The year is over half over already, and that means time to look at my Wishes for 2009 and how they've done so far.
1. Ground breaking on the stadium - The mall is down now and we actually have some renderings, but we still have not seen an official ground breaking for the building of the stadium. Hopefully we see ground breaking soon, or 2011 is going to be a bigger stretch than it already is.
2. 10-15 goal scorer for the Wizards - The Wizards may actually pull this one off this year. Josh Wolff is the current team leader with 6 goals a little over half way through the season. Of course the majority of the Wizards goals have come from 3 players (Wolff 6, Davy Arnaud 5, Claudio Lopez 4). That's 15 of the Wizards 19 goals this season. Hopefully Wolff is able to hit the 10 goal mark, but hopefully the rest of the team picks up the scoring a little bit.
3. US qualifies for World Cup 2010 - The US is certainly in a good position to qualify. Currently in second place half way through the Hexagional with 10 points, the US definitely has an inside track to qualifying. Sixteen points will likely be enough for the US to be off to South Africa for the World Cup. That means in the US's remaining 5 games (@ Mexico, vs El Salvador, @ TnT, @ Honduras, vs Costa Rica) the US needs 2 wins to probably qualify for the World Cup. Not an easy task, but certainly doable, especially if the US play as they did in the last few games of the Confederations Cup.
4. US does well at the Confederations Cup - If you'd have told me at the beginning of the year that the US would finish second at the tournament, I would have been estatic. And while I am very happy with the performance in the second half of the tournament, seeing how the US finished second is disappointing. Sure it was Brazil in the final, but up 2-0 you would hope the US could hold on. Still, though, a big win over Spain in the semifinals, and a nice win over Egypt are two good things to take from the competition heading back into World Cup qualifying.
5. Some Silverware - The Wizards are out of SuperLiga and the US Open Cup, meaning their only chances for silverware is winning the Supporter's Shield or MLS Cup. Right now the Wizards don't look likely to win either of those, but hopefully the Wizards turn it around.
6. Lopez has a 2009 season like the end of the 2008 season - Maybe not exactly as I'd wanted. His stats have been decent enough, scoring 5 goals in all competitions and tied for the team lead in assists with 4. Still his actual play hasn't been the greatest. With the way the season is going, though, Lopez is on his way to 10 goals and 8 assits, which honestly wouldn't be a horrible season from the Argentine.
7. A blowout home win - Hasn't happened yet. We were close against New England at home earlier this season, when I honestly didn't feel like New England ever really threatened, especially after they went down a man. But I still want a blow out. I want to see at least a 3 goal win at home this season.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday After Stats
We're a whole lot of stats at the midweek game against Seattle, but plenty of stats from last night's game against New England.
In the 54th minute, Josh Wolff went over the 10,000 minute mark in all competitions for the Wizards. He's the 14th Wizards player to hit that mark. He finished the game with 10,031 minutes played.
In the 42nd minute, Wolff moved past Sean Bowers into 14th place in minutes played in all competitions for the Wizards.
With his start tonight, Wolff tied Sasha Victorine for 17th place on the most league appearances for the Wizards with his 106th appearance.
Herculez Gomez started his 75th career MLS game.
With his 5 minutes of playing time last night, Abe Thompson hit the 5000 minute mark in all competitions in his MLS career.
With his start last night, Kevin Hartman broke his tie with Digital Takawira for 20th place on the list for the most MLS starts for the Wizards. It was Hartman's 76th straight start for the Wizards in league play.
In the 56th minute, Hartman passed Digital Takawira to move into 20th place on the list of most league minutes played for the Wizards. Hartman finished the game with 6840 minutes played.
In the 54th minute, Josh Wolff went over the 10,000 minute mark in all competitions for the Wizards. He's the 14th Wizards player to hit that mark. He finished the game with 10,031 minutes played.
In the 42nd minute, Wolff moved past Sean Bowers into 14th place in minutes played in all competitions for the Wizards.
With his start tonight, Wolff tied Sasha Victorine for 17th place on the most league appearances for the Wizards with his 106th appearance.
Herculez Gomez started his 75th career MLS game.
With his 5 minutes of playing time last night, Abe Thompson hit the 5000 minute mark in all competitions in his MLS career.
With his start last night, Kevin Hartman broke his tie with Digital Takawira for 20th place on the list for the most MLS starts for the Wizards. It was Hartman's 76th straight start for the Wizards in league play.
In the 56th minute, Hartman passed Digital Takawira to move into 20th place on the list of most league minutes played for the Wizards. Hartman finished the game with 6840 minutes played.
Chances But No Finishes
The Wizards created numerous chances last night, tying a season high with 11 shots on goal, but could not beat Revolution goalkeeper, Matt Reis. The 0-0 result gave the Wizards a point, but with that many shots on goal, you would have hoped that KC could have put one of them away.
It was actually New England that started the game stronger, and almost capitalized. Less than a minute in, Kenny Mansally found himself free on the right side of the Wizards defense after a cross, but his shot was stopped by Kevin Hartman's foot and Hartman covered up the rebound. The game went back and forth for much of the first half. Michael Harrington had a decent look after a give and go, but couldn't get his shot over Reis. Claudio Lopez had a great opportunity to make it 1-0 KC when he took advantage of a poor back pass by New England, getting 1v1 with Reis, but Lopez couldn't lift his chip over the Revolution goalkeeper. Josh Wolff almost took advantage of a similar situation later in the half, but could not catch up to the header back by the Revolution defender.
