{"id":21560,"date":"2026-07-16T09:59:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/?post_type=news&#038;p=21560"},"modified":"2026-08-09T05:51:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T09:51:03","slug":"match-preview-st-louis-city-vs-sporting-kc-07-16-26-mls","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/news\/mls\/match-preview-st-louis-city-vs-sporting-kc-07-16-26-mls\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Louis City SC vs Sporting KC: Predictions, Picks, Odds &#038; Lineups"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>St. Louis City SC restart their MLS season at Energizer Park on Thursday, July 16 (8:30 PM ET \/ 7:30 PM CT \/ 5:30 PM PT), and the schedule has handed them a soft reopening against the team propping up the Western Conference, Sporting KC.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Our St. Louis City vs Sporting KC prediction sides firmly with the hosts. City sit 12th in the West on 16 points, four back of the playoff line with a game in hand, and they closed the pre-break stretch unbeaten in four. Sporting arrive rooted to the foot of the conference, having conceded in each of their last 14 games.<\/p>\n\n<p>bet365 make St. Louis City heavy favorites at -222, with Sporting KC out at +450 and the draw at +350. That gap reflects both the standings and the matchup: the conference&#8217;s leakiest defense, on the road, against a side that scored in each of its last four outings.<\/p>\n\n<!-- SQ_ENTITY_LINKS_START -->\n\n<p class=\"sq-club-links wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Club profiles:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/stats\/clubs\/st-louis-city\/\">St. Louis City fixtures, form &amp; stats<\/a> &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/stats\/clubs\/sporting-kc\/\">Sporting KC fixtures, form &amp; stats<\/a><\/p>\n\n<!-- SQ_ENTITY_LINKS_END -->\n\n<style>\n.sq-bpg{--lime:#a8e039;--glow:#c8f24c;--tx:#f4f8f1;--mut:rgba(244,248,241,.62);--line:rgba(255,255,255,.10);--gold:#F7B500;--b365:#ffdd00;position:relative;overflow:hidden;isolation:isolate;font-family:'Bricolage Grotesque',system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,sans-serif;color:var(--tx);max-width:960px;margin:12px auto 30px;border-radius:18px;background:radial-gradient(70% 90% at 18% 0%,rgba(168,224,57,.20) 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span{display:block;font-size:13px;color:var(--mut);margin-top:2px}\n.sq-bpg__cta{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;font-size:15px;font-weight:800;text-decoration:none;padding:13px 22px;border-radius:11px;white-space:nowrap}\n.sq-bpg__cta--kal{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--lime),var(--glow));color:#08251a;box-shadow:0 8px 18px rgba(168,224,57,.28)}\n.sq-bpg__cta--b365{background:var(--b365);color:#1a1a1a;box-shadow:0 8px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.28)}\n.sq-bpg__altsdiv{height:1px;background:var(--line);margin:16px 0 0}\n.sq-bpg__altslead{margin:14px 0 0;font-size:13px;color:var(--mut)}\n.sq-bpg__altslead a{color:var(--lime);font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(168,224,57,.35)}\n.sq-bpg__altsrow{display:flex;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-top:12px}\n.sq-bpg__altsbtn{flex:1 1 160px;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:9px;min-height:48px;padding:11px 16px;border-radius:11px;background:#5a26d6;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.10);color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14px;text-decoration:none;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(90,38,214,.30);transition:.15s}\n.sq-bpg__altsbtn:hover{background:#6b34e8}\n.sq-bpg__altsbtn img{height:18px;width:auto;display:block;filter:brightness(0) invert(1);opacity:.97}\n.sq-bpg__disc{margin:12px 0 0;font-size:11.5px;line-height:1.5;color:rgba(244,248,241,.5)}\n@media(max-width:640px){\n .sq-bpg__wrap{padding:22px 16px 20px}\n .sq-bpg__ttl{font-size:21px}\n .sq-bpg__sub{font-size:14px}\n .sq-bpg__row{grid-template-columns:1fr 96px;gap:10px}\n .sq-bpg__prob{font-size:22px}\n .sq-bpg__odd{font-size:11px;padding:2px 6px;line-height:1.3}\n .sq-bpg__act{padding:14px}\n .sq-bpg__act-txt{min-width:0}\n .sq-bpg__cta{width:100%;justify-content:center}\n .sq-bpg__altsbtn{flex:1 1 120px}\n}\n@media(max-width:400px){\n .sq-bpg__ttl{font-size:19px}\n .sq-bpg__pk{font-size:15px}\n .sq-bpg__why{font-size:12.5px}\n .sq-bpg__row{grid-template-columns:1fr 82px}\n .sq-bpg__prob{font-size:19px}\n .sq-bpg__altsbtn{flex:1 1 100%}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"sq-bpg\" id=\"sq-bpg-stlskc716\">\n <div class=\"sq-bpg__wrap\">\n  <input class=\"sq-bpg__r sq-bpg__r--us\" type=\"radio\" name=\"sqbpg-geo-stlskc716\" id=\"sqbpg-us-stlskc716\" checked>\n  <input class=\"sq-bpg__r sq-bpg__r--row\" type=\"radio\" name=\"sqbpg-geo-stlskc716\" id=\"sqbpg-row-stlskc716\">\n\n  <span class=\"sq-bpg__tag\">Best Bets<\/span>\n  <h2 class=\"sq-bpg__ttl\">St. Louis City SC vs Sporting KC: Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n  <p class=\"sq-bpg__sub\">St. Louis City reopen at home as heavy favorites against a Sporting KC side carrying the leakiest defense in the Western Conference, so the value sits in a home win with goals in it.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"sq-bpg__geoq\">Where are you following from? Odds &amp; offers below update to match.