Match Thread: Sporting KC vs Minnesota United

Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United FC

Sporting Kansas City

* Record: 9-5-7 (34 points) * Last 5: L-W-L-W-L * Leading scorer: Johnny Russell (9 goals)

Minnesota United FC

* Record: 8-8-6 (30 points) * Last 5: W-L-D-W-L * Leading scorer: Emanuel Reynoso (10 goals)

Match Preview

Sporting Kansas City will host Minnesota United FC on Saturday night in a matchup between two teams fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Sporting KC is currently in fifth place in the standings, one point ahead of Minnesota United. Both teams have been in good form lately, with Sporting KC winning two of their last three matches and Minnesota United winning two of their last four. The match is expected to be a close one, as both teams have similar strengths and weaknesses. Sporting KC has a slight edge in experience, but Minnesota United has been playing with more confidence lately. The key matchup in the match will be between Sporting KC's defense and Minnesota United's attack. Sporting KC has allowed just 13 goals in their last 10 matches, while Minnesota United has scored 10 goals in their last five matches. If Sporting KC can keep Minnesota United's attack in check, they will have a good chance of winning the match. However, if Minnesota United can find a way to break through Sporting KC's defense, they will be the favorites to win.

Match Updates

* 1' - The match is underway at Children's Mercy Park. * 5' - Minnesota United has the first chance of the match, but Emanuel Reynoso's shot is saved by Tim Melia. * 10' - Sporting KC is starting to control possession of the ball. * 15' - Johnny Russell has a chance to give Sporting KC the lead, but his shot goes wide. * 20' - Minnesota United is starting to get back into the match. * 25' - Reynoso has another chance to score, but his shot is blocked by a Sporting KC defender. * 30' - The match is still scoreless. * 35' - Sporting KC is awarded a free kick just outside the Minnesota United penalty area. * 36' - Russell takes the free kick, but his shot is saved by Dayne St. Clair. * 40' - The first half is coming to a close. * 45' - The first half ends scoreless.

Second Half

* 46' - The second half is underway. * 50' - Sporting KC is still controlling possession of the ball. * 55' - Minnesota United has a chance to take the lead, but Franco Fragapane's shot is saved by Melia. * 60' - Sporting KC is starting to get more chances in the Minnesota United half. * 65' - Russell has another chance to score, but his shot is blocked by a Minnesota United defender. * 70' - The match is still scoreless. * 75' - Minnesota United is starting to get more desperate for a goal. * 80' - Reynoso has a chance to score, but his shot goes wide. * 85' - The match is entering the final five minutes. * 90' - The match is still scoreless. * 90+3' - The match ends in a 0-0 draw.