In match two of the MLS season, the Philadelphia Union travel to the middle of the country, to face Sporting Kansas City for an 8:30 matchup. The team is 8-7-7 lifetime against Sporting Kansas City, even though they have not beaten them since July 30, 2020.
If you were to look at stats in this matchup, Philadelphia does have advantages over Sporting KC. They have more than a 2-to-1 advantage, in regard to shots on goal (13-6), they do block more shots and when it comes to aerial duels, it is the Union with an advantage of 17-0 over Sporting Kansas City.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia is coming off of a 2-2 home draw to the Chicago Fire, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Daniel Gazdag in the 93rd minute. The Union had other chances to be in the lead, however several goals were disallowed for offside calls. Philadelphia’s goaltender, Oliver Semmle, made two saves in the draw.
Jack Elliott and Damion Lowe will return to the lineup on Saturday night for the Union. They were both suspended from Tuesday night’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Deportivo Saprissa.
The Union are 2-1-2 in their last five matches, which includes non-MLS teams. Philadelphia’s next match will be at home next Saturday night against the Seattle Sounders.
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City is coming off a 1-1 road tie to Houston Dynamo FC. Erik Thommy scored the only goal in the 61st minute, and Tim Melia made five saves for Sporting KC.
The team had defense on their minds, as they only had possession for less than 40% of the game against Houston. The defense will be put to the test, as the Union has scored eight goals in their three matches this season. Alan Pulido scored 14 goals last season and is one of the players to watch. Also, are Daniel Salloi, who scored 9 goals last year, and Johnny Russell, who deposited 8 goals last year.
Sporting Kansas City is 3-1-1 in their last five matches. This is the team’s home opener, and the next game will be on the road in Los Angeles, as they face LAFC on March 16th.
About the author
David has been following all types of sports since he was a kid. While Phillies baseball is his primary focus, David can talk about the Flyers, Eagles, 76ers, Union, MLB and college sports. He does computer work in Pennsylvania and does stats work for another sports company.
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