<\/div>\n  <div class=\"sq-bpg__toggle\" role=\"tablist\">\n    <label class=\"sq-bpg__tab sq-bpg__tab--us\" for=\"sqbpg-us-stlskc716\">&#127482;&#127480; United States<span>Trade on Kalshi<\/span><\/label>\n    <label class=\"sq-bpg__tab sq-bpg__tab--row\" for=\"sqbpg-row-stlskc716\">&#127758; Outside the US<span>Odds via bet365<\/span><\/label>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"sq-bpg__list\">\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__row\" data-market=\"Result\" data-selection=\"St. Louis City SC to Win\" data-prob=\"68\" data-odds=\"-222\">\n      <div><span class=\"sq-bpg__pk\">St. Louis City SC to Win<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__top\">Top pick<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__why\">Unbeaten in four before the break and at home to the bottom side in the West, City are rightly short. Sporting have lost nine of 14.<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__pr\"><a class=\"sq-bpg__prob\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">68%<\/a><span class=\"sq-bpg__prl\">win prob.<\/span><a class=\"sq-bpg__odd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">-222 @ bet365<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__row\" data-market=\"Over 2.5 Goals\" data-selection=\"Over 2.5\" data-prob=\"69\" data-odds=\"-250\">\n      <div><span class=\"sq-bpg__pk\">Over 2.5 Goals<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__why\">Sporting have conceded in each of their last 14 and shipped 36 goals; City scored in each of their last four. The goals should come.<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__pr\"><a class=\"sq-bpg__prob\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">69%<\/a><span class=\"sq-bpg__prl\">chance<\/span><a class=\"sq-bpg__odd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">-250 @ bet365<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__row\" data-market=\"Both Teams to Score\" data-selection=\"Yes\" data-prob=\"59\" data-odds=\"-188\">\n      <div><span class=\"sq-bpg__pk\">Both Teams to Score: Yes<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__why\">Sporting have found the net in each of their last three even while leaking at the other end, and City have kept only one clean sheet in five.<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__pr\"><a class=\"sq-bpg__prob\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">59%<\/a><span class=\"sq-bpg__prl\">chance<\/span><a class=\"sq-bpg__odd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">-188 @ bet365<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__row\" data-market=\"Anytime Goalscorer\" data-selection=\"Marcel Hartel\" data-prob=\"33\" data-odds=\"\" data-player-id=\"4v3o4yemj0frzgkxez1zg51w5\">\n      <div><span class=\"sq-bpg__pk\">Marcel Hartel to score anytime<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__why\">City&#8217;s leading scorer with three goals and a team-high 43 shots, 18 on target, up against the conference&#8217;s most porous back line.<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__pr\"><a class=\"sq-bpg__prob\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">33%<\/a><span class=\"sq-bpg__prl\">chance<\/span><a class=\"sq-bpg__odd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">at bet365<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__row\" data-market=\"Correct Score\" data-selection=\"St. Louis City SC 2-1\" data-prob=\"11\" data-odds=\"+800\">\n      <div><span class=\"sq-bpg__pk\">Correct Score: St. Louis City SC 2-1<\/span><span class=\"sq-bpg__why\">The natural shape of a home win that ties the result, the over and both teams scoring into one line.<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__pr\"><a class=\"sq-bpg__prob\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">11%<\/a><span class=\"sq-bpg__prl\">chance<\/span><a class=\"sq-bpg__odd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">+800 @ bet365<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p class=\"sq-bpg__approach\"><b>Our approach:<\/b> anchor on St. Louis City to win, add Over 2.5 and both teams to score given how freely Sporting concede, and treat City 2-1 as the scoreline that pulls it together.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"sq-bpg__panel sq-bpg__panel--us\">\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__act\">\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__act-txt\"><b>Trade these markets on Kalshi<\/b><span>New users get $10 &#8212; trade $10 to unlock. Prices update live.<\/span><\/div>\n      <a class=\"sq-bpg__cta sq-bpg__cta--kal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Trade on Kalshi &rarr;<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__altsdiv\"><\/div>\n    <p class=\"sq-bpg__altslead\">If Kalshi isn&rsquo;t your choice, we also rate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/bet\/betting-sites\/polymarket\/\">Polymarket<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/bet\/betting-sites\/prophetx\/\">ProphetX<\/a> &mdash; or compare the full lineup.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__altsrow\">\n      <a class=\"sq-bpg__altsbtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/sites\/13\/2026\/04\/06101144\/polymarket-1.svg\" alt=\"Polymarket\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a>\n      <a class=\"sq-bpg__altsbtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/prophet-x?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/12062936\/ProphetX.svg\" alt=\"ProphetX\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a>\n      <a class=\"sq-bpg__altsbtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/bet\/best-prediction-markets\/\">Compare All &rarr;<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <p class=\"sq-bpg__disc\">Probabilities reflect live Kalshi market prices at time of loading. 