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Sporting KC Vs Colorado: 3 things to watch for – Battle of the playmakers

By Nathan Dunn

Sporting KC, Colorado Rapids, Kei Kamara (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Sporting KC, Colorado Rapids, Kei Kamara (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Younes Namli #21 of the Colorado Rapids on the move during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tony Quinn/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Younes Namli #21 of the Colorado Rapids on the move during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tony Quinn/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

1. Battle of the playmakers

Both Sporting KC and the Colorado Rapids acquired an exciting attacking midfielder in the offseason. Sporting KC signed Gadi Kinda, who was superb in the opening matches of 2020. Against Minnesota, he made some good runs but the final product was poor, missing a couple of great opportunities and failing to execute a chip from distance.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rapids acquired Younes Namli to be their offensive spark. While he looked dangerous in the first two matches of the season, against RSL, he did not live up to that same quality. Rapids manager Robin Fraser will need a better performance from Namli if the Rapids can expect to get a result.

As for the supporting cast for Kinda and Namli, it will be interesting to see if there will be any changes. Kellyn Acosta and Roger Espinoza didn’t live up to their expectations, but it would be a major surprise if either of them are replaced.

Next. MLS is Back: Top 5 performances of Matchday One. dark

In all, Sporting KC need the athleticism and drive of Kinda to break forward, while the Rapids lean on the creativity and guile of Namli. Ultimately, the winner may well be decided by which attacking midfielder can most influence the game.

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