It is quite fair to state that Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes was quite upset after playing the Vancouver Whitecaps where the own goal came from a display of terrible communication. On top of that, his squad let Vancouver do what they wished for much of the match. Stating "the mentality was not right", there is no doubt that Vermes needs to run a tight ship to fighting off the surging DC United for the top spot in the East.
New Designated Players Graham Zusi and Matt Besler will need to continue their strong play in what has been a very long season. Along with leading SKC, the dynamic duo have played in the World Cup, and in the MLS All-Star Game. The challenge for Vermes will be how he utilizes his stars for the final stretch which also includes matches in the CONCACAF Champions League.
There were some encouraging signs for SKC. Homegrown Keeper Jon Kempin made his debut for injured starter Andy Gruenebaum and was awarded the save of the week for a brilliant stop on Darren Mattocks penalty kick in the 86th minute. Confidence is a huge factor for any young player and SKC wish he will maintain this momentum at Sporting Park. With Greenebaum’s shoulder strain still a factor, Kempin can look forward to his first start against Toronto FC.
For Toronto FC who have already passed by three games the win total for the ENTIRE 2013 season look to build on the recent victories against the Montreal Impact and Columbus Crew. They go to Kansas without English Striker Jermain Defoe who will sit out another game with a groin sprain. However, Manager Ryan Nelson must be sleeping better at night knowing that Gilberto has finally found the scoring touch that made him a DP and after scoring in two straight games perfectly complements the clever play of ex-Aston Villa star Luke Moore.
When TFC captain and key defender Steven Caldwell went out for an extended absence with a torn quad, many thought TFC would be sunk for yet another year. Fortunately for the Reds, the young Nick Hagglund and recent addition Warren Creavalle have played well and their resilience will truly be tested against the 2013 MLS Champions.
TFC's last match against SKC was a heartbreaking one as ex-Red Jacob Peterson, who left Toronto under a inline of controversy in 2011, scored a shocker to clinch the victory. Peterson who seems to despise Canada in general will want to repeat the feat.
Sporting Kansas City enter tomorrow’s match sitting at the top of the table, with a two point lead over DC United who have one game in hand, while Toronto FC, sit third as the Reds vie for the first playoff spot in team history.