Consistency is key, and Sporting Kansas City appears to have the formula.

Since rebranding in 2011, SKC has been amongst the most successful clubs in Major League Soccer, earning a playoff berth in each of the past six seasons while lifting MLS Cup in 2013.

Under head coach Peter Vermes, Sporting KC has employed a fairly distinct playing style regardless of personnel. Here’s what fans can expect come Friday night.

Formation– 4-3-3

SKC has stuck to their tried-and-true formation for a number of seasons, yielding a fair amount of success in the process. Possessing a strong spine through the middle of the field in Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber and Dom Dwyer, Sporting KC can be a difficult side to contend with.

Wingers Jimmy Medranda and Gerso Fernandes tend to pinch in centrally, while the outside backs are tasked with providing width on the flanks. Seth Sinovic has long been considered one of the more solid left back options in the league, while United States international Graham Zusi gives the right back spot a much more attacking-minded feel, making the move to the backline from higher up the pitch.

While not a full-on counter pressing unit, Sporting KC have been known to press high up the pitch with their front five, looking to create turnovers high up the pitch in order to carve out their goal scoring opportunities.

Key Player – Benny Feilhaber

Even with a high press, you still need the weapons to play that final pass to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. That’s where Benny Feilhaber shines, operating as one of the more lethal playmakers in the league. Through his stellar play, Feilhaber has worked his way back into the national team picture, showing time and again that he’s not afraid to take his looks at goal.

Coach’s Quotebook

Greg Vanney: “They’re a tenacious group. They work hard, they understand what their responsibilities are and they’re organized.  When they close you, they close you fast. When they have the ball, they have some guys with technical ability, pace, and some good passers.

“They’re not an easy team to play against.”