In the second half, KC continued to threaten, as Jack Jewsbury had a couple chances that were both saved by Reis. New England had the best chance of the second half in the 75th minute when Edgaras Jankauskas touched a cross back across the face of goal to Nico Colaluca. Hartman had been pulled to the far post, so Colaluca had the full net to shot at, but put it wide of the near post. In the 79th, Wolff forced Reis into a good save after he flicked a cross on net. In the 81st, the game changed when Lance Watson was given a straight red for a tackle on Colaluca. The tackle didn't seem to be a red card worthy tackle, and even the Revolution announcers (who are notoriously bias for the Revolution) thought the tackle should have only warrented a yellow.
In the end, neither team found net and the teams each settled for a point. For the Wizards, they now earn a nice week off after having played 7 games in the last 20 days, 5 of which were on the road. The rest will give them time to work out the small knocks and hopefully get some of the injured players back to health.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aaron Hohlbein - Hohlbein did a good job yesterday of shutting down the Revolution attack. Hartman only had to make 3 saves, and outside of the first, the saves were routine. Hohlbein was able to Jankauskas fairly well in the second half as well, limiting him to really only one dangerous opportunity.
Player Ratings - Hartman 6, Watson 4, Hohlbein 6, McKenzie 6, Besler 5, Harrington 5, Hirsig 5, Jewsbury 4, Gomez 4, Wolff 5, Lopez 5. Subs Kraus 4, Morsink NR, Thompson NR.
It was actually New England that started the game stronger, and almost capitalized. Less than a minute in, Kenny Mansally found himself free on the right side of the Wizards defense after a cross, but his shot was stopped by Kevin Hartman's foot and Hartman covered up the rebound. The game went back and forth for much of the first half. Michael Harrington had a decent look after a give and go, but couldn't get his shot over Reis. Claudio Lopez had a great opportunity to make it 1-0 KC when he took advantage of a poor back pass by New England, getting 1v1 with Reis, but Lopez couldn't lift his chip over the Revolution goalkeeper. Josh Wolff almost took advantage of a similar situation later in the half, but could not catch up to the header back by the Revolution defender.
In the second half, KC continued to threaten, as Jack Jewsbury had a couple chances that were both saved by Reis. New England had the best chance of the second half in the 75th minute when Edgaras Jankauskas touched a cross back across the face of goal to Nico Colaluca. Hartman had been pulled to the far post, so Colaluca had the full net to shot at, but put it wide of the near post. In the 79th, Wolff forced Reis into a good save after he flicked a cross on net. In the 81st, the game changed when Lance Watson was given a straight red for a tackle on Colaluca. The tackle didn't seem to be a red card worthy tackle, and even the Revolution announcers (who are notoriously bias for the Revolution) thought the tackle should have only warrented a yellow.
In the end, neither team found net and the teams each settled for a point. For the Wizards, they now earn a nice week off after having played 7 games in the last 20 days, 5 of which were on the road. The rest will give them time to work out the small knocks and hopefully get some of the injured players back to health.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aaron Hohlbein - Hohlbein did a good job yesterday of shutting down the Revolution attack. Hartman only had to make 3 saves, and outside of the first, the saves were routine. Hohlbein was able to Jankauskas fairly well in the second half as well, limiting him to really only one dangerous opportunity.
Player Ratings - Hartman 6, Watson 4, Hohlbein 6, McKenzie 6, Besler 5, Harrington 5, Hirsig 5, Jewsbury 4, Gomez 4, Wolff 5, Lopez 5. Subs Kraus 4, Morsink NR, Thompson NR.
Arnaud and Espinoza Score in Gold Cup
The Wizards couldn't score last night in their game against the Revolution, but two Wizards players did score last night. Davy Arnaud scored the United States' first goal in their 2-2 draw with Haiti, receiving a pass from Stuart Holden that Arnaud put away to the Haitian goalkeeper's near post. Roger Espinoza also scored, scoring the second goal of the night for Honduras in their 4-0 win over Grenada. Wizards captain, Jimmy Conrad also played for the US last night, going the full 90 minutes as captain for the US team.
So 2 goals and a captaincy for the Wizards 3 Gold Cup players last night, not a bad night individually for those players.
So 2 goals and a captaincy for the Wizards 3 Gold Cup players last night, not a bad night individually for those players.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hercegfalvi News
I stopped by practice today, but was a little late to see Zoltán Hercegfalvi practicing for the Wizards today, but Thad over at The Back Post was earlier and got some photos of Hercegfalvi practicing with the team in a small scrimmage. As you can see by the photo below, Hercegfalvi will be wearing number 20 for the Wizards. And as Thad mentions he was headed in to get his photo taken in uniform, which means that a deal is likely done. 
photo courtesy of Thad Bell
photo courtesy of Thad Bell
Again Against the Revolution
For the third time in less than a month, the Wizards will take on the New England Revolution tomorrow afternoon as part of a triple header with the Gold Cup. The Wizards game kicks off at 3pm central time. New England is starting to get healthier, as they may have Steve Ralston back for this game. The Revs though, will still be without forward Taylor Twellman and midfielder Sharlie Joseph.
