Loaned Sporting Kansas City winger Bernardo Anor will not be playing much during the rest of his loan to Minnesota United of the NASL, this past week Anor fractured his ankle and will now miss most of the rest of the season. There's a chance that Anor could be ready to go late in the NASL's fall season, but regaining fitness and being able to play that late in the season seems a bit of a stretch. It's disappointing for him as he was just starting to really get involved in the play for United during the spring season. There are certainly going to be questions about Anor's future, would Minnesota look to make the move permanent ahead of their expansion draft, or would KC have to try to find another way to get rid of the Venezuelan.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Jamar Beasley
Brian Fekete
Michael Kafari
Chris Konopka
Kyle Miller
Victor Munoz
Akeem Priestley
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Jalil Anibaba - Houston - No game this week.
Teal Bunbury - New England - No game this week.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - No game this week.
Aurelien Collin - New York - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Seattle - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Chicago - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 win over San Jose.
Kei Kamara - New England - No game this week.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 0-0 draw with Toronto.
Mikey Lopez - NYCFC - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 64 minutes in RSL's 2-2(3-1) shootout win over Wilmington.
Amobi Okugo - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 win over San Jose.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - No game this week.
Sal Zizzo - New York - No game this week.
NASL
Bernardo Anor - Minnesota (loan) - Did not dress in Minnesota's 3-1 win over Miami.
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Did not dress in Tampa's 1-1 draw with Jacksonville.
Marcel de Jong - Ottawa - Started and played 45 minutes in Ottawa's 3-0 loss to Vancouver. Did not dress in Ottawa's 1-1 draw with OKC.
Mechack Jerome - Jacksonville - Started and played 90 minutes in Haiti's 7-1 loss to Brazil. Started and played 90 minutes in Haiti's 4-0 loss to Ecuador.
James Marcelin - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Haiti's 7-1 loss to Brazil. Started and played 79 minutes in Haiti's 4-0 loss to Ecuador.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Oklahoma City - Dressed but did not play in OKC's 1-1 draw with Ottawa
US
Christian Duke - Swope Park - Started and played 80 minutes in Swope's 4-0 win over Rio Grande Valley. Started and played 90 minutes in Swope's 3-2 loss to Vancouver.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 3-0 loss to Rio Grande Valley.
Ryan James - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 loss to Toronto.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 1-0 loss to Bethlehem.
Tony Rocha - Orlando - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over Charleston.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 3-0 loss to Rio Grande Valley.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
PDL
Adnan Gabeljic - San Francisco - Did not play in San Francisco's 4-0 loss to Burlingame. Started and played 51 minutes in San Francisco's 1-1 draw with San Diego.
Faik Hajderovic - St. Louis U23 - Started and played 67 minutes in St. Louis' 2-2 draw with the St. Louis Lions.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Siah Jamegan - Iran - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - YPA - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in YPA's 4-1 win over Virkia.
Claudio Bieler - Belgrano - Argentina - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Jorge Claros - Alajuelense - Costa Rica - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Offseason.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Offseason.
Pablo Escobar - Jaguares de Córdoba - Colombia - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Queretaro - Mexico - Offseason.
Jeferson - Madureira EC - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Dressed but did not play in RoPS' 0-0 draw with Mariehamn. Came off the bench and played 85 minutes, scoring a goal in RoPS' 1-1 draw with HJK.
Igor Juliao - Ferroviária - Brazil - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia-Mozyr - Belarus - Started and played 69 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 win over BATE.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Offseason.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 80 minutes in RoPS' 0-0 draw wtih Mariehamn. Started and played 69 minutes in RoPS' 1-1 draw with HJK.
Krisztian Nemeth - Al-Gharafa - Qatar - Started and played 89 minutes in Hungary's 2-0 win over Austria.
Erik Palmer-Brown - Porto (loan) - Portugal - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - IBV - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in IBV's 2-0 win over Stjarnan.
Oriol Rosell - Vitoria (Sporting Club de Portugal) Portugal - Offseason.
Brendan Ruiz - DJK Don Bosco Bamberg - Germany - Offseason.
Soony Saad - Pattaya United (BEC Tero Sasana) - Scored a goal in Pattaya's 4-1 cup win over Nong Bua Pitchaya. Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Pattaya's 1-0 loss to Nakhon Ratchasima.
Daniel Salloi - Vasas FC (loan) - Hungary - Just moved to Vasas
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Offseason.
Kevin Souter - Deveronvale FC - Scotland - Offseason.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Showing posts with label Eric Kronberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eric Kronberg. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Friday, January 02, 2015
Review of 2014 Wishes
With the calendar turned over to 2015, it's time to take a look back at my wishes for the year 2014. Back in January I posted my wishes for 2014. Here's how they turned out.
3. Whichever keeper gets established as the clear number 1 finishes in the top third of the league in most goalkeeper categories. Actually despite the issues that the two seemed to have, they both had decent numbers for a goalkeeper. Playing 1,800 minutes, Kronberg had the second lowest goals against average of regular goalkeepers (1.1), second only to Nick Rimando (1.04). Gruenebaum playing 945 minutes wasn't too far behind, finishing with 1.14 goals against average.
When it came to shutouts, Kronberg finished with seven for KC, tying him for 7th in the league. Unfortunately, none of those came after June 27th. Gruenebaum meanwhile picked up three. On the plus side you could say that combined, the 10 shutouts was good for a second place tie, unfortunately it was the lack of consistency more than anything.
When it comes to wins, Kronberg picked up just seven, while Gruenebaum picked up six. Again, combined as one keeper, that's not bad, it's the fact that it was split between two that's the problem.
The last stat I'll look at is save percentage. Here's an area where Kronberg especially struggled. His save percentage was just 62%, tied with Zac MacMath. The only regular starters with a worse save percentage were Dan Kennedy, Clint Irwin, and Tally Hall, all three from teams that missed the playoffs. Of the five goalkeepers mentioned, Kronberg faced the fewest shows, 73, 40 fewer than Hall who faced the least of the other four. Kennedy meanwhile faced boudle the shots. All but one of the keepers, Hall, made at least as many saves as Kronberg faced shots, with Kronberg saving just 45 of the 73 shots he faced. Gruenebaum meanwhile was actually a decent shot stopper for KC, with a save percentage of 76%, saving 34 of the 45 shots he faced. Only Andre Blake (90 minutes) and Brian Rowe (270 minutes) had a higher save percentage than Gruenebaum did.
So overall, in places Sporting's goalkeepers were still in the top third of the league, unfortunately stats don't tell the whole tale and both goalkeepers are out in KC for inconsistencies.
4. Whatever the Bieler situation, resolve it quickly - I guess the resolution here involved Bieler staying in Kansas City, so technically I guess it was resolved quickly. Bieler's time in KC this year though was rather rough. Thanks to the performance of Dom Dwyer this year, Bieler was limited to just 421 minutes over the course of the season and two goals. He started just 1 regular season game after the team's 2-1 loss in Chicago on 5/18, and that was due to the suspension of Dwyer.
5. Find a forward that will excel in this system - When I wrote this originally back in January, I'd said that Dwyer "provided that pressure from the forward spot, but didn't score enough." Well this year Dwyer added the scoring punch to his active pressure up top as he finished second in the golden boot race to Bradley Wright-Phillips and set a single season club record for goals. His extension that he signed in December shows that Sporting sees him as the forward who excels in this system, and who am I to argue.
6. USA gets out of their group at the World Cup - This was a success for the US, although there was plenty of disappointment. After Jozy Altidore went down with an injury, the US really struggled to create dangerous chances. In what was a fairly open World Cup, the US played very conservatively. But at that stage it's all about getting results and advancing, which the US did before losing to Belgium in extra time after a heroic performance by Tim Howard.
7. Besler and Zusi have stand out World Cups - Stand out may not be the best word, but I think both had decent ones. Besler started all four of the USA's games in the tournament, playing all but the second 45 minutes against Ghana after picking up an injury in the first half. Of the four expected center backs (Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, and Omar Gonzalez) Besler is the only one to play in all four games. Zusi finished the World Cup with two assists, including the game winner against Ghana on a goal by Brooks. Overall the two had solid efforts for their country. So much so that Sporting signed both to designated player deals to help keep the pair in Kansas City going forward.
8. Neither Besler or Zusi leave KC this year - This one was a win, neither player left KC after the two signed new deals with KC making them designated players. While the pair didn't look like DPs much after the World Cup, both looked exhausted but both will now be a big part of the club as they move forward.
9. Comets return to the MISL championship - Not only did the Comets return, but they won themselves the MISL championship, beating the Baltimore Blast in the mini-game game 3 to take home the title.
10. Amy Rodriguez becomes the goal scorer FCKC need to take pressure off Lauren Holiday - I'd say 13 goals, including three in the playoffs as FCKC won the NWSL title makes this one a success. Rodriguez was a tremendous pick up for the Blues and was a huge reason they won the title this year.
11. FC Kansas City top last year's attendance mark - After I'd originally posted this wish, it was made known that FCKC was moving venues from Shawnee Mission's district athletic complex at Shawnee Mission North High School to Durwood Stadium on UMKC's campus. With the move, FCKC made capacity at the stadium just 3,200, over 1,400 smaller than their average during the 2013 season.
