The energy-saving, injury-preventing tactics started in the preseason, when Sporting Kansas City lightened its training schedule with an eye toward the eight-month drudgery ahead. They would continue into the summer, coach Peter Vermes ensured, as he prioritized a stronger, healthier team for the stretch run this fall.
So as the club faced Vancouver late Wednesday for the second of three matches in an eight-day stretch, Sporting KC showcased a collection of backups.
New faces, new result. Well, kind of.
Sporting Kansas City ended a three-game losing skid with a 1-1 draw in Vancouver on Wednesday, but it left BC Place having missed an opportunity to claim its first victory in three weeks.