Sporting KC will kick off the second half of their season Saturday night vs. the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo. The match will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on 38 the Spot and across the Midwest on SKCTV. Saturday's match can also be heard locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Gran D 1340.
Here are five things you should know ahead of tonight's match vs. Montreal.
1. The return of Besler and Zusi
Fun fact: Sporting Kansas City has not used the same starting lineup multiple times in 2014. That's 17 games with 17 different lineups. The last time Matt Besler and Graham Zusi played together for Sporting KC, Chance Myers (out for the year) patrolled the backline and Eric Kronberg (out for eight weeks) was between the pipes.
Sporting KC played six MLS matches - and two U.S. Open Cup matches - without their World Cup duo, but earned enough points to in their absence to stay within striking distance of the Eastern Conference crown. Manager Peter Vermes said earlier this week that both players will be available for selection for Saturday's match vs. Montreal. If Besler and Zusi suit up together for Sporting KC, it will be a welcome return for a club that has aspirations not only for the Eastern Conference crown, but the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.
2. Going for the sweep
To put it simply, Sporting KC has owned Montreal in 2014. In two games, Sporting KC has out-scored the Impact 7-0 with two commanding victories at Sporting Park and Stade Saputo. But this is not the same Impact team that lost 3-0 at home to Sporting KC back in May.
Since then, Head coach Frank Klopas shipped off four players and brought in four new players including Spanish midfielder Gorka Larrea and Designated Player Ignacio Piatti, who will join the club at the end of July. Forward Jack McInerney has also returned to his goalscoring form in recent weeks with five goals in his last seven MLS matches.
3. Keep pace in the East
Both teams need points on Saturday, but for very different reasons. D.C. United defeated San Jose 2-1 Friday night to increase their first-place lead over Sporting KC to five points. Aside from prime playoff position, the first place team in each conference now earns a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage, which gives teams added incentive to fight for position atop the standings.
For Montreal, despite the fact that the club has only earned 14 points through 16 matches, they are still only six points back of a playoff spot. If Klopas wants to keep his team playing soccer into November, he'll need to pick up points fast, starting with Saturday at home vs. Sporting KC.
4. Gruenebaum's time
With the recent injury to Kronberg, veteran goalkeeper and Overland Park native Andy Gruenebaum is ready to take his turn as Sporting Kansas City's No. 1 goalkeeper. Despite not playing an MLS match in 2014, Gruenebaum is no rookie, having played 79 League matches in his career with additional experience in the Champions League and Open Cup. Sporting KC players and coaches have expressed much confidence in the 31-year-old goalkeeper, as the squad prepares to enter a busy stretch in their 2014 schedule.
5. Johnny's Tavern Watch Party
Fans are encouraged to join the club’s official watch party tonight at Johnny’s Tavern in Power and Light District and in Shawnee (13410 W. 62nd Terrace). Select Boulevard draft specials will be available, as well as the “Blue Believer” signature cocktail.
For full coverage of the match, visit SportingKC.com/Gameon.