Sporting Kansas City has recalled defender Kevin Ellis from USL affiliate Swope Park Rangers ahead of Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (8pm, 38 the Spot).

Ellis and fellow first team defender Ever Alvarado went on loan to the Swope Park Rangers last week for their Tuesday night game against OKC Energy FC. Both players played 90 minutes in the 2-0 loss.

Ellis will join the first team in Colorado to replace center back Nuno Andre Coelho, who left Wednesday's match in the 21st minute with a hamstring injury. Coelho has been ruled out for this weekend’s fixture and has returned to Kansas City to receive treatment.

Now in his sixth season with Sporting KC, Ellis has made 54 league appearances with 46 starts. He enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2015 with a career-best 27 appearances with 26 starts. He also added five goals in all competitions.