Sporting Kansas City vs. Charlotte FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 June 2025

The upcoming Major League Soccer clash between Sporting Kansas City and Charlotte FC is shaping up to be a fascinating contest at Children’s Mercy Park. With the season entering its 19th round, every point counts for both sides. Sporting Kansas City currently sits 26th in the league standings with 16 points, desperately needing a win to climb up the table. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC is placed 16th with 25 points, showcasing slightly steadier form this season.

Sporting Kansas City has had a tumultuous recent run, evident from their LLWDD record in the last five games. Injuries to key players like Nemanja Radoja and Robert Voloder haven’t helped their cause, nor has the suspension of defender Khiry Shelton. However, Dejan Joveljic remains a bright spot, being the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. Kansas City will look to their expected 4-3-3 formation to provide the necessary firepower, aiming to exploit Charlotte’s vulnerabilities, particularly late in the game, as they have conceded the most goals in the 76-90 minute interval.

On the other hand, Charlotte FC’s recent form (LWLWL) indicates inconsistency, but they’ve shown potential in attack with Patrick Agyemang, who has netted 6 goals so far. Their tactical approach under Dean Smith could see them lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to capitalize on Kansas City’s defensive frailties. Charlotte FC has been known to score most of their goals shortly after the break in the 46-60 minute window, so expect them to come out strong in the second half.

Bookmakers slightly favor Charlotte FC with odds of 2.48 for an away win, while Sporting Kansas City is close behind with odds of 2.55. Given both teams’ recent high-scoring games, a recommended bet would be on over 2.5 goals for this encounter.

In summary, expect a tightly contested game with multiple scoring opportunities. Both teams have defensive weaknesses and significant attacking potential, making this match crucial as they each seek to solidify their standing in the league.

Important entities like the referee or weather conditions are not specified, but the focus remains on the teams’ form, injuries, and tactical setups. Enjoy what promises to be an engaging clash at Children’s Mercy Park!

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Prediction & Betting Tip

For this match, our recommended betting tip is to go with "Over 2.5 Goals". Given the attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, this tip seems quite promising.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Over 2.5 Goals	1.85

• Both teams have had high-scoring outings recently. Sporting Kansas City scored at least 3 goals in two of their last five matches, highlighting their attacking potential.
• Charlotte FC’s matches frequently exceed 2.5 goals, indicating a trend towards high-scoring encounters.
• With players like Dejan Joveljic and Patrick Agyemang leading the lines for their respective teams, expect plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.

Both teams’ defensive weaknesses further emphasize the likelihood of a high-scoring affair, making this betting tip a solid choice.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Odds

This upcoming MLS clash at Children’s Mercy Park between Sporting Kansas City and Charlotte FC has the bookmakers tipping Charlotte FC as slight favourites. However, the odds reflect the potential for a closely contested match.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Sporting Kansas City	2.55
Draw	3.59
Charlotte FC	2.48

With both teams showing a penchant for high-scoring games recently, these odds suggest that anything could happen on the night. Sporting Kansas City will be hoping to leverage their home advantage to upset the odds, while Charlotte FC will aim to consolidate their standing.

Be sure to consider these betting odds as you mull over your predictions for this match.

Sporting Kansas City Team Analysis

Sporting Kansas City’s Recent Performance

Sporting Kansas City has had a mixed bag of recent performances. With one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches, they find themselves at the lower end of the table. Despite this, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo FC.

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Sporting Kansas City	FC Dallas	2025-06-15	Major League Soccer	2-4 (Loss)
Los Angeles FC	Sporting Kansas City	2025-06-09	Major League Soccer	3-1 (Loss)
Houston Dynamo FC	Sporting Kansas City	2025-06-01	Major League Soccer	1-3 (Win)
Sporting Kansas City	New England Revolution	2025-05-25	Major League Soccer	3-3 (Draw)
San Diego FC	Sporting Kansas City	2025-05-18	Major League Soccer	0-0 (Draw)

Sporting Kansas City’s Recent Form

• Recent Form: LLWDD
  Sporting Kansas City has scored an average of 1.80 goals in their last five games, evidencing their offensive capabilities. However, defensively, they have room for improvement, managing just one clean sheet in this span. They concede an average of 1.9 goals per game, highlighting vulnerabilities at the back.
  The side will aim to tighten their defence and rely on the scoring prowess of Dejan Joveljic, who is the top scorer with 10 goals this season. Home advantage at Children’s Mercy Park could be a significant factor in their favour, although they have a challenging task ahead against Charlotte FC.

