Sporting Kansas City and Houston Dynamo played out a goalless draw at Children's Mercy Park, according to ESPN FC. Despite the match outcome, both teams secured their places in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs. Sporting KC held firm control of the run of play while setting up some clear chances up front, but they never found the back of the net with Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric, putting up a fantastic performance for his side. On the other side, Houston Dynamo were content to sit back and break on the counter when in possession. With this result, Sporting Kansas City is fourth with 49 points, two points better than Houston Dynamo, who are fifth.
Here's an analysis of the match.
Sporting Kansas City outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Andrew Dykstra (seven points). Defender - Graham Zusi (8.19), Ike Opara (7.85), Matt Besler (7.59), Cristian Lobato (seven points). Midfielder - Roger Espinoza (6.62), Ilie Sánchez (7.58), Benny Feilhaber (7.38). Forward - Jimmy Medranda (6.78), Diego Rubio (6.68), Dániel Sallói (6.92). Used substitutes - Latif Blessing (5.93).
Team's strength and weakness: Peter Vermes' men created goal opportunities through individual efforts, through balls, set pieces, long shots and from both flanks, but they were totally weak at finishing.
Style of play: Sporting KC held more possession on Houston Dynamo's half and attacked through the center midfield.
Furthermore, they favored through balls and long thrusts.
Houston Dynamo outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tyler Deric (9.00). Defender - A.J. DeLaGarza (6.93), Leonardo (6.90), Adolfo Machado (7.52), DaMarcus Beasley (6.59). Midfielder - Juan Cabezas (6.90),
Ricardo Clark (seven points), Alberth Elis (7.09), Tomás Martínez (6.52), Alex (6.40).
Forward -Erick Torres (6.48). Used substitutes - Mauro Manotas (5.98), Romell Quioto (six points), Vicente Sanchez (6.38).
Team's strength and weakness: Dynamo were primarily good at setting up chances from counter attacks and set pieces. However, they were also weak at scoring and often lost possession of the ball.
Style of play: Wilmer Cabrera's side largely attacked down the right side, had high shot frequency when in possession, favored long balls and crosses.
Man of the Match
Tyler Deric's reflexes and saves apparently prevented Sporting Kansas City from scoring. The home team pressure, particularly in the second half, was overwhelming. However, Tyler Deric came up brilliantly, saving his side to a barren draw.
Both teams' final matches of the regular season
Sporting KC hits the road to face Real Salt Lake on Sunday 22. Simultaneously, Houston Dynamo slogs it out with Chicago Fire the same day.