Unfortunately for FCKC with the move attendance took a nose dive, falling over 50% from their average in 2013 to 2,018 in 2014. They went from the second highest attended team in the league in 2013, to the second lowest behind only Sky Blue FC (who finished last in 2013 too).
12. National training center gets go ahead and ground breaks - Well this one was half right. The training center did get the go ahead to move forward and be built. Unfortunately ground has not broken yet. But according to Robb Heineman's latest Q&A, it's coming in the first quarter of 2015.
1. Silverware - Elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2013-2014 CONCACAF Champions League, elimination from the US Open Cup at the hands of the Portland Timbers at home, the third time in four years KC's USOC run has ended at home, elimination in the group stage of the 2014-2015 CCL, finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference and 10th in the overall table, and elimination by the New York Red Bulls in the wild card round of the MLS Cup playoffs. So no, there was no silverware this year for Sporting KC.
On the other hand though, the Missouri Comets and FC Kansas City both brought titles to Kansas City this past year winning the MISL and NWSL respectively. So while it may not be as big as Sporting KC, I'm counting this one as a win.
On the other hand though, the Missouri Comets and FC Kansas City both brought titles to Kansas City this past year winning the MISL and NWSL respectively. So while it may not be as big as Sporting KC, I'm counting this one as a win.
2. Kronberg or Gruenebaum emerges as a clear number 1 goalkeeper - This turned into a negative as well. Eric Kronberg looked decent enough at the start of the season, although he had some shaky moments. But after an injury never seemed to get any sort of form back once he returned. After his return from injury he again lost the starting job after his performance in the 3-2 loss to the New England Revolution. Unfortunately Andy Gruenebaum didn't fare much better, missing time three separate times this season with injuries, including once after the Revolution game, after Vermes had named him the starter ahead of Kronberg, leading to Kronberg's third run as the starting goalkeeper.
3. Whichever keeper gets established as the clear number 1 finishes in the top third of the league in most goalkeeper categories. Actually despite the issues that the two seemed to have, they both had decent numbers for a goalkeeper. Playing 1,800 minutes, Kronberg had the second lowest goals against average of regular goalkeepers (1.1), second only to Nick Rimando (1.04). Gruenebaum playing 945 minutes wasn't too far behind, finishing with 1.14 goals against average.
When it came to shutouts, Kronberg finished with seven for KC, tying him for 7th in the league. Unfortunately, none of those came after June 27th. Gruenebaum meanwhile picked up three. On the plus side you could say that combined, the 10 shutouts was good for a second place tie, unfortunately it was the lack of consistency more than anything.
When it comes to wins, Kronberg picked up just seven, while Gruenebaum picked up six. Again, combined as one keeper, that's not bad, it's the fact that it was split between two that's the problem.
The last stat I'll look at is save percentage. Here's an area where Kronberg especially struggled. His save percentage was just 62%, tied with Zac MacMath. The only regular starters with a worse save percentage were Dan Kennedy, Clint Irwin, and Tally Hall, all three from teams that missed the playoffs. Of the five goalkeepers mentioned, Kronberg faced the fewest shows, 73, 40 fewer than Hall who faced the least of the other four. Kennedy meanwhile faced boudle the shots. All but one of the keepers, Hall, made at least as many saves as Kronberg faced shots, with Kronberg saving just 45 of the 73 shots he faced. Gruenebaum meanwhile was actually a decent shot stopper for KC, with a save percentage of 76%, saving 34 of the 45 shots he faced. Only Andre Blake (90 minutes) and Brian Rowe (270 minutes) had a higher save percentage than Gruenebaum did.
So overall, in places Sporting's goalkeepers were still in the top third of the league, unfortunately stats don't tell the whole tale and both goalkeepers are out in KC for inconsistencies.
4. Whatever the Bieler situation, resolve it quickly - I guess the resolution here involved Bieler staying in Kansas City, so technically I guess it was resolved quickly. Bieler's time in KC this year though was rather rough. Thanks to the performance of Dom Dwyer this year, Bieler was limited to just 421 minutes over the course of the season and two goals. He started just 1 regular season game after the team's 2-1 loss in Chicago on 5/18, and that was due to the suspension of Dwyer.
5. Find a forward that will excel in this system - When I wrote this originally back in January, I'd said that Dwyer "provided that pressure from the forward spot, but didn't score enough." Well this year Dwyer added the scoring punch to his active pressure up top as he finished second in the golden boot race to Bradley Wright-Phillips and set a single season club record for goals. His extension that he signed in December shows that Sporting sees him as the forward who excels in this system, and who am I to argue.
6. USA gets out of their group at the World Cup - This was a success for the US, although there was plenty of disappointment. After Jozy Altidore went down with an injury, the US really struggled to create dangerous chances. In what was a fairly open World Cup, the US played very conservatively. But at that stage it's all about getting results and advancing, which the US did before losing to Belgium in extra time after a heroic performance by Tim Howard.
7. Besler and Zusi have stand out World Cups - Stand out may not be the best word, but I think both had decent ones. Besler started all four of the USA's games in the tournament, playing all but the second 45 minutes against Ghana after picking up an injury in the first half. Of the four expected center backs (Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, and Omar Gonzalez) Besler is the only one to play in all four games. Zusi finished the World Cup with two assists, including the game winner against Ghana on a goal by Brooks. Overall the two had solid efforts for their country. So much so that Sporting signed both to designated player deals to help keep the pair in Kansas City going forward.
8. Neither Besler or Zusi leave KC this year - This one was a win, neither player left KC after the two signed new deals with KC making them designated players. While the pair didn't look like DPs much after the World Cup, both looked exhausted but both will now be a big part of the club as they move forward.
9. Comets return to the MISL championship - Not only did the Comets return, but they won themselves the MISL championship, beating the Baltimore Blast in the mini-game game 3 to take home the title.
10. Amy Rodriguez becomes the goal scorer FCKC need to take pressure off Lauren Holiday - I'd say 13 goals, including three in the playoffs as FCKC won the NWSL title makes this one a success. Rodriguez was a tremendous pick up for the Blues and was a huge reason they won the title this year.
11. FC Kansas City top last year's attendance mark - After I'd originally posted this wish, it was made known that FCKC was moving venues from Shawnee Mission's district athletic complex at Shawnee Mission North High School to Durwood Stadium on UMKC's campus. With the move, FCKC made capacity at the stadium just 3,200, over 1,400 smaller than their average during the 2013 season.
Unfortunately for FCKC with the move attendance took a nose dive, falling over 50% from their average in 2013 to 2,018 in 2014. They went from the second highest attended team in the league in 2013, to the second lowest behind only Sky Blue FC (who finished last in 2013 too).
12. National training center gets go ahead and ground breaks - Well this one was half right. The training center did get the go ahead to move forward and be built. Unfortunately ground has not broken yet. But according to Robb Heineman's latest Q&A, it's coming in the first quarter of 2015.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Sporting Pass on Re-Entry Draft. Kronberg, Gruenebaum Selected
MLS held the first phase of this year's Re-Entry Draft. And like most years, there was little movement. The prior four drafts had averaged under three picks in the first phase. Today, three players were taken, none of them going to Kansas City, as Sporting passed on making a selection in the draft. Peter Vermes has still yet to pick someone in the first phase.
Of the three players that were taken, two of them were Sporting KC players. With the first pick, Montreal selected KC's former starter, Eric Kronberg. With the Impact having dumped Troy Perkins, Kronberg will likely be battling Evan Bush for the starting job in Montreal. With the second pick in the draft, the San Jose Earthquakes grabbed KC's other available goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum. Gruenebaum had played well for Kansas City, but continued to struggle with injuries, missing games at three separate times during the season. He'll likely come in and either compete with or be the back up to David Bingham. The third player taken was Toronto FC grabbing Real Salt Lake's Robbie Findley.
Of the three players that were taken, two of them were Sporting KC players. With the first pick, Montreal selected KC's former starter, Eric Kronberg. With the Impact having dumped Troy Perkins, Kronberg will likely be battling Evan Bush for the starting job in Montreal. With the second pick in the draft, the San Jose Earthquakes grabbed KC's other available goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum. Gruenebaum had played well for Kansas City, but continued to struggle with injuries, missing games at three separate times during the season. He'll likely come in and either compete with or be the back up to David Bingham. The third player taken was Toronto FC grabbing Real Salt Lake's Robbie Findley.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Sporting KC a Number of Roster Moves
Sporting Kansas City made their first set of offseason moves today, declining options on six players, announcing four others out of contract, and mutually terminating the contract of Lawrence Olum.
The termination of Olum's contract paves the way for his move to Malaysia that came out yesterday. The move will allow Sporting to retain the Kenyan's MLS rights should he return to MLS.
Of the four players out of contract that Sporting is extending offers to, Aurelien Collin was already known. He's joined by the team's second homegrown player, Kevin Ellis, and forwards Jacob Peterson and Soony Saad.
