Sporting Kansas City and the Colorado Rapids both entered the match wanting at least a point after losing their respective opening-day matches. Sporting KC lost 1-0 at the Portland Timbers in a weather-delayed match. Colorado was routed by the Seattle Sounders 4-0 last Sunday.
It was the second home opener at the opponent in a row of the season for Sporting KC versus a team that they have struggled against in the last few years. SKC manager Peter Vermes made one change to the starting lineup, replacing Khiry Shelton with Marinos Tzionis on the right side.