The Houston Dynamo face Sporting Kansas City tomorrow night after a commanding 3–0 victory over Texas rivals Austin FC last weekend. Riding the momentum of that dominant performance, Houston will look to capitalize on its strong form against a Sporting KC side that has struggled throughout the season.

Sporting Kansas City enters the match at the bottom of the Western Conference with just 14 points, a stark contrast to the club's reputation as one of MLS's model organizations. Once considered a perennial contender under longtime manager Peter Vermes, Sporting KC has endured a difficult transition period and has struggled to find consistency throughout the season.

Despite its position in the standings, Sporting possesses enough attacking quality to trouble any opponent. Forward Dejan Joveljić leads the team in goals and has developed a habit of causing problems for the Houston Dynamo in previous meetings. His movement inside the penalty area and ability to capitalize on half-chances make him the focal point of Sporting's attack. In midfield, Manu García serves as the team's primary playmaker. Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, García dictates the tempo, links play between the lines, and looks to unlock defenses with incisive passes. Limiting his time and space will be a key priority for Houston's midfield. Out wide, Capita brings pace, directness, and unpredictability. The Angolan winger thrives in one-on-one situations and is capable of stretching defenses before delivering dangerous balls into the box or cutting inside to create chances himself. Houston's fullbacks will need to stay disciplined and avoid giving him opportunities to isolate defenders in transition.

Although Sporting KC has struggled defensively this season, the team remains dangerous when it can attack quickly after winning possession. Their willingness to play through García and release pacey attackers into space means Houston cannot afford sloppy turnovers in midfield. Set pieces also remain an area where Sporting can threaten, with several aerial targets capable of punishing defensive lapses.

By The Numbers

Goals per 90: 1.1 (29th in MLS)
Goals conceded per 90: 2.6 (29th in MLS)
Possession: 44.7% (27th in MLS)
Top scorer: Dejan Joveljic (8)
Most assists: Manu Garcia (4)

Head Coach

Raphael Wicky

In January, Wicky signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Sporting Kansas City as the club looks to establish a new identity following the departure of longtime head coach Peter Vermes, who was dismissed last season. Wicky had been out of coaching since 2024 after a successful spell with Young Boys in the Swiss Super League that ultimately soured toward the end. He is no stranger to MLS, having previously managed the Chicago Fire. So far, however, Sporting Kansas City has remained one of the league's worst teams under Wicky, and the club hopes he can help turn things around.

Last Five Matches

May 16 - Austin 1-2 Sporting KC
May 23 - Sporting KC 1-2 Red Bull New York
July 16 - St. Louis 3-2 Sporting KC
July 22 - Sporting KC 2-1 Minnesota
July 25 - LAFC 4-0 Sporting KC

Last Match Staring XI (from FotMob)

Here’s how Sporting Kansas City lined up for their last MLS game, a 4-0 loss against LAFC.

2026 Roster

Goalkeepers: Stefan Cleveland, Jack Kortkamp, John Pulskamp, Ryan Schewe

Defenders: Ethan Bartlow, Or Blorian, Diego Borges, Ian James, Emir Karic, Wyatt Meyer, Jansen Miller, Moises Mosquera, Jayden Reid, Justin Reynolds

Midfielders: Kwaku Agyabeng, Jacob Bartlett, Zorhan Bassong, Lasse Berg Johnsen, Jake Davis, Manu Garcia, Cielo Tschantret

Forwards: Stephen Afrifa, Taylor Calheira, Capita, Calvin Harris, Dejan Joveljic, Shapi Suleymanov

Enemy Scouting Report: Sporting Kansas City

Three Players to Watch: Sporting Kansas City