Loons Matchday Preview: Loons Look to Sweep SKC

Headlines

Minnesota United has a chance to clinch a season sweep and earn three points in the US Open Cup when it hosts Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

The Loons are 1-0-1 against their Western Conference foe this season, with a 2-1 win in the teams' first meeting in May and a 0-0 draw in the US Open Cup quarterfinals three weeks ago.

A win Wednesday would clinch the season sweep for Minnesota and give it a berth in the semifinals of the US Open Cup.

What to Watch For

Here are a few things to watch for when Minnesota United hosts Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night:

• Can the Loons continue their strong home form? Minnesota is 6-2-3 at home this season, including a 3-0 win over FC Dallas last time out.
• Will Sporting Kansas City be able to bounce back from its loss to the LA Galaxy? SKC lost 2-0 to the Galaxy on Saturday night, snapping a three-game winning streak.
• Who will start in goal for Minnesota United? Dayne St. Clair has started the last two games for the Loons, but Adrian Heath has said he is considering starting Tyler Miller on Wednesday.

Prediction

Minnesota United is the slight favorite to win Wednesday night's match. The Loons are in good form at home, and they have a good record against Sporting Kansas City.

However, SKC is a dangerous team, and it will be looking to bounce back from its loss to the Galaxy. The match is likely to be close, but I predict that Minnesota United will win 2-1.