After two performances that can easily be described as lackluster, Sporting KC host Portland Timbers Saturday night. Sporting Kansas City are going into this game after a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls and a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas. The team have scored two goals in their two games, neither coming from the foot of star striker Dom Dwyer. This might not instill confidence when looking at a Timbers side that, despite not having a win under their belt either, are coming off an impressive draw against reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy.
Sporting KC have shown both what they are capable of achieving, and how they can slip up in their first two game of the season.
In game one, captain and defender Matt Besler was sent off for what was “no doubt a yellow card,” according to manager Peter Vermes. We saw Benny Feilhaber slide back into the central defender role and manage to dominate even while looking slightly confused. Ike Opara stunned the crowd with his 50th minute goal during his first game since his injury in March of last year. Newcomer Amadou Dia led the team with eight interceptions.
Graham Zusi and Dwyer both had five chances created, but couldn’t finish them.
Game two saw fan favorite Roger Espinoza score an equalizer. Marcel De Jong made his debut in place of Seth Sinovic and it was clear that Besler’s presence was missed in the back line. Dwyer once again had some chances to start his scoring for the season, but again failed to finish and notably missed a penalty kick that could have put his side back in the game. It was Sporting KC’s glimpse at the western conference, and it was as frightening as seeing a clown that looks exactly like It: a cheap scare, but then you calm yourself down and move on.
Dwyer’s lack of goal scoring could be a serious concern, though. Twitter was quick to blame his recent marriage to United States Women’s Team star Sydney Leroux, and while that’s a bit rash, something isn’t quite right with his form. Dwyer seems incredibly happy with his life off the field, so why isn’t that translating on the field? He has apologized to fans and promised to get the ball into the back of the net, and all of Kansas City will hold him to that. The western conference is often referred to as the more difficult conference and Sporting KC will need their top goal scorer in form if they hope to do well this year.
Another concern is Zusi still feeling pain from his stress fracture. He’s still playing well, but is focused on playing through the pain. Since the injury isn’t to his muscles, Zusi isn’t making it any worse by continuing to play. That is the major issue. The minor issue is how will this pain affect his playing if it continues? Zusi is instrumental in Sporting KC’s attack.
Sporting KC currently sit at the bottom of the western conference table with Portland three spots above. The Timbers won two of the teams meetings last year and have looked even more dangerous this season with Darlington Nagbe connecting with Fanendo Adi. For more on the Timbers side of the match, here’s Eric Walcott’s take. Sporting will need to step up and finish chances or they may get left stunned in the wake of Portland’s quick passing. The match up will air Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 CST on MLS Live and local affiliate KMCI-38.
