The upstart Union look to advance beyond Sporting Kansas City who have really been firing on all cylinders. It all begins Thurs, 7 p.m. CT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Sports Radio 810 WHB, en Espanol La Grande 1340 AM & streaming all over on the ESPN app. Catch the Final Whistle postgame right after the final whistle on the radio. Sporting KC has an hour of pregame and half an hour of post game coverate on FOX Sports Kansas CIty & FOX Sports GO. You may go mark the match as fans of all ages are more than welcome to attend their Virtual Watch Party, or go to Kansas City Live! in the KC Power and Light District free, social distancing is to be followed. Whichever team is left standing then moves on from this big game from the quarters to the semis next one, nearerr to the spoils of overall victory, $1.1 million and a berth in the ICC.
The Peter Vermes lead team is coming off a scoreless draw and final in PK's of 3-1 over Vancouver. They pummled the 'Caps with 3 dozen shots a team record and were not able to break through the tight D of the Canadians. The pair of Melia saves in the end and 3 converted kicks by Pulido, Sanchez & Busio led the way in the end. The Union arrived by downing the Revs the day before 1-0 off the foot of Brasiliero Sergio Santos, post game former USMNT HC Bruce Aena was red carded, he was cursing up a storm.
In their first game with MN UTD, SKC gave up a pair of first half goals and dropping that one 2-1, but that may have awoken a sleeping giant. They bested the Rapids 3-2, RSL 2-0 , a quartet of players have scored and the defense has been stellar with matching shutouts in the last pair of games.
Philly have been on phire, undefeated with 3 wins and a sole tie, good for the #2 spot in their Group A, dropping NYCFC and first year Inter Miami, then a tie with OCSC. Almost twice the number of goal getters as their next opponent with 7, that balance will be invaluable. Andre Blake has been great with a MLS tops in saves with 27 thus far on the season, 21 in these games.
As stated before these games do not go towards seasonal totals, some teams are out, further yellow card accumulation will have no effect, I would be sure to get one a game.
Both netminders have been playing out of their minds Melia of KC, a LI native is 5-0 in shootouts over his bakers dozen years long tenure in the league and is riding an unreal 406' streak of not conceeding. Andre Blake of the Union has been equally impresive with a pair of shuouts and creating an MVP buzz.
KC has a bit of the better record overall at 7-6-6, 6-6-5 in regular season games. Last time March 10, 2019 a PK by Sanchez and an own goal at the end were the difference makers at Children's Mercy Park.
Consider tournament games and it all shifts, 2-0 KC a 2-0 victory back in 2012 in US Open Cup play, again 2015 saw them win, 7-6 on pk's after a 1-1 result, with Melia picking up a pair of saves in the pk's.
As for silverware it is not even close, KC does have a longer history, 4 US Open Cups, a pair of MLS titles and a Supporters Shield, the Union are berefit of any such honors.