Preview #USOC: #SportingKC – Union
Well this should definitely be an interesting match up being that Sporting, one of the top teams in the MLS, was just in Philadelphia a few weeks ago and lost 4-0 to the Union, one of the lower teams in the MLS, but this obviously isn't your normal MLS regular season game. This is the US Open Cup Semifinal and the winner of this game will be headed to the final. Sporting trying to get their second US Open Cup trophy since 2004 and the Union the chance to make it to their very first Open Cup final. I fully expect this game to be a complete drag out knock out match with both teams bringing their A+ plus game to the match. I would even be willing to bet that somebody gets sent off in this match and this game could potentially go into extra time but if it does I believe that it will be decided during extra time and there won't be a need for PKs.
If Sporting comes out and plays pretty much like they have the last couple of matches with just a few less flaws then they stand a very good chance to advance to the final. They really are the better team and I really believe that the 4-0 loss that they suffered just a few weeks ago was a fluke and even if Sporting does lose in this match up then it won't be nearly as bad as it was the last time they played the Union.
If Sporting wins and advances to the final then the final match, which I'm betting will be against Seattle unless Chivas USA can continue their magic, will be held at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on August 7th or 8th.
McBeth