Five things you should know heading into Sunday's match vs. Sporting KC (LIVE 2:00pm CT on ESPN).
Who’s back for SKC?
The last time these two teams met on May 18, Sporting KC just began a near two-month stretch without U.S. National Team members, midfielder Graham Zusi and defender Matt Besler. Though the pair have returned from the U.S. run to the Round of 16 in Brazil, it remains unclear whether either will be used Sunday vs. the Fire.
On Friday, Besler joined Seattle’s DeAndre Yedlin for a media tour in New York City while MLSsoccer.com also reports Zusi hadn’t trained that day, meaning at least a start for the U.S. duo Sunday is probably out of the question. However, it would surprise no one to see one or both players available to Peter Vermes off the bench.
Meanwhile, Sporting midfielder Benny Feilhaber told reporters this week he’s “ready to play”, having missed the team’s return from the World Cup break last week vs. Portland after suffering an AC sprain on June 6 vs. Houston.
Quincy Amarikwa
The Fire will be without the services of forward Quincy Amarikwa after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season with a bicycle attempt that caught TFC defender Steven Caldwell in the face in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw.
“I’m disappointed not to be able to help the team vs. Sporting,” Amarikwa told Chicago-Fire.com this week. “I want to play every single game that I can. Unfortunately the rules are what they are. I’m hoping the guys can go on the road and bring back three points and we’ll get back moving with the Open Cup on Wednesday in Atlanta.”
With Amarikwa out and the Fire loaning out Juan Luis Anangono earlier this week, the team signed former Chivas USA forward Matthew Fondy on Saturday, who could play some part Sunday vs. Sporting KC.
Larentowicz Baby Watch
Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz and wife Kristi were hoping to welcome their new baby into the world on July 3. It didn’t happen so Larentowicz Baby Watch continues.
Numbers of Note
- All-Time vs. Sporting KC: 25-12-10; 84 GF 55 GA
- All-Time at Sporting Park: 1-1-2; 1 GF, 2 GA
- Mike Magee has three goals, one assist in his last three matches vs. Sporting KC.
- In the nine matches played between these two clubs since 2011, there have been a combined six player ejections.
Fire Weekly
Fred Huebner, Kevin Egan and myself talk World Cup, take a look at Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Toronto and previewed today’s Sporting KC match on Saturday’s edition of Chicago Fire Weekly.
