Sporting KC to Clinch Playoff Berth with Win Friday Night
October 9, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
Sporting Kansas City controls their own playoff destiny on Friday night as they host Eastern Conference rivals, the Chicago Fire at Sporting Park. With a victory over Chicago, Sporting KC will clinch a spot in the 2014 MLS Cup playoffs. Kickoff at Sporting Park is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and a limited number of tickets still remain for Friday's match. Fans can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the Sporting Park box offices on gameday.
Sporting Kansas City enters the weekend in third place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the New England Revolution and six points behind D.C. United. The Chicago Fire visit Sporting Park in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with only 33 points from 31 matches. Chicago has the fewest wins (five) and second fewest losses (eight) in MLS this year, but was eliminated from playoff contention after last weekend's 0-0 draw at home to the Montreal Impact.
Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire are both coming off scoreless draws. Sporting KC secured a point on the road against Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United at RFK Stadium last weekend. Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire set an MLS record with their 18th draw of the season last weekend vs. Montreal.
Chicago has lost just once in five trips to Sporting Park since 2011, holding a 25-12-11 advantage in the all-time series but has secured just two wins in 15 road games this season. Sporting KC is undefeated in 11 straight regular season games played during the month of October dating back to 2011 (6-0-5).
Friday marks the third meeting between Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire this season. The Fire defeated Sporting KC 2-1 on May 18 at Toyota Park, while the two teams drew 1-1 on July 6 at Sporting Park. Third-year forward Dom Dwyer has scored both of Sporting KC's goals against the Fire this season and is second in the League for goals scored in 2014 with 20 behind only New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (24).
Sporting Kansas City will be without defender Seth Sinovic as he serves his mandatory one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation and midfielder Jorge Claros who's with Honduras for a pair of international friendlies. Chicago will be without Benji Joya who is with the United States U-23 national team, 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee who suffered a season ending injury in August and defender Gonzalo Segares who will miss Friday's game due to yellow card accumulation.
Fans are encouraged to visit SportingKC.com/GameOn for in-game updates or follow @SKCGameday on Twitter.
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