Kansas City comes into this game winless in 7 games in all competitions (the Open Cup game against Minnesota is officially a draw). Their last win was against New England at home on the 13th of June, the team's last league game before SuperLiga started. The Wizards, though, have usually done well when they travel up to Boston. Since 2000, the Wizards are 8-1-5 (W-L-D) in New England. That includes the Wizards recent SuperLiga draw up there. As for the Wizards lineup, I'd expect the lineup to be what we saw against Houston last weekend. It doesn't seem likely that the Wizards will make any changes. After this game, the Wizards have 14 days off before their next game.
I am still holding out some hope that if either Davy Arnaud or Jimmy Conrad aren't in the US 18 for their game later in the day that they'll play for the Wizards and help the team get out of the funk they've been in recently.
Key Match Up - Jack Jewsbury vs Jeff Larentowicz - Jewsbury is likely to play the more advanced midfield role tomorrow meaning he'll be matched up against Larentowicz, who has become a fairly good player over the last few years. It should be a good match up to watch.
PREDICTION - The Wizards have a decent history at New England over the years and hopefully they can continue that tomorrow. With the way the team has been playing though, it could be a long day, especially with the Revolution starting to get healthy and Ralston likely to return to the lineup. A draw seems the likely result for the Wizards tomorrow.
KC - 1 (Lopez)
NE - 1 (Ralston)
Kansas City comes into this game winless in 7 games in all competitions (the Open Cup game against Minnesota is officially a draw). Their last win was against New England at home on the 13th of June, the team's last league game before SuperLiga started. The Wizards, though, have usually done well when they travel up to Boston. Since 2000, the Wizards are 8-1-5 (W-L-D) in New England. That includes the Wizards recent SuperLiga draw up there. As for the Wizards lineup, I'd expect the lineup to be what we saw against Houston last weekend. It doesn't seem likely that the Wizards will make any changes. After this game, the Wizards have 14 days off before their next game.
Hartman
Watson - Hohlbein - McKenzie - Besler
Hirsig
Harrington - Jewsbury - Gomez
Wolff - Lopez
Watson - Hohlbein - McKenzie - Besler
Hirsig
Harrington - Jewsbury - Gomez
Wolff - Lopez
I am still holding out some hope that if either Davy Arnaud or Jimmy Conrad aren't in the US 18 for their game later in the day that they'll play for the Wizards and help the team get out of the funk they've been in recently.
Key Match Up - Jack Jewsbury vs Jeff Larentowicz - Jewsbury is likely to play the more advanced midfield role tomorrow meaning he'll be matched up against Larentowicz, who has become a fairly good player over the last few years. It should be a good match up to watch.
PREDICTION - The Wizards have a decent history at New England over the years and hopefully they can continue that tomorrow. With the way the team has been playing though, it could be a long day, especially with the Revolution starting to get healthy and Ralston likely to return to the lineup. A draw seems the likely result for the Wizards tomorrow.
KC - 1 (Lopez)
NE - 1 (Ralston)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Dive-Gate Continues
The fall out from the Wizards departure from the US Open Cup continues. Today at the Wizards weekly press conference, Coach Onalfo made his feelings about the game and the deciding penalty known. Onalfo pulled no punches in the discussion either calling Seattle striker, Fredy Montero a punk and said "it was devastating to get the penalty call in the 90th minute. It was a blatant dive. For me as a MLS coach, it was the worst I've felt in terms of being cheated of a game."
The quotes have been picked up over in the Northwest and not surprisingly, Sounders fans are taking exception to the comments. The debate picked up with the release yesterday of this photo of the penalty call by Rick Morrison. Thad over at The Back Post gave a good break down of this photo and what it could and couldn't mean in his write up on the game, giving his break down from the perspective of someone who has taken many action photos. I have to agree with his comment that Montero was already on his way down by the time the contact was initiated. In the photo linked above, Montero has already gone airborne to do his swan dive. If he was running his trailing leg would have been moving forward in a running motion.
There's also the question of whether or not Montero would have actually reached the ball anyways before it went out of bounds. Watching the highlights again I don't see how, even at full speed, Montero was going to reach that ball before it went out of bounds.
In the end, the play and Onalfo's comments should serve as bulletin board material for both sides when the two teams meet in Kansas City in October. As Onalfo said, "I was furious after the game and I told the guys to use that energy or anger down the road." This result (along with the first game against Seattle earlier this season) will only add to the competitiveness on the field in October.
The quotes have been picked up over in the Northwest and not surprisingly, Sounders fans are taking exception to the comments. The debate picked up with the release yesterday of this photo of the penalty call by Rick Morrison. Thad over at The Back Post gave a good break down of this photo and what it could and couldn't mean in his write up on the game, giving his break down from the perspective of someone who has taken many action photos. I have to agree with his comment that Montero was already on his way down by the time the contact was initiated. In the photo linked above, Montero has already gone airborne to do his swan dive. If he was running his trailing leg would have been moving forward in a running motion.
There's also the question of whether or not Montero would have actually reached the ball anyways before it went out of bounds. Watching the highlights again I don't see how, even at full speed, Montero was going to reach that ball before it went out of bounds.
In the end, the play and Onalfo's comments should serve as bulletin board material for both sides when the two teams meet in Kansas City in October. As Onalfo said, "I was furious after the game and I told the guys to use that energy or anger down the road." This result (along with the first game against Seattle earlier this season) will only add to the competitiveness on the field in October.
Juniors Win Final Youth Cup Game
The Wizards Juniors team pulled off a win in their final game in Colorado as part of the MLS Youth Cup. The Juniors defeated the Colorado Rapids Juniors team 5-1 yesterday. For a full recap of the tournament, check out the Rapids official blog, Undercurrent.
