In 2011 it was Sporting’s first season with their new stadium and name. They had a very successful regular season and made it to the conference finals for the first time since 2007. The season then abruptly ended with a loss to the Houston Dynamo. In 2007 Kansas City, then named the Wizards, made it all the way to the conference finals, only to be defeated by the Houston Dynamo. In 2012 Sporting Kansas City made it back to the Eastern Conference Final, only to be defeated by the Houston Dynamo once again.

For the third straight season, the Eastern Conference Final will be between the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City. Sporting comes into the game with all the confidence in the world. On Wednesday, KC came back and defeated the New England Revolution in a thrilling, high scoring match that ended in overtime. Houston pulled off a thrilling victory of their own on Wednesday against the Supporters Shield champions, the New York Red Bulls.

Both teams will battle against each other Saturday tired and confident. The match ups between these two teams in the past have resulted in super physical, fast paced games. These teams hate each other. A rivalry is beginning and Sporting has about as much motivation as possible.

The playoff schedule sets it up so that Sporting will first play in Houston, on Saturday, and then play the final game at Sporting Park for the third year in a row. The Kansas City players and fans have watched Houston celebrate on their field for two years in a row. It won’t happen again.