Looking at their records, there would seem to be little in common between Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo.
But Kansas City has company in the misery department, albeit in a different magnitude.
Each club will have a chance to shake off the frustrations when they meet Saturday night in Houston.
Houston (13-8-5, 44 points) is in a three-way tie for second place in the Western Conference. The Dynamo let a couple of points slip away when they conceded a goal in stoppage time to Cincinnati in last week’s 2-2 draw.
“Anytime you’re up 2-0 at home, you need to see the game out,” Houston coach Ben Olsen said.
Kansas City (5-17-3, 18 points) holds the worst record in the MLS, so its level of agitation is rather obvious.
“We have to keep believing,” Kansas City coach Raphael Wicky said. “Everyone needs to keep doing the dirty work. That’s what will win you games.”
There’s an encouraging sign offensively as Kansas City has scored three goals in all three of its matches this month. That stretch includes a 3-1 home victory against LAFC and a 4-3 setback to the Philadelphia Union.
“Just learn from mistakes,” midfielder Kwaku Agyabeng said. “You just have to come and put that behind you. Then you focus on what’s in front of you. That’s what we are focusing on this week.”
Kansas City defender Wyatt Meyer had his first MLS goal last week.
“It’s good to celebrate some of the good stuff, too,” Meyer said a few days later.
But he said defense has to become more of a priority for Kansas City.
The Dynamo have won only one of their last six matches (1-2-3), but dwelling on the last result might not be a good tonic.
“Let’s learn from that moment,” Olsen said. “Hopefully get after KC.”
Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond was clutch for the Dynamo in the most recent game, and Houston hasn’t surrendered more than two goals in a contest since May 13.
Houston defeated Kansas City 2-0 on Aug. 1 on goals from Guilherme and Agustin Bouzat. Guilherme has 14 goals this year, including two across the last three matches.
–Field Level Media
