The 2020 MLS regular season is making a comeback in home markets.
Major League Soccer unveiled Saturday the phase one return-to-play schedule of a campaign that was halted March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming with the MLS is Back Tournament last month.
The first phase of the continued regular season will see Sporting Kansas City play six matches between Aug. 21 and Sept. 13, including the first five in a busy 16-day stretch as well as three home fixtures at Children’s Mercy Park.
Each of Sporting’s next six matches will air live on FOX Sports Kansas City or FOX Sports Kansas City Plus in Kansas, Nebraska and western Missouri and on FOX Sports Midwest or FOX Sports Midwest Plus in St. Louis, mid-Missouri and Iowa. They can also be streamed via the FOX Sports GO app or FOXSportsGO.com. Additionally, every contest will air locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB or one of its sister stations and La Grande 1340 AM.
In conjunction with Saturday’s schedule release, Sporting Kansas City has announced the club’s plan for reduced-capacity, socially distanced seating for the next three home matches at Children’s Mercy Park. Tickets for all three home games will be available exclusively to Season Ticket Members via lotteries and no single-game tickets will be sold by the club on SeatGeek.com or at the stadium box office.
Compelling stats and storylines surround every fixture on the docket as Manager Peter Vermes’ men look to keep hold of first place in the Western Conference and remain in contention for the Supporter’s Shield. Without further ado, we visit each matchup in our rapid-fire rundown below—all in a maximum of 280 characters.
Friday, Aug. 21 at Minnesota United FC
6:30 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports GO
Minnesota’s home opener at Allianz Field will feature the West’s top two teams. Sporting occupies first place with 12 points and a 4-1-0 record, while the unbeaten Loons are a point behind at 3-0-2. Minnesota edged Sporting 2-1 in the MLS is Back Tournament with two late goals.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 vs. Houston Dynamo
7:30 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports GO
A rematch of Sporting’s 2020 home opener will see Vermes’ side take the field at Children’s Mercy Park for the first time in 171 days. Sporting dominated the first meeting against Houston, prevailing 4-0 with goals from Alan Pulido, Roger Espinoza, Gadi Kinda and Khiry Shelton.
Saturday, Aug. 29 at Colorado Rapids
8 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports GO
Six weeks after Sporting beat Colorado in a 3-2 thriller at the MLS is Back Tournament, these longtime rivals will meet for the 80th time in all competitions. The Rapids attack features two former Sporting players in Kei Kamara and Diego Rubio, who combined for 25 goals in 2019.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 vs. FC Dallas
7:30 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports GO
The regular season series between these two MLS originals is tied at 25-25-12. Sporting are 8-2-2 in their last 12 home matches against FC Dallas, which missed out on the MLS is Back Tournament due to a number of COVID-19 cases in early July. Dallas won both meetings in 2019.
Saturday, Sept. 5 at Houston Dynamo
7 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports GO
Sporting has faced Houston 33 times in all competitions since 2011, more than any other opponent, and posted a 13-10-10 record during that stretch. Sporting are 4-0-2 in their last six regular season meetings against the Dynamo, a run that includes four shutouts.
Sunday, Sept. 13 vs. Minnesota United FC
7:30 p.m. CT | FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports GO
Sporting owns a perfect 5-0-0 home record against Minnesota in all competitions, outscoring the Loons 14-1 at Children’s Mercy Park. However, Minnesota is no stranger to road success, having won 3-1 at Portland and 5-2 at San Jose to open the 2020 campaign in March.
<strong>Date</strong> |
<strong>Opponent</strong> |
<strong>Time (CT)</strong> |
<strong>TV & Streaming</strong> |
<div>Friday, Aug. 21</div> |
<div>at Minnesota United FC</div> |
<div>6:30 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City Plus;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
<div>Tuesday, Aug. 25</div> |
<div>HOUSTON DYNAMO</div> |
<div>7:30 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City Plus;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
<div>Saturday, Aug. 29</div> |
<div>at Colorado Rapids</div> |
<div>8 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
<div>Wednesday, Sept. 2</div> |
<div>FC DALLAS</div> |
<div>7:30 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City Plus;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
<div>Saturday, Sept. 5</div> |
<div>at Houston Dynamo</div> |
<div>7 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City Plus;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
<div>Sunday, Sept. 13</div> |
<div>MINNESOTA UNITED FC</div> |
<div>7:30 p.m.</div> |
<div>FOX Sports Kansas City;<br>
FOX Sports GO</div> |
All MLS clubs will play 18 additional league matches in a phased approach, culminating with Decision Day on Nov. 8 to complete the 23-game regular season. The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are slated to begin Nov. 20 with 18 teams and will culminate with the 25th MLS Cup on Dec. 12.
Major League Soccer’s return to play in the home markets of all 26 clubs will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19. MLS plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September as the league continues to work with infectious disease experts, league and club medical personnel, and government officials in all markets in charting a course for the completion of the 2020 season.
