Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City — two clubs that enjoyed limited success in last season’s Leagues Cup — face off in a crucial West 4 group match Sunday at Children’s Mercy Park.
Both clubs advanced past the group stage in the 2023 tourney, but went no further, losing in the Round of 32 to LIGA MX opponents. And with West 4 mate and LIGA MX powerhouse Toluca on the horizon for both, a positive result will go a long way toward cementing another berth in the knockouts.
Sporting KC comes into the Leagues Cup, well rested, finally, after enduring seven matches in a 22 day span. A week between matches was welcomed by SKC coach Peter Vermes.
“This week has been centered around a little recovery first,” he said. “And the second piece would be keeping the guys hungry.”
The win column has not been filled with regularity this season in Chicago, but the Fire are by no means a pushover.
The significance of the first Leagues Cup match is not lost on Fire coach Frank Klopas.
“It’s important to have a good start,” Kopas said. “We play Sunday and Thursday, so it’s important to put pressure on Toluca.”
Unfortunately for the Fire, they will be without the services of Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri, who will rejoin the team on Monday after playing in Euro24.
Keep on eye on
Sporting KC’s half chances. They are fifth in the league in expected goal difference at 5.85. They have scored six more goals than expected. However, they have also given up 10 set piece goals, which is tied for second-most in MLS.
Penalties. When the official has pointed to the spot against Chicago, opponents have converted seven of them, the most in MLS.
Players to watch
Alan Pulido – The SKC striker only has four tallies this season but has a knack for coming up big in tournaments, which Pulido has done for both club and country. Ten of the Mexican’s 32 career MLS goals have also been match-winners.
Hugo Cuypers – The Belgian is not only Chicago’s leading scorer, Cuypers is the only player who has played every minute of every match.
