SportingKC.com's "Five Things" feature will highlight the top storylines, players to watch and more for upcoming matches.
Sporting Kansas City closes out the 2017 MLS regular season against rivals Real Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon. Live coverage of the match starts at 3:00 pm CT on FOX Sports KC, FOX Sports GO, SportingKC.com (English radio), and La Grande 1340 AM (Spanish radio). Here's five things to know for #RSLvSKC.
Decision Day
Sunday marks the final day of the regular season, also known as Decision Day presented by AT&T, when all 22 MLS teams will be playing at the same time (3 p.m. CT). In addition to coverage on FOX Sports KC of #RSLvSKC, ESPN will be hosting a live show from 3-5:30 p.m. CT featuring updates and look-ins for all eleven matches. Live standings are also available at MLSsoccer.com that will show a real-time look at where each team stands during Decision Day.
Rivalry Renewed
Anytime these two sides meet it's always a battle. The rivalry really dates back to 2011 and has featured memorable moments in the regular season, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and MLS Cup. Sporting KC has had some notable results at Rio Tinto Stadium including a dramatic 2-1 win in 2013 and a 1-1 draw earlier this season. With everything at stake and the history between the two sides, Sunday is expected to be one of the most physical and intense matches all season.
High Stakes
Sporting KC has clinched a playoff spot but there'e still a lot at stake. Depending on results, Sporting KC could finish as high as second or as low as fifth. A top four finish would guarantee at least one home playoff game, which would be the club's first since 2013 (click here for full list of scenarios). On the other side, Real Salt Lake are on the outside looking in and likely need a win to have a chance at making the playoffs. This should make for a very compelling match with both sides having a strong incentive to go for all three points.
Player To Watch
Designated Player Albert Rusnak has been one of the major factors in Real Salt Lake's resurgence in second half of the season. The Slovakia international has seven goals and 13 assists in 28 starts and will be a player Sporting KC will have to watch on Sunday. Rusnak typically features in a central attacking role of a 4-2-3-1 lineup supporting lone striker Luis Silva. He's shown an ability to provide quality in critical moments, tied for the club lead with five game-winning assists.
Key To The Match
For Sporting KC, it's about being more clinical in front of goal. Manager Peter Vermes is expecting a "fast and furious" match in which Sporting KC should have chances to strike on the counterattack. If Sporting KC are to get their third road win of the season, they'll need to be more clinical and convert those scoring opportunities into goals.
