D.C. United will arrive to Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park on the hunt for their first win of the 2018 season. For that to happen this weekend, the Black-and-Red will be tasked with taking down the current highest-scoring club in the league: Peter Vermes' Sporting Kansas City.
Kansas City currently lead the Western Conference with seven points (2-1-1) after earning a late-game draw against the Colorado Rapids on the road last week. Despite leading the conference, Kansas City are an even 1-1-0 at Children’s Mercy Park thus far in 2018.
Sporting’s surging offense has been paced by midfielder Felipe Gutierrez, a Chilean international who has scored a league-leading four goals so far for Kansas City, including one in their draw against the Rapids last weekend. Gutierrez signed with Kansas City over the offseason as a Designated Player, and the investment has paid off immediately for Sporting.
While Sporting have had no trouble finding the back of the net so far this season, they have struggled keeping it out of their own. Kansas City currently lead the West in goals against with nine, a surprising stat considering the club still boasts reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melia and reigning Defender of the Year Ike Opara in their Starting XI.
If United can continue with the offensive sparks they've been generating to start 2018, the Black-and-Red may be able to take advantage of Kansas City's early defensive woes. United have scored a goal in each of their first four matches of the season for the first time since 2011—a major improvement from the club's three consecutive shutouts to open the 2017 season. New acquisitions Darren Mattocks and Yamil Asad have contributed two goals a piece to their new club so far (Asad's goal at Columbus was named MLS' Goal of the Week), and Luciano Acosta, Frédéric Brillant, Paul Arriola, and Asad have also added an assist each.
This weekend, United will also welcome back midfielders Ulises Segura and Zoltán Stieber from international duty with Costa Rica and Hungary respectively. Their return to the matchday roster will bring back some experience to the attack and will help solidify the midfield against the high-powered Kansas City offense.
Though Sporting have faced some defensive struggles early on, United won't rely on that continuing on Saturday. The Black-and-Red will have to make sure they hold a tight line for a full 90 minutes against Sporting, especially after Vermes' side secured a draw at Colorado after scoring two late goals, including a 91st minute equalizer.
As United continue their road trip, they find themselves with a prime opportunity to make a statement by grabbing three points at the Blue Hell and spoiling the fun for the home crowd. Pregame coverage kicks off at 8 PM ET on NewsChannel 8 and CW Richmond.
