SportingKC.com "Five Things" feature will highlights the top storylines, players to watch, and more for upcoming matches.
Sporting Kansas City aims for their fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title as they host the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday evening. Tickets are available at SeatGeek.com with live coverage starting at 8 pm CT on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, Sportsradio 810 WHB, and La Grande 1340 AM. Here's five things to know for #SKCvNY.
It's a Final
Finals can be unpredictable and in Sporting KC's case, very nerve-wracking (see 2012, 2013, & 2015). Recent form and history can usually be thrown out the window when it's one match. Sporting KC heads into this match with momentum following a 3-1 win over New England while The Red Bulls have earned four consecutive draws in league play. Both team's have a lot at stake. For New York, it's a chance to win their first Open Cup trophy while Sporting KC is aiming to win their fourth, which would match an MLS record.
Children's Mercy Park has been a fortress for Sporting KC in recent years. The club hasn't suffered a home loss in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup since 2014 (seven matches) and overall are 11-0-6 at home this year.
Red Bulls Rested
New York rested several regular starters, most notably Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sacha Kljestan, in their 0-0 draw on Saturday against the Philadelphia Union. The roster rotation means New York should be fielding a first-choice Starting XI and negate some of the home field advantage.
- Ryan Meara (NY): The back-up goalkeeper has started all of the Red Bulls' matches in this year's Open Cup tournament and was announced as the starter for Wednesday.
- Diego Rubio (SKC): The Chilean is coming off a two goal performance on Saturday and has shown steady improvement since returning from injury in June.
Keys to the match
- Being Clinical: Converting chances is always key but especially in a cup final when it can be the difference between winning a championship or walking off the pitch in disappointment
- Composure: This is by far the biggest match of the season for both squads and will be a major test to see which team can handle the pressure and rise to the occasion.
