Sporting KC II v Louisville City FC: Preview, Starting XI, and Prediction

Sporting Kansas City II vs Louisville City FC

When: Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00 PM CT

Where: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky

How to Watch: ESPN+ ($4.99/month or 49.99 annually)

Sporting Kansas City II are scheduled to make their third trip to Louisville, Kentucky on Wednesday after it was delayed a week following a positive COVID-19 test from a member of Sporting KC II.

Rather than coming off what was supposed to be a full week of rest a week ago, SKC II enter Wednesday’s contest coming off a tough 3-1 loss in St. Louis, which featured Christian Duke scoring Sporting II’s only goal and Jahon Rad getting sent off in stoppage time for a terrible challenge.

In the two previous meetings with each other this season, both teams grabbed a win after Lou City won the first meeting 1-0 before SKC II grabbed their first win of the season a few days later. Stealing a term from the baseball world, Wednesday’s match will be the ‘rubber game’ until they meet for a fourth and final time in their regular season finale in early October (also in Kentucky).

Sporting KC II will look for more offensive production after a quiet night from the front three in Saturday’s loss. Defensive midfielder Jahon Rad will be out to serve his one game suspension.

SKC II are currently fourth in Group E with a record of 2-4-1. Six points out of a playoff spot in Group E, SKC II are in need of points as they edge closer to the midway point of the season to stay in the playoff race.

Louisville City FC

Lou City enters Wednesday’s match coming from a thorough 2-0 win over DC United’s USL affiliate Loudoun United on Saturday. Cameron Lancaster notched his team-leading fourth goal this season in the 39th minute before Napo Matsoso opened his 2020 scoring account in the 49th minute.

Louisville will be looking for their second win over SKC II this season and stay unbeaten for their third straight match when they face SKC II on Wednesday evening.

Under manager John Hackworth, Lou City are three points out of the second place playoff spot in Group E with a record of 3-3-1. Three points behind St. Louis and three points ahead of SKC II, Lou City can take advantage of the game in hand with a win to draw level with St. Louis on points.

Predicted Starting XI

The predicted XI includes four changes from the 3-1 loss in St. Louis with Remi Prieur replacing Gavin Krenecki while Dillon Serna and Sam Raben return to the back line and Jaret Townsend coming in for Dominik Resetar on the wing. Along with the changes, I predict that Camden Riley will return to the midfield with Raben returning to play right back.

SKC II will again be without starting goalkeeper Brooks Thompson, starting winger Enoch Mushagalusa and jack-of-all-trades Will Little, who has yet to appear in 2020.

Final Prediction

This game is going to be difficult. With Sporting II coming off two straight disappointing results (0-1-1) and Lou City impressing in their last two matches (2-0-0), SKC II will have to quickly return to the mentality they had before the break.

For my final prediction, I think Lou City will remain hot and come out on top with a 2-1 win. Lou City seem to be finding a good rhythm and will be difficult to stop.