Sporting Kansas City (2-8-5) travel to face off against Minnesota United (7-3-4) on Sunday, June 2nd. This match will be played at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, MN. Both Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous matches. The match is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET.
Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United
Sporting Kansas City Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Sporting Kansas City will be looking to bounce back from a tough 2-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. This match took place on their home pitch, but they were still the +188 underdog. The three combined goals surpassed the over/under line of 2.5 goals.
Marinos Tzionis was the only player for Sporting KC to find the net, and he took just one shot and one shot on goal. Sporting KC finished the match with three shots on goal and eight total shots. They also had four corner kicks.
On the defensive end, Sporting KC allowed two goals on just two shots on goal from Vancouver. John Pulskamp played the entire match at the keeper position and finished with zero saves. Overall, the defense intercepted six passes and blocked two shots.
Through 15 matches, Sporting Kansas City has struggled, going just 2-8-5, which has them in 14th place in the Western Conference. They have dropped six straight matches, including a 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on May 30th. Overall, they have just one win on the road, going 1-4-2, and have also struggled at home, going 1-4-3. After this match vs. Minnesota United, they will return home to take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, June 9th.
Minnesota United Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Minnesota United will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Los Angeles FC. This match was played on their opponent’s pitch, and going into the match, they were the heavy underdog at +475. The two combined goals fell short of the pre-match over/under line of 3.5 goals.
On offense, Minnesota United’s attack was limited to just one shot on goal and six shots overall. Robin Lod was the only player to have a shot on goal, and he finished the match with two total shots. Minnesota United finished the match with eight corner kicks.
Defensively, Minnesota United allowed a total of 14 shots and three corner kicks. Dayne St. Clair finished with three saves on LAFC’s five shots on goal. The two goals allowed by St. Clair were right around the average number of goals he has allowed on the year.
Through 14 matches, Minnesota United has a record of 7-3-4, putting them in 4th place in the Western Conference. They have been solid on the road, going 4-2-1, but have struggled to win at home, posting a record of 3-1-3. Over their last four matches, they have just one win, going 1-1-2. Following this match vs. Sporting Kansas City, they will be back at home on Sunday, June 9th vs. FC Dallas. In the Western Conference standings, they are just one point behind New York City FC and one point ahead of the Columbus Crew.
Sporting Kansas City Offense Breakdown
Leading the way for Sporting Kansas City’s attack this season has been Erik Thommy, who has found the back of the net four times, which is 35th in MLS. William Agada has also been a key contributor, as he is 34th in the league in shots on goal and has scored three goals. Memo Rodríguez is the team’s leader in assists and is 31st in MLS in that category. This season, Sporting Kansas City has averaged 1.5 goals per match, which is 12th in the league. They have taken fewer shots on goal than their season average in three straight matches.
Minnesota United Offense Breakdown
Minnesota United has been one of the more dangerous offensive clubs in the MLS this season, ranking 7th in goals scored at 1.7 per match. Tani Oluwaseyi has been their top scorer, ranking 18th in the league with six goals. He also leads the club in shots on goal, which is 49th in the MLS. Robin Lod has been their top playmaker, ranking 4th in the league in assists. He has also scored four goals, which is second on the club.
Sporting Kansas City Defense Breakdown
Heading into their match against Minnesota United, Sporting Kansas City’s defense is struggling, as they have given up seven goals over their last three matches. This includes giving up three goals to an Austin FC offense that is ranked 21st in the MLS. On the season, they are 25th in goals allowed per match at 1.9. They will be facing a Minnesota United offense that is 7th in the league in scoring. Sporting KC is 12th in blocked shots and 3rd in interceptions. Tim Melia is 28th in clean sheets and 13th in saves.
Minnesota United Defense Breakdown
Minnesota United’s defense has struggled as of late, giving up eight goals over their last four matches (2.0 per match). They have given up two goals in each of their last two matches, including a 2-0 loss to the 6th ranked offense in Los Angeles FC. On the season, they are 13th in goals allowed (1.4 per match). They do lead the MLS in interceptions (11.5) and fouls per match (8.6). Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is 23rd in clean sheets (2) and 17th in saves (40).
Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United Prediction
Looking at how we expect this one to play out, we have Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United both finding the net twice. The projected shots on goal for each team is six, and as for who has the edge to score a goal, we like Teemu Pukki of Minnesota United. Pukki has the best odds to score in the match overall. As for Sporting KC, look for William Agada to find the net. Taking a look at the money line odds, we have this one ending in a draw at +300.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:June 1, 2024 Minnesota United FC, Sporting Kansas City