Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City - Staff picks

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo host old rivals Sporting Kansas City tonight in the Western Conference semifinal round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. We asked our staff to weigh in on how they see the Dynamo and SKC playing out tonight.

Cristian - 3-1 Dynamo win 

Home field advantage. To me it all comes down to the energy these Dynamo players will receive from the crowd and how the players can reciprocate that back in beautiful soccer. SKC has become the biggest (out of state) rival and I believe this match will live up to that. I’m hoping this Dynamo team will also live up to that history as well. 

Rudy - 1-0 Dynamo win

Predicting the outcome of a playoff match is very difficult due to various factors like team performance, player form, strategies, and unforeseen circumstances during the game. Sporting Kansas City will likely sit back and let the Dynamo hold the ball most of the game and exploit their attacking opportunities via counters and set pieces. Alan Pulido can quickly pivot his team into the final third with his great hold up play. With that being said, to me this game will be game of chess, with each move being played oh so carefully, knowing that a mistake can be costly. I think Houston will get the win and advance, if they can keep the game from going to penalties.

Manny - 1-0 Dynamo win in extra time

There’s no question that the Houston Dynamo excel at home. The real question is how will the team and the opposition’s form be after the international break with almost two weeks without league play. The Dynamo always seem to fight and get a result at home no matter the form or the team. This will be the most difficult game they face, especially against a rival.

Joey - 2-1 Dynamo win

Both teams have historically performed well in the playoffs when they appear, so this will not be an easy game for either side. These teams tend to play very physically against each other, which usually leads to some cards being shown. Whichever team can win the physical battle while keeping their composure will come out on top. It will be close but I give the Dynamo the edge knowing how good they are at home and Hector Herrera being the best player between the two sides. 

Gribbs - 2-1 Dynamo win

These two sides have battled closely against each other and tend to match well - fitting for a rivalry. The Dynamo knocked SKC out of the US Open Cup, but only managed a draw and loss in the regular season. Despite being the 8th seed, Kansas City bumped off the 1 seed St. Louis City SC in just 2 games. Houston needed all 3 games to take care of Real Salt Lake. I expect this game to be close, but Houston's gradual improvement as the season has progressed has seen them lift the USOC trophy and make the 4 seed of the playoffs. That momentum along with the home field advantage will carry them a long way. 2-1 to the home side.

Dustyn - 2-1 Dynamo win in extra time

I’ve gone back and forth on this game all week. Sporting attack on their left side more than any team in Major League Soccer and that is the side Griffin Dorsey loves to bomb forward on. The Dynamo midfield will be key, as it has all season, to keep the ball away from Alan Pulido and the dangerous SKC attackers. I think the game goes to extra time with the Dynamo grabbing a goal from Thor Ulfarsson to advance.