RSL vs. Sporting KC: Three Questions with The Blue Testament

1. You're coming off the back of your first loss of 2017. What's your feeling about SKC right now?

I really like where the team is at right now. If I look around the field at the starting XI, I truly feel like this team is better than they were last year at every single position. Each player has locked down his spot and that was simply not the case last year. SKC has speed and creativity in the attack and a classic Peter Vermes defense. It has been a tough start to the year but they have been getting results. They've already played away at DC, Portland, Toronto and both home & away vs Dallas. I'm very happy to have some of those matches out of the way. They are in a decent spot right now and I, like a lot of fans, believe they are going to improve as the season matures.

2. Despite a good record so far, you're hardly going in goalscoring. Can you sustain results and average less than a goal per game?

Averaging less than a goal per game? No. Not the results fans are looking for at least. But as I touched on above, there is a lot of reason to think the goals will come. This is in stark contrast to last season when we truly had no idea how these guys would ever score. I really feel like this team needs to get into double game weeks! Medranda and Gerso on the wings are both still settling in to their roles this young season. There is so much to like about what this offense could develop into, we just need to get them playing more matches.

That being said... the defense is legit and they have a legit keeper behind them. Averaging less than a goal per game won't do it, but SKC won't need 3-4 goals a game either. This is probably why most fans are not worried at the moment.

3. Why should Real Salt Lake fans fear Kansas City?

I would be afraid of being the opponent when the flood gates open and the goals start to flow. The last match at Children's Mercy they were able to put three on the board. After two tough road matches I think SKC will be looking to shift into top gear in front of The Cauldron this weekend. Also if Tim Howard is any example, opposing teams should fear The Cauldron and their ability to throw a keeper off his game.

Lineup: (4-3-3) Melia, Sinovic, Besler, Opara, Zusi, Ilie, Espinoza, Feilhaber, Medranda, Dwyer, Gerso

Score: 1-0 Sporting KC, for our record against RSL in MLS Cups.