Collin's contract discussions have already been well documented. He's looking for a pay increase, and with his center back partner, Matt Besler, signing a Designated Player contract during the season, you can bet that Collin is looking for something similar or at least a max. salary. That's something that I'm not sure that KC is going to give to Collin. Unless the new CBA is going to bump the salary cap a lot, I can't see KC using that much cap on their two starting central defenders.
Kevin Elllis had a break out year for Kansas City. With all the injuries and call ups along the back line, Ellis played all four of the defensive positions along the back line, partnering Matt Besler, Collin, Erik Palmer-Brown, Chance Myers, and probably others I'm forgetting. A bump in salary for him would either see him moved to the senior roster year, or take KC's other HGP slot above the minimum. With his play this year, he deserves the bump.
Jacob Peterson was another player who saw play all over the field for KC this year due to injuries. While Peterson has the work ethic that Peter Vermes loves, he plays a position (wing forward) that KC desperately needs to upgrade this season. Peterson though did prove himself to be capable as a fill in as a wing back for KC. At this point I wonder if that may not be the position he'd fill for KC. He'd still be able to get forward in KC's system, but he'd open up the wing position for a winger who can provide more offensively. If the price is right I'd like to keep him around.
Saad saw a drop in playing time this year for KC, playing over 400 fewer minutes than he did last year. He has plenty of talent, but I don't think he fits that well in Vermes' system. I like him, I think he can be a good forward in this league, but he's struggled out on the wing for KC, and with Dom Dwyer in the middle he's not going to get much time there. Development in his wing play is certainly something that needs to improve, but I'm in no way against keeping Saad around.
All four players have received bona fide offers, so the team will retain their rights, should they make it through the expansion draft without being taken.
For the six players who didn't have their options picked up, most are not surprising at all. Probably the most surprising would be Toni Dovale, who had looked dangerous at times on the wing for KC. But at $180,000 per the players union numbers, he did not produce enough for Vermes to want to keep the Spaniard around.
Sporting will also be in the market for goalkeepers this weekend as both Eric Kronberg and Andy Gruenebaum had their options declined. Kronberg came into the season as the starter, but never really looked comfortable in there. His time was marred by some poor decision making, most famously in the playoff loss to New York when he hesitated coming off his line and Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the winner late. As for Gruenebaum, he did okay for Kansas City when he started in place of Kronberg, but his issue was the fact that he just couldn't stay healthy. Three different times this past season Gruenebaum missed time due to injuries.
Sal Zizzo is probably a more disappointing loss for his work off the field on the Benny Feilhaber Show. Which is probably the reason his option wasn't picked up. Zizzo played in 19 games for KC, and only recorded three assists. None since a 2-2 draw with Toronto in May, although he did have a goal in the CCL late in the season. I had figured with all the defensive injuries that Vermes would try Zizzo in one of the wingback positions, as he'd played there with the Portland Timbers before coming to KC, but he never did.
The last two players are the least surprising of the moves. Victor Munoz and Michael Kafari made a combined one competitive appearance for Kansas City. Munoz started Kansas City's US Open Cup win over Minnesota, but left after about 30 minutes with an injury (and looked incredibly poor up to that point). Both played in the second half of KC's loss to Manchester City in a friendly during the season though.
Kronberg, Gruenebaum, and Zizzo will all go into the re-entry draft in mid-December (1st stage December 12, 2nd stage December 18). Kafari and Munoz will be available in the waiver draft on December 10th. Dovale will apparently not be available in either and has his out-right release.
While those six are gone, and look unlikely to be re-signed, KC did pick up the options of five others, keeping Jon Kempin, CJ Sapong, Ike Opara, Dom Dwyer, and Seth Sinovic with KC, at least into the expansion draft.
With these moves it certainly appears that KC is set for a busy offseason.
The termination of Olum's contract paves the way for his move to Malaysia that came out yesterday. The move will allow Sporting to retain the Kenyan's MLS rights should he return to MLS.
Of the four players out of contract that Sporting is extending offers to, Aurelien Collin was already known. He's joined by the team's second homegrown player, Kevin Ellis, and forwards Jacob Peterson and Soony Saad.
Collin's contract discussions have already been well documented. He's looking for a pay increase, and with his center back partner, Matt Besler, signing a Designated Player contract during the season, you can bet that Collin is looking for something similar or at least a max. salary. That's something that I'm not sure that KC is going to give to Collin. Unless the new CBA is going to bump the salary cap a lot, I can't see KC using that much cap on their two starting central defenders.
Kevin Elllis had a break out year for Kansas City. With all the injuries and call ups along the back line, Ellis played all four of the defensive positions along the back line, partnering Matt Besler, Collin, Erik Palmer-Brown, Chance Myers, and probably others I'm forgetting. A bump in salary for him would either see him moved to the senior roster year, or take KC's other HGP slot above the minimum. With his play this year, he deserves the bump.
Jacob Peterson was another player who saw play all over the field for KC this year due to injuries. While Peterson has the work ethic that Peter Vermes loves, he plays a position (wing forward) that KC desperately needs to upgrade this season. Peterson though did prove himself to be capable as a fill in as a wing back for KC. At this point I wonder if that may not be the position he'd fill for KC. He'd still be able to get forward in KC's system, but he'd open up the wing position for a winger who can provide more offensively. If the price is right I'd like to keep him around.
Saad saw a drop in playing time this year for KC, playing over 400 fewer minutes than he did last year. He has plenty of talent, but I don't think he fits that well in Vermes' system. I like him, I think he can be a good forward in this league, but he's struggled out on the wing for KC, and with Dom Dwyer in the middle he's not going to get much time there. Development in his wing play is certainly something that needs to improve, but I'm in no way against keeping Saad around.
All four players have received bona fide offers, so the team will retain their rights, should they make it through the expansion draft without being taken.
For the six players who didn't have their options picked up, most are not surprising at all. Probably the most surprising would be Toni Dovale, who had looked dangerous at times on the wing for KC. But at $180,000 per the players union numbers, he did not produce enough for Vermes to want to keep the Spaniard around.
Sporting will also be in the market for goalkeepers this weekend as both Eric Kronberg and Andy Gruenebaum had their options declined. Kronberg came into the season as the starter, but never really looked comfortable in there. His time was marred by some poor decision making, most famously in the playoff loss to New York when he hesitated coming off his line and Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the winner late. As for Gruenebaum, he did okay for Kansas City when he started in place of Kronberg, but his issue was the fact that he just couldn't stay healthy. Three different times this past season Gruenebaum missed time due to injuries.
Sal Zizzo is probably a more disappointing loss for his work off the field on the Benny Feilhaber Show. Which is probably the reason his option wasn't picked up. Zizzo played in 19 games for KC, and only recorded three assists. None since a 2-2 draw with Toronto in May, although he did have a goal in the CCL late in the season. I had figured with all the defensive injuries that Vermes would try Zizzo in one of the wingback positions, as he'd played there with the Portland Timbers before coming to KC, but he never did.
The last two players are the least surprising of the moves. Victor Munoz and Michael Kafari made a combined one competitive appearance for Kansas City. Munoz started Kansas City's US Open Cup win over Minnesota, but left after about 30 minutes with an injury (and looked incredibly poor up to that point). Both played in the second half of KC's loss to Manchester City in a friendly during the season though.
Kronberg, Gruenebaum, and Zizzo will all go into the re-entry draft in mid-December (1st stage December 12, 2nd stage December 18). Kafari and Munoz will be available in the waiver draft on December 10th. Dovale will apparently not be available in either and has his out-right release.
While those six are gone, and look unlikely to be re-signed, KC did pick up the options of five others, keeping Jon Kempin, CJ Sapong, Ike Opara, Dom Dwyer, and Seth Sinovic with KC, at least into the expansion draft.
With these moves it certainly appears that KC is set for a busy offseason.
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here - Goalkeepers
With the Sporting KC season over, it's time to take a look at how the season went for Sporting KC and where the team needs to go to move forward in 2015. With the move to the Western Conference, the expectation is that Sporting will be walking into a much stronger conference than the East. And with the likes of Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake, and Dallas in the division, it's certainly hard to argue that the division is the stronger of the two, and should get stronger with the additions of KC and Houston.
So what I'm going to do is take a look at goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards and see what happened with each this season and what needs to happen heading into 2015 for KC.
We'll start at the back with the goalkeepers.
After a four year period with Jimmy Nielsen that saw the Dane miss just four league games in that span, Kansas City had three different goalkeepers start a league game in net for KC. The first time KC has done this since the 1999 season when Kansas City had four goalkeepers start at least one league game for KC. Eric Kronberg, who was given the number one jersey by Peter Vermes after the retirement of Nielsen led the way starting 20 of KC's 34 league games. KC native, Andy Gruenebaum started 11 games, while home grown player, Jon Kempin started the other three for KC.
Kronberg's time in net was highlighted by some poor decision making on when he should come off his line. From clearing out his defender in the season opener in Seattle, to taking two steps forward against DC before realizing that Fabian Espindola's shot was going to go over his head, to his poor positioning on Jermaine Jones' winner in September, to the team's playoff loss to New York where Kronberg gave Dax McCarty a clear look from the top of the box with a poor punch and then not coming off his line to claim the ball on New York's winning goal. Kronberg's decision making has been in question for much of the season for KC.
