Game Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids are in the Sunflower State today as they look to play spoiler to Sporting Kansas City. The match-up always has the feel of a rivalry, but this game is important as both teams want a chance at the playoffs. Sporting KC has 37 points, while the Rapids have 36 points and with three games left in the regular season, the scenario for both teams is about the same—get a little help from the soccer gods.

For the Rapids, snagging three points in Kansas City is not an impossible feat. Although the Rapids are just 5-20-9 at Children’s Mercy Park, Colorado have been able to earn points there in recent history. SKC seem to lose in pairs before finding a way to win, and they’ve lost their last two.

Both Kei Kamara and Diego Rubio spent time in blue and surely those two will want to put in a great performance in front of old coaches, family, and friends. Kei still calls Kansas City home, but here’s hoping he can find that form that he had earlier in the season.

As far as the burgundy injury list, Tim Howard is still questionable with a hamstring issue. He may travel with the club, but it’s unlikely that he will play. Dillon Serna had throat surgery this week and Kofie Opare is listed out with a groin concern. Add to that the long-term guys Deklan Wynne (who was running at training this week) and Kortne Ford (who also came out late to practice but is making progress).

With three games left, a new coach, and many contracts coming to an end, everyone has something to play for.

Predicted Starting XI: Clint Irwin, Keegan Rosenberry, Tommy Smith, Lalas Abubakar, Sam Nicholson, Jack Price, Kellyn Acosta, Diego Rubio, Sam Vines, Andre Shinyashiki, Kei Kamara

Officials

Referee: Nima Saghafi

Assistant Referees: Andrew Bigelow, Eric Boria

4th Official: Joe Dickerson

VAR: Geoff Gamble

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee), Deklan Wynne (foot), Kofi Opare (groin), Dillon Serna (throat surgery)

QUESTIONABLE: Tim Howard (hamstring)

Suspended: none

Suspended after next caution: Kei Kamara (F)

Kansas City

OUT: Rodney Wallace (D) - hip injury, Adrian Zendejas (GK) - back injury, Benny Feilhaber (M) - quad strain, Andreu Fontas (D) - Achilles injury

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: Roger Espinoza (M), Gerso (M)

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, September 21^st at 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Children’s Mercy Park — Kansas City, KS

TV Information: Altitude is still not available

Radio: Altitude 950AM

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)