#TBT Hattricks for KC.

For Throw Back Thursday this week I thought I'd go through all the hattricks in KC's history before last night's four goal performance by Dom Dwyer against FC Dallas.

The first hattrick in KC history actually didn't come until the team's third season, when Digital Takawira hit a second half hattrick for KC in their 3-1 win over New England on May 16th of 1998. Takawira scored three goals in the span of nine minutes to help KC to the 3-1 win. His first goal came in the 76th, with the second coming three minutes later in the 79th. In the 83rd, New England pulled one back from the penalty spot before Takawira finished off his hattrick two minutes later in the 85th.

The team's second hattrick came later in the same year as Preki scored his only hattrick in his KC career on September 5th of 1998 in a 5-1 win over San Jose. After going down 1-0 in just the 7th minute, Mo Johnston scored in the 12th to tie the game off an assist from Preki. In the 18th minute, Preki got his first goal of the game. He added his second just three minutes after the half time break. After a Paul Wright goal in the 59th, Preki finished off his hattrick in the 80th minute.

KC had to wait almost six full years for their next hattrick, which came almost 11 years ago tomorrow, July 3rd 2004 against the same Dallas team, back when they were still the Dallas Burn. Davy Arnaud scored that hattrick in his break out season in a 5-1 win. Arnaud opened the scoring in the 22nd before Jason Kreis equalized less than 10 minutes later. A Kreis red card though just before half time changed the game. Chris Klein made it 2-1 in the 72nd in the second half, Josh Wolff added one three minutes later before Arnaud added his second in the 79th. Arnaud finished his hattrick in stoppage time of the rout.

Up to this point there has been an inability to find highlights, but from here we now have highlights of the goals.

The next hattricks for KC came in back to back games in the 2007 season, both for Eddie Johnson. The first came against the New England Revolution on the road again. After falling behind 2-0 early in the first half, Davy Arnaud scored in the 25th to pull KC within one and a minute later in the 26th, Johnson got his first goal of the game. Johnson got his second goal of the game in the 38th minute as he beat Jay Heaps for a second time and beat Matt Reis at the near post to make it 3-2 KC.  New England pulled it back level in the 69th on a Sharlie Joseph penalty kick before Johnson finished off his hattrick in the 82nd on a through ball from Carlos Marinelli. Johnson rounded Reis and put the ball in the net for his hattrick and the 4-3 win.



The very next week at Arrowhead, Eddie Johnson hit a second hattrick, the first natural hattrick in KC history. New York had an 8th minute goal by Juan Pablo Angel hold up through the first half, even with a Clint Mathis red card in the 36th minute. KC struck early in the second half though to level the score on a long ball over the top by Michael Harrington for Johnson who chipped Jon Conway in the New York net to level the game. Johnson added his second just before the hour on a cross by Jose Burciaga that found Johnson unmarked at the back post. Johnson finished his hattrick in the 85th after being played in by Sasha Victorine he slotted the ball into the corner past Conway. A late Dema Kovalenko goal made it 3-2 but KC won the game.



The final hattrick before last night's Dom Dwyer four goal performance came from the most unlikely of sources, Birahim Diop. The "Diop Game" had occurred earlier in the year when Diop scored twice in his first start for KC. This game, the finale of the 2010 saw KC already eliminated from playoff contention against the San Jose Earthquakes. Diop opened the scoring for KC in the 36th minute as he headed a long ball by Jonathan Leathers past an onrushing Jon Busch to put KC up 1-0. Diop added a second on the hour mark, after he missed a Roger Espinoza cross, the ball came back to Diop who headed the ball past push and into the net. 10 minutes later, San Jose pulled one back through Chris Wondolowski. Diop though finished off his hattrick in the 76th off a long ball from Craig Rocastle, Diop brought the ball down and fired a curling shot into the net to give KC a 3-1 lead. KC added a fourth on an own goal in second half stoppage time to make it 4-1 KC.

Diop Waived

The infectious smile is now gone from the locker room. Today, Sporting KC announced that they have waived midfielder, Birahim Diop. Diop hadn't been in camp at all this year, instead had been away from the team for personal reasons. The random speculation was that Diop was angling to try to go down to Colombia and join Octavio Zambrano, who Diop has followed around for quite a bit of his club career. In the 2010 season, Diop was pushed into an emergency forward role against the New England Revolution and responded with 2 goals in the game that became known as "The Diop Game". And like all good movies, there was a sequel. The sequel, the "Return of the Diop Game" or "The Diop Game Part Deux" saw Diop score a hattrick against San Jose to close out the season for KC. Last year, Diop saw his minutes reduced quite a bit and was moved back to the midfield.

Enjoy remembering the Diop games one last time below.

