"Five Things" is a season-long series presented by the Children's Mercy Sports Medicine Center that highlights the top storylines and players to watch ahead of each match. To visit the series archive, click here.
Stakes in the MLS is Back Tournament will heighten on Friday as Sporting Kansas City (2-1-0, 6 points) and the Colorado Rapids (2-1-0) look to bounce back from defeats in their opening games of the competition and bolster their chances of progression to the knockout rounds. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT with live coverage on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, the ESPN app, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.