FC Dallas is set to host Sporting Kansas City for the first time in two years. This meeting is also the first for these teams as Western Conference opponents since 2004. FC Dallas made the playoffs in 2014, but with both the Houston Dynamo and SKC coming to the Western Conference, they will need to pick up wins to ensure their return. Sporting, as the newcomers are looking to make their mark and hoping to displace the playoff contenders they meet.
In their previous two meetings, Dallas and Kansas City have played to a draw. Sporting hosted Dallas for their home opener and late tying goal by the visitors earned the draw. In 2013, Kansas City earned the draw in Dallas with each team scoring two goals. Dallas has not won at home against Sporting since 2010 with a loss and a draw in that time.
Last week, Dallas squeaked out a late victory against the San Jose Earthquake as Blas Perez score in second half stoppage time. In that game, both teams had several opportunities, but couldn't convert. Dallas controlled most of the second half and had the better of the opportunities and didn't let up until they scored the winner. Meanwhile, Kansas City got into a defensive battle with the New York Red Bulls at home. Neither team scored in the first half as the defenses were all over the field. Early in the second half, Ike Opara scored a solid header, but New York's Lloyd Sam answered with a beautiful solo run and wicked shot. After their captain, Matt Besler, was sent off with his second yellow card, Sporting turned up the pressure and pushed for late winner. Dom Dwyer missed to great opportunities and the game finished level at one.
Notable Absences
With the 70th minute sending off of Matt Besler in the home opener, Sporting Kansas City will play without their captain and defensive leader in Dallas.
FC Dallas Lineup
Dallas is expected to come out with the same formation they showed against San Jose. The 4-1-3-2 they run can pressure opposing defenses. Michel, their usual set piece taker, was inactive for game one, but should be back for this match. The only major question about the roster is who will start in goal. Former Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was brought in to challenge Chris Seitz and has not won the starting job yet. Maybe another week of training will see him take the field.
Seitz
Harris - Loyd - Hedges - Hernandez
Michel
Akindele - Diaz - Hollingshead
Perez - Castillo
Sporting Kansas City Lineup
Manager Peter Vermes talked in the off season about working with a second formation in 2015 and it showed in the home opener. The usual 4-3-3 was replaced by a 4-2-3-1 which seems to be a better fit for the current roster. Rookie defender Amadou Dia got his first MLS start last week and was highly praised for his composure in the game. Until Chance Myers returns from injury, Dia appears to control the spot. Seventeen year old Erik Palmer-Brown is likely to start in place of Matt Besler in the back. Palmer-Brown was given several starts last season as the SKC defense was plagued by injuries.
Marin
Dia - Opara - Palmer-Brown - Sinovic
Espinoza - Feilhaber
Nemeth - Zusi - Anor
Dwyer
Matchup and Predition
These two teams both boast solid defenses and high pressure offenses. If both play to their potential, a high scoring game is not out of the question. Both teams come in evenly matched as Sporting's newcomers have not fully adjusted to the team's style of play at MLS speeds and Dallas' offense will be ready for their second straight home match. Blas Perez looks to be continuing his end of season scoring form as the main target for Dallas. If Kansas City had Matt Besler in the lineup, they would be feeling better about a win. Their offense did appear to get things together after a somewhat slow start in their first game. Dallas will exploit the weakness on defense, but it won't be enough to earn the victory against the visitors.
2-2 Draw
Match Deatils
Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas is the site for this matchup at 8:30pm ET. The referee for the match is Jair Marrufo. He will be assisted by Eric Boria and Philippe Briere. Nima Saghafi will be between the benches as the fourth official.