The original



Part Deux

Diop Suspended

Earlier this week when MLS rescinded Aurelien Collin's red card, they stated that there would be no punishment for Birahim Diop on the play. That changed today when MLS announced that the red card suspension for Collin had been transferred to Diop. Diop will now miss tomorrow's game against New York.

In regards to MLS changing their mind, the league and US Soccer's hands were tied. According to the release from the league, "Because the misconduct was assessed and included in the match report, and the only reason Diop was not sanctioned initially was because of mistaken identity, the FIFA Disciplinary Code requires that Diop be issued the red card and serve the corresponding one-match suspension. Per the corrected interpretation, the MLS Disciplinary Committee did not have jurisdiction to decide whether or not Diop would be suspended."

The league's hands were tied by the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Still doesn't explain why, if the league knew of this, this wasn't announced originally when Collin's suspension was rescinded. Just another example that there needs to be some sort of review after games and some way to totally rescind cards or hand out cards retroactively, like to the instigator and diver in the incident, Benny Feilhaber.

Down the Byline Wizards Team Awards

The Wizards season is over and it's time to look at the year end awards. First let's look at the team's year end awards. This year the team handed out 5 awards, Golden Boot, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year, and Bob Gansler KCW Juniors Player of the Year.

MVP and Golden Boot both went to Kei Kamara for his 10 goals and 6 assists this season. Defensive player of the year went to goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, Humanitarian went to Jimmy Conrad, and the Juniors player of the year went to defender Konner Knoll. The media got to vote on 3 of those awards, MVP, defensive player of the year, and humanitarian. So as a voting media member, who got my vote? MVP and humanitarian were the same person on my ballot, Kamara. My defensive player of the year went to Michael Harrington who had himself a very big season for the Wizards. In fact, award winner Nielsen finished 3rd on my ballot behind Harrington and Roger Espinoza. Here are my awards, the same as last year.

Rookie of the Year
Teal Bunbury
Probably the easiest selection this year, mainly because the only competition for Bunbury was Korede Aiyegbusi who played in a little over 100 minutes this season. Still Bunbury finished his rookie season with 5 league goals and 2 assists along with a goal in the US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado.

Defender of the Year
Michael Harrington
As I stated above, Harrington finished at the top of my official ballot. Harrington had a season that brought back memories of his rookie season where he looked like a potential option for the US at the outside back position, if he's healthy enough I'd hope he'd get a look in the January camp, if not a surprise call up for the upcoming South Africa friendly.

Goal of the Year
Josh Wolff vs Houston
While Birahim Diop's strike against San Jose was a thing of beauty, Kamara's goal where he channeled Roger Milla was fantastically taken, and Davy Arnaud's curling goal against Chicago was world class, I have to agree with Gooch on this one and give the goal to Josh Wolff for his winner against Houston. It was a beautiful ball by Harrington and a very nice finish by Wolff. Combine that with the timing of the goal and how huge it was at the time this goal takes it. Check the goal out again below.



Performance of the Year
Birahim Diop vs San Jose 10/23
It was the final game of the season, but Diop's performance against San Jose was great. There were 3 very good finishes and that last one was world class. Diop may not have done a lot in some of his other performances, but this one was the top performance of the season.

MVP
Kei Kamara
As I started above, Kamara was the Wizards MVP this season, he played a roll in many of the Wizards goals this season, even ones that he didn't get an assist on. Jimmy Nielsen was an early favorite, but he faded a bit down the stretch and while Harrington was solid defensively, he wasn't flashy enough to be a big MVP candidate.

Ending on a High

The Wizards closed out the 2010 season on a high note, the same way they began it, by putting 4 on the board, this time against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes put out a fairly first team lineup for the game, including MVP candidate, Chris Wondolowski. The Wizards on the other hand threw out a lineup that included many reserve players. Players like Chance Myers, Graham Zusi, Korede Aiyegbusi, and Eric Kronbereg all got rare starts with KC having nothing to play for.

KC started the game brightly and Zusi almost had his second goal of the season inside the first 2 minutes as he collected a ball out on the left, cut inside and fired a shot that hit the top of the bar. Zusi continued to be an early threat and in a similar situation to his first chance, Zusi pushed a shot just wide of the post. KC controlled much of the game early on, and Kronberg, in his first MLS start had little that he really had to do as much of San Jose's possession in the Wizards offensive half was cut off by the defense in front of him. In the 36th minute, KC got themselves on the board as Jonathan Leathers picked out Birahim Diop on a long ball over the top. Diop out raced his defender and headed the ball past the ball past an onrushing Jon Busch and into the net giving the Wizards the early lead. Shortly after the first goal, KC had a great opportunity to double the lead. Zusi played a cross into the box that struck the hand of a San Jose defender. No call was made, but the ball fell to Diop around the penalty spot. Diop took a touch and fired the ball on goal, but Busch did well to knock the ball away for a corner.

