Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. ET
Sporting Park (formerly Children’s Mercy Park), Kansas City, Kansas
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass – free for all MLS games in 2026), local radio
The 2026 MLS regular season continues with a Western Conference home opener for Sporting Kansas City as they host the Columbus Crew SC at Sporting Park. Both teams enter 0-1-0 after disappointing Week 1 road losses, creating urgency for points and momentum. SKC aims to leverage their intimidating home atmosphere and attacking potential under Peter Vermes, while Columbus seeks to rebound from a late collapse and utilize their possession-based style to control the game.
Weather Updates
Predicted conditions: Mild Kansas evening—highs around 54°F (12°C) during the day, cooling to upper 40s to low 50s°F (9-11°C) by kickoff. Light winds (5-10 mph), mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, no precipitation expected. Comfortable late-February weather for the Midwest—fast pitch at Sporting Park, supportive of technical play with minimal stamina impact from cold or wind.
Team Context
- Sporting Kansas City (0-1-0, Western Conference): Opened with a loss; focus on home strength, midfield control, and forward threats after a transitional offseason.
- Columbus Crew SC (0-1-0, Eastern Conference): Strong possession side but vulnerable late; aim to dominate ball and create high-quality chances under Wilfried Nancy.
Recent Team Forms (Last Match – Week 1)
Sporting Kansas City: 0-1-0 (loss in opener, details suggest defensive issues and limited finishing). Struggled to convert chances and maintain structure away; need home energy to spark attack.
Columbus Crew: 0-1-0 (2-3 loss at Portland Timbers on Feb. 21). Competitive but conceded late winner (88th minute to Ariel Lassiter after defensive miscues, including Yevhen Cheberko header error). Scored twice but familiar problems with finishing and late-game concentration exposed.
Injury Report
Sporting Kansas City:
- No major new injuries from opener reported. Core group (e.g., Daniel Salloi if on roster, William Agada, Nemanja Radoja, Tim Melia in goal) expected available. Depth solid for home opener.
Columbus Crew SC:
- No significant absences noted post-Portland loss. Key players (e.g., Diego Rossi, Cucho Hernández if fit, Darlington Nagbe, Yevhen Cheberko, Patrick Schulte) fit. Minor knocks from travel/loss possible, but rotation healthy.
Both teams relatively healthy early; final reports closer to kickoff for tweaks.
Key Player Matchups
- Daniel Salloi / William Agada (SKC forwards) vs. Columbus center-backs (e.g., Yevhen Cheberko / Malte Amundsen): SKC’s pace and finishing test Columbus’ backline—Cheberko’s recent error highlights vulnerability.
- Diego Rossi / Cucho Hernández (Crew attackers) vs. SKC defense (Dany Rosero / others): Crew’s creativity and shots (high volume in opener) exploit SKC’s transition defense.
- Nemanja Radoja / midfield battle vs. Darlington Nagbe / Crew central engine: Possession control key—Nagbe’s experience vs. SKC’s pressing.
- Set Pieces & Late Drama: Columbus conceded late in opener; SKC strong at home on corners/free kicks.
Series History
Competitive all-time (SKC leads slightly in some samples, ~20-18-10 overall). Recent H2H mixed but SKC strong at home (unbeaten in past several vs. Columbus at Sporting Park). Games often tactical, with goals from counters/set pieces; totals moderate but can trend higher in open play.
Betting Trends
- SKC strong home openers historically; value as home underdogs after loss.
- Columbus road form solid but vulnerable late (loss in opener).
- H2H often competitive/low-to-moderate scoring; unders in early season.
- Columbus slight favorites (~52% implied win prob); Over 3.5 value in attacking matchups.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) possible; draws common in previews.
MATCH ODDS
Columbus Crew SC – 120
Sporting Kansas City + 250
Draw + 290
Over 3.5 + 120 Under 3.5 – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
