Scouting report: vs. Sporting Kansas City

When/where: 8:30 p.m. Thursday; BBVA Compass Stadium. TV/radio: KUBE, KFTH; 610 AM and 1010 AM (Spanish). Dynamo last five (13-10-11, 50 pts): D-W-W-D-W. Sporting KC last five (12-9-13, 49 pts): L-D-L-D-L.

Dynamo update: With a playoff berth secured, the Dynamo have accomplished their mission for 2017. With their playoff opener at home, however, why not add icing to the cake? That effort will be aided by the fact they are riding a six-game unbeaten streak that includes one win and one draw against Sporting KC. The defense is playing well but must get a solid performance out of the player who replaces A.J. DeLaGarza (left ACL tear) at right back.

Sporting KC introduction: Once the favorite to finish on top of the Western Conference, Sporting KC slipped to fifth place because of a five-game winless skid to end the season. With a core group of players in their 30s, however, this team has enough veteran presence to find an extra level when it matters most. Look for players like Matt Besler, Roger Espinoza, Benny Feilhaber, Seth Sinovic and Graham Zusi to make a difference on Thursday.

Key statistic: The Dynamo are 10-1-2 all-time in playoff games at home. They have won three of four career postseason games against Sporting Kansas City.

Dynamo player to watch: The mystery starter at right back (likely Jalil Anibaba, Kevin Garcia or Adolfo Machado) will be tasked with the responsibility of slowing down the Sporting KC forwards and its end-to-end fullback that likely never will stop running.

Sporting KC player to watch:

Right back Graham Zusi has been a big part of the club’s leaguebest defense, but he also set an MLS record for chances created by a defender. His matchup with fellow veteran DaMarcus Beasley could provide the game a defining moment.