Atlanta United (7-1-1) will host Sporting KC (6-2-2) on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a battle between the top team in the East and the best from the West.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) of the Kansas City Star answered three questions about the game:
Q. Is Wednesday a possible MLS cup preview?
A. Possible? Sure. If you're into power rankings, it makes sense to have each of these teams atop their respective conferences. I do. But predicting MLS Cup participants in May is a futile exercise in a league in which teams do significant business in the middle of the season. For now, let's enjoy it for what it is — a matchup of two clubs playing really good soccer.
Q. What has been the key to KC's offense this season?
A. Two things: Movement and quality finishing. Sporting Kansas City's search for a big-name striker this winter fell short. The club instead turned to Khiry Shelton, whom it acquired in a trade with New York City FC. Shelton is yet to score, but Sporting KC leads the West in goals. Go figure. His contributions have come elsewhere, particularly with his movements that have opened space for wings Johnny Russell and Daniel Salloi. Russell, an import from Derby County FC, gives Sporting KC an element they didn't have last season with his direct play. He's as talented as any wing this club has had in years. And unlike the past few years, Sporting KC is finishing its chances at a respectable rate.
Q. What is the matchup to watch and how do you think it will turn out?
A. Nobody in MLS has the frontline firepower that Atlanta United possesses. Josef Martinez is a handful, and should provide a formidable test to see if Sporting KC has indeed put its early-season hiccups to rest.
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