Youngest and Oldest Goal Scorers for Kansas City

Another stats update, this time the youngest and oldest goal scorers for Kansas City.

In league play, two players joined the list, Jimmy Medranda and Diego Rubio. Medranda in his first season as a regular contributor for the first team scored from his left back position with a deflected shot in KC's 3-1 win over New York City FC. Rubio joined the list in his first season in KC. His time with the first team was limited due to Dom DWyer's continual strong play at the center forward position and then an ACL tear late in the season. There's still time for the likes of Daniel Salloi and Erik Palmer-Brown to join the list for KC as could new addition Latif Blessing.

1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 vs Portland
2. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 vs Toronto
3. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 56 days - 9/1/2012 vs Toronto
4. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 137 days - 7/14/2010 vs Columbus
5. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 vs New York
6. Michael Harrington - 21 years,  80 days - 4/14/2007 vs DC
7. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 vs Miami
8. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 vs Columbus
9. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 344 days - 9/3/2005 vs New York
10. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 vs Columbus
11. Chris Brown - 22 years, 31 days - 4/10/1999 vs San Jose
12. CJ Sapong - 22 years, 82 days - 3/19/2011 vs Chivas
13. Jimmy Medranda - 22 years, 154 days - 7/10/2016 Vs NYCFC
14. Jose Burciaga - 22 years, 223 days - 6/26/2004 vs San Jose
15. Matt McKeon - 22 years, 240 days - 5/22/1997 vs Columbus
16. Matt Taylor - 22 years, 246 days - 6/19/2004 vs New England
17. Vicente Figueroa - 22 years, 299 days - 8/16/2000 vs San Jose
18. Diego Rubio - 22 years, 348 days - 4/27/2016 vs Vancouver
19. Davy Arnaud - 22 years, 350 days - 6/7/2003 vs New York
20. Dom Dwyer - 23 years, 4 days - 8/3/2013 vs New York

In all competitions, Medranda also joined the list, coming in at 16th place on that list. Rubio didn't make it, but two other players did for their goals in KC's meaningless CONCACAF Champions League game against Central FC. Swope Park Rangers and former Sporting KC academy player, Nansel Selbol, on loan to Sporting KC scored the second goal of the game for KC, what proved to be the game winner. He became the second youngest player to ever score for KC in a game, behind only Soony Saad. In his final appearance for Sporting KC, Connor Hallisey also joined the list, scoring on a penalty kick for his first and only goal for the club putting him on the list.

1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 vs Portland
2. Nansel Selbol - 19 years, 141 days - 10/19/2016 vs Central FC
3. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 vs Toronto
4. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 vs Colorado
5. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 56 days - 9/1/2012 vs Toronto
6. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 vs New York
7. Michael Harrington - 21 years,  80 days - 4/14/2007 vs DC
8. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 vs Miami
9. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 vs Columbus
10. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 344 days - 9/3/2005 vs New York
11. Justin Detter - 21 years, 363 days - 8/4/2004 vs Dallas
12. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 vs Columbus
13. Matt McKeon - 22 years, 2 days - 9/26/1996 vs Dallas
14. Chris Brown - 22 years, 31 days - 4/10/1999 vs San Jose
15. CJ Sapong - 22 years, 82 days - 3/19/2011 vs Chivas
16. Jimmy Medranda - 22 years, 154 days - 7/10/2016 vs NYCFC
17T. Jose Burciaga - 22 years, 223 days - 6/26/2004 vs San Jose
17T. Rauwshan McKenzie - 22 years, 223 days - 6/30/2009 vs Minnesota
19. Matt Taylor - 22 years, 246 days - 6/19/2004 vs New England
20. Connor Hallisey - 22 years, 253 days - 10/19/2016 vs Central FC

For the oldest scorers for Sporting KC, two players joined the list in 2016 with another moving up the list. Brad Davis jumped onto the list in his only season in KC, coming in fourth overall behind only Preki, Mo Johnston, and Claudio Lopez. Further down the list, the returning Lawrence Olum joined the list coming in at 15th. Further down, Benny Feilhaber moved up from 19th to 17th on the list in 2016. Both Olum and Feilhaber will have the chance to move further up the list in 2016.

