Match Preview: Sporting KC at Houston

Sporting KC start the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs with a first leg match at the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo defeated Chicago 2-1 in the knockout round match on Wednesday.

Head To Head

Houston leads the all-time series with six wins to Sporting's three and six matches ending in draws. The Dynamo are unbeaten against KC this season with two draws (both at LSP) and one win (at Houston). Sporting KC have not won at Houston since 2006 and never lost at LSP.

In the MLS Cup Playoffs, the teams have met twice with Houston winning both and KC scoreless. The teams met in the Eastern Conference Final last season (one leg format) with Houston winning 2-0.

Goals

Sporting KC has not conceded more than one goal since late July (against Columbus) and not scored more than two goals since early July (against Montreal). After going during most of the summer, CJ Sapong has scored in four of his last seven matches. 

The Houston Dynamo have been shutout once in their last 10 MLS matches. Will Bruin's two goals in the knockout round victory was his first multi-goal game since June 20. 

Last 5 Matches (in MLS)

HOU (3-1-1) - 2-0 win v NE, 1-1 draw v MTL, 3-1 win v PHI, 2-0 loss at COL, 2-1 win at CHI

SKC (2-0-3) - 0-0 draw at MTL, 2-0 win v CHI, 1-1 draw at CLB, 0-0 draw at NY, 2-1 win v PHI

Individual Leaders (during regular season)