Sporting Kansas City Key Players

Sporting Kansas City’s key player to watch will undoubtedly be Dejan Joveljic. With 10 goals to his name, Joveljic has been a consistent scoring threat this season. His ability to find the back of the net can play a pivotal role in turning the tides for Sporting Kansas City, especially given their need to climb up from their current 26th position.

Another crucial player for Kansas City is Erik Thommy, who will play an essential support role in the attack. Thommy’s vision on the field and his knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities can provide the chances Joveljic needs to capitalize on.

In the midfield, Manu García stands out for his control and passing abilities. His capacity to link up play between defense and attack makes him a linchpin in Kerry Zavagnin’s game plan.

Potential individual battles on the pitch include Dejan Joveljic going up against Charlotte FC’s centre-back Adilson Malanda. Additionally, Erik Thommy will likely face off against Charlotte’s left-back Souleyman Doumbia, which will be a key matchup to keep an eye on.

Expected lineup for Sporting Kansas City:

• Goalkeeper: John Pulskamp
• Defenders: Andrew Brody, Jansen Miller, Joaquin Fernandez, Logan Ndenbe
• Midfielders: Jacob Bartlett, Jake Davis, Manu García
• Attackers: Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov, Dejan Joveljic, Erik Thommy

These players form the core of Sporting Kansas City’s lineup and will be essential in their quest for victory against Charlotte FC, considering their recent performance highlights and current standings.

Sporting Kansas City Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting Kansas City heads into their match against Charlotte FC with a few notable absences due to injuries and suspensions that could potentially impact their performance. Here’s a detailed look at the current situation:

Suspensions

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Khiry Shelton	Yellow/red card	One match left

Khiry Shelton’s suspension will likely be a blow to Kansas City’s lineup, as he’s often tasked with providing solid defending as well as occasional offensive support.

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Nemanja Radoja	Thigh injury	Early July 2025
Robert Voloder	Collarbone injury	Late July 2025
Daniel Rosero	Ankle injury	Early July 2025

The injury list will likely have a considerable impact on Sporting Kansas City’s plans for the match. The absences of Nemanja Radoja, Robert Voloder, and Daniel Rosero will put pressure on the squad’s depth. The team will need to rely on available players stepping up, particularly in the defensive areas.

These absences mean that other players, including fringe and youth players, will need to be ready to fill the gaps and seize the opportunity to shine.

Sporting Kansas City Tactics and Formation

Sporting Kansas City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Center Forward: Dejan Joveljic
• Midfield Trio: Jacob Bartlett, Jake Davis, Manu García

Defensive Setup:

• Backline: Andrew Brody, Jansen Miller, Joaquin Fernandez, Logan Ndenbe
• Goalkeeper: John Pulskamp

Sporting Kansas City has managed one clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities, which they will need to address in this upcoming clash.

Key Tactical Points:

• Sporting Kansas City will likely employ a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to leverage the attacking prowess of their top scorer, Dejan Joveljic, who has netted 10 goals this season.
• The midfield trio of Bartlett, Davis, and García will be essential for both defensive stability and providing support to the forwards.
• On the offensive front, Erik Thommy and Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov are expected to flank Joveljic, offering pace and creativity from the wings.
• Defensively, with Khiry Shelton suspended for the match, Coach Kerry Zavagnin might have to adjust his lineup, potentially creating opportunities but also raising concerns about defensive solidity.

Notable Strategy:

• Sporting Kansas City has shown a knack for scoring in spurts, notably in the 61-75 minute interval, an important phase of the game where they tend to press aggressively.
• With the loss of Shelton, look for Zavagnin to possibly adopt a more compact defensive shape initially, before transitioning to a more open and attacking formation as the match progresses.

Overall, Sporting Kansas City’s strategy will involve balancing defensive resilience with offensive flair, especially utilizing Joveljic’s goal-scoring instincts to break through Charlotte FC’s defense.

