Match provides close simulation of playoffs
Intensity level goes up a notch with each club vying for berth
The MLS playoffs are 10 days away, but the Dynamo this weekend have been graced with a similar situation to the one they might face if they reach the postseason.
They expect to take advantage of it.
The Dynamo (12-10-10) take on Sporting Kansas City (12-8-12) on Sunday night at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. It is a rematch of Wednesday’s game at BBVA Compass Stadium the Dynamo came from behind to win 2-1.
Both teams can clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday. If either team advances to the Western Conference semifinals, they would play a two-leg series with the second leg being played on similar rest as this regular-season rematch.
Dynamo right back A.J. DeLaGarza has played in 16 playoff games so he knows what to expect. As much as the Dynamo had to grind Wednesday and find another level after halftime, it will be harder Sunday.
“It is another 90-minute game, and if we were in the playoffs it’s the deciding game,” DeLaGarza said. “This is a deciding game for us. We need to get a result and get into the playoffs. We clearly don’t want to wait for the last day or have to wait for other teams to get us into the playoffs. We know how important this game is. We’ll be up for it.” Up-and-down season
It did not seem the Dynamo would be up for the stretch run a month ago after a loss to the Earthquakes left them with a point in four games and on the wrong side of the playoff line.
They have rallied to go unbeaten in their last four games. Wednesday’s win over Sporting Kansas City was their second in a row — a feat they had not accomplished since May.
The way they rallied from behind to win Wednesday was significant, too. It shows their toughness is shining through when required.
“We needed these type of games,” coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “We needed to be exposed to this very talented and strong team like Sporting Kansas City. They’re going to be in the playoff for sure. We want to be exposed to that type of environment, intensity and mentality. That is going to help us be prepared.”
Sunday’s rematch could look different from Wednesday because both teams welcome back players who were away on international duty. Sporting Kansas City will get back U.S. national team players defender Matt Besler and midfielder Graham Zusi. The Dynamo get back forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto and defenders DaMarcus Beasley and Adolfo Machado. Cabrera’s concerns
The Dynamo are in a strong position in that if they don’t win they could clinch a playoff berth. They need two of FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake and San Jose to lose Sunday for that to happen. If two of those three lose or draw and the Dynamo draw, the Dynamo clinch.
Cabrera would like the Dynamo to take matters into their own hands and clinch the team’s first postseason berth since 2013.
“The fact we have to play on Wednesday and travel to play on Sunday is like a playoff,” Cabrera said. “It is the best exercise for the team to understand that if we want to be in the playoff we have to play with that intensity. We cannot get comfortable with anything.”