC lose: Sporting gets out of character and looks to run a track meet instead of a paced marathon and allows the explosive NYCFC attackers space in front of the net to punish them with goals.
New York City FC
Record 0-0-0
2018 Preseason Results: 1-2-1 in all matches
Players to watch: David Villa. There really doesn’t need to any additional discussion about watching this game to see lethal, goal-scoring, league MVP machine called Villa. The debut of new signing Jesus Medina should also add some intrigue to the match.
Why NYCFC wins: Villa and Medina get plenty of chances provided by center midfielder Maxi Moralez as well as the Costa Rican supply route up the left flanks between Matarrita and Wallace. Supply of soccer balls forward equals goals for New York City FC.
Why NYCFC loses: The supply of soccer balls going to the NYCFC forwards is restricted by the Sporting midfield and the NYCFC chances are few and far between in the attacking third of the pitch.
Final predictions: Villa is dangerous, NYC looks the part of a contender, but the steady SKC home defense continues in 2018 with a 2-1 win.
Watch Live:
Children’s Mercy Park
Kansas City, Mo.
7:30 PM EST
Channel: FS1