Sporting Kansas City Hosts LAFC in MLS Rematch at Children’s Mercy Park

KANSAS CITY, Kansas — Sporting Kansas City will take on LAFC at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park, marking a rematch of last year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. This Western Conference matchup is a significant fixture for both teams as they seek to improve their standings early in the MLS Regular Season.

Tickets for the game are still available, offering fans the chance to secure seats along with a drink voucher for the match against LAFC. This offer extends to upcoming matches against New England, Seattle, and Houston as well, providing exclusive Sporting merchandise items. Additionally, fans can expect the launch of the 2025 Pin of the Month series at this weekend’s event, featuring stadium-exclusive collectible pins released monthly.

The two teams last faced each other in a decisive U.S. Open Cup Final in September 2024, where LAFC triumphed 3-1 after a fierce contest. Sporting Kansas City is looking to turn the tide, as they enter the match coming off a historic 3-3 draw against Minnesota United, a game in which they erased a three-goal deficit. Daniel Salloi was key in the comeback, scoring shortly after being substituted in the 58th minute, followed by an equalizing goal from Dejan Joveljic.

“Your energy and passion fuel us,” posted Sporting Kansas City on social media. In contrast, LAFC arrives in Kansas City dealing with a challenging streak, having lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. Despite their recent struggles, LAFC remains a formidable opponent, leading the league in points, wins, and goals since joining MLS in 2018.

Sporting is facing difficulties of its own, remaining winless in their last eight encounters with LAFC, with a record of 0-6-2 during that span. Key players like Hugo Lloris, the 38-year-old MLS All-Star goalkeeper, dominate LAFC’s lineup, while the team will be missing World Cup champion Olivier Giroud due to injury and Denis Bouanga due to international duties. Cengiz Ünder is expected to lead the attack in their absence.

Manager Peter Vermes is set to reach a milestone on Saturday, marking his 700th match as a player and coach in all competitions. Alongside Vermes, Sporting will also be missing two players on international duty: midfielder Zorhan Bassong and center-back Ian James.

Fans who cannot attend the game in person can catch the action live on Apple TV through the MLS Season Pass, which includes English and Spanish commentary options. Local pub partners in the Kansas City Power & Light district will also host watch parties, offering promotions such as discounted drafts and food specials for sporting gear wearers.

“This game is critical for us to find a rhythm,” said Sporting’s manager as the team aims for their first victory against LAFC in years. “We’re eager to bounce back and take advantage of our home crowd,” he added.