New Player for KC Part 2
So I have been doing a little research since I posted about Thad's post on a potential new player for KC. I ended up checking the Wizards wikipedia, and on the current roster, there is a new player listed, Zoltán Hercegfalvi out of Hungary, someone updated Hercegflavi's wikipeida page yesterday with the information that he was joining the Wizards. Finding that information I went and googled for articles about Hercegfalvi joining KC. I came across this one from the first of July about Hercegflavi coming to Kansas City for a medical. It appears that the deal maybe some sort of loan, although google translate isn't always helpful. Either way it looks like it's a year and a half contract according to that article. It also says that Hercegflavi had other interest from Germany and Greece. Hercegflavi has spent the last few years playing for Budapest Honvéd FC, where he appeared 51 times, scoring 13 goals, according to wikipedia.
We'll see if this is the same player once it's made official, if it is.
We'll see if this is the same player once it's made official, if it is.
New Player for KC?
I was unable to make practice today due to other commitments, but Thad over at The Back Post was and has news of a new player out at practice for the Wizards today. No news on who the player is, but could it be the lower division Spanish player or the Hungarian player mentioned in a Star article recently?
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Espinoza in the Gold Cup
Wizards midfielder, Roger Espinoza was the only Wizards player that dressed tonight for his national team as Espinoza's Honduran side played the United States. Espinoza once again started for Los Catrachos tonight, playing 70 minutes before being subbed out in the USA's 2-0 win. US Wizards' players, Jimmy Conrad and Davy Arnaud did not dress for the game.
Former Wizards Update (UPDATED)
First update for this week's former Wizards update. There will be some updates as Michael Todd and Long Island play tonight, as well I'll try to get the minutes that Antti Sumiala played in his team's Finnish Cup game today. Huge week for former Wizard, Byron Carmichael, who scored 6 goals in his team's 3 games this week.
MLS
Nick Garcia - Toronto FC - Toronto was off this past week.
Taylor Graham - Seattle Sounders FC - Out with a broken leg.
Will Hesmer - Columbus Crew - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with DC.
Chris Klein - LA Galaxy - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in LA's 1-0 win over New England.
Yura Movsisyan - Real Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 1-1 draw with San Jose. It also came out this week that once Movsisyan's contract is up this winter, he'll be going to Denmark to play with Randers FC.
Brandon Prideaux - Chicago Fire - Did not dress in Chicago's 2-1 win over Colorado.
Carey Talley - Chivas USA - Chivas had this week off.
Shavar Thomas - Chivas USA - Chivas had this week off.
Dave van den Bergh - FC Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Dallas' 2-1 win over New York.
Sasha Victorine - Chivas USA - Chivas had this past week off.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle Sounders FC - No league game this past week, but Wahl did start and play 90 minutes in Seattle's 1-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 45 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Montreal. Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Charleston's 4-0 loss to Houston in the US Open Cup.
Vicente Arze - Vancouver - Vancouver did not play this week.
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City Barons (PDL) - Came off the bench and played 35 minutes, scoring 3 goals in Ocean City's 5-1 win over Newark. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 1 goal in Ocean City's 1-1 draw with Ottawa. Started and played 90 minutes for Ocean City and scored 2 goals in Ocean City's 3-2 win over New Jersey.
Ryan Caugherty - Austin - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in Austin's 1-0 win over Cleveland. Came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Austin's 4-1 loss to Rochester.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Dressed but did not play in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with Portland.
AJ Godbolt - Austin - Did not dress for either of Austin's games this past week.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh (USL2) - Started and played 76 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over Bermuda on Thursday. Started and played 81 minutes in Pittsburgh's 1-0 loss to Bermuda on the 4th.
Andrew Gregor - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 4-1 win over Austin. Started and played 90 minutes scoring a penalty kick goal in Rochester's 2-1 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Willy Guadarrama - Austin Aztex U-23 (PDL) - Did not dress for Austin's 4-0 loss to Laredo.
Pat Healey - Baltimore (USL2) - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in CPB's 3-1 loss to Harrisburg.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Carolina did not play this week.
Pete Marino - Treasure Coast Galleons (FESL) - Did not play this week.
Ryan McMahen - Austin - Started and played 90 minutes in Austin's 1-0 win over Cleveland. Started and played 62 minutes in Austin's 4-1 loss to Rochester.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Minnesota.
Eric Quill - Houston Leones (PDL) - Did not dress in Houston's 2-0 loss to West Texas.
Michael Todd - Long Island Roughriders (PDL) - Started and played 90 minutes scoring the lone goal in Long Island's 1-0 win over Brooklyn.
Yomby William - Richmond (USL2) - Started and played 43 minutes, recording two assists before being ejected in Ricmond's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
John Wilson - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Montreal. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 4-0 loss to Houston in the US Open Cup.
David Winner - Austin - On the bench for both of Austin's games this past week (1-0 over Cleveland, 4-1 loss to Rochester).
International
Chris Konopka - Longford Town - Ireland - Longford lost 2-1 to Waterford United.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesunds FK - Norway - Started and played 90 minutes in Aalesunds 3-2 win over Vålerenga.
Antti Sumiala - FC Porin Palloilijat - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Popa's 2-2 draw with FC Viikingit. Came on as a sub in Popa's 3-1 win over PK-35 in the Finnish Cup.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportes Quindío - The Clausura season has not started yet.