KC's longest tenured player finished the season with a 1.1 goals against average in league play, but it didn't really feel like he "won" games for KC this year. It's seemed over the last few years that Nielsen was good for being the guy that rescued points for KC at least a couple times this season. With Kronberg you just didn't feel like you got that impression.
When Kronberg went down in the middle of the season, it was Gruenebaum who replaced him in net. Gruenebaum did reasonably well, if not spectacular. His mistakes didn't seem to stand out as much as Kronberg's did, but he had a few himself, including not holding a shot in the US Open Cup loss to Portland, and then the lack of communication in Vancouver that led to the Igor Juliao own goal. The thing that really stands out with Gruenebaum this year though were his injuries. Three times this year, Gruenebaum missed games due to injuries. The first was in April when the team was forced to recall Kempin from his loan to OKC when he sprained his ankle in practice. Then there was the game in Vancouver where Gruenebaum subbed off at half time with an injury. Finally, late in the season, after being given the starting role ahead of Kronberg after Kronberg's poor performance against New England, Gruenebaum only started one game before getting injured again and missing the rest of the season. Unfortunately this isn't a new problem for Gruenebaum who missed the end of last season with the Columbus Crew with another injury.
The injuries to Kansas City's first two keepers allowed Sporting's third string keeper, the team's first home grown signing, Kempin to get his first league appearances for KC. Kempin didn't do a horrible job out there for Kansas City, but at times look every bit of the 21 year old making his first string of competitive starts in MLS. The skill is there, but I'm not sure that Kempin is quite ready to step up to be the everyday starter at this level. Of course the only way to be sure there would be to give him an extended run in net in league play.
With regards to the goalkeeper position going forward, there are plenty of questions to ask. They start with the expansion draft coming up shortly after MLS Cup. Who does Sporting protect? Do they even protect any of their goalkeepers? Other questions remain after that for Sporting even if no goalkeeper is taken. Does KC stay the course with Kronberg? Does Gruenebaum get the number 1 jersey heading into 2015? Does KC just hand things over to Kempin and except that they're going to go through some growing pains with the goalkeeper? Or do they look outside their current crop of goalkeepers for a starter?
For me, I think what this year has shown is that Kronberg doesn't appear to be an MLS caliber starter. He's been a great servant to the club and has bided his time as a back up to Bo Oshoniyi, Kevin Hartman, and Jimmy Nielsen, but I just don't think he's the player to build around for the next few years. So if Kronberg is not taken in the expansion draft, I would look for a way to get rid of him, either by trade or other means.
If Kronberg is out, the starting goalkeeping position becomes open for Sporting. For me, I am not sure that KC should give that position to Gruenebaum either. For me, Gruenebaum's recent injury history over the past two seasons has me worried whether he's able to stand up to the beating a goalkeeper takes game in and game out in MLS any more. I think he'd do fine as a backup, getting a few games in the Open Cup or a spot start occasionally in league play, but I'm just not sure he's a full time starter any more.
As for Kempin, as I stated above, I'm not sure he's ready to be the everyday starter at this level. For me, I'd like to see him get one more season under his belt as a full time starter under Nielsen with the Oklahoma City Energy. This way he's getting games every week instead of potentially being the number 2 keeper and just sitting on the bench.
So what I would do with the goalkeeper position is look for an upgrade, either within MLS (no Dan Kennedy won't be available by the time we pick in the dispersal draft) or internationally. With that upgrade coming in, I would leave both Kronberg and Gruenebaum available in the expansion draft, if one gets taken, pull the other one back and he becomes the new back up, or he's waived/cut/traded eventually. If he's gone you go out and find a backup goalkeeper with some experience in MLS, but you don't need a ton. When the USL-Pro season starts, you send Kempin to OKC again to be their starter and get another full season with Nielsen. The expectation is that the new starter would only be a 1-2 year stop gap before Kempin can win the job himself.
So what I'm going to do is take a look at goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards and see what happened with each this season and what needs to happen heading into 2015 for KC.
We'll start at the back with the goalkeepers.
After a four year period with Jimmy Nielsen that saw the Dane miss just four league games in that span, Kansas City had three different goalkeepers start a league game in net for KC. The first time KC has done this since the 1999 season when Kansas City had four goalkeepers start at least one league game for KC. Eric Kronberg, who was given the number one jersey by Peter Vermes after the retirement of Nielsen led the way starting 20 of KC's 34 league games. KC native, Andy Gruenebaum started 11 games, while home grown player, Jon Kempin started the other three for KC.
Kronberg's time in net was highlighted by some poor decision making on when he should come off his line. From clearing out his defender in the season opener in Seattle, to taking two steps forward against DC before realizing that Fabian Espindola's shot was going to go over his head, to his poor positioning on Jermaine Jones' winner in September, to the team's playoff loss to New York where Kronberg gave Dax McCarty a clear look from the top of the box with a poor punch and then not coming off his line to claim the ball on New York's winning goal. Kronberg's decision making has been in question for much of the season for KC.
KC's longest tenured player finished the season with a 1.1 goals against average in league play, but it didn't really feel like he "won" games for KC this year. It's seemed over the last few years that Nielsen was good for being the guy that rescued points for KC at least a couple times this season. With Kronberg you just didn't feel like you got that impression.
When Kronberg went down in the middle of the season, it was Gruenebaum who replaced him in net. Gruenebaum did reasonably well, if not spectacular. His mistakes didn't seem to stand out as much as Kronberg's did, but he had a few himself, including not holding a shot in the US Open Cup loss to Portland, and then the lack of communication in Vancouver that led to the Igor Juliao own goal. The thing that really stands out with Gruenebaum this year though were his injuries. Three times this year, Gruenebaum missed games due to injuries. The first was in April when the team was forced to recall Kempin from his loan to OKC when he sprained his ankle in practice. Then there was the game in Vancouver where Gruenebaum subbed off at half time with an injury. Finally, late in the season, after being given the starting role ahead of Kronberg after Kronberg's poor performance against New England, Gruenebaum only started one game before getting injured again and missing the rest of the season. Unfortunately this isn't a new problem for Gruenebaum who missed the end of last season with the Columbus Crew with another injury.
The injuries to Kansas City's first two keepers allowed Sporting's third string keeper, the team's first home grown signing, Kempin to get his first league appearances for KC. Kempin didn't do a horrible job out there for Kansas City, but at times look every bit of the 21 year old making his first string of competitive starts in MLS. The skill is there, but I'm not sure that Kempin is quite ready to step up to be the everyday starter at this level. Of course the only way to be sure there would be to give him an extended run in net in league play.
With regards to the goalkeeper position going forward, there are plenty of questions to ask. They start with the expansion draft coming up shortly after MLS Cup. Who does Sporting protect? Do they even protect any of their goalkeepers? Other questions remain after that for Sporting even if no goalkeeper is taken. Does KC stay the course with Kronberg? Does Gruenebaum get the number 1 jersey heading into 2015? Does KC just hand things over to Kempin and except that they're going to go through some growing pains with the goalkeeper? Or do they look outside their current crop of goalkeepers for a starter?
For me, I think what this year has shown is that Kronberg doesn't appear to be an MLS caliber starter. He's been a great servant to the club and has bided his time as a back up to Bo Oshoniyi, Kevin Hartman, and Jimmy Nielsen, but I just don't think he's the player to build around for the next few years. So if Kronberg is not taken in the expansion draft, I would look for a way to get rid of him, either by trade or other means.
If Kronberg is out, the starting goalkeeping position becomes open for Sporting. For me, I am not sure that KC should give that position to Gruenebaum either. For me, Gruenebaum's recent injury history over the past two seasons has me worried whether he's able to stand up to the beating a goalkeeper takes game in and game out in MLS any more. I think he'd do fine as a backup, getting a few games in the Open Cup or a spot start occasionally in league play, but I'm just not sure he's a full time starter any more.
As for Kempin, as I stated above, I'm not sure he's ready to be the everyday starter at this level. For me, I'd like to see him get one more season under his belt as a full time starter under Nielsen with the Oklahoma City Energy. This way he's getting games every week instead of potentially being the number 2 keeper and just sitting on the bench.
So what I would do with the goalkeeper position is look for an upgrade, either within MLS (no Dan Kennedy won't be available by the time we pick in the dispersal draft) or internationally. With that upgrade coming in, I would leave both Kronberg and Gruenebaum available in the expansion draft, if one gets taken, pull the other one back and he becomes the new back up, or he's waived/cut/traded eventually. If he's gone you go out and find a backup goalkeeper with some experience in MLS, but you don't need a ton. When the USL-Pro season starts, you send Kempin to OKC again to be their starter and get another full season with Nielsen. The expectation is that the new starter would only be a 1-2 year stop gap before Kempin can win the job himself.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Sporting's Playoff Possibilities Slimmed
The post season possibilities just got smaller for Sporting Kansas City after tonight's game against the Philadelphia Union. With the 2-1 loss by Kansas City, KC can no longer finish in first or second in the East. The best that Kansas City can do now is to finish in third place. Depending on results tomorrow and next week, KC could still finish as low as fifth place.
