Scouting Report: Sporting KC vs Chivas USA

Sporting Kansas City will play their third consecutive Western Conference opponent on Sunday afternoon as they host Chivas USA. The Goats are a team with a lot of changes since the end of last season after the arrival of new manager Juan Luis Sanchez Sola aka "El Chelis" in December 2012. 

Team News

Juan Agudelo and Oswaldo Minda are listed as out for Sunday's match while Jose Correa, Walter Vilchez, and Miller Bolanos are all questionable. Bobby Burling (caution accumulation) and Edgar Mejia (red card) will both return after being unavailable against San Jose. 

Formation

The team has played various formations early in the season but recently played a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. The three defenders leaves Chivas USA vulnerable at times but also makes them one of the more dangerous sides going forward. It's a formation that puts an emphasis on attacking much more so then defending.

Style of Play

Chivas USA are not a side that plays for 0-0 or 1-0 scorelines and heac coach "El Chelis" has publicly stated he aims to play entertaining soccer. They are a physical side that are second in MLS in fouls committed and will not hesitate to committ a tactical foul when needed to prevent a counterattack. A wide open match where they generate and concede multiple good scoring opportunities is expected.

Key Players

Dan Kennedy - The team captain is widely viewed as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS and capable of keeping his team in matches even when they are outplayed.

Jorge Villafana - A talented, creative midfielder and who leads the team with three assists and was apart of the U.S. U-23 team for 2012 Olympic qualifying.

Edgar Mejia - An defensive midfielder who is currently on loan from sister club Club Deportivo Guadalajara and provides a physical presence in the middle of the pitch. 

Recent Lineups