Sporting Kansas City had started the same lineup in the first three matches of 2019, achieving wins in both legs of CCL play versus Toluca and a stoppage time loss at LAFC. For the trip to Panama to play Independiente manager Peter Vermes made eight substitions for their quarterfinal match in Panama.
Independiente should have been no surprise in how they played to Sporting KC after seeing them destroy Toronto FC in the round of 16. Independiente did not worry about maintaining possession, instead making sure to use their speed and home field advantage to counter to score 4 times on the Canadian side.