As Sporting KC returns home to Sporting Park to host the Seattle Sounders FC, I caught up with ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle to preview the match. Live coverage will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, 99.3 FM, and La Grande 1340 AM.
Jonathon Feyerherm: What were your expectations for both teams heading into this season and where is each club at this point in the season?
Jeff Carlisle: My expectations were that Seattle and Kansas City would both be near the top of the Western Conference standings, though I thought Seattle would be higher than they are. Seattle was coming off winning the Supporters Shield and SKC had been a perennial playoff team as well. That said, a late run by either team could see that hunch become reality.
JF: What have you seen from Seattle that’s led to their improved form in the last several weeks?
JC: I just think Seattle has gotten healthier. Both Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins are back, and the team has more attacking depth now with the additions of Nelson Valdez and Andreas Ivanschitz. Obviously the loss of Roman Torres is a big blow, but the boost to the attack has made life easier for the back line I think.
JF: The first two matches this season between these two sides had a combined one goal (0-0 draw in Seattle, 1-0 win in KC). What are you expecting to see on Sunday?
JC: SKC will have a bit of a chip on its shoulder after losing to Houston in midweek, so I expect them to deliver a better performance. But with Feilhaber and Besler suspended, Seattle has more of its key players available, so I'm expecting them to prevail.
JF: With Matt Besler and Benny Feilhaber suspended due to yellow card accumulation, what Sporting KC players are looking to step up?
JC: Paulo Nagamura is a veteran presence in midfield, and while he doesn't have the creativity I think his leadership in a game like this is critical. I also think this is a great chance for Erik Palmer-Brown to step in and show everyone the extent of the progress he's made as a player.
JF: How important is this match for both sides?
JC: The games are all big at this time of the season, but a win for either side could put them more in the conversation for the Supporters Shield. The jockeying for playoff positions is in full swing and both teams will want to do everything they can to avoid being in the knockout round. These teams could very well meet in the playoffs, so they'll want to gain a psychological edge as well.
JF: With about a month left in the season, what are your thoughts on the playoff race in the Western Conference?
JC: It's totally up for grabs. I really thought L.A. was going to put its stamp on the race, but they've been in a rut of late. I think any one of the top five could finish first. The race for the last spot is crazy as well with Portland, San Jose, RSL, and Houston all capable of snagging it. I think the last few weeks of the season should be really compelling.
