Two offenses in need of much work: Sporting Kansas City and Chicago Fire

Chicago isn’t threatening any records for scoring futility to open a season. Not just yet. Still, Frank Klopas’ offense is pretty puny right now.

Things were better along the back line for the visitors, and Klopas will probably feel OK about Saturday’s 0-0 draw in Kansas City.

Then again, Kansas City’s attack is looking fairly sickly these days, too, so that deserves consideration.

SKC had plenty of possession Saturday but created disappointingly few quality chances in its home opener. The men in blue pointed 20 shots toward goal, but Fire ‘keeper Sean Johnson generally wasn’t stretched, needing to make just three saves all afternoon.

SKC manager Peter Vermes blamed Chicago’s tactical fouling. What he told NBC Sports Network at halftime: “Every time we get a little run, the other team fouls us, At some point, you have to start bringing out some cards, because it shouldn’t take away from our attacks going forward.”

He’s got a point. But Kansas City is generally the team doing the tactical fouling, that lament rings a bit hollow. And besides, Vermes knew who was refereeing this match: Silviu Petrescu, a man who just does not like to call fouls. What did the SKC coach expect?

Sporting KC is clearly missing the midfield drive provided by Roger Espinoza, and the hustle-bustle from Kei Kamara along the right side.

As for Chicago’s offensive struggles: Chris Rolfe was the only effective man in red Saturday. Striker Sherjill MacDonald has badly lost his way. Or perhaps beyond one swell match against New York last year, he never had a way. The Dutchman has four goals in 17 MLS matches over two seasons, hardly prolific for a striker.

Here are the highlights, such that they are:

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