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Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas: Preview and How to Watch

By Eric Harris

Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas defender Walker Zimmerman (25) in action against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas defender Walker Zimmerman (25) in action against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The final two unbeatens in MLS face off in the lone star state as Sporting Kansas City travels down to take on FC Dallas.

FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City faced off earlier in the season in Kansas City and left with with a scoreless draw. The circumstances around that game were very different though. FC Dallas was also prepping for a midweek Champions League game and rested several starters in the match.

Since then Sporting KC has picked up their offense, while keeping their defense at a high level. Both teams have been two of the better sides in MLS, each getting 11 points in their last five.

Sporting Kansas City

Aug 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sporting KC midfielder Jimmy Medranda (94) kicks the ball against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. The Philadelphia Union won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sporting KC midfielder Jimmy Medranda (94) kicks the ball against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. The Philadelphia Union won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record: 3-0-3 (2nd in Western Conference)
  • Last Time: 1-0 win at Portland Timbers
  • Player to Watch For: Jimmy Medranda has been an unsung hero for SKC this year. A statistical oddity, Kansas City hasn’t given up a goal this season while Medranda has been on the pitch. He has also gotten involved in the offense and provides a spark with his speed.
  • Why They Win: Defense. SKC has given up two goals in six matches this season. They just came off their most impressive defensive performance of the year shutting out Portland. The center back combo of Matt Besler and Ike Opara have been among the best in the league.
  • Why They Don’t: Scoring goals has been a challenge for Peter Vermes’ side. Though it has gotten better with Dom Dwyer getting on the scoresheet the past two matches. Their offense hasn’t been as clinical as needed at times.
  • Projected Starting XI:

FC Dallas

Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) in action against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) in action against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record: 3-0-2 (3rd in Western Conference)
  • Last Time: 1-1 draw at San Jose Earthquakes
  • Player to Watch For: Kellyn Acosta will be tasked with keeping Benny Feilhaber in check for much of the match. Keeping him from creating chances is the most important part of slowing Kansas City down.
  • Why They Win: They have shown the ability to grind out matches to get the results they want. In their first matchup of the season, Dallas fought for a draw against Kansas City and got it. Now with the full roster they’ll look to get all three points.
  • Why They Don’t: Production up top. After a fast start to the year, Maximilano Urruti has cooled off a bit, and with the injury to Maro Diaz, Dallas is still not a full strength up top.
  • Projected Starting XI:

Next: MLS Attendance: Week 7 Update and Averages By Team

How to Watch: 

Where: Toyota Stadium 

When: Saturday April 22, 8:00 pm ET

Channel: MLS Live, FOX Sports KC, TXA-21

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