1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 vs Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 vs Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 vs DC
4. Brad Davis - 34 years, 175 days - 5/1/2016 vs LA
5. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 vs Columbus
6. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 211 days - 6/16/2012 vs Toronto
7. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 vs Houston
8. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 vs LA
9. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 vs Tampa
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 33 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 vs Chivas USA
11. Mark Santel - 33  years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 vs New England
12. Roy Lassiter - 33 years, 183 days - 9/8/2001 vs San Jose
13. Paulo Nagamura - 32 years, 166 days - 8/15/2015 vs Vancouver
14. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 57 days - 8/14/1999 vs New York
15. Lawrence Olum - 31 years, 345 days - 6/19/2016 vs Dallas
16. Diego Gutierrez - 31 years, 320 days - 9/18/2004 vs San Jose
17. Benny Feilhaber - 31 years, 278 days - 10/23/2016 vs San Jose
18. Birahim Diop - 31 years, 258 days - 10/23/2010 vs San Jose
19. Santiago Hirsig - 31 years, 247 days - 9/16/2009 vs Dallas
20. Omar Bravo - 31 years, 204 days - 9/23/2011 vs Philadelphia

In all competitions the same movement happened for all players with Davis in at fourth, Olum at 15th and Feilhaber at 17.

1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 vs Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 vs Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 vs DC
4. Brad Davis - 34 years, 234 days - 6/29/2016 vs Houston
5. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 vs Columbus
6. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 211 days - 6/16/2012 vs Toronto
7. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 vs Houston
8. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 vs LA
9. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 vs Tampa
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 33 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 vs Chivas USA
11. Mark Santel - 33  years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 vs New England
12. Roy Lassiter - 32 years, 222 days - 10/17/2001 vs Barcelona
13. Paulo Nagamura - 32 years, 166 days - 8/15/2015 vs Vancouver
14. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 57 days - 8/14/1999 vs New York
15. Lawrence Olum - 31 years, 345 days - 6/19/2016 vs Dallas
16. Diego Gutierrez - 31 years, 320 days - 9/18/2004 vs San Jose
17. Benny Feilhaber - 31 years, 278 days - 10/23/2016 vs San Jose
18. Birahim Diop - 31 years, 258 days - 10/23/2010 vs San Jose
19. Santiago Hirsig - 31 years, 247 days - 9/16/2009 vs Dallas
20. Mike Burns - 31 years, 245 days - 3/16/2001 vs W Connection

S.A.S. Thursday After Stats

With Sporting's ability to use the Swope Park Rangers for call ups, Sporting was able to have 16 players make their debut for KC in all competitions the most players to make their debut for the club in one year since 1996.

At 19 years, 141 days, Nansel Selbol is the 7th youngest player to appear in a game for KC in all competitions.. He's the fourth youngest player to

start a game for KC across all competitions.

Selbol is also the second youngest goal scorer in all competitions all time for KC, knocking Alex Martinez off the list.

At 22 years, 253 days, Connor Hallisey is the 20th youngest goal scorer for KC in all competitions, knocking Kevin Ellis off the list.

Sporting Reserves Take Care of Business in Final CCL Game

Sporting Kansas City's Champions League run ended about a month ago, but tonight Kansas City officially ended their run in the tournament tonight defeating Trinidad squad, Central FC 3-1 with three players scoring their first goal for the club.

Kansas City started off on the front foot and were inexplicably unable to score in the eighth minute off an Alex Molano free kick. The Swope Park Rangers' midfielder's free kick bounced into the box with no Central FC player going for it, it came to Nuno Coelho who headed the ball towards goal where it bounced off the cross bar and inside of the far post, rebounding out to Connor Hallisey who tried to shoot through traffic but his effort was blocked. Kansas City kept getting forward with ease against the two time Trinidad champions but were unable to find a goal. Hallisey seemed to epitomize that frustration when he received a ball over the top, cut inside to goal, but took one too many touches, pushed the ball wide and lost his shooting angle making an easy save by Jan-Michael Williams in the Central goal.

