Sporting KC will look to get back on track Sunday afternoon when they host the Columbus Crew at Sporting Park. The match will kick off at 3 p.m. CT and can be seen nationally on NBCSN and heard locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Gran D 1340. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
Here are five things you should know ahead of Sunday's conference tilt at Sporting Park:
1. Replacing Collin
There's no denying that Aurelien Collin is a force for Sporting KC on both ends of the pitch. The two-time All-Star is second on the team's scoring chart with two goals in 2014 and has been a rock alongside Matt Besler in the center of the defense. But Collin will miss Sunday's match after picking up a straight red card in last week's loss to the New England Revolution.
Manager Peter Vermes has hinted throughout the week that Lawrence Olum might get the nod next to Besler. With attacking talent to spare on the Crew's roster, it will be important for Besler and Olum to gel quickly if Sporting KC wants to earn a result on Sunday.
VIDEO: Vermes Presser
2. Depth tested
At some point during a season, a team's depth is going to be tested. That happened to Sporting KC in March when they went through a stretch of five games in 15 days. That is happening again now as the team begins a seven-game month with an injury report that leaves much to be desired.
As expected, Peterson Joseph and Ike Opara are out for Sunday's match. Joining them on the injury report are Sal Zizzo, who left last weekend's match early with a groin strain, C.J. Sapong, who is recovering from a neck injury and Erik Palmer-Brown, who is battling a bout with sesamoiditis. Zizzo has featured in seven regular season games in 2014 and has contributed two assists. If he can't go, Vermes could turn to veteran winger Jacob Peterson, young striker Soony Saad or the versatile Spaniard Antonio Dovale.
With Graham Zusi likely to depart for the U.S. Men's National Team in the middle of the month, Sunday's match will be a good opportunity for Vermes to see which players are ready for an increased role.
3. Rebounding from loss
For 90 minutes last Saturday, Sporting KC looked as if they were going to extend their unbeaten run to six. Then a deflected cross enabled Teal Bunbury to burn his former club for a goal and a penalty kick minutes sealed the match as the Revolution won the match 2-0.
Since 2012, Sporting KC is 6-6-5 in games following a loss. Will Vermes' squad get back to their winning ways Sunday vs. the Crew?
VIDEO: Myers Presser
4. Containing Crew attack
As much as Collin is a force for Sporting KC, Federico Higuain makes things go for the Columbus Crew. The Argentine midfielder has been one of the best players in MLS since joining the League in 2012 with 20 goals and 18 assists to his name.
Throw in future national team midfielder Wil Trapp, the crafty Bernardo Anor and dangerous striker Jairo Arrieta and Columbus can attack you in many different ways. These two teams have already met once in 2014, with the Crew defeating Sporting KC 4-1 on March 2 to take home the Disney Pro Soccer Classic championship.
5. Sunday Funday
There is A LOT going on at Sporting Park on Sunday. At 2 p.m., Sporting KC players, coaches and staff members will receive their 2013 MLS Cup championship rings in an on-field ceremony. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:45 p.m. to watch the ceremony.
Sporting KC has also partnered with Harvesters to conduct a food drive at the stadium. All fans are encouraged to leave canned-goods in donation bins at all gates.
And finally, Sporting KC has partnered with Kincaid Coach Lines to provide game day transportation for fans who need a ride to the match. Fans can make reservations online at www.kincaidcoach.com.
For full coverage of the match, visit SportingKC.com/Gameon.
