Sporting KC has undergone an attacking revolution this season. As a result, they are now serious MLS Cup contenders and a team that should not be trifled with.
The last few seasons have been disappointing for Sporting KC. Year after year, the team from has started off well, only to lose energy down the final stretch. The past four playoffs have seen the team from Kansas City lose in the first round away from home, which is not good enough considering the expectations they have for themselves.
They were always solid at the back, but could never grab enough goals to get the job done in the past. However, KC does not seem like they will suffer from the same problems this season. They have gone through an attacking revolution. It could make them serious MLS contenders.
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Sporting KC got off to a nightmare start to the season, losing 2-0 to NYCFC at home. They were played off the park throughout and looked like a shell of their former selves. Next came a rollercoaster of a contest away to Chicago, which could very well end up being one of the games of the season. Kansas City stormed out to a two-goal lead, capitalizing on a shaky Fire backline. However, the home side got back into the game, somehow putting three straight goals past a much-heralded Sporting defense. Remarkably, KC would stage a late comeback themselves, grabbing another two goals before full-time. It was an incredibly wild evening, but Sporting were able to come away with the crucial three road points.
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After that thriller was a home game against San Jose, which also featured plenty of goals. Kansas City struck first from the penalty spot, before the Earthquakes grabbed an equalizer. A screamer from Graham Zusi restored the lead, before KC were able to add another and hold on to survive a late San Jose rally for the win. Sporting then came back from two goals down again in Colorado, salvaging a point on the road before defeating DC United 1-0 at Children’s Mercy Park. Their latest match was their most impressive, as they were able to shut down a potent Galaxy attack, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a returning Romain Alessandrini, to grab another win on the road.
The main catalysts for this attacking revolution have been offseason signings Felipe Gutierrez and Johnny Russell, who have both shined since joining the club. Russell, who came over from Championship side Derby County, has flourished out wide for Kansas City. He has two goals so far, but his impact is far greater than stats can show. Russell is an incredible dribbler, and he is able to beat any defender in the league one-on-one. This leads to the defense breaking down, opening up spaces across the field for his teammates. The Scotsman then has the vision to find the open man, and the technical ability to pick them out with a pass.
This was best shown against Chicago when he nutmegged a Fire center-back before hitting a low cross into the area, which led to KC grabbing the winning goal. He’s a smart finisher as well, highlighted by him poking the ball marginally past David Bingham in the Galaxy net to score against LA.
His counterpart, Felipe Gutierrez, has been even better for Kansas City. The Chilean central midfielder came over from La Liga side Real Betis and is an early contender for Newcomer of the Year. Remarkably, Gutierrez has grabbed five goals in his opening five games, and is tied for first in the race for the Golden Boot. His constant runs from midfield into the area make him a nightmare for defenders, who don’t know if they should pick him up or stick to their man. Coming in late to the attack, the Chilean is able to find space in the area. He is an expert finisher as well, converting a vast proportion of chances that fall to him. He was forced to miss the game against LA due to a hip injury but should be able to return to the team this weekend.
It now seems the defense has righted itself as well, which is bad news for the rest of the league. Last season was a near historic one for the Kansas City backline, who only conceded 29 goals in 34 games. This lead to center-back Ike Opara winning the 2017 MLS Defender of the Year award and getting called up to the national team. Next to USMNT regular Matt Besler, the pair seemed impenetrable.
However, at the start of this season, the defense was leaking goals. They conceded ten times in the opening four games, and looked utterly different from the backline just a year before. Some questioned whether or not the defense was too old, unable to keep up with the faster pace of the league. If the past two games are any indicator, the reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated.
Kansas City has gotten clean sheets in consecutive games, limiting their opponents to very few chances. The performance against LA was especially impressive, forcing the Galaxy into long-range shots that were comfortably saved by Tim Melia. If the defense is as good as it has been in the past, with the added attacking threat, Sporting KC have the potential to become one of the best teams in the league.
Sporting KC also has the advantage of competing in a wide open Western Conference. The current MLS Cup favorites, like Toronto FC, Atlanta United, and New York City FC, are all out east. Meanwhile, expected Western contenders like Portland and Seattle, have made woeful starts to the season.
With their experience, and added attacking prowess, Sporting KC are the early favorites to make it out of the West. If given the chance to host MLS Cup in front of their rabid fanbase, there’s a big chance a third title comes to Kansas City. They are indeed the real deal.