Defensively KC seemed in control for much of the half, but did look a little shaky on the counter, having an offside call go in their favor early in the half. Late in the half though another counter allowed Central to grab the lead as Ike Opara got caught out of position keeping Jem Gordon onside as he received a through ball by Sean Da Silva and beat Alec Kann. The goal came completely against the run of play but ended up giving Central the lead heading into the half time break.

KC didn't take long to respond in the second half as less than five minutes in they were level as Tomas Granitto played a ball over the top to Cameron Porter who had gotten behind Central's defense. With Williams coming out of goal, Porter got the ball over him and into the far corner to level the score at 1-1. It didn't remained level for long as Kansas City took their first lead of the game just six minutes later. After Central worked their way into KC's half of the field, Jimmy Medranda quickly won the ball and played it forward to Benji Joya, in his debut for the club Joya immediately found Hallisey streaking down the wing. Hallisey cut back against his defender and played a ball across the top of the box to Nansel Selbol who danced around a defender or two before firing a shot into the corner for his first goal for Sporting.

Selbol continued to be a problem for the Central defense and almost scored two more goals but twice hit the post. The first came after a great cross by Ever Alvarado that Selbol volleyed out of the air towards goal and hit off the post. The second came later in the game after some good footwork by Selbol to get space he curled a shot through the legs of his defender, but it hit the outside of the post and went out.

KC had to wait until second half stoppage time for their third goal as Porter was brought down in the box leading to a penalty kick. Hallisey immediately stepped up to take the ball and placed the ball out of reach of the goalkeeper for his first professional goal. His reaction said it all for him as he celebrated with what seemed like a sense of relief that he'd finally scored. KC killed the final few minutes to clinch second in the group and will now look towards Sunday and their game against San Jose.

Wizards Man of the Match - Nansel Selbol - The former Sporting KC academy player was a handful tonight for the Central FC defense with his speed and fast feet. He created a number of chances and was close to a hattrick as he hit the post twice. His goal was also well taken as he created space at the top of the box.

Player Ratings - Kann 6, Alvarado 7, Opara 5, Coelho 6, Medranda 7, Granitto 7, Molano 7, Joya 8, Hallisey 7, Porter 7, Selbol 8. Subs Olum 7.

Sporting KC's Champions League Run on Life Support After Abysmal Loss to Vancouver

Sporting Kansas City's chances of advancing out of their group in the 2016-2017 Champions League took a major hit in Vancouver tonight as Sporting came out completely flat and could never recover as they fell 3-0 on the road to the Whitecaps. The loss drops Kansas City to third in the three team group with one point and a -3 goal difference through their first two games. Sporting's chances of advancing are now out of their hands as they'll need Central FC to go to Vancouver and get a win or a draw while KC wins their two home games for them to have a chance.

Things started out extremely ugly for Kansas City with the back line being exposed by the Whitecaps on multiple occasions. Just eight minutes in Vancouver grabbed the lead as Erik Hurtado got some space on Ever Alvarado on KC's left after a poor giveaway by Kevin Ellis off a restart. Hurtado played a lofted cross towards the back post where Cristian Techera was unmarked. Jon Kempin was slow to react to the lofted ball and couldn't get a  hand to it as it fell to Techera who headed into the net in front of Amer Didic who tried to get back on the line. Four minutes later Vancouver doubled their lead as Russell Teibert played a long ball over the top to Hurtado who beat Kempin to the ball, chipping the ball over the KC goalkeeper and into the net to double the lead at 2-0. With the 2-0 lead Vancouver was able to sit back and absorb the pressure from KC, Sporting was able to get plenty of possession, but most of it was well away from the goal for Sporting. With all the possession KC wasn't able to create much in the way of chances, unable to test Paolo Tornaghi in the first half. In fact while Vancouver sat back quite a bit it was Vancouver who created the better chances, with Jordan Smith testing Kempin twice in a couple seconds attempting to add a third goal.

