KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Peter Vermes had hoped to have his full squad available, something Sporting Kansas City's manager hasn't had in a long time, for the club's CONCACAF Champions League opener.
Things are looking up, Vermes said on Thursday, but “we're not there yet.”
Sporting open CCL play on Tuesday in Trinidad & Tobago, against Central FC – but first, they travel to Supporters' Shield leaders and US Open Cup finalists FC Dallas for a Western Conference match-up on Saturday (8 pm CT; 38 the Spot).
Center back Matt Besler (knee) and goalkeeper Tim Melia (back) won't be ready for either game.