The first half of the game, for the most part lacked in the way of serious chances for either side. But both sides had some half chances. In the 16th minute, KC had a good opportunity as Dom Dwyer got played in wide behind Philadelphia's defense. Dwyer beat Zac MacMath to the ball and crossed a ball into the middle, but there was no Kansas City player in the middle of the box to turn the cross home. The Union on the other hand, found their best opportunities on the counter, attacking KC's back line with pace. In the 29th minute they almost took advantage. Andrew Wenger beat Igor Juliao to a loose ball and raced into the KC half of the field. Wenger got defenders to commit before squaring the ball into the middle for Cristian Maidana who had Eric Kronberg 1v1. Maidana fired the ball right at Kronberg though who covered the ball and kept it scoreless. Just before half time another counter by the Union led to the games first goal. Lawrence Olum was caught in possession on a KC attack and the Union countered the other way. The ball got played wide for Vincent Nogueira who dribbled into the middle before laying the ball off to Brian Brown. Brown played the ball wide for Maidana. Maidana played the ball back into the midle where Brown had lost his mark and easily put the ball into the back of the net giving the Union the lead as the teams headed into half time.
The second half saw the Union start out looking for a second, but unable to convert as Noguiera curled a shot just wide of Kronberg's far post. The early miss proved costly for Philadelphia as shortly after, Soony Saad received a ball neither the top of the box with space. Saad dribbled into the box and tried to round MacMath but was brought down in the box. Jair Marrufo pointed to the spot immediately, giving KC a penalty kick. Dwyer stepped up and sent MacMath the wrong way for his 22nd of the season and 23rd in all competitions as KC was level. With the game level though KC couldn't really take advantage, really failing to create much in the way of chances against the Philadelphia back line. And in the 71st minute, KC paid for the lack of chances and Sheanon Williams picked out Maidana with a nice diagonal ball into the box. As Aurelien Collin went to pressure Maidana slide the ball into the middle for substitute Pedro Ribeiro who was completely unmarked. The forward had he time to take a touch before pushing his shot past Kronberg and into the net to make it 2-1 Union. KC again went searching for an equalizer but the chances weren't materializing. In the 88th KC had their best chance to find another equalizer as Jacob Peterson who was playing center forward was played into the box behind the Union defense. Peterson got some space and squared the ball back to the top of the six for Paulo Nagamura who had made a run into the box. Nagamura though put his effort from six yards out over the bar. KC couldn't create anything in the way of chances the rest of the way as Sporting suffered a big defeat this late in the season, their second of the year against the Union as KC ended with just one point out of a possible nine this year against Philadelphia.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - Recorded four saves for Sporting KC in his return to the starting 11 with the injury to Andy Gruenebaum. Not much that Kronberg could have done with either of the goals as he was hung out to dry by his defense.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Juliao 4, Collin 3, Ellis 4, Sinovic 4, Olum 3, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 4, Zizzo 3, Dwyer 5, Saad 4. Subs Peterson 4, Medranda 4, Dovale NR.
The first half of the game, for the most part lacked in the way of serious chances for either side. But both sides had some half chances. In the 16th minute, KC had a good opportunity as Dom Dwyer got played in wide behind Philadelphia's defense. Dwyer beat Zac MacMath to the ball and crossed a ball into the middle, but there was no Kansas City player in the middle of the box to turn the cross home. The Union on the other hand, found their best opportunities on the counter, attacking KC's back line with pace. In the 29th minute they almost took advantage. Andrew Wenger beat Igor Juliao to a loose ball and raced into the KC half of the field. Wenger got defenders to commit before squaring the ball into the middle for Cristian Maidana who had Eric Kronberg 1v1. Maidana fired the ball right at Kronberg though who covered the ball and kept it scoreless. Just before half time another counter by the Union led to the games first goal. Lawrence Olum was caught in possession on a KC attack and the Union countered the other way. The ball got played wide for Vincent Nogueira who dribbled into the middle before laying the ball off to Brian Brown. Brown played the ball wide for Maidana. Maidana played the ball back into the midle where Brown had lost his mark and easily put the ball into the back of the net giving the Union the lead as the teams headed into half time.
The second half saw the Union start out looking for a second, but unable to convert as Noguiera curled a shot just wide of Kronberg's far post. The early miss proved costly for Philadelphia as shortly after, Soony Saad received a ball neither the top of the box with space. Saad dribbled into the box and tried to round MacMath but was brought down in the box. Jair Marrufo pointed to the spot immediately, giving KC a penalty kick. Dwyer stepped up and sent MacMath the wrong way for his 22nd of the season and 23rd in all competitions as KC was level. With the game level though KC couldn't really take advantage, really failing to create much in the way of chances against the Philadelphia back line. And in the 71st minute, KC paid for the lack of chances and Sheanon Williams picked out Maidana with a nice diagonal ball into the box. As Aurelien Collin went to pressure Maidana slide the ball into the middle for substitute Pedro Ribeiro who was completely unmarked. The forward had he time to take a touch before pushing his shot past Kronberg and into the net to make it 2-1 Union. KC again went searching for an equalizer but the chances weren't materializing. In the 88th KC had their best chance to find another equalizer as Jacob Peterson who was playing center forward was played into the box behind the Union defense. Peterson got some space and squared the ball back to the top of the six for Paulo Nagamura who had made a run into the box. Nagamura though put his effort from six yards out over the bar. KC couldn't create anything in the way of chances the rest of the way as Sporting suffered a big defeat this late in the season, their second of the year against the Union as KC ended with just one point out of a possible nine this year against Philadelphia.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - Recorded four saves for Sporting KC in his return to the starting 11 with the injury to Andy Gruenebaum. Not much that Kronberg could have done with either of the goals as he was hung out to dry by his defense.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Juliao 4, Collin 3, Ellis 4, Sinovic 4, Olum 3, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 4, Zizzo 3, Dwyer 5, Saad 4. Subs Peterson 4, Medranda 4, Dovale NR.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
S.A.S. Wednesday After Stats
Claudio Bieler became just the sixth player to score a league goal,
playoff goal, Open Cup goal, and international goal for KC, joining
Chris Brown, Preki, Matt McKeon, Francisco Gomez, and Dario Fabbro.
Bieler's 2 goals give him 16 in all competitions for KC, tying him with Gomez and Aurelien Collin for 20th on that list.
Bieler's 2 goals gave him 13 in all competitions at home, tying him with Brown, Mark Chung, and Graham Zusi for 13th on that list.
Bieler's first goal was his 5th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Jack Jewsbury, Jimmy Conrad, and Soony Saad for 20th on that list.
Paulo Nagamura made his 250th appearance in all competitions in his MLS career.
Graham Zusi made his 171st appearance for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Michael Harrington for 10th on that list.
Zusi made his 136th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 15th on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 135th start in all competitions for KC, tying him with Gutierrez for 16th on that list.
Eric Kronberg recorded his 4th win in international competition, tying him with Tony Meola for the most wins.
Bieler's 2 goals give him 16 in all competitions for KC, tying him with Gomez and Aurelien Collin for 20th on that list.
Bieler's 2 goals gave him 13 in all competitions at home, tying him with Brown, Mark Chung, and Graham Zusi for 13th on that list.
Bieler's first goal was his 5th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Jack Jewsbury, Jimmy Conrad, and Soony Saad for 20th on that list.
Paulo Nagamura made his 250th appearance in all competitions in his MLS career.
Graham Zusi made his 171st appearance for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Michael Harrington for 10th on that list.
Zusi made his 136th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 15th on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 135th start in all competitions for KC, tying him with Gutierrez for 16th on that list.
Eric Kronberg recorded his 4th win in international competition, tying him with Tony Meola for the most wins.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Sporting news on Kronberg, Kempin, Medranda, and Palmer-Brown
A busy day of Sporting KC news today involving a number of Sporting KC players.
The biggest news of the day was the announcement that Sporting KC will be without starting goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg for 8 weeks. Kronberg suffered a broken fourth metacarpal in his left hand in training today. The injury is a big blow to Kronberg and to Sporting. Kronberg is leading the league in goals against average for players who have played over 360 minutes this season with .88 goals per game. I'd been critical of some of Kronberg's decision making earlier in the season but lately he's been doing better with that and has been leader in the back with all the injuries. Now he's just become the latest of KC's injury casualties.
If he makes his return on time he'd miss nine league games and a CONCACAF Champions League game. He'd be available for the September 3rd game against New England if it's exactly eight weeks. If longer that'd be his 10th league game.
The injury means that KC product, Andy Gruenebaum will likely be KC's starting goalkeeper. He started both of KC's US Open Cup games this year and had been a starter in Columbus for the past few years before moving to KC.
To back up Gruenebaum, Sporting has recalled goalkeeper Jon Kempin from his loan to Oklahoma City. One question that immediately comes to mind with Kempin and the injury is KC starting CONCACAF Champions League play in a little over a month. One would think that Kempin could make his second appearance for Sporting when the team travels to Nicaragua to play Real Esteli in August.