MLS
Nick Garcia - Toronto FC - Toronto was off this past week.
Taylor Graham - Seattle Sounders FC - Out with a broken leg.
Will Hesmer - Columbus Crew - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with DC.
Chris Klein - LA Galaxy - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in LA's 1-0 win over New England.
Yura Movsisyan - Real Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 1-1 draw with San Jose. It also came out this week that once Movsisyan's contract is up this winter, he'll be going to Denmark to play with Randers FC.
Brandon Prideaux - Chicago Fire - Did not dress in Chicago's 2-1 win over Colorado.
Carey Talley - Chivas USA - Chivas had this week off.
Shavar Thomas - Chivas USA - Chivas had this week off.
Dave van den Bergh - FC Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Dallas' 2-1 win over New York.
Sasha Victorine - Chivas USA - Chivas had this past week off.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle Sounders FC - No league game this past week, but Wahl did start and play 90 minutes in Seattle's 1-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 45 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Montreal. Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Charleston's 4-0 loss to Houston in the US Open Cup.
Vicente Arze - Vancouver - Vancouver did not play this week.
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City Barons (PDL) - Came off the bench and played 35 minutes, scoring 3 goals in Ocean City's 5-1 win over Newark. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 1 goal in Ocean City's 1-1 draw with Ottawa. Started and played 90 minutes for Ocean City and scored 2 goals in Ocean City's 3-2 win over New Jersey.
Ryan Caugherty - Austin - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in Austin's 1-0 win over Cleveland. Came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Austin's 4-1 loss to Rochester.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Dressed but did not play in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with Portland.
AJ Godbolt - Austin - Did not dress for either of Austin's games this past week.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh (USL2) - Started and played 76 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over Bermuda on Thursday. Started and played 81 minutes in Pittsburgh's 1-0 loss to Bermuda on the 4th.
Andrew Gregor - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 4-1 win over Austin. Started and played 90 minutes scoring a penalty kick goal in Rochester's 2-1 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Willy Guadarrama - Austin Aztex U-23 (PDL) - Did not dress for Austin's 4-0 loss to Laredo.
Pat Healey - Baltimore (USL2) - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in CPB's 3-1 loss to Harrisburg.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Carolina did not play this week.
Pete Marino - Treasure Coast Galleons (FESL) - Did not play this week.
Ryan McMahen - Austin - Started and played 90 minutes in Austin's 1-0 win over Cleveland. Started and played 62 minutes in Austin's 4-1 loss to Rochester.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Minnesota.
Eric Quill - Houston Leones (PDL) - Did not dress in Houston's 2-0 loss to West Texas.
Michael Todd - Long Island Roughriders (PDL) - Started and played 90 minutes scoring the lone goal in Long Island's 1-0 win over Brooklyn.
Yomby William - Richmond (USL2) - Started and played 43 minutes, recording two assists before being ejected in Ricmond's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
John Wilson - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Montreal. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 4-0 loss to Houston in the US Open Cup.
David Winner - Austin - On the bench for both of Austin's games this past week (1-0 over Cleveland, 4-1 loss to Rochester).
International
Chris Konopka - Longford Town - Ireland - Longford lost 2-1 to Waterford United.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesunds FK - Norway - Started and played 90 minutes in Aalesunds 3-2 win over Vålerenga.
Antti Sumiala - FC Porin Palloilijat - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Popa's 2-2 draw with FC Viikingit. Came on as a sub in Popa's 3-1 win over PK-35 in the Finnish Cup.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportes Quindío - The Clausura season has not started yet.
Sunday After Stats (Wednesday Edition)
Not many stats after last night's game against Seattle.
Jack Jewsbury's 175th appearance in all competitions for the Wizards.
This was the first US Open Cup game (or qualifier) since 2006 that has not gone to extra time for the Wizards, a span of 5 games.
One that I missed from last Saturday's game against Houston.
Josh Wolff against Houston started his 200th game in all competitions in his MLS career.
Jack Jewsbury's 175th appearance in all competitions for the Wizards.
This was the first US Open Cup game (or qualifier) since 2006 that has not gone to extra time for the Wizards, a span of 5 games.
One that I missed from last Saturday's game against Houston.
Josh Wolff against Houston started his 200th game in all competitions in his MLS career.
Wizards Bow Out of Open Cup
In a move that shocked me, the Wizards played mostly starters last night in Seattle against the Sounders in the US Open Cup. Unfortunately that was not enough, as the Wizards fell to the Sounders 1-0 on an 89th minute penalty kick. There was no video broadcast of the game last night, only an audio cast to follow online through the Sounders website.
Based on the broadcast, it sounded like the Sounders took the game to the Wizards for most of the night, creating many chances and half chances but not able to find the net until late in the game, when Kevin Hartman was called for bringing down Fredy Montero as he tried to round the Wizards keeper. Sebastien Le Toux stepped up and put the penalty kick away to give the Sounders the goal they needed. Kansas City on the other hand seemed to struggle once again to produce chances offensively. This issue can't continue if the Wizards hope to do anything in the league (the only competition left).
The Sounders goal was not without controversy though, as the Wizards protested at the time and after the game, with goalkeeping coach, John Pascarella having to be restrained by the fourth official as the picture below by Rick Morrison with GOALSeattle.com shows.