Charlotte FC Team Analysis

Charlotte FC Recent Performance

Charlotte FC have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride recently, exhibiting a mixed bag of results. Their last five matches reflect the inconsistency that has seen them win two matches and lose three. Despite the ups and downs, one pattern remains noticeable – most of their games have been high-scoring.

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Philadelphia Union	Charlotte FC	2025-06-14	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Loss)
Toronto FC	Charlotte FC	2025-05-31	Major League Soccer	0-2 (Win)
New York Red Bulls	Charlotte FC	2025-05-28	Major League Soccer	4-2 (Loss)
Charlotte FC	Columbus Crew	2025-05-24	Major League Soccer	3-2 (Win)
DC United	Charlotte FC	2025-05-21	US Open Cup	2-2 (Loss on penalties)

Charlotte FC have managed to net an impressive average of 2.4 goals per game over their last five fixtures, showcasing their offensive strength. However, defensively, they have been leaky, only securing one clean sheet in these fixtures. This propensity for both scoring and conceding makes their matches exciting but unpredictable.

They are coming off a recent 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Union, but their ability to find the back of the net keeps them competitive. Coach Dean Smith will be looking to tighten up the defense while continuing to capitalize on their attacking capabilities in the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City.

Charlotte FC Key Players

Charlotte FC will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact in the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City. Let’s break down who you should be keeping an eye on:

• Patrick Agyemang: The standout striker and top scorer for Charlotte FC with 6 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments has made him indispensable for Dean Smith’s side.
• Wilfried Zaha: A seasoned forward, who offers significant pace and skill on the left wing. Expect him to be a constant threat to Sporting KC’s defense with his dribbling and creativity.
• Pep Biel: Operating from the center of midfield, Biel’s vision and passing accuracy will be key in orchestrating Charlotte’s attacks. His link-up play with Zaha and Agyemang will be critical.
• Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico: These midfielders provide the necessary balance between defense and attack. Their work rate and ability to control the tempo of the game could be decisive.
• Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett: As the central defensive duo, they will be tasked with keeping Dejan Joveljic—the top scorer for Sporting KC—under wraps. Their performance could make the difference between a win and a loss.

Expected lineup for Charlotte FC:

• Goalkeeper: David Bingham
• Defenders: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Souleyman Doumbia
• Midfielders: Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, Brandt Bronico
• Attackers: Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha

Key Individual Battles:

• Patrick Agyemang vs Jansen Miller: Agyemang’s ability to break through defenses will be tested against Miller’s defensive acumen.
• Wilfried Zaha vs Andrew Brody: Expect a thrilling clash on the wings as Zaha takes on Brody, who needs to be at his best to neutralize Zaha’s threat.
• Pep Biel vs Manu Garcia: The midfield battle will be crucial, with Biel and Garcia likely to play pivotal roles in their respective teams’ fortunes.

Look for these players to play major roles as Charlotte FC aim to bounce back from their recent mixed performances and secure a positive result.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Prediction & Betting tip

We have an intriguing clash on the cards as Sporting Kansas City take on Charlotte FC in a Major League Soccer encounter at Children’s Mercy Park. Given both teams’ recent form and scoring stats, this match promises to be an exciting one.

Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals

Both teams have had high-scoring games recently. Sporting Kansas City scored at least 3 goals in two of their last five matches, and Charlotte FC’s matches frequently exceed 2.5 goals. Expect a game with multiple scoring opportunities.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Odds

Outcome	Odds
Home win (Sporting Kansas City)	2.55
Draw	3.59
Away win (Charlotte FC)	2.48

Sporting Kansas City Team Analysis

Sporting Kansas City Recent Performance

Sporting Kansas City has been inconsistent lately, with their last five games showing a mixed bag of results (LLWDD). They will be keen to secure a win at home to boost their standings from their current 26th position.

Sporting Kansas City Key Players

• Dejan Joveljic: The top scorer for Sporting Kansas City, having netted 10 goals this season. His goal-scoring prowess will be crucial.
• Manu Garcia: Providing creativity in midfield, his vision and passing can unlock any defense.

Sporting Kansas City Suspensions & Injuries

• Suspensions: Khiry Shelton is suspended due to a yellow/red card.
• Injuries: Nemanja Radoja (Thigh), Robert Voloder (Collarbone), and Daniel Rosero (Ankle) are sidelined.

