On Saturday night, the CITYPARK pitch will erupt in a cacophony of noise and excitement. St. Louis CITY SC need a Three Points match that may be a make-or-break situation this season, hosting a clash against Sporting Kansas City. St. Louis has playoff hopes that are hanging by a thread, and they desperately need a win to keep their postseason dreams alive. Already-eliminated Kansas City, on the other side, takes the field with one clear mission in their minds: spoil the party for their rivals. And it wouldn't be the first time they try to do it.
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St. Louis: Win or Go Home
After a rollercoaster of a season, St. Louis comes into this match with one goal in mind: win. Confidence is growing on the back of a 2-1 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes. This has been down to the summer signings of both Cedric Teuchert and Marcel Hartel. Following two wins, one draw, and just one loss since the Leagues Cup break, CITY SC will look to keep the momentum going against Sporting.
So incredibly, the season has been rocky in St. Louis, yet they are still in playoff contention-but it's all about their home performance. That's when CITYPARK becomes their stronghold. This season, against Kansas City, St. Louis is undefeated at home and has fond memories of last year's 4-0 and 4-1 victories. If history is any indication, then, the fans have plenty of reasons to believe.
Sporting KC: The Spoilers, Once Again
But there's one team that simply loves to toss a wrench in St. Louis' plans, and that's none other than Sporting Kansas City. A year ago, KC had St. Louis eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, and this could be the year they pull that trick again. Bottom-dwelling Kansas City knows they are out of the race for the postseason, but their mantra-like goal through September is quite simple: stop St. Louis from advancing.
Even coming off that tough 3-1 loss against LAFC in the US Open Cup final, Sporting KC remains dangerous. Daniel Salloi - a stalwart of the team - will make his 250th appearance for the club and has notched 103 direct goal contributions in the team's history thus far. He seems to have a knack for shining against St. Louis, consistently coming through with goals and assists in their previous matches. Experience and the ability to deliver at the right moments may tip the scales for Sporting.
Rivalry and Tension On-Site
This may be a relatively new rivalry, but it has all the makings of a long-standing one: intense emotions. The teams have combined for 20 goals in their last five meetings. An example of the balance between the two sides has been reflected in the two matches this season, with the results being draws: 3-3 and 1-1. Both sides are now hunting for that first win in the series this year, which only cranks up the tension.
The key players are ready to make a difference. Klauss leads the way for St Louis with three goals scored against Kansas City, backed by Eduard Löwen, who's top of the assists table in this fixture, whereas other attackers like Chris Durkin and Rasmus Alm have been vital in previous matches as well.
Meanwhile, Sporting has its dynamic duo in Salloi and Alan Pulido, who equally have three goals against St. Louis. The understanding between them propels Kansas City's attack, and if St. Louis is not careful, history might repeat itself from 2023.
Season Context
A look at the standings, and both St Louis and Kansas City are tied on 31 points in the Western Conference; that further elevates the importance of this match. While more is at stake for CITY SC, both teams will carry a sense of urgency into the game. For St Louis, it's win or say goodbye to the season. As for Kansas City, it is about pride and rivalry.
Also worth noting: Sporting isn't all that great on the road, with only 2 wins in 15 away games this season. That might slightly favor St. Louis, but when the rivalry is as charged as this, anything is possible.