Post game, Onalfo had some harsh words about the call made by Abbey Okulaja. Onalfo makes comments to the previous times that Okulaja has played a major role in a Wizards game. Also on the site I just linked with the quotes from Onalfo is some highlights of last night's game from the Sounders website, including the tackle that led to the penalty kick. You can make your own opinion on the call, but for me the call is iffy at best and at worse should have been a yellow to Montero for a dive. Montero takes the ball into the box and as Hartman comes out, Montero tries to touch the ball around him. His touch though goes well ahead of him, he had no chance to get to that ball before it went out of bounds. On top of it looks like there was little to no contact made by Hartman, backing up the statement he made that he didn't even touch Montero.
Wizards Man of the Match - Rauwshan McKenzie - It's hard to pick a man of the match in a game you can't see, but based on comments made by the Sounders broadcasters last night, McKenzie had himself a very good game, stopping multiple Sounder attacks throughout the night.
Player Ratings - Without seeing the full game I'm not going to do full ratings for this game.
Based on the broadcast, it sounded like the Sounders took the game to the Wizards for most of the night, creating many chances and half chances but not able to find the net until late in the game, when Kevin Hartman was called for bringing down Fredy Montero as he tried to round the Wizards keeper. Sebastien Le Toux stepped up and put the penalty kick away to give the Sounders the goal they needed. Kansas City on the other hand seemed to struggle once again to produce chances offensively. This issue can't continue if the Wizards hope to do anything in the league (the only competition left).
The Sounders goal was not without controversy though, as the Wizards protested at the time and after the game, with goalkeeping coach, John Pascarella having to be restrained by the fourth official as the picture below by Rick Morrison with GOALSeattle.com shows.
Post game, Onalfo had some harsh words about the call made by Abbey Okulaja. Onalfo makes comments to the previous times that Okulaja has played a major role in a Wizards game. Also on the site I just linked with the quotes from Onalfo is some highlights of last night's game from the Sounders website, including the tackle that led to the penalty kick. You can make your own opinion on the call, but for me the call is iffy at best and at worse should have been a yellow to Montero for a dive. Montero takes the ball into the box and as Hartman comes out, Montero tries to touch the ball around him. His touch though goes well ahead of him, he had no chance to get to that ball before it went out of bounds. On top of it looks like there was little to no contact made by Hartman, backing up the statement he made that he didn't even touch Montero.Wizards Man of the Match - Rauwshan McKenzie - It's hard to pick a man of the match in a game you can't see, but based on comments made by the Sounders broadcasters last night, McKenzie had himself a very good game, stopping multiple Sounder attacks throughout the night.
Player Ratings - Without seeing the full game I'm not going to do full ratings for this game.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Juniors Struggle
The Wizards Juniors have struggled at this year's addition of the MLS Youth Cup. According to posters on bigsoccer, the Juniors lost all 3 group games (the only team to lose all 3 games). The Juniors lost their opening game on July 4th to Houston 2-0. In their second game, the Juniors lost to FC Dallas 6-2 (FC Dallas is in the Championship game of the tournament). In their final group game, the Juniors lost 1-0 to DC United (United also made the tournament finals). The Juniors will now play Chicago tomorrow in one of the consolation games.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Back in the Open Cup
The Wizards continue their schedule of playing 2 games in a week again tomorrow night when they play the Seattle Sounders at Starfire Sports Complex outside Seattle. Seattle had this past weekend off from league play, so they come into the game tomorrow night more rested than the Wizards. The Sounders last game was their 3rd round Open Cup game against the Portland Timbers. The Wizards are likely to see a very similar lineup to that which the Sounders put out against the Timbers, which was a mix of starters and back ups.
As for the Wizards, they come off their 1-0 loss to the Dynamo on Saturday. With the game this past Saturday and a trip up to New England coming up next weekend, Coach Onalfo is likely to play a lineup similar to the one he put out against Minnesota last week. Once again, though, due to injuries and call ups, KC is going to have to play a few starters to help fill the numbers for the team.
PREDICTION - I want the Open Cup, I voted as such in the poll up on my blog. That said, I don't see KC getting the result tomorrow. Onalfo has decided to focus directly on the league and leave the Open Cup as an afterthought. It doesn't help the Wizards efforts that Seattle was off this past weekend, which will likely allow them to play more starters than the Wizards will. Also factor in that KC is the only team that has beaten Seattle at home this year and I just can't see KC pulling this one out.
KC - 0
Seattle 2 - (King, Le Toux)
As for the Wizards, they come off their 1-0 loss to the Dynamo on Saturday. With the game this past Saturday and a trip up to New England coming up next weekend, Coach Onalfo is likely to play a lineup similar to the one he put out against Minnesota last week. Once again, though, due to injuries and call ups, KC is going to have to play a few starters to help fill the numbers for the team.
Pardo
Watson - Leathers - McKenzie - Marquess
Morsink
Harrington - Zusi - Gomez
Kraus - Thompson
Watson - Leathers - McKenzie - Marquess
Morsink
Harrington - Zusi - Gomez
Kraus - Thompson
PREDICTION - I want the Open Cup, I voted as such in the poll up on my blog. That said, I don't see KC getting the result tomorrow. Onalfo has decided to focus directly on the league and leave the Open Cup as an afterthought. It doesn't help the Wizards efforts that Seattle was off this past weekend, which will likely allow them to play more starters than the Wizards will. Also factor in that KC is the only team that has beaten Seattle at home this year and I just can't see KC pulling this one out.