Into the second half, KC continued to have the better run of the play and doubled their lead in the 60th minute. Roger Espinoza got down the left wing and played a cross into the box, the ball went over Diop to Jack Jewsbury, but was cut off by a San Jose defender. The ball went up into the air, and Diop was the first to react, heading the ball past Busch and into the side netting for his 4th goal of the season. San Jose started to finally get some decent chances, and at least forced Kronberg to make a few saves, then in the 70th minute, San Jose made a game out of it as Geovanni got away from Leathers on the right side and played a ball across the middle to the back post where Wondolowski was completely unmarked, the MVP candidate put the ball away easily getting San Jose back in the game. How a guy that had scored 17 goals this season coming into the game last night was that wide open on the back post in anyone's guess, but it looked like Roger Espinoza got caught ball watching. KC shortly later put the game away though. A quick turnover in midfield by San Jose fell to Craig Rocastle who one touched a ball over the top to Diop, who had again gotten behind the Earthquakes defense again. Diop brought the ball down into his path and then fired a left footed volley from about 25 yards out, over Busch and into the net giving Diop the hattrick. Shortly after Diop finished his hattrick KC should have made it 4-1. Zusi played in a great free kick to the back post. Matt Besler met the ball, but his header was right at Busch whose reaction save knocked the ball over the bar. KC did get their fourth in stoppage time as Kei Kamara beat two defenders down the line and played a cross along the ground towards Josh Wolff. The cross though was met by Eduardo who directed the ball into his own net. While it doesn't top making it into the playoffs, it at least allowed KC to end the season on a high note and close out CAB.

Wizards Man of the Match - Birahim Diop - I've been hard on Diop for much of the season, he's been fairly frustrating to watch at times, but last night was a great performance by the Senegalese forward/midfielder. All 3 of his goals were well taken, especially the third, which was truly world class.

Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Leathers 5, Besler 6, Thomas 6, Espinoza 5, Arnaud 5, Jewsbury 6, Aiyegbusi 5, Zusi 6, Diop 8, Myers 5. Subs Rocastle 6, Kamara 6, Wolff 6

Sunday After Stats

Here's your stats from last night's game.

Shavar Thomas made his 150th start of his MLS career.

Jack Jewsbury's goal was his 14th league goal, giving him sole possession of 12th place on that list, breaking his tie with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga Jr, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez.

Jewsbury's goal was also his 15th in all competitions, tying him with Burciaga, Victorine, and Lopez for 16th place on that list.

In the 25th minute, Michael Harrington moved past Bo Oshoniyi and into 17th place for the most minutes played in league play. Harrington finished the game with 8,498 minutes played.

Harrington made his 121st appearance in all competitions, moving him past Sean Bowers and into sole possesssion of 17th place on that list.

Harrington also made his 106th appearance in league play, tying him wtih Sasha Victorine for 18th place on that list.

Harrington also made his 94th league start breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 17th place on that list.

Harrington also made his 104th start in all competitions, breaking his tie with Chung again for 17th place on that list.

Birahim Diop scored the first two goals of his MLS career.

Kei Kamara's goal was his 8th in all competitions this year, which ties a career high for him.

The Wizards win over the Revolution was the team's 20th in league play, which is the most wins the Wizards have against a single club, tied with Colorado.

Great Win

For those that missed my Tweets pregame last night, I was incredibly unhappy with the decision to Birahim Diop up top in the center striker position. Diop has been very unsuccessful when he's come on as a substitute this season as a striker. The biggest was his poor finishing against Toronto FC when he had the full goal to shoot for. Last night he made me eat my words as he turned in a great performance, getting 2 goals an an assist as KC took it to the New England Revolution 4-1 at Community America Ballpark.

The first big note about the game was before it even got started. Revolution coach Steve Nicol decided to put out a 3-5-2 because of the smaller field mainly. Unfortunately for Nicol and the Revs, that played right into KC's playing style down the wings. KC worked early to try and exploit the space down the wings. Ryan Smith had a chance well saved by Matt Reis, and Diop had a chance that he blasted over the bar that prompted sighs of frustration from myself and others around me as it seemed to be a sign of what to expect over the course of the game. All that within the first 10 minutes of the game.

