Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas – MLS, September 2, 2020

Despite only managing to win one of their three games since the MLS is Back Tournament, Sporting KC remains two points clear at the top of the Western Conference. FC Dallas is the Wizards’ next opponent, and the Texas club sits seven points behind the league leader.

Granted, SKC has played two games more than Dallas. But even if Luchi Gonzalez’s men were to win both of their games in hand, they would still find themselves one point shy of the Kansas club.

The two sides clash at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday, September 2. You can find my Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas prediction and betting pick below.

Sporting KC (1.67) may have hit a mini rough patch, but you can’t really argue with the odds that the online sportsbooks are offering for this matchup. Dallas (4.50) has been erratic at the best of times this year, so it’s hardly surprising to see the away team as the rank outsider here.

Sporting KC could not have dreamed of a better start to 2020. The Wizards hammered Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 before crushing Houston Dynamo 4-0, but the campaign was put on hold soon after. The team’s momentum was killed, although it didn’t take long for Peter Vermes’ men to rediscover their form. SKC won three straight games at the MLS is Back Tournament before bowing out in the quarter-finals.

When the regular season resumed, Sporting KC wasted no time in returning to winning ways. The Wizards beat Minnesota United in their first game back, but they were quickly brought back down to earth by Houston. The Dynamo got their revenge for March’s result by thrashing SKC 5-2, and Vermes’ side could only manage a draw with Colorado Rapids last time out.

The Wizards remain the Western Conference’s top scorers, but they must improve defensively to hold onto top spot. Indeed, only a handful of teams in the bottom half of the division have conceded more goals than SKC this year.

Having been forced to withdraw from the MLS is Back Tournament, Dallas has only played six games this season. The Texas team has actually suffered just one defeat so far, although three draws have prevented Dallas from moving up the standings.

Still, the Toros come into this game on a three-game unbeaten streak. Sure, tame goalless draws with Nashville and Houston may have kicked off the run. But Dallas’ impressive 3-1 victory over Minnesota last time out proves the team is capable of causing the best sides in the division some serious damage.

It feels like these two teams are moving in opposite directions at the moment. While Sporting KC is struggling to gather momentum, Dallas appears to be on the rise. It is likely to be difficult for the Toros to snatch all three points on Wednesday, but I can definitely see them securing a draw.