21+. Prediction markets are CFTC-regulated event contracts, not sportsbook bets. Polymarket excluded in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, OH. Please play responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. New Kalshi users: USE CODE SQUAWKA.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"sq-bpg__panel sq-bpg__panel--row\">\n    <div class=\"sq-bpg__act\">\n      <div class=\"sq-bpg__act-txt\"><b>Back these with bet365<\/b><span>Odds shown for your region &#8212; toggle the odds beside each pick above.<\/span><\/div>\n      <a class=\"sq-bpg__cta sq-bpg__cta--b365\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Bet with bet365 &rarr;<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <p class=\"sq-bpg__disc\">Odds correct at time of writing and shown in American format for illustration; your local odds and offer are served on click. Eligibility, minimum age (18+\/21+) and T&amp;Cs vary by region. Please gamble responsibly.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Season Form &amp; Standings<\/h2>\n\n<p>Both clubs are Western Conference sides, so one table tells the story. City sit 12th, four points off the playoff cut-off with a game in hand on the teams above them. Sporting are 15th and last in the West, on 11 points from 14 games with the worst goal difference in the league at -22.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pos<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GP<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">W<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">D<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">L<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GF<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GA<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GD<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody>\n<tr><td><strong>St. Louis City<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">12<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">4<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">4<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">16<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">20<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-4<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">16<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Sporting KC<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">15<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">9<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">36<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-22<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">11<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>The line they are chasing is the playoff cut-off, where LA Galaxy sit on 20 points. City can close that gap quickly with a favorable schedule; Sporting, nine points back of it, need a long run just to make the race interesting.<\/p>\n\n<!-- SQ-LINEUPS-START -->\n\n\n<div class=\"sq-teamnews sq-teamnews--theme-mls sq-teamnews--predicted\">\n<style>\n.sq-teamnews,.sq-teamnews *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.sq-teamnews{\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 THEME TOKENS \u2014 only these values change per competition \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  --sq-primary:#1B5E3B;      \/* forest green \u2014 accents, formation chip        *\/\n  --sq-accent:#A8E039;       \/* electric lime \u2014 chevron + confirmed pill      *\/\n  --sq-accent-2:#C8F24C;     \/* brighter lime \u2014 chevron highlight             *\/\n  --sq-gold:#F0B429;         \/* gold \u2014 goalkeeper jersey + note markers       *\/\n  --sq-ink:#16201b;          \/* body text                                     *\/\n  --sq-surface:#ffffff;      \/* card background                               *\/\n  --sq-ground:#F4F6F2;       \/* inset 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max-width:100%;line-height:1.4;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;\n  margin:24px 0 32px;\n}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 header \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__head{position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding:16px 18px 15px;\n  background:linear-gradient(105deg,var(--sq-headA) 0%,var(--sq-headB) 100%);\n  border-left:5px solid var(--sq-accent);color:#f4f8f1;}\n.sq-teamnews__head::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;opacity:.06;pointer-events:none;\n  background-size:560px 560px;\n  background-image:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 3000' preserveAspectRatio='xMidYMid slice'><defs><pattern id='a' width='78' 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11px;border-radius:999px;white-space:nowrap;}\n.sq-teamnews__pill-dot{width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;flex:none;}\n.sq-teamnews--predicted .sq-teamnews__pill{background:rgba(240,180,41,.16);color:var(--sq-gold);border:1px solid rgba(240,180,41,.5);}\n.sq-teamnews--predicted .sq-teamnews__pill-dot{background:var(--sq-gold);}\n.sq-teamnews--confirmed .sq-teamnews__pill{background:var(--sq-accent);color:var(--sq-headB);border:1px solid var(--sq-accent);}\n.sq-teamnews--confirmed .sq-teamnews__pill-dot{background:var(--sq-headB);}\n.sq-teamnews__h2{position:relative;margin:0;font-size:18px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.015em;color:#fff;text-wrap:balance;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 caveat \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__caveat{display:flex;gap:8px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0;padding:11px 