Ahead of Sunday's match at Children's Mercy Park, SportingKC.com caught up with FOX Sports broadcaster J.P. Dellacamera to preview #PHIvSKC. Live coverage of Sunday's match is available at FOX, ESPN Deportes, 99.3 FM, and La Grande 1340 AM.
With less than two months left in the regular season, how important of a match is this for both sides?
Huge game for both with playoff berths and seedings still up for grabs. SKC is winless in their last two games and are facing a difficult schedule following this game with three of their final five games on the road. LA is rolling in, unbeaten in their last 5 games, plus re-energized with the return of the injured Robbie Keane, and the surprising return of the once retired Landon Donovan.
What are your thoughts on Landon Donovan’s return to the LA Galaxy and what role he could play in Sunday’s match?
Landon only played seven minutes vs Orlando City in a game that was already decided. As I write this, it would be difficult to imagine him playing a significant role in this game unless he had one helluva week in training. I am excited though about his return. He is the greatest player to ever play for the U.S. National Team, and the face of both our national team and Major League Soccer for years. I would assume that LA won't want to throw him into the deep end of the pool too early. His contributions may come in the last couple of regular season games plus the playoffs.
How do you expect the Galaxy to adjust with some key players missing due to injury (Zardes out and Gerrard unlikely to play)
Having watched the Galaxy beat Orlando City on Sunday, I would say they adjusted rather well to the injuries they have had. Gio Dos Santos is playing his very best in a Galaxy uniform, and now with Robbie Keane returning to action, LA will be just fine. They got strong efforts last Sunday from Jelle Van Damme, Alan Gordon, and Emmanuel Boateng.
What makes Children’s Mercy Park a tough place for opposing teams and advantage for Sporting KC (won six of last seven home MLS matches)?
Fantastic stadium, always a sellout, and always a loud crowd. I think SKC feeds off the energy of their home crowd, as much as the crowd feeds off the high intensity level of their team and their coaching staff.
What players and/or match-ups will you be watching for Sunday’s match?
Tough to talk matchups without knowing who is starting for both teams, but here's what I'll be watching for: SKC have allowed 5 goals in their last 2 games, so they will have to tighten things up defensively all over the field. They won't want to get involved in an up and down game against that Galaxy offense. LA presents a lot of challenges for the SKC defense, scoring seven goals in their last two games. Marking Dos Santos is a tough challenge because of his overall movement all over the field. The responsibility of trying to take him out of the game won't fall to one single player. LA's outside backs could also cause some problems for Sporting Kansas City. I'm looking forward to the game on FOX. It's always exciting to call a game in that stadium.
