Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Esteli
2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League
September 23 | 8 pm ET | Sporting Park
TV: Fox Sports 1, Univision Deportes
Sporting Kansas City face Nicaraguan side Real Esteli for the fourth time in two years in CONCACAF Champions League play on Tuesday, as they look to improve on the 1-1 showing in Esteli to kick off their Group 2 slate last month. Although the defending MLS Cup champions dropped points in that opener, they are coming off a win in CCL play, 3-1 over Costa Rican power Deportivo Saprissa last week at Sporting Park, and will look to continue their current winning streak across all competitions.
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MUST WIN FOR SPORTING? Peter Vermes' side have had the benefit of a break in MLS play during this two-game stretch in the Champions League, but that is at an end, and they have a big league game on Friday against New England. Does that mean this match may slide down the priority list? Don't count on it. KC sit in first place for the moment, but are currently level on points with Saprissa. They do have a game in hand on the Costa Ricans, but if they want to avoid an absolute must-win in the Group 2 finale against Saprissa Oct. 23 in Estadio Saprissa, they need to pick up at least a point in this game. A win against Esteli would allow Sporting to go through even with a one-goal loss in Costa Rica.
ESTELI SEEK ANOTHER ROAD POINT VS. SKC: Real Esteli already grabbed an unlikely point at Sporting Park a year ago. Could they surprise once again? They have never won in CCL play under the current format, but familiarity with the opponent may be just what they need to get points on the road.
DEFENSIVE ROCK COLLIN OUT FOR SKC: Aurelien Collin is expected to miss the game for Sporting, so who will slot in the French center back's place? Vermes has opted to basically play a first-string defense so far in CCL play, so look for continuity beyond Collin along the backline. Kevin Ellis, who played in KC's first Champions League game out wide, could slide over, or young Homegrown CB Erik Palmer-Brown could get the start at home.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH:
ANTONIO DOVALE: The Spaniard scored two goals in the win last week against Saprissa, and has three of SKC's four CCL goals so far this year, and Vermes likes to give players producing time on the field. Can the No. 9 continue his hot form in the competition?
ALAN KARDEK: The big Brazilian center back has plenty of experience and is known to pop up with a goal from time to time. Assuming Sporting plays a strong lineup in this game, grabbing a goal off a set piece may be Esteli's best option, and Kardek may be the man to get that goal.