Sporting started the second half off brightly with Connor Hallisey combining well with Diego Rubio to get KC's first shot on target, but he shot right at Tornaghi who made the easy save. Hallisey also had a penalty shout after being played in and tackled from behind by Matias Laba, but no call came for the second year man. KC continued to create half chances but didn't really test Tornaghi much. Then in the 64th minute the game was put on ice as Vancouver struck with a deadly counter after a corner kick. Laba played a great through ball right into the path of Techera who only had to beat Kempin one on one to make it 3-0 to the Whitecaps. The Whitecaps continued to look dangerous on the counter as the rest of the game went by while Sporting struggled to create chances with Vancouver able to choke out most of their chances before they even got to Tornaghi. The only positive for Kansas City in the end was that only one player that could see significant minutes Saturday played while Vermes rested the rest of the first team players he brought with him to Vancouver for the game.

Wizards Man of the Match - Connor Hallisey - I don't like going with no one, but I was close here. Hallisey gets it only because that 10-15 minute stretch to start the second half Hallisey looked confident and strong going forward. Unfortunately his finishing still lacked and KC couldn't find a goal.

Player Ratings - Kempin 3, Alvarado 3, Ellis 3, Didic 2, Abdul-Salaam 3, Mustivar 3, Nagamura 4, Appiah 3, Hallisey 4, Rubio 3, Porter 3. Subs Ualefi 3.

Sporting KC Season Preview - Forwards

Full disclosure, this was written earlier today before the Diego Rubio rumors, please keep that in mind.

To finish out the look at Sporting KC's roster we reach the front line. It's a very winger heavy front line with five of the seven being predominately wingers. The team still has the reported new #9 coming in "in the next few days" according to Peter Vermes, that should add some much needed depth to KC's center forward position. Should make it less likely that Kansas City would be forced to play with a false 9 again this season as they did a couple times last season with Jacob Peterson and Graham Zusi.

Brad Davis - MLS' active leader in assists and second in terms of appearances in MLS play. He's currently 11 appearances behind the active leader, Kyle Beckermann, who is the league's all-time leader in appearances. 10 appearances and he can pass second place, Steve Ralston. He's only 14 behind Landon Donovan for first all time in assists, although that may be a stretch to hit this season. Still KC's pick up of probably one of the more disliked opponents since the rebranding was an interesting pick up. But you can't deny that Davis still have the ability to play at this level last season. He has hit double digits in assists six of the last seven seasons and has scored at least four goals a season in that same span. He's not going to be a like for like replacement of Krisztian Nemeth on that left wing, but he'll certainly fill the gap in a different way.

Dom Dwyer - Most people have said that Dwyer had a "down year" in 2015, and considering his 2014 when he set a club record for goals scored, that's hard to argue, since he only scored 12 goals in league play in 2015. To be fair to Dwyer there though he also had more support in 2015 and didn't "need" to score 20+ goals for KC last year. With help from the likes of Nemeth and Benny Feilhaber both hitting double digits in goals KC got a more balanced attack that made them a better team in 2015. This year though, depending on the new forward brought in, more of the weight is going to fall on Dwyer's shoulders without Nemeth. Davis, Justin Mapp, and Graham Zusi are not going to be double digit goal scorers, and expecting Feilhaber to completely repeat his 2015 performance may be asking too much. With more true "wingers" on the wings though Dwyer should get better service in 2016 which he should be able to get on the end of.

Connor Hallisey - Probably the big winner of preseason this year for Sporting KC, Hallisey scored a couple goals, had a couple assists, and in the games I saw looked much more ready to contribute in 2016. Last year at times Hallisey looked frustrating with his pace and with taking players on. In preseason games this year I thought he looked much better, he'd beat players on the dribble, he was able to get to the end line and send in crosses, he just looked overall more dangerous in those minimal minutes than he did in his time last year. He's gone from a player I thought would spend the entire season with the Swope Park Rangers to one that I think could be a decent contributor to Sporting this year as a spark off the bench.

Justin Mapp - The first free agent signing in MLS history, Mapp missed most of preseason with a turf toe injury. Mapp like Davis will both spend time on the left wing this season. Mapp provides a bit more of the dynamic dribbling that Nemeth brought, but nowhere near the same level. Mapp though is a deceptive player that will provide some creativity in terms of the dribble. He's not a flashy signing, but if he can stay healthy he'll be a solid contributor for KC this year.

