KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City is preparing for an away game against the Colorado Rapids on July 4 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The match, set to begin at 8:30 p.m. CT, will be accessible via Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass, with local radio coverage on Sports Radio 810 WHB.

The team aims to close the gap to playoff spots after completing a three-game homestand with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss. In their last match, Sporting Kansas City managed a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake. The upcoming game marks their only road trip in a six-match stretch from June 14 to July 19.

Interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin has led the team to accumulate 19 points with a record of five wins, five losses, and four draws since taking over in March. However, Sporting Kansas City has not won in Colorado since March 29, 2014.

In their previous encounter on July 4, 2024, Sporting lost to the Rapids due to a late penalty conversion by Djordje Mihailovic. Despite this setback, they secured a significant victory over Colorado later that year with a score of 4-1 at Children’s Mercy Park.

Midfielder Manu Garcia has been instrumental for Sporting Kansas City this season. He recently assisted Erik Thommy's goal in the draw against Real Salt Lake and leads the team with nine assists. This achievement ties him for third place in MLS assists this season.

Captain Erik Thommy scored his third goal of the season against Real Salt Lake and now has six goal contributions this year. His performance earned him recognition in the MLS Team of the Matchday.

Defender Ian James made his first MLS start at just 17 years old during the recent draw with Real Salt Lake. This makes him the second-youngest player to start an MLS game for Sporting Kansas City.