Sporting KC lineup prediction for US Open Cup Final

Shades of Blue previews Sporting KC’s US Open Cup Final against LAFC on this week’s episode. Plus, the crew reacts to SKC’s elimination from playoff contention juxtaposed with the KC Current booking their ticket for the postseason on the same weekend.

It’s been tough to predict the lineup for Peter Vermes and Sporting KC this season. The only constant has been regular rotation. While battling through injuries and struggling to find the magic combination of players, Vermes has deployed varying lineups and/or formations all season long.

This week’s show attempts to decipher the one-true preferred lineup for Sporting KC as they fight for another Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Just five days ago, SKC were firing on all cylinders in a 4-1 win over the third place Colorado Rapids. Therefore, we’ll use this lineup as a starting point.

The first change here needs to be between the sticks. It’s no slight against Jonathan Pulskamp to know that Tim Melia is the only choice for a final. Aged yes, but the man is a legend. A legend who looks like a brick wall to opposing teams during penalty kicks. And Sporting KC loves taking a final to PK’s.

We’ll stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation with both Agada and Pulido on the field. Russell starts on the right wing, but the question is on the left. Do you go with more experience in Daniel Salloi, or roll the dice with Stephen Afrifa in his first season? Or perhaps you want the speed of Alenis Vargas?

Even with Nemanja Radoja on the injury report, there are several choices to make in the midfield. Erik Thommy came off the bench last week, which worked quite well. But he’s been the engine for Sporting all year.

I like the experience of Memo Rodriguez in this spot. So, I’m keeping him in the lineup.

Let’s keep Ndenbe and Shelton as outside backs. Shelton is in good form and Ndenbe is hungry after watching from the sidelines all season.

The centerbacks will be battling the likes of Denis Bouanga and Olivier Giroud. SKC need somebody who can stop that meaty French forehead from winning every header. That means we’re going with the athleticism of Dany Rosero & Robert Castellanos. Castellanos doesn’t often play on the left side, but there is some precedent.

Here is the SOB projected lineup:

No matter the lineup, Sporting KC have a tough task on their hands. LAFC have not won a match in their last five, but there’s a lot of firepower on that roster. Including our old friend – Kei Kamara – who is still scoring goals at the age of 40.

What lineup would YOU deploy on Wednesday night?

Please subscribe, rate, & review the KC Soccer Journal feed wherever you get your podcasts! Feel free to yell at Cody @ThatCodyTho, Thad @TheBackpost, and Robert @SpKCLife.

SPOTIFY | APPLE 

00:00 – Sporting KC eliminated from playoffs
31:00 – KC Current
45:00 – US Open Cup Preview