Jacob Peterson - If there was a prototypical type of Peter Vermes player, it would probably be pretty close to Jacob Peterson. Peterson isn't a flashy player, he'll play basically anywhere on the field he's asked, for KC he's basically played everywhere but in goal. He has a strong work rate that has seen him continue to get time on the field. The down side is that his hustle, work rate, and willingness only go so far, he's frustrating to many fans with his play and that leads to lots of frustration with Vermes for continuing to give him time. With more depth on the team this year, if they can stay healthy, Peterson should see a decrease in the number of minutes that he's on the field for Sporting.

Daniel Salloi - KC's "work around and within the system" signing, the 19 year old Hungarian homegrown player is KC's only other "true" forward on the roster along with Dwyer. Salloi last year scored seven goals and added four assists across 16 games in all competitions for Ujpest FC in Hungary. Salloi may be a prime candidate to make some back and forth movement between Sporting KC and the Rangers depending on the needs of Sporting at the time.

Graham Zusi - Zusi is coming off the worst year of his career since becoming a starter in 2011 he scored just two goals and added just five assists in league play. Questions of his healthy since the end of the 2014 World Cup have dogged him the entire time. He apparently spent a good portion of the offseason not even putting on soccer cleats. Vermes has talked highly of him being ready to return to form from before the 2014 World Cup and re-establish himself in the lineup. Zusi may be the big recipient of the addition of Davis and Mapp as he has a history of scoring goals by making those back post runs for crosses. With better crosses on the wing opposite him he may be able score a few more of those in 2016.

The big question for the forward line will be the goals, Dwyer will get his fair share of them, but where's the secondary scoring going to come from? None of the other forwards on the roster are big goal scorers, or at least not yet. If there's one need that really still needs to be addressed by Vermes and company, it's the goal scoring. Hopefully whoever the young forward is that Kansas City is close to signing is able to help pick up some of the slack. Compared to last year though I am much more comfortable with the ability of a substitution off the bench to make a difference offensively should KC need it, I feel like KC could at the very least have a spark.

Sporting Win Preseason Opener

Sporting Kansas City stepped onto the field for the first time in 2016 to face off against an opponent today in Tucson when they played PDL side FC Tucson in a 60 minute scrimmage. Playing two separate lineups that saw the first 30 minutes played by the predominately first team (save Lawrence Olum starting instead of Soni Mustivar and Jordi Quintilla instead of Benny Feilhaber) KC jumped out to a 2-0 lead as Brad Davis and Dom Dwyer traded playing set up man and finisher. First Dwyer set up Davis to put KC up 1-0 before he returned the favor to Dwyer to make it 2-0.

Full scale changes after 30 minutes didn't keep Kansas City from adding two more on the PDL side. Second year man, Connor Hallisey scored both for Sporting off assists from Benny Feilhaber and Justin Mapp. KC will face the same team again on Wednesday before closing out the first phase of preseason in Tucson next Sunday February 7th against South Korean side, Seongnam FC.

Season Review - Forwards - Lack of Depth Hurts KC in 2015

Finishing my move up the field as I do my season review of Sporting Kansas City's 2015 season today we look at the forwards for Kansas City in 2015.

Offensively 2015 was a very successful year for Kansas City, in all competitions KC scored 63 goals, which is one of the highest totals in team history. Last year KC relied too heavily on a single player in Dom Dwyer, and while his 24 goals is an impressive feat, the team's second leading scorer only having five goals in 2014 was not. KC addressed that in 2015 by bringing in Hungarian international, Krisztian Nemeth. Despite missing time while Hungary qualified for the Euros, Nemeth finished second on the team in goals, scoring 10 league goals, adding another five in the Open Cup, and scoring one playoff goal. While Nemeth was scoring 16 across all competitions, Dwyer still had a successful season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, including the club's first hattrick since 2010, scoring four against Dallas in the fifth round of the Open Cup. While those two had good seasons up top, unfortunately the rest of KC's front line struggled in 2015. The likes of Bernardo Anor, Connor Hallisey, Jacob Peterson, and Graham Zusi combined for just three goals and eight assists in league play. The lack of help on the wing also hurt in terms of service to Dwyer and Nemeth. Designated player, Zusi, has to shoulder most of the blame for that simply because of his contract status. His five league assists are his fewest since he became an every game starter back in 2011.He finished with just one more assist than the likes of Jalil Anibaba and Roger Espinoza who both played at least eight fewer games and are not expected to be one of the main providers of the offense.