KC - 0
Seattle 2 - (King, Le Toux)
Midseason Report
The Wizards season is now half over with their 15th league game last Saturday night against Houston. I wrote a break down of the first half of the season over on Bigsoccer that I'll repost here. The Wizards are 5-6-4 for a total of 19 points. This is one point behind last year's pace at this time (5-5-5). We've scored 19 goals while allowing 18. Good news is that we've scored 5 more goals than this time last year while allowing the same number. Also our leading scorer at this point in the season at least isn't a defender.
KC is 3-3-2 at home this season. They've already lost 1 more game at CAB than they did all of last season. Obviously CAB isn't as big a home field advantage as it was last year. .500 soccer at home is going to get you no where near the playoffs. KC has lost 13 points at home already this season (3 on a loss, 2 on a draw). They lost 14 at home all of last season. Currently the Wizards are 2-3-2 on the road, they've at least equaled their win total on the road from last season already and are only 3 points behind the team's road point total for all of last season (11 points in 08 on the road).
Half way through the season, we've also already lost 2 season series against conference opponents, losing the season series to both Toronto and Columbus with our early meetings. As for the other conference opponents, we hold the advantage on NY and Chicago for winning at home and drawing on the road respectively. We currently have the advantage on New England, although we still have to play them twice in New England, where we have technically done historically well. With DC we're probably trailing in that series, because they're our "rivalry game" that's at home, meaning we play them twice at CAB. We already gave that up with our home draw to them.
And here are my midseason grades for the Wizards players.
Davy Arnaud - B - Davy is second on the team in goals with 5, he's shown an ability to strike from distance regularly now which is something the Wizards always seem to lack. But his one assist this year is concerning for a player who's spent plenty of time this season as an attacking midfielder.
Matt Besler - B+ - The Wizards first round pick has adjusted well to the level of play at the pro level and is showing well since taking over the left back slot. No major mistakes that have cost the Wizards games and has shown an ability to get forward from time to time.
Jimmy Conrad - B+ - Conrad is having another solid, if not unspectacular season this year, no goals, but has been a rock in the middle of defense. His grade got a bump from a B to a B+ after seeing how much his lack of leadership in the middle effected the defense against Houston.
Adam Cristman - INC - Almost back from his injury, but still has no played since moving from New England.
Roger Espinoza - C+ - Espinoza has shown continued improvement this year, he's smarter with his play and able to keep his cool better as well. He's also another player that's willing to take a shot when it comes up.
Herculez Gomez - C+ - Gomez has had a good season so far in the midfield, but his contribution on offense hasn't been what most people expected out of him after having a full preseason to train.
Michael Harrington - C- - Harrington lost his starting spot at left back due to injury and has been unable to get it back. Since then, Harrington has played on both sides of the midfield. He continues to not look extremely comfortable on the right side of the field.
Kevin Hartman - B+ - Early in the season there were a few goals that I thought Hartman could have done better with, but overall this season Hartman has probably been the Wizards most consistent players, continuing to prove that he is one of the best goalkeepers in league history.
Santiago Hirsig - B - Has been a calming influence in the midfield for the Wizards. While he might not contribute as much offensively as people would like, his ability to control the ball and slow the game down is a nice skill to have.
Aaron Hohlbein - B - Hohlbein has taken the starting role next to Conrad and has done a decent job with it. Still, without Conrad, Hohlbein showed to struggle with leading the middle of defense.
Jack Jewsbury - B- - Jewsbury has been consistent this year, he has scored yet, but he is tied with Claudio Lopez for the team lead in assists with 4.
Michael Kraus - C+ - After making his first MLS appearance for the Wizards in the playoffs last year, Kraus has been a late game sub for much of this season, scoring his first goal against Colorado early in the season.
Eric Kronberg - INC - On his way recovering from shoulder surgery, will likely not get any first team matches this season though.
Jonathan Leathers - D - Leathers started the first two games this season, both Wizards losses, and hasn't played in a league game since. He played in the Open Cup last week in his first first team appearance since then.
Claudio Lopez - B - 4 goals and 4 assists for the former DP. Lopez has shown flashes at time and at times been frustrating. Lopez himself has shown his own frustration many times when players don't see the same thing he does on plays.
Matt Marquess - INC - Only minutes so far this season was last week in the Open Cup.
Rauwshan McKenzie - D+ - Struggled greatly against Santos Laguna in the SuperLiga when he replaced Conrad. Looked ok against Minnesota in the Open Cup. And had some moments against Houston. Will get plenty more time to prove himself the rest of this month.
Kurt Morsink - INC - One league minute played and 120 in the Open Cup not enough to grade the midfielder.
Chance Myers - INC - The closest of the Wizards long term injury issues to returning, Myers still hasn't played yet.
Boris Pardo - INC - Looked decent enough in the Open Cup against Minnesota, but one game is not enough to earn a grade.
Nelson Pizarro - INC - Was waived back in May.
Kevin Souter - INC - Has only played 61 minutes so far this season, and is now out with injury after a sports hernia surgery.
Abe Thompson - C- - Finally scored for the Wizards in the Open Cup last week, but still struggles when in league games. He is still the Wizards only target striker option currently healthy though.
Lance Watson - B+ - Watson has been a pleasent surprise at right back. While he might not be the long term answer there, he's certainly shown that he belongs on the team and has earned his starting spot.
Josh Wolff - B - Wolff has cooled off since scoring 6 goals in 6 games around the middle of the first past of the season. He's still the Wizards leading scorer but hasn't found net since getting that red card against Chivas USA.
