Sporting KC announced today that Lawrence Olum has been recalled to the Kenyan national team for their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho. The game on August 3rd is the second game of their home and away series against Lesotho. Kenya lost the first leg on July 20th 1-0. Meaning they need to win to even have the chance to advance.
The call up will cause Olum to miss this Friday's game against the Philadelphia Union. Like Olum's last call up to Kenya it comes at a bad time for Sporting KC. Sporting will be without Matt Besler for Friday's game after his red card last night against Toronto. There is also the potential risk of being without Seth Sinovic, who left last night's game early with a groin strain. The problem is that the primary back up to fill both Besler's and Sinovic's role is the same player, Kevin Ellis. With Ellis only able to fill one spot, it could get interesting.
If Sinovic can go Friday, it's simple, Ellis plays center back next to Collin, Sinovic plays left back. If Sinovic can't go though there are a number of ways things could go. One option would be that Erik Palmer-Brown could slide into central defense and Ellis could play left back. Palmer-Brown though has missed time lately with an injury as well, if he can't go it gets more complicated. Ellis would likely need to play center back, leaving the left back slot open. There are a few options for KC at left back in this scenario. Jacob Peterson, who has played right back at times this season, including in a league game against Houston could slide left. Sal Zizzo, who played outside back with the Portland Timbers could also be called in as an emergency full back. The third option is Toni Dovale, who played left back for Celta de Vigo before KC brought him in. So KC has options, but they're not the most ideal.
The call up also means that we could see Jorge Claros make his MLS debut in the midfield for KC.
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