July 19. 2015, Kansas City, KS; Despite at times being left on an island, Sporting KC forward Dom Dwyer had a fantastic 2015 campaign, netting 12 goals (photo credit: Graham Green).
Sporting Kansas City, winless in Silicon Valley since 2000, seeks to break that duck against the Earthquakes as the early part of the season works to form an early glimpse as to the MLS Playoff picture.
San Jose has been a bit Jekyll and Hyde in 2016. At the Avaya Stadium they have been very stalwart with 10 points earned from a possible 12. Home form can get you to the dance where it can be anyone’s game. Remember 2015 Portland Timbers? The current champions were on the outside looking in and got on a roll and was pumped full of adrenaline when they got past Sporting KC after the most epic of penalty shootouts witnessed in MLS’ 20 year history.
On the road San Jose has been on the leaky side. Giving up goals and being unable to score in return the Earthquakes truly seem brushed aside when they leave the Valley as one point from 9 has shown the weakness to this side.
Historically Dominic Kinnear has been able to get the better of Sporting Kansas City. While in charge of the Houston Dynamo they became one of the biggest obstacles the team could face, especially when they met four times in the playoffs over a six season period. In the four playoff appearances facing the Kinnear lead Dynamo only once did Sporting KC come out on top, that being in 2013. Each time it was a down and dirty affair where the winner ended up playing for the MLS Cup final.
Sporting Kansas City has been playing different at the back while Matt Besler has been out with a concussion. There has not been any connection with Kevin Ellis and Nuno Coelho. When facing against FC Dallas the defense was carved open with regularity, granted this was against a top MLS attacking side, but if it wasn’t for Tim Melia then Sporting Kansas City wouldn’t be in the good early season position.
Another element which has not been something of a benefit has been the Benny Feilhaber contract situation. After an absolutely great 2015 where he was in contention for the MLS MVP there has been very little in the way of progress to sealing his stay with Sporting Kansas City long term. For players on the squad they are aware that the player would like to stay but then again with free agency there could be an absolute bidding war that would unsettle most in a league where there is such pay disparity.
Key Matchup: Chris Wondolowski has found his scoring boots again which will not bode well for the defense despite the return of Matt Besler. When you take as long to return from injury it can be difficult to get back up to speed.
Prediction: 2-1 as the Earthquakes are able to get an early goal placing Sporting Kansas City in a difficult situation they are unable to get back from.
Sporting Kansas City
San Jose Earthquakes
