While loads of hype has been dumped on tonight’s #LAvNY contest on ESPN 2, Saturday night features a matchup between two teams on better runs of form. The Kansas City Wizards host FC Dallas Saturday at 7 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on KCWE 29 in HD. FCD brings a 16-game unbeaten streak (8-0-8) into the match, while Kansas City enters 6-1-3 in their last 10 games. The match is certainly worthy its own #KCvFCD Twitter hashtag.
Dallas began their current run May 27 with a 1-1 tie at the Chicago Fire, and hasn’t looked back since. They are now in 3rd place in the Western Conference and 5th place overall in the MLS Cup Playoff picture with 43 points on the season.
Kansas City’s successful run of form started with a 1-0 road victory July 14 at the Columbus Crew. The Wizards then tied the Colorado Rapids 1-1 on the road before upsetting English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United 2-1 July 25 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Since July 14, Kansas City’s only loss came in a 1-0 contest at the San Jose Earthquakes. The stretch includes a pair of 2-0 wins at the Home Depot Center against the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, respectively.
David Ferreira has paced the FCD attack throughout their 16-game unbeaten run. He has scored all seven of his 2010 goals during the streak, including a pair of game-winners. One of his match-winning goals came when Kansas City visited Dallas July 3, as Ferreira converted a second-half penalty kick for the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 Dallas victory.
Kansas City’s offense has been led by rookie striker Teal Bunbury, Kei Kamara and Davy Arnaud during the 10-match stretch. Bunbury and Kamara have scored four goals apiece during that time frame, with Arnaud adding three. The Kansas City defense has been outstanding as well, recording four shutouts en route to a 17-8 goal advantage.
Saturday’s match nearly lost its luster on Wednesday before both teams fought back from deficits to earn points late. Dallas came back from a 2-0 hole to tie the New England Revolution 2-2 on a stoppage-time goal from Jeff Cunningham (assisted by Ferreira).
Kansas City’s comeback was even more dramatic. Trailing first 2-0, then 3-1 at halftime, the Wizards roared back in the second stanza with three goals. The game-winner came in the 96th minute through a well-placed header from substitute forward Josh Wolff. Michael Harrington recorded two assists on the night, including an excellent ball to Wolff for the winner. Kamara, Bunbury and Ryan Smith scored the other goals for Kansas City.
Dallas is in comfortable playoff position on 43 points, while the Wizards are now just three points out of the final playoff spot with 33 points and a game in hand on 8th place Seattle. #LAvNY might be on ESPN 2 and receiving the majority of the national media attention, but #KCvFCD on Saturday night could turn out to be a better match between two teams on better runs of form.
