Toluca vs Sporting KC Prediction: Sporting Kansas City is expected to edge out CD Toluca with a 2-1 victory in their crucial Leagues Cup match at Children’s Mercy Park.
The Leagues Cup group stage reaches its climax as CD Toluca and Sporting Kansas City prepare to face off in a pivotal match at Children’s Mercy Park. With both teams having secured passage to the knockout rounds, this encounter will determine who tops Group West 4.
Match Details
Date: August 6, 2024
Time: 1:00 AM UTC
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City
Preview
Both teams have favored attacking 4-3-3 formations in recent matches. Expect an open, high-tempo encounter as they vie for group supremacy.
Toluca will likely rely on quick transitions and the creative spark of Alexis Vega to unlock the Sporting KC defense. The Mexican side has shown defensive solidity, conceding just once in their last three matches.
Sporting KC, buoyed by home support, may adopt a more aggressive pressing approach. Their recent matches have featured high-scoring affairs, suggesting they’ll look to outscore Toluca rather than contain them.
Toluca vs Sporting KC Lineups
CD Toluca Lineup (4-3-3): Vega, Baeza, L. García, Angulo, Paulinho, Domínguez, Pereira, Volpi, B. García, Ruiz, Gallardo
Sporting Kansas City (4-3-3): Leibold, Thommy, Radoja, Castellanos, Fontas, Afrifa, Shelton, Agada, Walter, Melia, Salloi
Key Players to Watch
Marcel Ruiz (Toluca): The midfielder was instrumental in Toluca’s opening victory, scoring twice against Chicago Fire. His creativity and goal threat from midfield could be crucial.
William Agada (Sporting KC): The Nigerian forward has been in scintillating form, netting 6 goals in his last 5 starts. He’ll look to continue his hot streak on home turf.
Injured and Unavailable Players
CD Toluca:
Juan Escobar – Long-term injury (unspecified)
Sporting Kansas City:
- Logan Ndenbe – Out (ACL injury)
- Felipe Hernandez – Suspended
- Memo Rodriguez – Doubtful (hip injury)
- Daniel Rosero – Doubtful (hamstring injury)
Current Group Standings
- CD Toluca – 3 points
- Sporting Kansas City – 3 points
- Chicago Fire – 0 points (eliminated)
Recent Form
CD Toluca
- Won 3-1 vs Chicago Fire (Leagues Cup)
- Drew 1-1 vs Cruz Azul (Liga MX Apertura)
- Won 3-0 vs Mazatlán (Liga MX Apertura)
Sporting Kansas City
- Won 2-1 vs Chicago Fire (Leagues Cup)
- Drew 1-1 vs St. Louis City SC (MLS)
- Lost 2-1 vs Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Head-to-Head History
The teams have met twice before in competitive matches:
- August 2023: Toluca 4-1 Sporting KC (Leagues Cup)
- February 2019: Sporting KC 3-0 Toluca (CONCACAF Champions League)
Where to Watch
USA:
- Fox Sports 1
- UniMás
- TUDN USA
- Foxsports.com
Streaming:
- Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
- Fubo TV
- TUDN.com
- Univision NOW
International Broadcast
- Canada: TSN2, MLS Season Pass
- Mexico: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
Who Will Win?
This encounter promises to be a closely contested affair between two in-form sides. Toluca’s recent defensive record gives them a slight edge, but Sporting KC’s home advantage and Agada’s hot streak could prove decisive.
Predicted Score: Sporting Kansas City 2-1 CD Toluca
The winner will advance to face the top team from Group 8 (Atlas FC, Houston Dynamo FC, or Real Salt Lake) in the round of 32, while the runner-up will travel to meet Columbus Crew.
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