Graham Zusi - C- - The Wizards other rookie had a very good preseason for the Wizards, but his play during the season has left a little to be desired. He shows plenty of skill and potential, but he's struggled at times during his rookie season.
KC is 3-3-2 at home this season. They've already lost 1 more game at CAB than they did all of last season. Obviously CAB isn't as big a home field advantage as it was last year. .500 soccer at home is going to get you no where near the playoffs. KC has lost 13 points at home already this season (3 on a loss, 2 on a draw). They lost 14 at home all of last season. Currently the Wizards are 2-3-2 on the road, they've at least equaled their win total on the road from last season already and are only 3 points behind the team's road point total for all of last season (11 points in 08 on the road).
Half way through the season, we've also already lost 2 season series against conference opponents, losing the season series to both Toronto and Columbus with our early meetings. As for the other conference opponents, we hold the advantage on NY and Chicago for winning at home and drawing on the road respectively. We currently have the advantage on New England, although we still have to play them twice in New England, where we have technically done historically well. With DC we're probably trailing in that series, because they're our "rivalry game" that's at home, meaning we play them twice at CAB. We already gave that up with our home draw to them.
And here are my midseason grades for the Wizards players.
Davy Arnaud - B - Davy is second on the team in goals with 5, he's shown an ability to strike from distance regularly now which is something the Wizards always seem to lack. But his one assist this year is concerning for a player who's spent plenty of time this season as an attacking midfielder.
Matt Besler - B+ - The Wizards first round pick has adjusted well to the level of play at the pro level and is showing well since taking over the left back slot. No major mistakes that have cost the Wizards games and has shown an ability to get forward from time to time.
Jimmy Conrad - B+ - Conrad is having another solid, if not unspectacular season this year, no goals, but has been a rock in the middle of defense. His grade got a bump from a B to a B+ after seeing how much his lack of leadership in the middle effected the defense against Houston.
Adam Cristman - INC - Almost back from his injury, but still has no played since moving from New England.
Roger Espinoza - C+ - Espinoza has shown continued improvement this year, he's smarter with his play and able to keep his cool better as well. He's also another player that's willing to take a shot when it comes up.
Herculez Gomez - C+ - Gomez has had a good season so far in the midfield, but his contribution on offense hasn't been what most people expected out of him after having a full preseason to train.
Michael Harrington - C- - Harrington lost his starting spot at left back due to injury and has been unable to get it back. Since then, Harrington has played on both sides of the midfield. He continues to not look extremely comfortable on the right side of the field.
Kevin Hartman - B+ - Early in the season there were a few goals that I thought Hartman could have done better with, but overall this season Hartman has probably been the Wizards most consistent players, continuing to prove that he is one of the best goalkeepers in league history.
Santiago Hirsig - B - Has been a calming influence in the midfield for the Wizards. While he might not contribute as much offensively as people would like, his ability to control the ball and slow the game down is a nice skill to have.
Aaron Hohlbein - B - Hohlbein has taken the starting role next to Conrad and has done a decent job with it. Still, without Conrad, Hohlbein showed to struggle with leading the middle of defense.
Jack Jewsbury - B- - Jewsbury has been consistent this year, he has scored yet, but he is tied with Claudio Lopez for the team lead in assists with 4.
Michael Kraus - C+ - After making his first MLS appearance for the Wizards in the playoffs last year, Kraus has been a late game sub for much of this season, scoring his first goal against Colorado early in the season.
Eric Kronberg - INC - On his way recovering from shoulder surgery, will likely not get any first team matches this season though.
Jonathan Leathers - D - Leathers started the first two games this season, both Wizards losses, and hasn't played in a league game since. He played in the Open Cup last week in his first first team appearance since then.
Claudio Lopez - B - 4 goals and 4 assists for the former DP. Lopez has shown flashes at time and at times been frustrating. Lopez himself has shown his own frustration many times when players don't see the same thing he does on plays.
Matt Marquess - INC - Only minutes so far this season was last week in the Open Cup.
Rauwshan McKenzie - D+ - Struggled greatly against Santos Laguna in the SuperLiga when he replaced Conrad. Looked ok against Minnesota in the Open Cup. And had some moments against Houston. Will get plenty more time to prove himself the rest of this month.
Kurt Morsink - INC - One league minute played and 120 in the Open Cup not enough to grade the midfielder.
Chance Myers - INC - The closest of the Wizards long term injury issues to returning, Myers still hasn't played yet.
Boris Pardo - INC - Looked decent enough in the Open Cup against Minnesota, but one game is not enough to earn a grade.
Nelson Pizarro - INC - Was waived back in May.
Kevin Souter - INC - Has only played 61 minutes so far this season, and is now out with injury after a sports hernia surgery.
Abe Thompson - C- - Finally scored for the Wizards in the Open Cup last week, but still struggles when in league games. He is still the Wizards only target striker option currently healthy though.
Lance Watson - B+ - Watson has been a pleasent surprise at right back. While he might not be the long term answer there, he's certainly shown that he belongs on the team and has earned his starting spot.
Josh Wolff - B - Wolff has cooled off since scoring 6 goals in 6 games around the middle of the first past of the season. He's still the Wizards leading scorer but hasn't found net since getting that red card against Chivas USA.
Graham Zusi - C- - The Wizards other rookie had a very good preseason for the Wizards, but his play during the season has left a little to be desired. He shows plenty of skill and potential, but he's struggled at times during his rookie season.
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