After a bye last weekend, Sporting Kansas City resumes MLS play on Saturday against Real Salt Lake. The Western Conference tilt will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT on 38 the Spot and SKCTV. Limited tickets are available including recently released Standing Room Only tickets for just $20. Ahead of Saturday's match, here are a few news and notes surrounding the team.
Rubio ready
Sporting Kansas City announced the signing of Young Designated Player Diego Rubio on March 8, but the Chilean striker was unable to play due to visa issues. Rubio took advantage of the bye week to return to Spain to get his paperwork sorted and is now back in Kansas City and eligible for Saturday's match. The 22-year-old striker scored 37 goals and 15 assists during a five-year professional career in South America and Europe.
Medranda recalled
After playing 70 minutes in the Swope Park Rangers inaugural match last Saturday, Sporting KC recalled midfielder Jimmy Medranda ahead of this weekend's match. Medranda has 15 appearances for the first team. Goalkeeper Jon Kempin and forward Daniel Salloi will both remain with the Swope Park Rangers for their weekend match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
Besler ruled out for Saturday
Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes ruled captain Matt Besler out for Saturday's match. The U.S. MNT defender is recovering from a concussion suffered in training last week with the national team. “He’s still not quite right. He’s still just trying to recover a little bit,” Vermes told Sam McDowell from the Kansas City Star. “We’re giving him the time to rest."
McDowell also has injury updates on other Sporting KC players including midfielders Paulo Nagamura and Justin Mapp.
