KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City will face San Diego FC, the current leaders of the Western Conference, on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. CT, with kickoff set for 7:55 p.m. Tickets are available through SeatGeek as the club hosts its annual Sporting Salutes theme night to honor military service members.

Fans attending the game are encouraged to arrive early for a challenge coin giveaway at the gates while supplies last. Pre-game activities include displays of military vehicles and participation from non-profit military organizations on Mazuma Plaza. Sailors from the USS Kansas City and military honoree Matthew Schilling will be recognized during pre-game ceremonies. Military personnel will participate in a full-field American flag presentation during the national anthem, which will conclude with a C-130 flyover. Military veterans can also access special offers at stadium concessions with valid identification.

Sporting KC players will wear commemorative Sporting Salutes patches on their jerseys, two of which will be donated to the National World War I Museum and Memorial for inclusion in an exhibition opening next February ahead of FIFA World Cup 26. Volunteers from the museum will be recognized at halftime, and fans can purchase a limited edition Sporting Salutes scarf created in partnership with the institution.

"Grab the limited-edition Sporting Salutes scarf + hat at https://t.co/kxQU2jksCz or at the game this Saturday, August 9.

In partnership with @TheWWImuseumpic.twitter.com/Xmsr1c4NJU"

— SportingStyle (@SportingStyle) August 7, 2025

Sporting Kansas City begins August six points below the playoff line with ten games left in their regular season schedule. The team's defense has been reinforced by Mexican center back Alan Montes, who joined on loan from Club Necaxa after receiving his P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

The club remains unbeaten in its last eight MLS home matches against expansion teams, dating back over a decade since their last such loss at Children's Mercy Park in 2012 against CF Montreal. This is the second meeting between SKC and San Diego this season; they previously played to a scoreless draw in California in May. Both clubs feature first-year head coaches—Kerry Zavagnin for SKC and Mikey Varas for San Diego—and two of Major League Soccer's top teenage players this year.

MLS teenagers have logged significant minutes this season: Jacob Bartlett (SKC) leads with 1,597 minutes played, followed by Luca Bombino (San Diego), Peyton Miller (New England), and Francis Westfield (Philadelphia).

"Host City Hometown Pride

The world is coming to Kansas City, let’s welcome them in style.

Grab your host city tee online at https://t.co/kxQU2jksCz or in-store this Saturday pic.twitter.com/1SMap6Q8LP"

— SportingStyle (@SportingStyle) August 4, 2025

San Diego FC enters as the top scoring team in their conference, led by Designated Players Hirving Lozano (seven goals, eight assists) and Anders Dreyer (11 goals, 16 assists). Dreyer’s total of 27 goal contributions leads MLS this season; his assist tally ranks among league records behind Lionel Messi (18), Carlos Valderrama (19), and Marco Etcheverry (19).

San Diego has won four consecutive road matches—a first for an expansion team under current league rules—and recently defeated Mazatlan FC after previous Leagues Cup losses to Pachuca and UANL. New additions Aiden Harangi (on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt), David Vazquez (on loan from Philadelphia Union), Pedro Soma (from UE Cornella), and Corey Baird (acquired via trade from FC Cincinnati) have bolstered their squad depth.

"Raise your scarf. Pin your pride. Introducing the August Pin of the Month: Scarves Up

Available now at https://t.co/kxQU2jksCz or at our next home game! pic.twitter.com/qwLnSkDs6b"

— SportingStyle (@SportingStyle) August 1, 2025

Both teams face roster challenges due to suspensions and injuries: SKC’s Tim Leibold is suspended for caution accumulation while Joaquin Fernandez and Erik Thommy are out injured; San Diego’s Marcus Ingvartsen has returned to training but Andres Reyes is out for the season following surgery and Paddy McNair missed recent matches.

The match will be broadcast on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass service as well as nationally televised on FS1 and FOX Deportes; local radio coverage is available on 810 AM and 103.7 FM stations. Fans can also watch through participating pub partners including No Other Pub downtown starting at 5:45 p.m., where food and drink specials are offered for those wearing SKC gear.

"One Game. Every Voice.

The United We Play pre-match top by @adidas available now at https://t.co/80ApECdGm3 or https://t.co/kxQU2jksCz for Stadium pickup! pic.twitter.com/WQ2IsmmUNT"

— SportingStyle (@SportingStyle) August 5, 2025