A look at Dynamo’s playoff history with Sporting KC

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The playoff rivalry between the Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City has been dormant the last three years because the Dynamo have not lived up to their end up the bargain by qualifying for the postseason.

The rivalry will be alive and well on Thursday night when the Dynamo play host to their longtime rivals in the knockout round at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The teams have met in the playoffs four times, including three consecutive years from 2011-13. The Dynamo have advanced three of four times.

Dynamo defender Jalil Anibaba has played for both teams so he has had a unique view of the rivalry.

“It is the grittiest rivalry in the league,” Anibaba said this week. “It has a history of a lot of hard-fought matches. To be honest, Houston has come out on the better end of a lot of those matches. I am fortunate to be on this side of it now. I am happy we’re playing this game at home.”

Here is a detailed look at all the playoff meetings:

Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City playoff history

Sporting KC forward Teal Bunbury left, holds onto Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia left, during the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Final game at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Houston. less Sporting KC forward Teal Bunbury left, holds onto Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia left, during the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Final game at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in ... more Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close A look at Dynamo’s playoff history with Sporting KC 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

2013 Eastern Conference finals (Sporting KC wins series 2-1)

Leg 1: The teams played to a scoreless draw at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Leg 2: Boniek Garcia scored in the third minute to give the Dynamo the lead at Sporting Park, but C.J. Sapong and Dom Dwyer answered to send their team to the MLS Cup final.

2012 Eastern Conference semifinals (Dynamo win series 2-1)

Leg 1: The Dynamo built a 2-0 aggregate lead at home thanks to goals by Adam Moffat and Will Bruin.

Leg 2: Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall conceded only one goal despite the Dynamo facing 20 shots and 31 crosses. Sporting KC won the match, 1-0, but with the Dynamo already ahead by two goals, it was not enough to prevent the Dynamo from advancing to the conference final.

2011 Eastern Conference finals (Dynamo win game 2-0)

After losing twice all season in its new stadium, Sporting KC was the favorite to win the conference title. The Dynamo, however, were the team that celebrated thanks to goals by Andre Hainault and Carlo Costly. It was an extra impressive effort because the Dynamo lost MVP candidate Brad Davis to a quad injury in the first half.

2007 Western Conference final (Dynamo win game 2-0)

The teams were in opposite conferences, but MLS’ playoff set-up at the time allowed the Eastern Conference Kansas City Wizards to qualify as a wildcard and take the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The Dynamo advanced to their second consecutive MLS Cup final after Nate Jaqua and Dwayne DeRosario scored.