Five Things, presented by Keith + Associates Dentistry, is a weekly series on SportingKC.com that highlights the top storylines, players to watch and matchday programming ahead of each game throughout the season.
A Western Conference rivalry that sizzled across three separate competitions in 2018 will return Saturday when Sporting Kansas City (4-5-7, 19 points) visits Real Salt Lake (6-8-2, 20 points) for a 9 p.m. CT kickoff at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Live match coverage will be available on FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports Midwest Plus, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM.
Sporting’s month-long road swing has hit its fifth and final stop this weekend as Manager Peter Vermes’ side aim for a second successive victory, having defeated Columbus Crew SC by a 1-0 scoreline last Sunday. RSL, meanwhile, are set to host their first home game in more than a month and will be equally eager to claim all three points.
Without further ado, here are five things you must know about Saturday’s clash.
1. Rivalry Rekindled
Since the rivalry blossomed in 2013, Sporting and RSL have squared off 19 times in all competitions. Five of those meetings took place last year when Manager Peter Vermes' men booted RSL out of both the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs. The likes of Benny Feilhaber and Kyle Beckerman have enriched the rivalry with comments off the field and influential performances on it.
Moreover, the clubs have clashed on the brightest stages American soccer has to offer—none bigger than the unforgettable 2013 MLS Cup at Children’s Mercy Park. Earlier this week, SportingKC.com took a look back at six of the team’s most memorable wins against Real Salt Lake.
2. Trending Up
Sporting took a huge step last Sunday in Columbus, notching their first MLS away win of the season and posting a shutout for the first time since mid-March. Goalkeeper Tim Melia was solid between the pipes and a back four of Seth Sinovic, Matt Besler, Botond Barath and Graham Zusi kept Crew SC at bay.
Saturday’s test in Utah gives Sporting an opportunity to really turn the corner with some momentum heading into the second half of 2019. RSL (20 points) and Sporting (19 points) could both vault as high as sixth in the Western Conference table with a win, while the loser will remain on the wrong side of the red line.
3. Know the Foe
Led by spirited head coach Mike Petke, Real Salt Lake boasts a deep attacking corps capable of doing damage in the final third. Slovakian talisman Albert Rusnak is one of the league’s most prolific chance creators and leads the side with six goals, breakout forward Sam Johnson has scored five of his own, and the likes of Damir Kreilach, Sebastian Saucedo and Corey Baird have all displayed difference-making abilities throughout 2019. Venezuelan winger Jefferson Savarino is arguably the most dangerous of the bunch, but he will miss the game on international duty at the Copa America in Brazil.
The RSL spine continues to run through the ageless Tim Rimando and Kyle Beckerman, who rank first and second, respectively, in all-time MLS matches played.
4. Oh Brother
Brothers Matt and Nick Besler are on another collision course this Saturday. Matt Besler, the Sporting captain, has forged a heralded career with his hometown club and the U.S. Men’s National Team as one of the best American center backs of his generation. Nick Besler, capable of playing in defense and midfield, broke out for RSL last year and has made 11 MLS appearances this term. It remains to be seen which sibling gets the best of the rivalry this time around, but this much is certain: Greg and Diane, the Besler brothers’ parents, will be in attendance at Rio Tinto Stadium and look on with plenty of pride.
5. Party at the Pub
Fans are welcome to attend the official watch party for Saturday's match at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District (1370 Grand Blvd.), highlighted by prize giveaways and multiple food and drink specials. This particular watch party will pack an extra celebratory punch, serving as the final destination of Sporting’s Watch Party Palooza during the month of June.
Keith + Associates Dental Fact
Toothbrushes should be kept at least six feet from the toilet because, after flushing, spreadable bacteria can travel that far.
