Sounders, Sporting KC return for quick sequel

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – It has been only 14 days since the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City last met – but they’ve been good days.

The teams have gone a combined 3-0 since playing to a scoreless draw at CenturyLink Field on May 23. Seattle has beaten Colorado and the New York Red Bulls by a combined 3-1, while SKC torched FC Dallas 4-0.

With those results, Seattle will be at the top of the Western Conference standings and Kansas City tied for third when the clubs meet again today at Sporting Park.

There could be considerable personnel differences from their previous meeting.

Kansas City’s Krisztian Nemeth, SKC’s goals leader (six) and MLS player of the month for May, is away with the Hungary nation team. However, Dom Dwyer, who was a late scratch in the original match with a right groin strain, hasn’t been ruled out for this one.

Meanwhile, the Sounders could be without five players who started the previous SKC match. Central defender Brad Evans is away with the U.S. national team and defensive midfielder Osvaldo Alonso is serving a one-game disciplinary suspension for a dangerous play last weekend. Forward Clint Dempsey is questionable because of the birth of a child. Chad Barrett is questionable after suffering a hamstring injury in training. Midfielder Gonzalo Pineda is questionable with an ankle injury. Forward Obefemi Martins – who missed the first Kansas City match with a leg injury – could miss this one while recovering from nose surgery.