Our prediction for this MLS match:
Soldier Field will host Saturday’s MLS game between Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City. Chicago aim to build on a 2-0 win over FC United, with the team eyeing their fourth consecutive clean sheet. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team, but experienced defender Jonathan Bornstein could sneak into the starting XI after scoring as a substitute in the last league fixture.
The Wizards, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Colorado Rapids. Since Sporting Kansas City have been struggling on the travels at the start of the season, we are tempted to put our money on Chicago. All Oriol Rosell, Gadi Kinda, and Alan Pulido should miss out with injuries for the visiting side. In their last meeting in the MLS Sporting emerged triumphant, meaning that the hosts are hungry for revenge.
Highlighted Player (Francisco Calvo):
Francisco Calvo is a product of Sarprissa football academy. The Costa Rica international started his senior career at his homeland club Herediano, playing as a defender. Calvo played for the likes of Perez Zeledon, Nordsjaelland, Santos and Sarprissa before joining Minnesota United in 2017 and it has to be noted that he made his MLS debut on March 4, 2017 in a 5-1 loss to Portland Timbers.
The Costa Rica defender quickly proved his worth in the Major League Soccer and in 2018 he was selected as an MLS All-Star, becoming the first ever Loons player to receive the honour. As for his international career, Francisco Calvo made his Costa Rica debut on July 2, 2011 in a Copa America loss to Colombia.
The Minnesota United man is used as both centre and left back and his preferred foot is left. Calvo was born in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, on July 8, 1992.
Highlighted Team (Sporting Kansas City):
Sporting Kansas City have been competing in Major League Soccer since 1996 and they won their first MLS Cup trophy in 2000. The club faced Chicago Fire at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington in the play-offs final and Miklos Jon Molnar scored the winner for Bob Gansler’s team. 13 years later Sporting Kansas City met with Solt Lake in the title game and they were fortunate to defeat the Royals on penalties.
The Wizards welcome their rivals at Children’s Mercy Park, but they used to play some games at Blue Valley Sports Complex, Julian Field, Hermann Stadium and Durwood Soccer Stadium in the past as well. Sporting Kansas City were founded in 1995 and the club’s original name was Kansas City Wiz.
The Wizards wear navy blue shirts and dark blue shorts when playing at home, while the colour of their away kit is blue. Former Wigan Athletic man Roger Espinosa is regarded as one of the club’s most notable players and he has been playing for the Children’s Mercy Park outfit since 2015.