The Blue Links - April 14th

MLS Standings | MLS Power Rankings

Portland is on top of the West with 13 points from six matches played. SKC have a chance to prove to the rest of MLS they are a force to be reckoned with. They stand at #7 in the power rankings.

Sporting KC’s Behind The Shield - well worth the watch

SKC loans Iwasa & Dykstra to Swope Park Rangers

Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra and forward Cameron Iwasa are joining SKC loanees EPB, Pasher & Storm with the Swope Park Rangers ahead of the weekend.

SPR takes on Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday at the Zoo

You guys... there is going to be an Easter Egg hunt and everything. But really, SPR is looking to continue the perfect start to the season.

USL Standings

The foe this weekend, SRFC, is in 2nd place with nine points from four matches. St. Louis FC is leading the way in the Eastern Conference with ten points.

ICYMI - SKC launched fan voting for 2017 Sporting Legends inductee

The less legendary four nominees are defender Nick Garcia, midfielder Diego Gutierrez, midfielder Mo Johnston and forward Josh Wolff.

SportingKC.com - By the Numbers

A whole bunch of stats on Saturday’s match vs PTFC. Here is a fun one of my own:

Bruce Arena says USA can win 2026 World Cup

I like it. Why not? Let’s get crazy.

If you were hoping Dom could get a USMNT call for WC Qualifiers....

It isn’t looking good. Arena says there shouldn’t be any surprises when he names the roster for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. Which would mean Dom Dwyer is a no go in case you were still holding out hope. I’d also think at this point Feilhaber would be a surprise after not being included last round.

Didier Drogba signs with the Phoenix Rising FC as player & co-owner

The 39 year old is convinced he can help the USL side both “on and off the pitch”. The club is quite serious in their quest for MLS expansion.

Toronto FC’s Drew Moor to be sidelined due with cardiac arrhythmia

Another strange heart condition for an MLS player. Moor is due to see a cardiologist next week and won’t practice or play in a match until then.

MLS action kicks off tonight

The Union take on NYCFC tonight at 7pm on ESPN. Vancouver & Seattle also face off in what is always a fun match.

Sporting KC evolution continues through stern test at Timbers

A great piece this week from our newest contributor Bob Rusert!

I leave you with a clip from training today