The players

Bernardo Anor - The club's first additions of the 2015 season, Anor was acquired from the Columbus Crew for allocation money shortly after the season ended. After scoring six goals in 2014 for the Crew there were hopes that he'd be able to provide some punch for Kansas City's offense. Unfortunately Anor struggled in his first start for the club on opening day against New York. After that he was resigned to substitute appearances until an ankle injury kept him out from early May until September. Upon his return he made a number of substitution appearances and three starts for KC but finished with just 483 minutes played, 0 goals, and 0 assists. At this time Anor will be returning for the 2016 season as he is currently under contract for Kansas City.

Dom Dwyer - As I stated above, Dwyer had a solid, if unspectacular campaign, at least compared to last year, scoring 12 league goals and adding five in the US Open Cup for a total of 17. That's good for a tie for the third most in a single season with Eddie Johnson for Kansas City. Not a bad season but there are a lot of people that still aren't happy with Dwyer and would love to see him shipped to Orlando. Many site the ability for Nemeth to play in the middle as a reason for it, but unless KC has a player that can pick up Nemeth's slack out wide, any sort of movement on Dwyer seems like a net loss at this point for KC. Unless a move is made this offseason, either somewhere within MLS or abroad, Dwyer should easily jump from sixth on KC's goal scoring chart with 36 league goals to second, as he only trails Davy Arnaud and Josh Wolff by seven for that spot.

Connor Hallisey - KC's first pick in the 2015 draft didn't quite have the season that his fellow first round picks, Saad Abdul-Salaam and Amadou Dia had. Hallisey played the fewest minutes of the three, just 516 minutes, recording one assist as KC ran over Dallas 4-0 earlier this season. Late in the season Hallisey struggled to even make the bench, appearing just three times in the game day 18 after September started. Two of those were starts on either side of the US Open Cup final. I don't think KC is going to give up on him after just a season, but he seems a prime candidate to spend next season with the Swope Park Rangers on loan.

Krisztian Nemeth - Announced at the same time that Kansas City signed Luis Marin; Nemeth was considered the less "needed" of the two players as KC desperately needed a goalkeeper. Nemeth was thought by many fans to mainly be a backup for Dwyer and expected a winger signing to come before the season started. Instead Nemeth eventually established himself as the starter on the left wing for Kansas City. His ability to cut in from the left and fire a shot into the far post was on display multiple times this season for KC. He just seemed to have a knack for picking out that far corner. Whether it is in Houston in the 4-4 draw, Philadelphia in the US Open Cup final, or Portland after his dazzling run, Nemeth seemed to be able to pick out the far side of the net with stunning accuracy. KC picked up Nemeth's option, but has apparently attracted interest abroad after his play for both KC and Hungary, while locally Nemeth is apparently looking for a pay raise. Holding onto Nemeth long term is going to be difficult especially if he goes to the Euros next summer and does well there. KC may have helped re-invigorate his career but may need to look for the next one soon.

Jacob Peterson - Peter Vermes' jack of all trades, Peterson has played all over the field for Kansas City during his tenure. This year he was mainly lined up either as a wide forward or occasionally as a center forward. That's where he scored his lone goal this season, as the center forward in KC's 3-1 win on the road in Toronto. Unfortunately while Peterson was a jack of all trades, he's really a master of none. He got a lot of dislike from fans this year, and while some was justified, not all of it was. A lot of the fan vitriol came from the fact that he was the first attacking option off the bench of KC most of the time. I don't think there are many teams worried that the game is going to change a whole lot when they see Peterson standing at midfield. But the fact that he was in that position had more to do with KC not getting a reliable attacking option off the bench.

