To preview Sporting KC's midweek clash with CD Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions League, I spoke with Keith Costigan, who will be commentating tonight's match on Fox Soccer Plus.
is the pressure on Olimpia to win this match since it is at home?
"I think when you play in group play the goal is to get a draw on the road. Obviously you're trying to get a win but if you walk away with a draw and you play that team again at home you feel comfortable that you should handle your business at home. I think the pressure is on Olimpia tonight to go out and set the tone and set the tempo for the game but it also balances back out because if they do get a positive result it puts all the pressure back on Kansas City. I think going into this game Olimpia will feel a little bit more pressure given that they are at home and they're expected to get a result at home in the group stage."
Olimpia have had several players leave for other leagues (Boniek Garcia and Alex Lopez to MLS, Roger Rojas to England). Do you see this side has still being dangerous or maybe a bit weaker than in recent seasons?
"I'm a big fan of Alex Lopez. I think he's a very good player, a cultured player in midfield. Obviously Boniek Garcia as well but they (Olimpia) always seem to have players who can come in and step up and continue to play well. I like Beckeles at the back and all these players who step up will see this as an audition because you have the likes of Boniek Garcia and Lopez coming over to Major League Soccer. Major Laegue Soccer teams have to understand when they play these kind of sides like Olimpia, these teams tend to raise their game because they see it as an opportunity to be in the shop window for what's becoming one of the best leagues in this region. "
What do you expect to see from tonight's match?
"I expect to see Kansas City go for it. I really do. I think they'll respect Olimpia but you mentioned some of the names they'll be without. Lopez is a big loss and Rojas has been the centerpiece of their attack. I think they're (SKC) playing them (Olimpia) at a good time. I think it will be in Kansas City's interest to go forward and look to attack enough and not sit back to play for a draw. I'd expect them (SKC) to go out and try to get a positive result and if they play that way I think they will get a positive result. "
