Sporting KC continues their homestand with a top-of-the-table clash against D.C. United at Sporting Park. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT on 38 the Spot and across the Midwest on SKCTV with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. CT. Saturday's match can also be heard locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Gran D 1340. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Sporting Park box office.
Here are five things you should know ahead of tonight's match vs. D.C. United.
1. Crowded standings
After a quick look at the 2014 MLS standings, it's hard to argue that we are in one of the tightest Supporters' Shield races in recent memory. Four teams are currently tied with 42 points. D.C United is hanging tight with 40 points and you can never count out the star-studded LA Galaxy who have 37 points with games in hand on most of their competition.
Which brings us to Saturday's match at Sporting Park. Sporting KC has a two-point lead on United in the Supporters' Shield and Eastern Conference standings. If Sporting KC wants to bring the Shield to Kansas City for the first time since 2000, a win Saturday night will go a long way toward that goal. If United want to remain in the hunt for a record fifth Supporters' Shield, they will need to break their SKC hex and win in Kansas City for the first time since 2007.
VIDEO: Vermes Presser
2. Champions League hangover
Both Sporting KC and D.C. United enter Saturday's match after a mid-week CONCACAF Champions League match. United has the advantage in the fact that they played a home match on Wednesday against Waterhouse FC, whereas Sporting KC had to travel to Nicaragua for Tuesday's match against Real Esteli.
Ben Olsen also had the luxury of resting most of his starters against the Jamaican side, whereas Peter Vermes started six players who have played at least 15 games in 2014. With game-time temperatures expected to be in the mid-90s, fitness will be key for both teams at Sporting Park tonight.
3. No EJ for United
One player who did feature for United on Wednesday is U.S. men's national team striker Eddie Johnson, who is currently serving a two-game MLS suspension for violent conduct.
Although Johnson remains one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS, United has shown in 2014 that they can play without him. The team is 3-1-0 this season without Johnson and has scored 12 goals in those four matches. Two players that will be forced to rise to the occasion are Fabian Espindola and Luis Silva, who have combined for 25 goals and assists in 2014.
MATCHDAY: #SKCvDC
4. Homegrown goalkeepers galore
With Andy Gruenebaum still sidelined with a rotator cuff injury, homegrown goalkeeper Jon Kempin will get his second consecutive MLS start and third consecutive start for Kansas City in all competitions.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has shown well in his limited time, with back-to-back MLS Save of the Week honors and some key blocks in Sporting KC's 1-1 draw against Real Esteli on Tuesday.
On the other end of the pitch is United homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid. The 23-year-old goalkeeper's 1.21 goals against average is third in MLS among 'keepers with at least 15 games played (behind Sporting KC's Eric Kronberg and Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando). Hamid's maturity and play between the pipes is one of the main reasons United is within striking distance of not only the Eastern Conference title, but the Supporters' Shield.
5. Important Sporting Park info
For fans coming to Sporting Park tonight, there is a lot of important information to know. First is that it is going to be hot. As a result, fans will be allowed to bring one 20-ounce bottle of water into the stadium. The bottle must be sealed and the cap will be removed at the gate.
Also, the Kansas Speedway will be hosting Throttle Fest tonight. The biggest impact on Sporting KC fans will be with regard to parking. Click here for an updated parking map for tonight.
For full coverage of the match, visit SportingKC.com/Gameon.