Graham Zusi - KC's second designated player really didn't live up to the billing in 2015 for KC. He produced just two goals and added only five assists, his lowest output since becoming a regular start for Kansas City in 2011. Added an assist in the playoffs and another goal and assist in the US Open Cup. The question for 2015 with Zusi is can he regain the form he had before the 2014 World Cup. Last year the thought was just exhaustion from the short offseason and World Cup run, but his play never picked up in the 2015 season. He was outshone by Benny Feilhaber on set pieces as Zusi's seemed to always go too long for anyone to get onto or right to the goalkeeper while Feilhaber seemed to be more consistently dangerous with his chances. A number of fans have grown frustrated with Zusi over the course of the season, especially because of his pay, but he gives many other options for KC and I'm not ready to give up on him yet.

Looking Towards 2016

Robb Heineman in a recent interview already stated one of the things the club needs to address in 2016, attacking depth. Heineman mentioned that there was a need for a dynamic sub towards the end of the season that wasn't really there. The inclination there would point to an attacking minded substitute off the bench. That is a very big need for KC up top heading into next season, having someone on the bench that has a better potential to score off the bench than the players that KC had playing that role in 2015. If they wanted to they could look at someone like Chad Barrett, who recently had his option declined by Seattle. While most KC fans I think would loath that move, but he has scored 56 goals in his MLS career, more than anyone else on KC at this point. Although I'm not sure that he would fit Vermes' system. But it's a thought of one player currently available.

The next thing that KC needs to do is make sure they hold onto Nemeth up top. The Hungarian international will miss about a month or so of the season if he is called up by Hungary for the Euros, but KC will likely have to fight a little bit to keep him through this winter after a successful first season in Kansas City. Hanging onto him is important because of the pressure that he took off of Dwyer last season that allowed him to be productive. I'd rather have another season where Nemeth and Dwyer share the load than a season like 2014 where KC was overly dependent on a single player.

Sunday After Stats

Roger Espinoza made his 100th league start for KC, he's the 22nd player to hit that mark.

Espinoza made his 120th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez and Uche Okafor for 18th on that list.

Graham Zusi's assist last night was his 50th in all competitions for KC, he's the third player to hit that mark.

Dom Dwyer's goal was his 30th in all competitions for KC, tying him with Scott Sealy for 8th on that list.

Dwyer's goal was his 11th in league play away from home, tying him with Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara for 6th on that list.

The goal was his 13th in all competitions away from home, tying him with Bunbury for 6th on that list.

Benny Feilhaber's two goals gave him 6 on the road in his career with KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez and Aurelien Collin for 17th place on that list.

It was his 7th in all competitions away from home, tying him with Collin and Eddie Johnson for 18th on that list.

Connor Hallisey made his debut for KC. He's the 185th player to play a league game for KC, 191st in all competitions.

Sporting Close Out the Preseason with a Win and a Draw

Sporting KC closed out the 2015 preseason in Tucson today with a pair of games. Sporting pulled out a win and a draw to close out preseason with a 3-2-2 record.

Kansas City started the day with a scrimmage against NASL side, Minnesota United. Sporting put out a team that was likely close to what fans will see on March 8th against the New York Red Bulls (assuming there is not a strike). Kansas City controlled the early going of the game and scored an early goal from Bernardo Anor. Graham Zusi played a corner into the box that was headed by Ike Opara into the air. Anor was the first to react to it, volleying the ball into the far corner to give KC the 1-0 lead. KC controlled the rest of the half with a number of chances. Dom Dwyer got in behind the defense with a 1v1 opportunity, but Minnesota's goalkeeper, Sammy N'Djock played a high line in goal and quickly got off his line to snuff the chance. Amadou Dia almost took advantage of N'Djock's high line after some good pass work, but he put his chip just wide of the goal. Zusi also had a chip attempt, but his effort went high.

The second half, Kansas City continued to press the game with Dwyer against going close, but unable to capitalize. Sporting continued to control the game, but was unable to add to their 1-0 lead and came away with a 1-0 win over Minnesota for the club's first shutout of the preseason.

In the night cap, a team filled with mainly reserve players took on the first team for the Seattle Sounders in the third place match up of the Desert Diamond Cup. Like earlier in the day, Sporting was able to grab the lead, this time it was the team's first first round draft pick, Connor Hallisey who scored from 15 yards out after being played in by Jimmy Medranda. As expected with a first team playing a second team, Seattle dominated play, but Kansas City's defense and Tim Melia both stepped up and kept Seattle off the board heading into half time.

