Despite a difficult 2019, Sporting Kansas City were something off a preseason darling after the big-money acquisition of Alan Pulido and a long-established culture of success under head coach Peter Vermes.
Still, heading into the Round of 16 at the MLS is Back Tournament, Sporting find themselves flying somewhat under the radar. Columbus Crew SC have emerged as the trendy pick to make a deep run after a dominant Group Stage, while mainstay contenders like LAFC, the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC have all remained in the discussion.
But should Sporting be included among those favorites?