With Sporting KC opening up their 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign on Thursday night against New York, I caught up with SoccerbyIves.net creator/Editor-In-Chief Ives Galarcep to preview the match. The match will kick off at 7:00 p.m. CT with live coverage available on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN, Sports Radio 810 WHB. and La Gran D 1340 AM
JF: What did you take away from Sunday’s match at Sporting Park and any impact it could have on Thursday’s match?
IG: Sporting looks like a tired team and will be hard-pressed to find the gear necessary to win at Red Bull Arena.
JF: What can you attribute to New York’s recent home postseason struggles (four losses in a row)?
IG: Good question. Tough to call since that's spread out over several years.
JF: Sporting KC has been one of the best MLS teams on the road. Can going on the road for this knockout round match be an advantage for them?
IG: The way Sporting KC has been playing at home lately it might actually help them to travel. That said, the Red Bulls have been very good at home this year.
JF: In your opinion, what will be the keys for Sporting KC if they are to win this match?
IG: Defensive organization, and cutting out the mistakes that have plagued them. That and getting Dom Dwyer the ball.
JF: What are your thoughts on the match and anything you’re looking forward to seeing on Thursday night?
IG: Sporting KC has had success containing Thierry Henry in the past. He scored his first goal against KC in the last meeting between the two. If Sporting KC can contain Henry they have a chance. But if not, the Red Bulls will roll. And if Henry can't play, Sporting has to do a better job of staying close to Bradley Wright-Phillips than they did last week.
JF: Finally, how do either of these clubs (NY or SKC) match up against D.C. United in the next round?
IG: Both teams will be underdogs. Sporting KC failed to score a single goal in three meetings against D.C. this season, and the Red Bulls have never beaten D.C. in a playoff series (and they have met MANY times). The Red Bulls match up a bit better, but D.C. United will be my pick to beat either team in the next round.