The second half saw Seattle continue to pressure, but Jon Kempin, who came on at half time, continued to play well in net for Kansas City. In the 66th minute though Seattle tied the game as Clint Dempsey played Obafemi Martins in behind KC's defense and he beat Kempin to level the game at 1-1. Seattle continued to press the game until the 76th minute, when Gonzalo Pineda was sent off for a foul on Sporting's Seth Sinovic. The dynamics of the game changed, Seattle continued to try to push the game, but a man down they couldn't do as much and the two  teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

The team will head home tomorrow to Kansas City with an eye towards Sunday and New York, but with the distraction of the CBA still firmly in the players minds.

Sporting Address Needs in SuperDraft

With four picks in the first two rounds of today's MLS SuperDraft, Sporting KC had plenty of opportunity to address some needs for the team heading into the 2015 season. With all four of the picks KC was able to address needs on the wing, at wing back and in the defensive midfield position. They were also able to get three of the four players that they wanted in the draft, the fourth being Nick Besler who went to Portland with the fifth pick.

With their first pick, the 10th overall, Sporting selected Connor Hallisey, a left sided winger from the University of California. Hallisey should be able to contribute on the wing in Sporting's 4-3-3 system, and it'd allow Graham Zusi to play on the right hand side. Hallisey scored nine goals for Cal in his senior season and as a MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist. Hallisey has also spent time in the US youth system, having been capped by the US U-18 team.

With their second pick of the first round, the 12th overall, Sporting addressed their need for depth at right back, taking Akron right back Saad Abdul-Salaam. With Igor Juliao's future in KC still uncertain and Kevin Ellis un-signed, Sporting needed to move forward as if either wasn't there. Abdul-Salaam on paper looks like a good fit for KC's system. He's a big outside back that likes to get forward, a perfect combination for Peter Vermes with the way he likes to have his wingbacks get forward. With starter, Chance Myers coming off injury, Abdul-Salaam could be a candidate to get more minutes if Myers' recovery stalls.

With their third first round pick, the 20th overall, Sporting added some depth behind Seth Sinovic at left back, selecting Amadou Dia from Clemson. Dia is a midfielder/forward, but based on the Tweet Robb Heineman sent out about the pick, Sporting is going to look to turn him into an outside back. Compared to the 6'3" Abdul-Salaam, Dia is just 5'9". Like Hallisey, Dia has represented the US at the youth level, playing with the U18's and with Mikey Lopez with the U20's.

With KC's 30th pick, the team actually sent that pick to the Houston Dynamo in return for the rights to Servando Carrasco. Carrasco, the newly married husband of US women's national team forward Alex Morgan is currently out of contract, so Sporting will have to get the midfielder to agree to a new deal with SKC. Carrasco would come in and would challenge Jorge Claros and James Marcelin at the defensive midfield position for Kansas City. Over his four year MLS career with the Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo, Carrasco has played in 59 league games, starting 31 of them.

Overall I think Sporting did a good job of address their needs based on what I've read about each of KC's three draft picks and from what I've seen from Carrasco. The good news for the three draft picks is that Vermes isn't going to be pressuring them to be a starter right away. With Myers and Jalil Anibaba (along with the potential return of Ellis) at right back, Sinovic at left back, and Bernardo Anor, Krisztian Nemeth, and Jacob Peterson, Sporting should be able to bring them along at a slower pace. The Carrasco trade I like from the aspect that you get a player with MLS experience who can play in this league for a pick that more than likely won't pan out. For example in the 48 picks between the 30th pick last year and the end of the fourth round, just 10 of those players are still on MLS rosters today. Now Sporting just has to get a deal done to sign him.

With the 10th Pick Sporting Select

Connor Hallisey. The winger was a Mac Hermann trophy semifinalist. He'll come in and be able to play as a wide midfielder in Peter Vermes' 4-3-3 system. His attacking mindset for KC will be good, they need more players on the wing that are able to take players on.