Sporting KC only has nine games remaining in the regular season for 2012, and so far they are the class of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference. Sporting KC holds a five-point lead over the New York Red Bulls, but the Red Bulls have a game in hand having only played 24 games to Sporting KC's 25.

In the overall MLS standings, Sporting KC is only a point behind the San Jose Earthquakes for the best overall record in the league. A second-place overall finish would guarantee an appearance in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League, while a first-place finish guarantees that as well as a place in next season's MLS Supporter's Shield contest against the winner of the playoffs.

Kansas City has a big game this week at home against the New York Red Bulls. A victory would all but lock up the regular season Eastern Conference crown.

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