Speaking of loans, Sporting KC has sent midfielder Jimmy Medranda to OKC on loan. The midfielder has played in four league games this year, starting one for KC. He'll now join the Energy on loan. Currently he'll be the only healthy player on loan to OKC with Christian Duke injured and Kempin and Mikey Lopez recalled to Sporting. Medranda will join OKC ahead of their game this weekend against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
In other news for Sporting KC's home grown keeper, Kempin, he's been named to the 2014 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game roster along with defender Erik Palmer-Brown. The two were named to the 20 man roster that will play against the Portland Timbers U23 team two nights before the All Stars take on Bayern Munich. While it's not a glamor opponent, it's still nice for those two to be selected.
One homegrown player though that I personally feel was disappointing left off the list of homegrown players is KC's Kevin Ellis. Of the three KC homegrown players, Ellis has played the most of the three and has been playing very well, especially in central defense as an emergency center back with all of KC's injury issues. It would have been nice for Ellis to get the credit for it.
The biggest news of the day was the announcement that Sporting KC will be without starting goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg for 8 weeks. Kronberg suffered a broken fourth metacarpal in his left hand in training today. The injury is a big blow to Kronberg and to Sporting. Kronberg is leading the league in goals against average for players who have played over 360 minutes this season with .88 goals per game. I'd been critical of some of Kronberg's decision making earlier in the season but lately he's been doing better with that and has been leader in the back with all the injuries. Now he's just become the latest of KC's injury casualties.
If he makes his return on time he'd miss nine league games and a CONCACAF Champions League game. He'd be available for the September 3rd game against New England if it's exactly eight weeks. If longer that'd be his 10th league game.
The injury means that KC product, Andy Gruenebaum will likely be KC's starting goalkeeper. He started both of KC's US Open Cup games this year and had been a starter in Columbus for the past few years before moving to KC.
To back up Gruenebaum, Sporting has recalled goalkeeper Jon Kempin from his loan to Oklahoma City. One question that immediately comes to mind with Kempin and the injury is KC starting CONCACAF Champions League play in a little over a month. One would think that Kempin could make his second appearance for Sporting when the team travels to Nicaragua to play Real Esteli in August.
Speaking of loans, Sporting KC has sent midfielder Jimmy Medranda to OKC on loan. The midfielder has played in four league games this year, starting one for KC. He'll now join the Energy on loan. Currently he'll be the only healthy player on loan to OKC with Christian Duke injured and Kempin and Mikey Lopez recalled to Sporting. Medranda will join OKC ahead of their game this weekend against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
In other news for Sporting KC's home grown keeper, Kempin, he's been named to the 2014 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game roster along with defender Erik Palmer-Brown. The two were named to the 20 man roster that will play against the Portland Timbers U23 team two nights before the All Stars take on Bayern Munich. While it's not a glamor opponent, it's still nice for those two to be selected.
One homegrown player though that I personally feel was disappointing left off the list of homegrown players is KC's Kevin Ellis. Of the three KC homegrown players, Ellis has played the most of the three and has been playing very well, especially in central defense as an emergency center back with all of KC's injury issues. It would have been nice for Ellis to get the credit for it.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Smash and Grab
It wasn't a pretty game, not even close. Sporting KC, dressing only 16 players for the game, was able to take all three points on the road at Providence Park beating the Portland Timbers 1-0 in a classic smash and grab operation.
Portland had the better of play throughout most of the game. Early on Portland's chances didn't amount to good shots for the Timbers. Eric Kronberg was up to the early task making a save on a deflected shot by Will Johnson. The Timbers thought they'd scored in the 14th minute when Fanendo Adi headed home a cross by Darlinton Nabe, but the Timbers DP was offside. KC got little going when they they got forward, not really testing Donovan Ricketts in the early part of the game. In the 24th minute though KC got a deep throw-in in the Timbers end. Seth Sinovic launched the ball into the box. It went over the head of Aurelein Collin into the path of Kevin Ellis who got his foot on the ball knocking it into the path of Lawrence Olum. Olum one timed his shot past Ricketts and into the net to give KC the 1-0 lead. Portland continued to push forward, now trying to find an equalizer. Nagbe put a header just wide of Kronberg's post. The Timbers continued to press the game, but couldn't find an equalizer in the first half as KC went in with the lead.
The second half saw the Timbers continue to be the more aggressive side, pushing numbers forward and trying to break down KC's defense. KC though found space the other way on the counter. In the 63rd they almost punished the Timbers for it. After clearing a free kick, Dom Dwyer got sent free the other way, getting in behind the Portland defense. Diego Chara did a good job recovering and winning the ball away from Dwyer. His clearance though was blocked inside the box by Soony Saad. Saad pushed the ball past Chara and tried to fire a shot past Ricketts, but the Jamaican made the save. The Timbers continued to push, with Diego Valeri finding space after turning Collin but Kronberg was again there to make the save. KC's defense played fantastically in front of Kronberg, keeping Adi in check and not giving the Timbers many open looks on goal. Adi looked to win a penalty kick late on, but Collin appeared to win position on him before he went to ground looking for the foul. KC continued to be strong defensively and closed the game out, winning 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Was a beast in the center of defense, cutting out chances and playing extremely well for KC. The home grown player has probably been the biggest revelation with KC's current injury issues. He's been given the opportunity and he's realy ran with it.
Honorable Mention: Aurelien Collin, Eric Kronberg
Player Ratings - Kronberg 7, Juliao 5, Collin 7, Ellis 8, Sinovic 7, Olum 6, Nagamura 6, Saad 5, Zizzo 5, Dwyer 4, Peterson 5. Subs Sapong 5, Martinez 5.
Portland had the better of play throughout most of the game. Early on Portland's chances didn't amount to good shots for the Timbers. Eric Kronberg was up to the early task making a save on a deflected shot by Will Johnson. The Timbers thought they'd scored in the 14th minute when Fanendo Adi headed home a cross by Darlinton Nabe, but the Timbers DP was offside. KC got little going when they they got forward, not really testing Donovan Ricketts in the early part of the game. In the 24th minute though KC got a deep throw-in in the Timbers end. Seth Sinovic launched the ball into the box. It went over the head of Aurelein Collin into the path of Kevin Ellis who got his foot on the ball knocking it into the path of Lawrence Olum. Olum one timed his shot past Ricketts and into the net to give KC the 1-0 lead. Portland continued to push forward, now trying to find an equalizer. Nagbe put a header just wide of Kronberg's post. The Timbers continued to press the game, but couldn't find an equalizer in the first half as KC went in with the lead.
The second half saw the Timbers continue to be the more aggressive side, pushing numbers forward and trying to break down KC's defense. KC though found space the other way on the counter. In the 63rd they almost punished the Timbers for it. After clearing a free kick, Dom Dwyer got sent free the other way, getting in behind the Portland defense. Diego Chara did a good job recovering and winning the ball away from Dwyer. His clearance though was blocked inside the box by Soony Saad. Saad pushed the ball past Chara and tried to fire a shot past Ricketts, but the Jamaican made the save. The Timbers continued to push, with Diego Valeri finding space after turning Collin but Kronberg was again there to make the save. KC's defense played fantastically in front of Kronberg, keeping Adi in check and not giving the Timbers many open looks on goal. Adi looked to win a penalty kick late on, but Collin appeared to win position on him before he went to ground looking for the foul. KC continued to be strong defensively and closed the game out, winning 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Was a beast in the center of defense, cutting out chances and playing extremely well for KC. The home grown player has probably been the biggest revelation with KC's current injury issues. He's been given the opportunity and he's realy ran with it.
Honorable Mention: Aurelien Collin, Eric Kronberg
Player Ratings - Kronberg 7, Juliao 5, Collin 7, Ellis 8, Sinovic 7, Olum 6, Nagamura 6, Saad 5, Zizzo 5, Dwyer 4, Peterson 5. Subs Sapong 5, Martinez 5.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Early PKs Doom KC
A makeshift back line, including a 17 year old making his MLS debut made a number of early mistakes and it ended up costing Sporting Kansas City as they fell 2-1 to the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.
Sporting came out with a different look, going away from their traditional 4-3-3 and instead coming out in a 3-5-2 with Chance Myers, Seth Sinovic and teenager, Erik Palmer-Brown in defense. KC struggled greatly early on as they settled into the new formation. In the sixth minute a through ball was played by Harry Shipp in to Quincy Amarikwa who was just held onside by Sinovic. Eric Kronberg came off his line and went towards the ball, missing the ball and appearing to catch Amarikwa. Referee Jose Carlos Rivera pointed to the spot. Replays didn't show much contact between Kronberg and Amarikwa, but it didn't matter as Mike Magee stepped up and sent Kronberg the wrong way giving the Fire a 1-0 lead. Things got worst for Sporting in the 15th minute. After receiving a flicked on throw in down the line, Benji Joya raced down the line towards the box. Palmer-Brown raced over to cut off the attack, knocking Joya off the ball. The ball though knocked off Palmer-Brown back to Joya. As the Fire midfielder was getting around Palmer-Brown, the center back pushed Joya to the ground. Unlike the first PK call, there was no room for debate and again Magee stepped up and put the PK past Kronberg making it 2-0. Down 2-0, KC finally started to come out and play and almost pulled one back immediately. A nice ball over the top by Igor Juliao found Dom Dwyer, but his effort beat Sean Johnson but not the post as KC stayed down 2-0. Sporting settled into the new formation and the game started to settle down as KC looked to find a ay back in.
