The Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City are set to conclude their challenging seasons on Decision Day in Kansas City, Kansas. Both clubs are looking to end the campaign on a positive note despite facing significant struggles throughout the year.
Houston Dynamo, with a record of 9-15-9 and 36 points, saw their hopes of making the MLS Cup playoffs come to an end with a disappointing 4-2 loss against San Diego earlier this month. The team has experienced tough times, losing three of their last four matches. Head coach Ben Olsen expressed disappointment over their failure to stay competitive, stating, “It’s a sad state of affairs that we’re not in a position on Decision Day to at least be in the conversation.” However, he emphasized the importance of focusing on their final match against Kansas City to finish the season on a high note.
Offensively, the Dynamo have struggled significantly, with Ezequiel Ponce being the only player to reach double figures in goals, finishing the season with 10. Houston’s performance has resulted in a -13 goal differential, starkly highlighting their scoring difficulties.
Conversely, Sporting Kansas City has managed a record of 7-20-6 and only 27 points, suffering five consecutive losses and nine defeats in their last ten matches. The team has struggled all season, with Dejan Joveljic shining as a lone star, leading the squad with 18 goals—11 more than his closest competitor, Daniel Salloi. With Joveljic in the first year of a three-year contract, the future roster composition remains uncertain.
Interim manager Kerry Zavagnin acknowledged the challenges faced this season but indicated an opportunity for evaluation. He stated, “For sure it’s been a difficult season. The results haven’t gone our way. But we’ve had the opportunity to evaluate the things we have with this group and the things we need moving into next year.” With many contracts set to expire, both clubs are preparing for significant transitions that could lead to fresh talent joining their ranks in the upcoming season.
While the present has been challenging for both teams, they look ahead with hope for renewal and improvement, eager to build stronger foundations for success in the future.