Watching Sporting Kansas City this season has defied expectations, and D.C. United appears to be facing an opponent that is a work in progress. The tough-as-nails defense that gave up well under one goal per game in 2017 is tied with the Black-and-Red for the highest goals against total (nine) this season. The side that ultimately fell short because of an anemic offense leads MLS with nine goals scored in 2018. It’s like Sporting has been replaced by Bizarro KC, though they’re a little short on pointy villain goatees.
Peter Vermes still wants his team to be a suffocating high-pressure team that plays physical soccer based mostly on the idea of not letting the other team play more than it is around the idea of putting on a show for the fans.