The second half saw KC continue to have the better of possession as they pushed for a way into the game. In the 51st Claudio Bieler had a good opportunity as Paulo Nagamura played him in on goal, but he ended up firing his effort into the side netting as Johnson had the near post covered. The 64th minute KC's defensive issues got worse, as Palmer-Brown picked up a second yellow fouling Amarikwa after a poor giveaway by Toni Dovale. That leaves KC heading into Friday's game with Toronto with all five of their center backs out. The red card left Sporting inserting Kevin Ellis into the game as a center back alongside Myers as Sporting switched to a 4-4-1. Down a man though it was Sporting that responded better. In the 68th KC found a lifeline as Benny Feilhaber connected with Dwyer on a nice free kick. Dwyer headed the ball past Johnson and made it 2-1. Then just like against Philadelphia, KC almost conceded immediately after the goal as the Fire came down and Dilly Duka fired a shot on goal that Kronberg had to beat away to keep the score 2-1. KC continued to push numbers forward looking for an equalizer but ended up leaving themselves exposed in the back which almost allowed the Fire to seal the game. Some confusion between Myers and Ellis in the 76th allowed Magee in on goal with a chance for the hattrick. Kronberg though was quick off his line getting an initial touch as Magee tried to round him. Kronberg then knocked the rebound off Magee's foot for a corner. The Fire continued to attempt to hit on the counter as KC tried to find an equalizer. Meanwhile KC was trying to get their own PK at the other end. Ellis went down after a small shove on a cross and Alex Martinez went down under a challenge from Jeff Larentowicz. Neither one drew a call and on replay appeared that it would have been dubious calls. Late in the game, Duka had a great opportunity on a break away. Duka's attempt to chip Kronberg went right into the keeper's hands. Late on Shipp had a chance to seal it, turning Myers before firing a shot that Kronberg got down well to save. In the end KC ran out of time to find an equalizer on the road as the Fire won their second game in a row.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - I'm still not sure the first PK was really a PK and throughout the game Kronberg came up with some big saves to keep KC alive in the game.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Myers 5, Palmer-Brown 4, Sinovic 5, Juliao 5, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Dovale 4, Peterson 5, Bieler 3, Dwyer 5. Subs Ellis 5, Martinez 5, Saad NR.
Sporting came out with a different look, going away from their traditional 4-3-3 and instead coming out in a 3-5-2 with Chance Myers, Seth Sinovic and teenager, Erik Palmer-Brown in defense. KC struggled greatly early on as they settled into the new formation. In the sixth minute a through ball was played by Harry Shipp in to Quincy Amarikwa who was just held onside by Sinovic. Eric Kronberg came off his line and went towards the ball, missing the ball and appearing to catch Amarikwa. Referee Jose Carlos Rivera pointed to the spot. Replays didn't show much contact between Kronberg and Amarikwa, but it didn't matter as Mike Magee stepped up and sent Kronberg the wrong way giving the Fire a 1-0 lead. Things got worst for Sporting in the 15th minute. After receiving a flicked on throw in down the line, Benji Joya raced down the line towards the box. Palmer-Brown raced over to cut off the attack, knocking Joya off the ball. The ball though knocked off Palmer-Brown back to Joya. As the Fire midfielder was getting around Palmer-Brown, the center back pushed Joya to the ground. Unlike the first PK call, there was no room for debate and again Magee stepped up and put the PK past Kronberg making it 2-0. Down 2-0, KC finally started to come out and play and almost pulled one back immediately. A nice ball over the top by Igor Juliao found Dom Dwyer, but his effort beat Sean Johnson but not the post as KC stayed down 2-0. Sporting settled into the new formation and the game started to settle down as KC looked to find a ay back in.
The second half saw KC continue to have the better of possession as they pushed for a way into the game. In the 51st Claudio Bieler had a good opportunity as Paulo Nagamura played him in on goal, but he ended up firing his effort into the side netting as Johnson had the near post covered. The 64th minute KC's defensive issues got worse, as Palmer-Brown picked up a second yellow fouling Amarikwa after a poor giveaway by Toni Dovale. That leaves KC heading into Friday's game with Toronto with all five of their center backs out. The red card left Sporting inserting Kevin Ellis into the game as a center back alongside Myers as Sporting switched to a 4-4-1. Down a man though it was Sporting that responded better. In the 68th KC found a lifeline as Benny Feilhaber connected with Dwyer on a nice free kick. Dwyer headed the ball past Johnson and made it 2-1. Then just like against Philadelphia, KC almost conceded immediately after the goal as the Fire came down and Dilly Duka fired a shot on goal that Kronberg had to beat away to keep the score 2-1. KC continued to push numbers forward looking for an equalizer but ended up leaving themselves exposed in the back which almost allowed the Fire to seal the game. Some confusion between Myers and Ellis in the 76th allowed Magee in on goal with a chance for the hattrick. Kronberg though was quick off his line getting an initial touch as Magee tried to round him. Kronberg then knocked the rebound off Magee's foot for a corner. The Fire continued to attempt to hit on the counter as KC tried to find an equalizer. Meanwhile KC was trying to get their own PK at the other end. Ellis went down after a small shove on a cross and Alex Martinez went down under a challenge from Jeff Larentowicz. Neither one drew a call and on replay appeared that it would have been dubious calls. Late in the game, Duka had a great opportunity on a break away. Duka's attempt to chip Kronberg went right into the keeper's hands. Late on Shipp had a chance to seal it, turning Myers before firing a shot that Kronberg got down well to save. In the end KC ran out of time to find an equalizer on the road as the Fire won their second game in a row.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - I'm still not sure the first PK was really a PK and throughout the game Kronberg came up with some big saves to keep KC alive in the game.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Myers 5, Palmer-Brown 4, Sinovic 5, Juliao 5, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Dovale 4, Peterson 5, Bieler 3, Dwyer 5. Subs Ellis 5, Martinez 5, Saad NR.
Sunday, May 04, 2014
Sporting Move to the Top of the East
Sporting Kansas City climbed back to the top of the Eastern Conference today, taking down the Columbus Crew 2-0 at Sporting Park. KC was already coming into the game on a high as in pregame, the players received their rings for last year's MLS Cup win.
With both teams playing a high pressure style, it was on display from the start today as both teams pressured the other with a high line. KC was the one to take the early advantage of it in the 10th minute. A long ball by Matt Besler switched the field for Graham Zusi. Sporting's US national teamer picked out Chance Myers on an overlapping run. Myers crossed the ball into the middle for Paulo Nagamura. Nagamura's effort was blocked twice. The second one deflected off another Crew player into the path of Jacob Peterson. The winger hit the shot on the side volley putting the ball past Steve Clark and into the net giving KC the lead. Both teams continued to high pressure all over the field, numerous times, Dom Dwyer would chase down Clark after he'd gotten a back pass and almost win the ball off his foot. The Crew created a number of headaches for KC as well with their high pressure. The chances though for both teams were lacking. In the 31st though Eric Kronberg pulled out a fantastic save. Will Trapp played in a nice cross to the middle of the box that curled away from Kronberg towards Bernardo Anor. Anor made good contact with the header and put it on goal right near the feet of Kronberg. KC's goalkeeper though got down amazingly well making the save. The rebound was cleared away by Seth Sinovic. Minutes later at the other end of the field Sinovic almost doubled KC's lead. A nice ball by Oriol Rosell played a lofted ball over the top for Sinovic. KC's leftback brought the ball down and tried to fire it into the corner, but Clark came up with a big save.
Just minutes into the second half, KC almost added a second again. Benny Feilhaber picked out Zusi on the wing with plenty of space. Zusi played a low ball across the box towards Dwyer at the back post, but Dwyer couldn't stear his shot on goal as it hit the side netting. The Crew continued to push forward trying to find a tying goal and had another great opportunity in the 65th minute. Anor again had the chance firing a shot from distance that Kronberg got down well to save. This time the rebound fell to Jairo Arrieta. Arrieta was offside though but Kronberg still made a save on Arrieta's chance that he didn't get credit for. The game took a turn in the 80th minute. Feilhaber won the ball off of Trapp in Columbus' end of the field and the Crew midfielder made a sliding challenge on Feilhaber, missing the ball. Trapp picked up his second yellow of the game and was given his marching orders as the Crew finished the game with 10. The Crew couldn't get much going with the disadvantage, and KC was willin to possess and kill the clock. But in stoppage time KC killed the game off with a second goal. A Kronberg goal kick was not controlled by Michael Parkhurst and before he could play the ball back to Clark Soony Saad picked it off him. As Saad raced towards the box, Parkhurst recovered and slid the ball away. It went into the path of Zusi though who chipped the ball into the middle for Claudio Bieler who controlled the ball and slotted it home to double KC's lead just before the final whistle.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - KC's goalkeeper came up big today a few times for KC. He made a couple great saves on Anor and another on Arrieta that does not appear in the stats because it was ruled out due to an offside call.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 8, Sinovic 7, Besler 7, Olum 7, Myers 7, Rosell 6, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 7, Dwyer 7, Peterson 7. Subs Saad 7, Martinez 6, Bieler NR.
