Sporting Kansas City slipped out of Red Bull Arena in New Jersey with a sharp comeback win against the NW Red Bulls last Saturday. One of the eight MLS teams that won on opening weekend, Sporting KC will look to steal three more points from another Eastern Conference opponent to stay at the top of the Western Conference.
At the other end of the pitch, Orlando City SC endured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Gabriel Heinze's Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium last weekend. The Lions will travel West to claim three points in Kansas City on Friday evening.
Sporting KC breakdown
Sporting Kansas City had a shaky first half against the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey last Saturday. Sporting's experienced backline committed some mistakes in possession and looked flat when defending NY Red Bulls' counterattacks.
With starting goalkeeper Tim Melia out due to an undisclosed injury, 19-year-old John Pulskamp made his MLS debut. Pulskamp was having an uneventful evening until 17-year-old Caden Clark broke the deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half. The goal was a wake-up call for the Wizards, who responded with two goals in two minutes. The first was a penalty scored by midfielder Gadi Kinda, and the second was a Daniel Salloi tap in from a Khiry Shelton cross.
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Gianluca Busio played a false nine role and was key in terms of creativity going forward. Busio, who usually plays in the midfield three, showed again how versatile he can be. Head coach Peter Vermes will count on the teenager to inspire his team's attack on Friday.
Gianluca Busio looks ahead to the new season: "We're hungry. We're ready to work." #SportingKC pic.twitter.com/aG7EnYd0AQ
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) April 18, 2021
Orlando City SC breakdown
Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja deployed a 4-2-3-1 that worked hard enough to earn a home clean sheet against Atlanta United on Saturday. Orlando's center back pairing of Antonio Carlos and Rodrigo Schlegel stood tall and strong in front of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who saved three shots.
In attack, Orlando used wide areas to get forward via full-backs Kyle Smith and Ruan. Smith and Ruan look to overlap the wingers – Chris Mueller and Nani – and get themselves in position to cross the ball from deep or play cut back passes. The Lions like their set pieces and will look for Carlos, Schlegel and forward Tesho Akindele to head the ball in the back of the net.
Orlando lacked the mobility and finishing ability of forward Daryl Dike, who is currently out on loan at Barnsley in the Championship. Nonetheless, replacement striker Alexandre Pato showed glimpses of what he can offer to the team this season. On one chance, Pato made a mazy run in Atlanta's box before being disrupted by a teammate. On the other chance, Mueller played a cutback and Pato, whose shot deflected from a defender.
Here's another look at that big chance for Alexandre Pato...
— All Orlando City (@AllOrlandoCity) April 17, 2021
Sensational last ditch challenge. As aforementioned, if the block tackle isn't made, that strike gets past Guzan before he can react. #AllOrlandoCity
pic.twitter.com/tnPCVkC3vT
Broadcast information for Sporting KC vs. Orlando City Friday, April 2 at 7:55 p.m. ET
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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