In the 16th minute Diop made myself and everyone else that made pregame comments regret them. Kei Kamara received the ball on the wing in the Wizards defensive half. He played a through ball to Diop who was held on by Darrius Barnes, despite what the New England commentating crew said during the broadcast. On the break Diop calmly dribbled in on Reis and slide the ball past him inside Reis' near post for his first career goal in his first start in MLS in 8 years and 88 days. KC continued to control the game after the first goal, and in the 27th minute, KC doubled their lead again through Diop. Kamara received a thrown in from Michael Harrington controlled the ball, cut, turned, and lofted a cross to the 6 yard box where Diop out jumped Kevin Alston and headed past Reis to double the Wizards lead, only the 4th time KC has scored more than a goal in a game. New England battled back after the second goal, getting more control of the ball and in the 37th minute pulled a goal back. Khano Smith came down the Wizards right, beating Craig Rocastle. Smith fed the ball to Kenny Mansally at the top of the box. He turned and fired as Jimmy Conrad stuck a leg out to try and block the shot. Unfortunately Conrad didn't block the shot, the shot deflected off him and left Jimmy Nielsen stranded as it bounced past him and into the net.

In the second half, the Revolution continued to push forward to try to find the equalizer. Unfortunately for the Revs, it was the Wizards that found the next goal in the 65th. Smith found Diop down the right wing. Diop did well to control the ball and keep it in play before sending a low cross into the box. Kamara held off his defender, let the ball run across his body and slotted the ball inside Reis' near post to make it 3-1 KC. New England almost responded immediately as Corey Gibbs was found alone in the box, but his attempt to curl the ball into the top corner put the ball out for a goal kick. Shortly after the Revs chance, KC put the game to bed. Emmanuel Osei played a slow, sloppy back pass to Reis. Smith raced in trying to challenge Reis for the ball. Reis slide out to knock the ball away, beating Smith to the ball. The ball fell to Jack Jewsbury who was following the play. And as Reis came out to make another sliding challenge to knock the ball away again, Jewsbury slotted the ball under Reis and into the empty net. The Revolution continued to push forward after that, trying to get back into the game, but also seeming to realize that the game was beyond them. KC held on for their 6th win of the season, their first when they actually allowed a goal.

Wizards Man of the Match- Birahim Diop - Two goals and an assist for the Senegalese d-mid/forward. A good performance for Diop in his first MLS start in 8 years. Diop showed control and composure on the ball unlike what we'd really ever seen from Diop in his previous appearances in a Wizards uniform.

Honorable Mention - Kei Kamara

Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Harrington 5, Conrad 5, Thomas 5, Espinoza 6, Arnaud 6, Auvray 7, Rocastle 6, Kamara 7, Diop 8, Smith 7. Subs Jewsbury 6, Zusi 5, Myers NR.

Sunday After Stats

Here's your stat fix from yesterday's game against the LA Galaxy.

Josh Wolff made his 123rd league appearance for KC, tying him with Chris Brown for 11th on that list.

Birahim Diop made his first MLS appearance since the 2002 season when he was a member of the Metrostars.

Michael Harrington made his 78th league start for KC, passing Chris Brown for 20th place on that list.

Davy Arnaud picked up his 38th career yellow card with the Wizards in league play, passing Nick Garcia for the second most carded player in team history.

Wizards Sign Diop

In a move that seemed to be coming based off of his position in preseason games, the Wizards have signed Birahim Diop to a contract. The former Metrostars player is back in MLS after a 9 year leave from the league. Diop played for the Metrostars in the 2001 and 2002 seasons, not appearing much for the club. He played in 6 games, starting 3 over his 2 seasons with the club. For the Wizards Diop has spent much of the preseason partnering Stephane Auvray in the center of midfield for what's been what most would call the Wizards first team. In the two games I've seen Diop play he brings a strong physical presence in midfield and also is a threat on set pieces and the crosses the Wizards make during the game.

The move would seem to give the Wizards some major excess baggage in midfield as the Wizards now have 5 guys that can play holding midfield. Along with Diop and Auvray, the Wizards have Jack Jewsbury, Santiago Hirsig, and the team's other new signing Craig Rocastle. With all those players stacking up in central midfield, it would seem that someone is going to be on their way out of Kansas City. With the international players coming in it could be Hirsig, or with Jewsbury's American status Jewsbury could have the most value. We'll see, but I still think we'll see one of these players leave.

Trialist X

This past Saturday in the Wizards preseason opener, the Wizards midfield for the first team out was Roger Espinoza, Davy Arnaud, Mauro Fuzetti, and Trialist X. Trialist X did not turn out to be the brother of Speed Trialist. Trialist X was named today by the team as Birahim Diop, formerly of the Metrostars. Diop played for the Metros in the 2001 and 2002 season. In two seasons, Diop played in 6 games, starting 3. Most of his minutes came in the 2002 season for the Metros. After leaving the Metrostars, Diop apparently followed former coach, Octavio Zambrano to Moldova. Diop just turned 31 this past Sunday. We'll see if Diop does enough to impress the Wizards.