LAFC vs Sporting Kansas City
Sunday, April 17, 2022
1:00 p.m. PT
Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
RADIO: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), KFWB 980 AM
It was emotional. It was hectic. It was intense. And, it was heartbreaking. That was the last time LAFC took the field on April 9 against the Galaxy, as they dropped their first match of the season 2-1 in controversial fashion, having a Latif Blessing stoppage time goal negated due to a VAR offside decision.
But that was last week, and LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo and the team are looking to turn the page and get back on the winning track on Sunday against Western Conference rival Sporting Kansas City.
SKC is always one of the toughest foes in the West, and this year it will be another difficult match-up with LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez facing off against his former team. Sanchez played four seasons for SKC before joining the Black & Gold this year as a free agent.
SKC is 2-0-5 (6 points) and have scored five goals in the first seven games, with Remi Walter leading the way with two.
LAFC will be without high-flying attacker Brian Rodriguez, who suffered a hamstring injury early in the match vs. the Galaxy and remains sidelined.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY IN-DEPTH
Peter Vermes is the longest tenured coach in Major League Soccer, and the veteran always has his team ready to play. An experienced team that has dangerous attackers such as Johnny Russell, Roger Espinoza and Daniel Salloi to go with Walter, SKC is capable of scoring goals in a hurry, while also playing solid defensively and attempting to slow down the LAFC attack.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They are able to mentally rebound from a draining and emotional loss last week. LAFC needs to continue to play its game of defending as a team while making a point to finish more of the goal-scoring chances created. Cristian Arango got on the scoreboard for the first time this season vs. the Galaxy, and if he can start heating up – that is a good thing for the Black & Gold.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY CAN WIN IF
They maintain their solid defensive principles and are able to counterattack quickly with Russell, Salloi and Espinoza. Walter has been solid at taking advantage of his opportunities so far this season.
Inspired by World of Warcraft developed by Blizzard Entertainment (2004).
