Mother I'm Coming Home

It's been a long couple months on the road for Sporting KC, the 1-6-3 record is some proof of that. But tomorrow that changes as Sporting KC will be opening their home, Livestrong Sporting Park, when they take on the Chicago Fire. As I mentioned earlier today, this game is a MUST win for KC on so many different levels. The Fire have played 2 more games than KC, but are only 4 points ahead of KC in the Eastern Conference. The Fire haven't won since they defeated Sporting KC on the second weekend of the season 3-2 after Omar Bravo picked up a red card. Diego Chaves is still the Fire's leading scorer with 4 goals.

KC has Kei Kamara back from international duty, but lose Craig Rocastle to the Gold Cup. Certainly some decisions to make when it comes to the roster this week. Seth Sinovic might be back from his injury, but does he displace Chance Myers in the starting 11? Is Jimmy Nielsen able to come back from his illness? And who replaces Rocastle in the midfield? Plenty of changes could be made to the 11.

Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Arnaud - Sassano - Bravo
Kamara - Bunbury - Smith

Number to Remember - 11-2-2 - That is Kansas City's record in home openers. The 11 wins in the most for any team in MLS, tied with New England. So KC is a strong home opener, hopefully they can continue it.

Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Corey Gibbs - Bunbury has been in a funk since the Vancouver game, now at home would be a perfect time for the forward to break out of his slump. Going up against former national team player Gibbs though will be a challenge.

PREDICTION - Plan and simple this is a game that KC has to win. Multiple reasons for that, but KC needs this game badly. For more reasons than just the 3 points. I think the team will come out ready to play and get the result.

KC - 2 (Bunbury, Bravo)
Chi - 0