ES 
NFL Picks 
MLB Picks 
NBA Picks 
NHL Picks 
Soccer Picks 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Top Handicapper 
Picks 
SKC Aim to Extend Recent Home Success Against Playoff-Hunting FC Dallas
Sporting Kansas City (SKC) is set to host FC Dallas on Sunday, hoping to build on their recent home success. Despite a tough season overall, SKC has found some form at home. Meanwhile, FC Dallas is gunning for a playoff spot and showing resilience under interim head coach Peter Luccin.
Sporting Kansas City’s Season Struggles
Overall Performance: Kansas City has had a rough season, sitting with a record of 4-13-5 and just 17 points. But recent home games have offered a spark of hope, with SKC winning two of their last three matches at home.
Defensive Issues: Defense has been a big problem for SKC, as they’ve conceded the second-most goals in the Western Conference (46 goals in 22 matches). Their tendency to let leads slip, like in their recent 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids, highlights the defensive lapses that have hurt them all season.
Johnny Russell’s Comments: Team captain Johnny Russell stressed the need for better accountability and execution on set pieces after conceding a tying goal off a set piece against Colorado. “We work on set pieces. Everyone knows their job in set pieces. Everyone knows who their man is in set pieces,” Russell said. “So, there’s no excuse for allowing free headers. Simple as that. We have to hold each other accountable for that.”
FC Dallas’ Recent Success
Performance Under Interim Coach: Since coach Nico Estevez was let go on June 9, FC Dallas (6-10-5, 23 points) has improved, winning three of their last five matches. They are currently six points away from the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Thursday’s Victory: FC Dallas pulled off a thrilling 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers, with an own goal just before second-half stoppage time sealing the deal. Interim head coach Peter Luccin praised his team’s character, especially considering the number of injuries to key players.
Injury Concerns: The absence of Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas’ top scorer for the past two seasons, is a big loss. Ferreira is expected to be out until late July with a hamstring injury. Despite this, FC Dallas has found ways to win, showing resilience and adaptability.
Tactical and Player Considerations
SKC’s Defensive Adjustments: For Kansas City, fixing their defensive issues is crucial. Their recent struggles with defending set pieces need to be addressed to avoid more costly mistakes.
FC Dallas’ Offensive Strategy: Without Ferreira, FC Dallas will need a team effort to create scoring chances. Interim coach Luccin’s focus on character and resilience will be key in their game plan against SKC.
Match Anticipation and Historical Context
First Meeting of the Season: This will be the first meeting between SKC and FC Dallas this season. They’ll face off again in a U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday, and once more in the regular season on October 19.
Key Players to Watch: For SKC, the performance of Johnny Russell and their defensive line will be crucial. For FC Dallas, the strategies of interim head coach Peter Luccin and the team’s ability to adapt without Ferreira will be pivotal.
Conclusion
Sunday’s match is crucial for both teams. SKC wants to keep their home winning streak alive and fix their defensive issues, while FC Dallas aims to stay in the playoff hunt despite injury challenges. The match promises to be a competitive battle with both teams having a lot on the line.
