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Real Salt Lake Vs Sporting KC: 3 things to watch for – Rivalry reincarnated

By Nathan Dunn

Real Salt Lake (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Real Salt Lake (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 17: Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City scores a goal on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute against the Colorado Rapids during a Group D match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 17, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 17: Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City scores a goal on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute against the Colorado Rapids during a Group D match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 17, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

1. Rotation galore?

Sporting KC have endured two intense matches that were physically draining. There are several players who looked tired late on in their win over the Colorado Rapids. How will Peter Vermes rotate through his squad?

It will be a lot to ask the three midfield core to continue to log close to 90 minutes again. We could see the first real opportunity this tournament for Gianluca Busio, who could replace Roger Espinoza or Gadi Kinda in midfield. Vermes could also hand Daniel Salloi his first start of the year after coming off a rotten 2019 campaign.

In defense, older players like Graham Zusi and Matt Besler have played all 180 minutes so far. While it is unlikely that either of them will be sidelined, will they be able to keep up the RSL attackers, especially in the 9 am Orlando heat?

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For Real Salt Lake, what type of team do they bring out? With just one change from the two previous matches, it will be interesting to see how manager Freddy Juarez approaches this game. Will Kyle Beckerman be fit enough to play? If there is rotation, Nick Besler could be up against his brother once again. The rivalry, then, is back on, even if it is entirely different circumstances.

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