Five Things is a weekly series on SportingKC.com that highlights the top storylines, players to watch and matchday programming ahead of each game throughout the season.
One week removed from an emotional comeback win over rivals Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City hops the Canadian border for a cross-conference showdown with the Montreal Impact at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday inside Stade Saputo. The match will air live on FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports Midwest, Sports Radio 810 WHB and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM as Manager Peter Vermes' men look to keep pace in the Supporters' Shield race and put an end to Montreal's recent uptick.
All supporters are welcome to attend the official watch party for Saturday's match at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Starting at 5:30 p.m. CT, No Other Pub will offer $4 Bud Light drafts and an all-you-can-eat buffet with bottomless soda and domestic draft beers.
Without further ado, here are five prominent storylines to know ahead of Saturday's matchup.
1. Refuse to Lose
Sporting KC boasts a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, largely thanks to a remarkable rally last weekend at Children's Mercy Park. Facing a 2-0 deficit at halftime, the hosts stormed back behind goals from Daniel Salloi and substitutes Diego Rubio and Khiry Shelton to seal an unforgettable 3-2 victory. Vermes' side hasn't lost since taking a 1-0 defeat to the New England Revolution on April 28.
Essential to Sporting KC's unbeaten streak has been the club's defensive form, especially away from home. The side has conceded just two goals in its last six away games in all competitions. With Tim Melia maintaining the form that landed him 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors and a deep back line that has handled injuries in stride, Sporting KC has proven to be a tough nut to crack in 2018. If the team can avoid defeat in its next four games, it will tie the all-time club record for longest unbeaten run.
2. Mastery of Montreal
The head-to-head series has seen Sporting KC wield a decisive upper hand in recent years. The club boasts a 4-0-2 record in the last six meetings since 2014, outscoring the Impact 14-5 during that stretch. Sporting KC also owns a solid 3-1-2 mark at Stade Saputo, including a 2-2 draw on their last visit in June 2016.
3. Impact Improving
Montreal endured a horrific start to the 2018 campaign, losing 10 of their first 13 games under first-year head coach Remi Garde. The Impact have steadied their sails since then, however, and own three shutout victories over their last four games. Evan Bush, who has 15 more saves than any other MLS goalkeeper, is amidst a 252-minute shutout streak, good for the longest active run in the league.
4. Priceless Piatti
Not surprisingly, talismanic playmaker Ignacio Piatti has played a pivotal role in Montreal's resurgence. The uber-talented attacker has played a part in seven of the club's last eight goals since the start of May, recording three goals and four assists. The 33-year-old Argentine leads the team in both goals (eight) and assists (six) and should be considered a safe choice for the greatest Montreal player ever. He ranks first on the club's all-time goal and assist charts, amassing 55 and 27, respectively, during his prolific five-year MLS career.
5. First Cut is the Deepest
Allow us to state the obvious in saying the first goal is always important. But that could ring especially true on Saturday night, especially if Sporting KC lands the first punch. Vermes' men are 8-0-2 this season when scoring first, while Montreal are a woeful 0-9-0 when conceding first. This Impact team has yet to erase a deficit to win or draw this season.
This could partially explain why Montreal has gone a remarkable 37 MLS matches without a draw. The Canadian club is 13-24-0 since drawing Orlando City SC on June 17, 2017, and should they fall behind on Saturday, they'll face a tall and unfavorable task of salvaging a result against a streaking Sporting KC outfit.
