May 26, 2012
MLS SUNDAY
A look at the upcoming game

San Jose Earthquakes (8-2-3, 27 pts) @ Sporting Kansas City (7-3-1, 22 pts), 3:30 pm CT (NBCSN)
MLS Golden Boot co-leader Chris Wondolowski won’t be with the San Jose Earthquakes when they visit Sporting Kansas City on Sunday because of U.S. National Team commitments, but his importance as the be-all and end-all of the Quakes’ offense has waned of late. Steven Lenhart headed home his fifth goal of the season to start the Quakes on their way back from a two-goal deficit against the LA Galaxy last weekend, Khari Stephenson converted the equalizing penalty kick, and Alan Gordon played the hero for the third straight match, coming off the bench and heading the 3-2 game-winner into the net in stoppage time. After opening the season with seven straight wins, Sporting are winless in their last four after blowing a two-goal lead and settling for a 2-2 draw against Colorado last weekend. Dead balls have been toxic for Sporting this season – three of the nine goals they have conceded have come from free kicks, and two more from the penalty spot.