Sporting K.C. hosts offensive-minded New York City in opener
The opening weekend of Major League Soccer presents an intriguing matchup when Sporting Kansas City and its stout defense host offensive-minded New York City FC at Children's Mercy Park on Sunday.
New York City's attack is led by David Villa, one of the league's most prolific scorers. The 36-year-old Spaniard and World Cup champion has 63 goals and 21 assists in three MLS seasons. He has accounted for nearly 40 percent of NYCFC's goals during that span.
Only defending MLS Cup champion Toronto FC has scored more goals than NYCFC over the past two seasons. However, New York City must overcome the loss of Jack Harrison, who scored 10 goals last season as a 20-year-old before transferring in January to parent club Manchester City in England's Premier League.
Still, New York City has the likes of Rodney Wallace, Yangel Herrera and designated player Jesus Medina in the attack, although Belgian forward Jo Inge Berget (quadriceps injury) will not debut.
"Scoring goals, we know we can do it," NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira said. "Against Kansas City it is not going to be easy because they are quite strong defending as a team."
Sporting K.C. allowed just 29 goals in 34 matches in 2017. Also, Tim Melia was named the league's top goalkeeper -- his 0.78 goals-against average was the seventh-lowest in MLS history -- and Ike Opara was recognized as the top defender.
Coach Peter Vermes is looking to add some punch for SKC with the additions of Frenchman Yohan Croizet, Chilean midfielder Felipe Gutierrez and Scottish outside midfielder Johnny Russell among a possible five new starters.
"I believe the first 10 games are kind of your way of finding out who you really are, and what you have and maybe what you need," Vermes said.
--Field Level Media
