Sporting Kansas City played to a thrilling 4-4 draw against the Houston Dynamo that consisted of an absolutely beautiful strike by Benny Feilhaber late into stoppage time to earn the point. I will admit, I didn’t expect a 4-4 thriller. I was expecting a 0-0 or maybe 1-0 game and thought that Sporting had blown it a couple times throughout the game. I even posted this online.
My reaction to the Sporting season based on tonight’s game. http://t.co/zAOoXPfvus
— Phillip Bupp (@phillipbupp) April 26, 2015
Even though I may have posted that a bit too early, it’s still going to be a tough season for Sporting KC. Sure the 4-4 game was a nice distraction but you can’t possibly expect SKC to keep this up and be a legitimate contender.
Except for Dom Dwyer’s lack of scoring, the game against Houston didn’t solve any of the problems Sporting Kansas City had before the game. Since Ike Opara’s season ending injury, the back line has been a shambles. A team once known for allowing the fewest goals has now allowed the second most in the league (12) and since Opara was hurt, they allowed six goals in two games. Goalkeeper Luis Marin and his back line hasn’t been able to get on the same page and not only that, they must deal with a rather unproven Kevin Ellis to play center back. Ellis may be good to go for a game or two but he clearly isn’t the answer for a long term, season long replacement.
As far as attacking is concerned, Sporting KC is actually scoring goals. They are tied for third in goals scored (11) and none have been as more prolific as newly signed Krisztian Nemeth. The former Liverpool player, Nemeth has lit up the team since he was signed to the team. Nemeth scored a bunch of goals in preseason and currently has the team lead with three goals. He and Benny Feilhaber have been incredible and the reason why Sporting has any points to begin with.
Now, Sporting KC must play another rival, the Chicago Fire. In between the two games, Sporting released a new kit and wow it looks nice. Just get a look at this.
#SportingKC to debut new third kit on Sunday @SportingPark live on #ESPN2. #REFLECTSKC READ: http://t.co/kNlIBwOFiO pic.twitter.com/pG4J5rvwtZ
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) April 29, 2015
Sporting is debuting the new kit during the Chicago game on ESPN2. However, all the goals and all the beautiful kits can’t hide their issues in defense forever. There’s still time but Peter Vermes and the team will need to fix that back line problem before it’s too late.