Sporting Kansas City Tactics and Formation

Expected to stick with a 4-3-3 formation:

• Goalkeeper: John Pulskamp
• Defenders: Andrew Brody, Jansen Miller, Joaquin Fernandez, Logan Ndenbe
• Midfielders: Jacob Bartlett, Jake Davis, Manu Garcia
• Forwards: Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov, Dejan Joveljic, Erik Thommy

Charlotte FC Team Analysis

Charlotte FC Recent Performance

Charlotte FC has also encountered some ups and downs, with an LWLWL record in their last five fixtures. They’re currently sitting in 16th place in the league and will be looking for consistency.

Charlotte FC Key Players

Charlotte FC will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact in the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City. Let’s break down who you should be keeping an eye on:

• Patrick Agyemang: The standout striker and top scorer for Charlotte FC with 6 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments has made him indispensable for Dean Smith’s side.
• Wilfried Zaha: A seasoned forward, who offers significant pace and skill on the left wing. Expect him to be a constant threat to Sporting KC’s defense with his dribbling and creativity.
• Pep Biel: Operating from the center of midfield, Biel’s vision and passing accuracy will be key in orchestrating Charlotte’s attacks. His link-up play with Zaha and Agyemang will be critical.
• Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico: These midfielders provide the necessary balance between defense and attack. Their work rate and ability to control the tempo of the game could be decisive.
• Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett: As the central defensive duo, they will be tasked with keeping Dejan Joveljic—the top scorer for Sporting KC—under wraps. Their performance could make the difference between a win and a loss.

Charlotte FC Suspensions & Injuries

• Injuries: Nimfasha Berchimas (Foot) and Nathan Byrne (Neck) remain out.

Charlotte FC Tactics and Formation

Likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 setup:

• Goalkeeper: David Bingham
• Defenders: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Souleyman Doumbia
• Midfielders: Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, Brandt Bronico
• Attackers: Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Both teams have a relatively short history of encounters in Major League Soccer, making each face-off significant as they continue to build their rivalry.

Venue and Weather

The match will take place at Children’s Mercy Park, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and dedicated fan base, creating an intense backdrop for this MLS showdown. The weather details closer to the event will further set the stage for this thrilling encounter.

Charlotte FC Tactics and Formation

Charlotte FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Idan Toklomati
• Midfield Trio: Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, Brandt Bronico
• Defensive Duo: Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett

Charlotte FC are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 setup for their clash against Sporting Kansas City. This formation is designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility, with two holding midfielders protecting the backline.

Key Forward:
The focal point of their attack will be Idan Toklomati, who will lead the line as the centre forward. His role will be crucial in linking up play and finishing off chances.

Midfield Trio:
In the midfield, the presence of Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, and Brandt Bronico will be pivotal. Westwood and Bronico are expected to provide the necessary balance between defense and attack. Meanwhile, Pep Biel will act as the creative hub, orchestrating offensive plays and feeding balls to the attackers.

Defensive Duo:
In defence, the pairing of Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett takes centre stage. This duo will be tasked with neutralising Sporting Kansas City’s top scorer, Dejan Joveljic, and maintaining a disciplined backline.

Defensive Strategy:
Despite conceding their fair share of goals, keeping two clean sheets in their last five games shows their potential defensive resilience. Malanda and Privett’s understanding will be key in stopping any attacking threats.

Notable Strategy:
Charlotte FC have a tendency to dominate games during the 46-60 minute interval, often scoring the majority of their goals in this period. This could be a strategic focus for them to press and exploit any weaknesses Sporting Kansas City may show right after halftime.

Expect Charlotte FC to leverage their tactical set-up to effectively balance between defense and offense, making them a tricky side to break down.

Sporting Kansas City vs Charlotte FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Since there isn’t any specific head-to-head information available for previous encounters between Sporting Kansas City and Charlotte FC, we will proceed under the assumption that this is their first meeting in the league. This makes the upcoming match even more intriguing, as both teams come into the game without any prior history to influence their strategies.

This first encounter at Children’s Mercy Park will set the tone for their future rivalries and add a new chapter to the Major League Soccer narrative. Both teams will be keen to make a strong impression and secure valuable points as we approach the 19th round of the competition.

Odds accurate as of 24.06.2025 01:32, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.