Loons Face Struggling Sporting KC in Key Western Conference Clash

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) will take on Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on March 15 at 7:15 p.m. The match highlights a critical point in the early 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, as both teams seek to define their standing in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.

The Loons currently have a record of 2-1-0, having achieved back-to-back victories over CF Montreal and the San Jose Earthquakes. In contrast, Sporting KC has struggled, entering the match winless with a record of 0-3-0, following losses to San Jose, D.C. United, and Austin FC. The game will be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+ and broadcasted on KSTP-AM, 1500.

The weather is expected to be cloudy with temperatures around 46 degrees and winds from the south at 12 mph. The betting odds reflect the teams’ recent performances, with Kansas City at plus-145, a draw at plus-250, and Minnesota United at plus-170.

MNUFC is currently riding a solid 192-minute shutout streak, dating back to a 1-0 loss to LAFC in their season opener on February 22. In total, the Loons have recorded seven shutouts in their last 11 games, significantly bolstering their defensive credentials.

Head coach Eric Ramsay‘s team ended the previous season on a high note, winning all three encounters against Sporting KC in 2024 by a combined score of 7-2. Ramsay noted the importance of maintaining momentum: “Every match is crucial for our confidence. We want to make a statement that we are serious contenders this season.”

Despite their success, MNUFC will be missing vital players for the upcoming match. Joseph Rosales (quad) and Kipp Keller (hamstring) are out, and Kelvin Yeboah (hip) appears to be a doubtful starter. Yeboah’s absence could be felt keenly next week when the team faces LA Galaxy, so getting him fit is essential.

For Kansas City, the pressure is mounting as they sit at the bottom of the table without any points. Their last ten matches across competitions have ended in losses. Manager Peter Vermes faces criticism as fans see their team struggle. “We need to find a way to win, and this is the place to do it,” he said before the match. This contest is not only about points; it’s about regaining their identity as a competitive team.

Recent dynamics reveal Kansas City’s questionable attack, which has averaged an expected goals (xG) of under 0.6 in two of their three matches this season. Their only previous goal scored was from a long-range shot, which has further highlighted their inefficacy in creating viable chances.

The matchup will likely not only showcase contrasting styles but also generate individual battles crucial to each team’s tactics. Sporting KC traditionally advances through a possession-based game, while MNUFC favors a direct approach, often capitalizing on counterattacks.

This match is set up to be a high-energy contest, with Sporting KC looking to harness their home-field advantage to halt their losing streak, and MNUFC aiming to consolidate their position near the top of the standings. A prediction of a tightly contested match could play out, but many analysts suggest the likelihood of a low-scoring draw is high – a reflection of Sporting’s offensive struggles and Minnesota’s solidarity in defense.

With history leaning slightly in favor of Sporting KC—having secured 14 wins out of 27 encounters against Minnesota—the current state of both teams suggests that the outcome hangs in balance. The blend of desperation and aspiration makes this rivalry—dubbed the “nicest rivalry in sports”—an intriguing spectacle to behold.