18px;\n  background:var(--sq-ground);border-bottom:1px solid var(--sq-line);\n  font-size:12px;line-height:1.45;color:var(--sq-muted);font-style:italic;}\n.sq-teamnews__caveat svg{flex:none;margin-top:1px;opacity:.8;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 teams grid \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__teams{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px;padding:16px;}\n.sq-teamnews__team{min-width:0;}\n.sq-teamnews__teamhead{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:10px;}\n.sq-teamnews__crest{width:32px;height:32px;flex:none;border-radius:7px;overflow:hidden;object-fit:cover;\n  background:var(--sq-ground);box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1px var(--sq-line);}\n.sq-teamnews__name{flex:1;margin:0;font-size:16px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.01em;}\n.sq-teamnews__formation{flex:none;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.04em;color:var(--sq-primary);\n  background:rgba(27,94,59,.09);border:1px solid rgba(27,94,59,.2);border-radius:7px;padding:4px 9px;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 the pitch \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__pitch{position:relative;overflow:hidden;border-radius:11px;min-height:330px;\n  background:repeating-linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(255,255,255,.045) 0 12.5%,rgba(0,0,0,.05) 12.5% 25%),\n    linear-gradient(180deg,var(--sq-turfA) 0%,var(--sq-turfB) 100%);\n  box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,.14),0 6px 18px -12px rgba(14,36,25,.5);}\n.sq-teamnews__pk{position:absolute;pointer-events:none;}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--half{left:7%;right:7%;top:50%;border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--circle{left:50%;top:50%;width:86px;height:86px;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);border-radius:50%;}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--spot{left:50%;top:50%;width:5px;height:5px;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);background:rgba(255,255,255,.3);border-radius:50%;}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--boxb{left:24%;right:24%;bottom:0;height:19%;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);border-bottom:none;}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--boxt{left:24%;right:24%;top:0;height:19%;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);border-top:none;}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--goalb{left:41%;right:41%;bottom:-2px;height:7px;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);border-bottom:none;background:rgba(255,255,255,.06);}\n.sq-teamnews__pk--goalt{left:41%;right:41%;top:-2px;height:7px;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);border-top:none;background:rgba(255,255,255,.06);}\n\/* bands: GK at the bottom (goal), FWD at the top (attacking) *\/\n.sq-teamnews__bands{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:2;display:flex;flex-direction:column-reverse;padding:12px 4px;}\n.sq-teamnews__band{flex:1;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-evenly;gap:2px;}\n.sq-teamnews__node{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;gap:3px;flex:1;min-width:0;max-width:98px;}\n.sq-teamnews__jersey{width:27px;height:24px;flex:none;color:#ffffff;filter:drop-shadow(0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,.45));}\n.sq-teamnews__band[data-role=\"GK\"] .sq-teamnews__jersey{color:var(--sq-gold);}\n.sq-teamnews__pname{font-size:10.5px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.12;color:#fff;text-align:center;\n  letter-spacing:-.01em;max-width:100%;overflow-wrap:break-word;\n  text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,.75),0 0 2px rgba(0,0,0,.55);}\n.sq-teamnews__mark{color:var(--sq-gold);font-weight:800;}\nsup.sq-teamnews__mark{font-size:.72em;margin-left:1px;text-shadow:none;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 footnotes (auto-hides when there are none) \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__notes{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:14px 16px 2px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;}\n.sq-teamnews__notes:empty{display:none;}\n.sq-teamnews__notes li{font-size:11.5px;line-height:1.4;color:var(--sq-muted);}\n.sq-teamnews__notes strong{color:var(--sq-ink);font-weight:700;}\n.sq-teamnews__notes .sq-teamnews__mark{text-shadow:none;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 footer \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sq-teamnews__foot{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;margin-top:14px;padding:10px 16px;\n  border-top:1px solid var(--sq-line);background:var(--sq-ground);\n  font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700;color:var(--sq-muted);}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 narrow phones: stop the header pill + 4-across bands clipping \u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media(max-width:559px){\n  .sq-teamnews__head{padding:14px 14px 13px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__kicker{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.12em;}\n  .sq-teamnews__pill{font-size:9.5px;padding:4px 9px;letter-spacing:.08em;}\n  .sq-teamnews__h2{font-size:16.5px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__teams{padding:12px;gap:12px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__bands{padding:10px 2px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__band{gap:1px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__node{max-width:none;}\n  .sq-teamnews__pname{font-size:9px;line-height:1.05;}\n  .sq-teamnews__jersey{width:23px;height:20px;}\n}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 desktop: pitches side-by-side \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media(min-width:560px){\n  .sq-teamnews__teams{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;}\n  .sq-teamnews__head{padding:18px 20px 17px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__h2{font-size:21px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__name{font-size:17px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__pitch{min-height:372px;}\n  .sq-teamnews__pname{font-size:11px;}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <div class=\"sq-teamnews__head\">\n    <div class=\"sq-teamnews__brandrow\">\n      <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <path d=\"M4 5l7 7-7 7\" stroke=\"var(--sq-accent-2)\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n        <path d=\"M13 5l7 7-7 7\" stroke=\"var(--sq-accent)\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n      <\/svg>\n      <span class=\"sq-teamnews__kicker\">Team News<\/span>\n      <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pill\"><span class=\"sq-teamnews__pill-dot\"><\/span>Predicted<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <h2 class=\"sq-teamnews__h2\">Team News &amp; Predicted Lineups<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 CAVEAT (predicted only) \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  \n  <p class=\"sq-teamnews__caveat\">\n    <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n      <circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n      <path d=\"M12 11.2v5M12 7.4v.4\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n    <span>Based on the XI each side started in their last match.<\/span>\n  <\/p>\n  \n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 TWO TEAMS, each on a pitch \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <div class=\"sq-teamnews__teams\">\n    \n    <section class=\"sq-teamnews__team\">\n      <div class=\"sq-teamnews__teamhead\">\n        \n        <h3 class=\"sq-teamnews__name\">St. Louis City SC<\/h3>\n        <span class=\"sq-teamnews__formation\">3-4-3<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pitch\">\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--boxt\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--goalt\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--half\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--circle\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--spot\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--boxb\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--goalb\"><\/div>\n        <!-- bands render GK\u2192FWD; column-reverse puts GK at the goal end -->\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__bands\">\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"GK\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">B. Lundt<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"DEF\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">F. Fall<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">T. Baumgartl<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">D. Polvara<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"MID\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">Rafael Santos<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">D. Edelman<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">C. Durkin<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">T. Totland<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"FWD\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">M. Hartel<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">S. Becher<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">E. Lowen<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    \n    <section class=\"sq-teamnews__team\">\n      <div class=\"sq-teamnews__teamhead\">\n        \n        <h3 class=\"sq-teamnews__name\">Sporting KC<\/h3>\n        <span class=\"sq-teamnews__formation\">4-4-2<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pitch\">\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--boxt\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--goalt\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--half\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--circle\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--spot\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--boxb\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__pk sq-teamnews__pk--goalb\"><\/div>\n        <!-- bands render GK\u2192FWD; column-reverse puts GK at the goal end -->\n        <div class=\"sq-teamnews__bands\">\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"GK\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">S. Cleveland<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"DEF\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">J. Reid<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">W. Meyer<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">I. James<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">J. Davis<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"MID\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">C. Harris<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">Z. Bassong<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">L. Berg Johnsen<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">Capita<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"sq-teamnews__band\" data-role=\"FWD\">\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">D. Joveljic<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"sq-teamnews__node\">\n              <svg class=\"sq-teamnews__jersey\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"rgba(0,0,0,.22)\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M13 3 4 7 1 14 6 17 10 14 10 30 26 30 26 14 30 17 35 14 32 7 23 3C22 7 14 7 13 3Z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <span class=\"sq-teamnews__pname\">T. Calheira<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            \n          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    \n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 FOOTNOTES: one line per player with a note (any team) \u2500\u2500 -->\n  <ul class=\"sq-teamnews__notes\">\n    \n  <\/ul>\n\n  <div class=\"sq-teamnews__foot\">\n    <svg width=\"13\" height=\"13\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n      <path d=\"M5 6l6 6-6 6\" stroke=\"var(--sq-primary)\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n      <path d=\"M13 6l6 6-6 6\" stroke=\"var(--sq-primary)\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n    <span>Squawka \u00b7 Team News<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- SQ-LINEUPS-END -->\n\n<h2>Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Marcel Hartel (St. Louis City):<\/strong> City&#8217;s leading scorer with three goals, and no teammate shoots more &#8212; a team-high 43 attempts, 18 of them on target.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Simon Becher (St. Louis City):<\/strong> the supply line as much as a finisher, with three assists to go with a goal and 29 shots of his own.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dejan Jovelji&#263; (Sporting KC):<\/strong> the one dependable source of goals in this team, with six for the season and 15 of his 23 shots on target.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Calvin Harris (Sporting KC):<\/strong> Sporting&#8217;s busiest creator from midfield, chipping in two goals and three assists with 10 shots on target.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2>Recent Form<\/h2>\n\n<h3>St. Louis City SC: L W W D W<\/h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>May 23: St. Louis City 3-0 Austin FC (W, home)<\/li>\n<li>May 16: DC United 1-1 St. Louis City (D, away)<\/li>\n<li>May 13: St. Louis City 2-1 LAFC (W, home)<\/li>\n<li>May 9: Colorado Rapids 0-1 St. Louis City (W, away)<\/li>\n<li>May 3: Austin FC 2-0 St. Louis City (L, away)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>City went into the break in good order, unbeaten in four with the last defeat a 2-0 loss at Austin FC on May 3. They scored in each of those four and signed off with a clean-sheet 3-0 win at home, exactly the platform they want against a struggling visitor.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Sporting KC: D L W W L<\/h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>May 23: Sporting KC 1-2 New York Red Bulls (L, home)<\/li>\n<li>May 16: Austin FC 1-2 Sporting KC (W, away)<\/li>\n<li>May 13: Sporting KC 3-1 LA Galaxy (W, home)<\/li>\n<li>May 9: Portland Timbers 6-0 Sporting KC (L, away)<\/li>\n<li>May 2: Sporting KC 1-1 Seattle Sounders (D, home)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Sporting can hurt teams &#8212; they have scored in each of their last three &#8212; but the defense undoes it. They have conceded in each of their last 14 games, a run that includes a 6-0 loss at Portland Timbers and a home defeat to New York Red Bulls last time out.<\/p>\n\n<!-- SQ-SIGNAL-START --> <!-- SQ-SIGNAL-END -->\n\n<h2>St. Louis City SC vs Sporting KC Prediction<\/h2>\n\n<p>This is a matchup between a side quietly building toward the playoff race and one whose season is slipping away, and the market has it right. Back <a rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>St. Louis City to win at -222 with bet365<\/strong><\/a>, with real appeal in the goals markets given Sporting&#8217;s defensive numbers. City to win and over 2.5 goals is the line we like, kicking off at 8:30 PM ET at Energizer Park. For more on the run-in, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/mls-standings-2026\/\">MLS standings<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/mls\/\">MLS hub<\/a>, and browse the week&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/soccer-predictions\/\">soccer predictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n<p><em>Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St. Louis City SC restart their MLS season at Energizer Park on Thursday, July 16 (8:30 PM ET \/ 7:30 PM CT \/ 5:30 PM PT), and the schedule has handed them a soft reopening against the team propping up the Western Conference, Sporting KC. Our St. Louis City vs Sporting KC prediction sides firmly&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":393,"featured_media":21565,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"St. Louis City vs Sporting KC prediction","_yoast_wpseo_title":"St. Louis City vs Sporting KC: Predictions, odds & picks","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Our St. Louis City vs Sporting KC prediction backs the home side as MLS returns: Best Bets, odds, picks and predicted lineups for Thursday at Energizer Park.","footnotes":""},"tags":[306],"news-category":[335],"class_list":["post-21560","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-mls","news-category-mls"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":true},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>St. Louis City vs Sporting KC: Predictions, odds &amp; 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