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 Whitecaps FC Wednesday night for the second of three matches in an eight-day stretch, Sporting showcased a collection of backups.
The new faces equated to a new result.
Well, sort of.
Sporting ended a three-game losing skid with a 1-1 draw, but it left BC Place having missed an opportunity to claim its first victory in three weeks.