Sporting Kansas City vs Saint Louis City SC Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 03/11/2023, 16:36  by Joseph King | Modified on 03/11/2023 at 16:38 in Major League Soccer Predictions

The MLS Cup Playoffs see eighth-seed Sporting Kansas City hosting top-seeded St. Louis City SC for game two in the Western Conference round one. Sporting KC pulled off a huge upset 4-1 away win in game one, meaning they can close out this best-of-three series with a victory at home. The new playoff format means there are no aggregate scores, so any St. Louis win would push this to a deciding game three.

Kansas City’s playoff pedigree was on full display in game one. The club that has made it to at least the Conference semi-finals in three of the past five seasons looked more equipped for the moment. The result was undoubtedly SKC’s best win of the season as they stormed to a 4-1 win which included leading 3-1 at half time. Peter Vermes’ side turned things around this season despite getting off to a start which saw them fail to win in their first 10 league matches, losing seven. They come into this game two unbeaten in four games, three of which resulted in victories and the other a penalty shootout win. Kansas City have lost only once in their last eight home MLS fixtures.

It’s been an unbelievably successful season for St. Louis City regardless of the outcome of this match. The expansion team playing in its first MLS season has wildly surpassed everyone’s expectations. St. Louis went on to win the Western Conference with a record of 17 wins, five draws and 12 defeats, putting them three points clear at the top. However, their inexperience on the big stage was apparent in game one as they were soundly outplayed on their home patch. City have now lost their last three consecutive matches following the game one defeat.