With both teams playing a high pressure style, it was on display from the start today as both teams pressured the other with a high line. KC was the one to take the early advantage of it in the 10th minute. A long ball by Matt Besler switched the field for Graham Zusi. Sporting's US national teamer picked out Chance Myers on an overlapping run. Myers crossed the ball into the middle for Paulo Nagamura. Nagamura's effort was blocked twice. The second one deflected off another Crew player into the path of Jacob Peterson. The winger hit the shot on the side volley putting the ball past Steve Clark and into the net giving KC the lead. Both teams continued to high pressure all over the field, numerous times, Dom Dwyer would chase down Clark after he'd gotten a back pass and almost win the ball off his foot. The Crew created a number of headaches for KC as well with their high pressure. The chances though for both teams were lacking. In the 31st though Eric Kronberg pulled out a fantastic save. Will Trapp played in a nice cross to the middle of the box that curled away from Kronberg towards Bernardo Anor. Anor made good contact with the header and put it on goal right near the feet of Kronberg. KC's goalkeeper though got down amazingly well making the save. The rebound was cleared away by Seth Sinovic. Minutes later at the other end of the field Sinovic almost doubled KC's lead. A nice ball by Oriol Rosell played a lofted ball over the top for Sinovic. KC's leftback brought the ball down and tried to fire it into the corner, but Clark came up with a big save.
Just minutes into the second half, KC almost added a second again. Benny Feilhaber picked out Zusi on the wing with plenty of space. Zusi played a low ball across the box towards Dwyer at the back post, but Dwyer couldn't stear his shot on goal as it hit the side netting. The Crew continued to push forward trying to find a tying goal and had another great opportunity in the 65th minute. Anor again had the chance firing a shot from distance that Kronberg got down well to save. This time the rebound fell to Jairo Arrieta. Arrieta was offside though but Kronberg still made a save on Arrieta's chance that he didn't get credit for. The game took a turn in the 80th minute. Feilhaber won the ball off of Trapp in Columbus' end of the field and the Crew midfielder made a sliding challenge on Feilhaber, missing the ball. Trapp picked up his second yellow of the game and was given his marching orders as the Crew finished the game with 10. The Crew couldn't get much going with the disadvantage, and KC was willin to possess and kill the clock. But in stoppage time KC killed the game off with a second goal. A Kronberg goal kick was not controlled by Michael Parkhurst and before he could play the ball back to Clark Soony Saad picked it off him. As Saad raced towards the box, Parkhurst recovered and slid the ball away. It went into the path of Zusi though who chipped the ball into the middle for Claudio Bieler who controlled the ball and slotted it home to double KC's lead just before the final whistle.
Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - KC's goalkeeper came up big today a few times for KC. He made a couple great saves on Anor and another on Arrieta that does not appear in the stats because it was ruled out due to an offside call.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 8, Sinovic 7, Besler 7, Olum 7, Myers 7, Rosell 6, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 7, Dwyer 7, Peterson 7. Subs Saad 7, Martinez 6, Bieler NR.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
S.A.S. Wednesday After Stats
Kevin Ellis scored his first professional goal.
Ellis' goal was KC's 25th in international competition.
At 22 years, 255 days, Ellis is the 18th youngest goal scorer in all competitions in KC's history.
In the 50th minute, Matt Besler moved past Michael Harrington and into 11th place for minutes played in all competitions. He finished the game with 13,317 minutes played.
Graham Zusi made his 147th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 15th place.
Zusi made his 113th start in all competitions for KC, tying him with Sean Bowers for 18th place on that list.
The shutout was Eric Kronberg's 10th of his career, tying him with Mike Ammann for 5th all time.
Ellis' goal was KC's 25th in international competition.
At 22 years, 255 days, Ellis is the 18th youngest goal scorer in all competitions in KC's history.
In the 50th minute, Matt Besler moved past Michael Harrington and into 11th place for minutes played in all competitions. He finished the game with 13,317 minutes played.
Graham Zusi made his 147th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 15th place.
Zusi made his 113th start in all competitions for KC, tying him with Sean Bowers for 18th place on that list.
The shutout was Eric Kronberg's 10th of his career, tying him with Mike Ammann for 5th all time.
Monday, March 03, 2014
A Look at the Depth Chart - Goalkeepers
We're less than a week away from Sporting KC beginning their defense of their MLS Cup title they won in December. The journey begins when Sporting takes on the Seattle Sounders at Century Link Field. With the season so close let's take a look at the depth that KC has with each position on the field. Tonight we'll start in the back with the goalkeepers.
Current Depth Chart
1. Eric Kronberg
2. Andy Gruenebaum
3. Jon Kempin
Before preseason even started, Peter Vermes named Kronberg his number one goalkeeper. So far this preseason there's been nothing that I've seen that's proven that mindset has changed. So I'm still planning on Kronberg being the team's starter at this point when the team takes the field. That's not to say we won't see Gruenebaum on the field for a number of games this year. I think he'll get plenty of time. There are a couple of questions though about the goalkeeper situation.
How can Sporting replace Nielsen?
It's cliche, but really, you can't. Nielsen is one of the best goalkeepers in MLS history, and his experience and leadership isn't going to be directly replaced. Nielsen's played the last 8,100 MLS minutes for Sporting KC, so not only has Nielsen been a good goalkeeper for KC, he's been consistently playing.
The big thing is that the player expected to take his place, Kronberg, is a completely different type of goalkeeper. Nielsen relied more on his shot stopping ability and was really not great at controlling his own box. Kronberg though is more willing to come out and attack the ball and tries to maintain more control of his box.
Can Kronberg keep Gruenebaum on the bench throughout the season?
Kronberg, while the longest tenured player on KC's roster doesn't have a ton of MLS experience. The veteran, about to start his 9th season in the league, has played just five MLS games, none since 2011. He has gotten time in the Open Cup and Champions League during that time though, but his lack of experience is certainly a concern. With an experienced MLS veteran on the bench in Gruenebaum, there is someone that can come in should Kronberg struggle.
Originally with the Gruenebaum signing, I expected the former Crew goalkeeper to be the one that would end up starting the season as the number 1, but at this point that's not going to happen. But with that much experience on the bench, does Vermes get an itchy trigger finger if Kronberg is to struggle in goal? I know a number of fans were questioning Kronberg's performance in the preseason finale against Columbus, but most of them are making a bit too much of it right now.
But if Kronberg struggles, I would not be surprised to see him benched in favor of the KC native.
Can Kempin get enough games to continue to develop?
At this point I think more people would be surprised if Sporting's first home grown goalkeeper, Jon Kempin didn't go to Oklahoma City on loan this year. He'd get to continue to learn from Jimmy Nielsen, head coach of the OKC Energy. Last year Kempin played nine games while on loan to Orlando City. He was partially limited by injury, but also because Orlando already has a strong goalkeeper in Miguel Gallardo, who also limited Kempin's time. With the expansion Energy though, he'll come in and expect to battle to be the number one goalkeeper against former DC academy product, Samir Badr and OKC native Jennings Clark.
With Kempin expected to be the goalkeeper of the future for KC, he needs to continue to get games that matter. Hopefully this year he can get more games.
Current Depth Chart
1. Eric Kronberg
2. Andy Gruenebaum
3. Jon Kempin
Before preseason even started, Peter Vermes named Kronberg his number one goalkeeper. So far this preseason there's been nothing that I've seen that's proven that mindset has changed. So I'm still planning on Kronberg being the team's starter at this point when the team takes the field. That's not to say we won't see Gruenebaum on the field for a number of games this year. I think he'll get plenty of time. There are a couple of questions though about the goalkeeper situation.
How can Sporting replace Nielsen?
It's cliche, but really, you can't. Nielsen is one of the best goalkeepers in MLS history, and his experience and leadership isn't going to be directly replaced. Nielsen's played the last 8,100 MLS minutes for Sporting KC, so not only has Nielsen been a good goalkeeper for KC, he's been consistently playing.
The big thing is that the player expected to take his place, Kronberg, is a completely different type of goalkeeper. Nielsen relied more on his shot stopping ability and was really not great at controlling his own box. Kronberg though is more willing to come out and attack the ball and tries to maintain more control of his box.
Can Kronberg keep Gruenebaum on the bench throughout the season?
Kronberg, while the longest tenured player on KC's roster doesn't have a ton of MLS experience. The veteran, about to start his 9th season in the league, has played just five MLS games, none since 2011. He has gotten time in the Open Cup and Champions League during that time though, but his lack of experience is certainly a concern. With an experienced MLS veteran on the bench in Gruenebaum, there is someone that can come in should Kronberg struggle.
Originally with the Gruenebaum signing, I expected the former Crew goalkeeper to be the one that would end up starting the season as the number 1, but at this point that's not going to happen. But with that much experience on the bench, does Vermes get an itchy trigger finger if Kronberg is to struggle in goal? I know a number of fans were questioning Kronberg's performance in the preseason finale against Columbus, but most of them are making a bit too much of it right now.
But if Kronberg struggles, I would not be surprised to see him benched in favor of the KC native.
Can Kempin get enough games to continue to develop?
At this point I think more people would be surprised if Sporting's first home grown goalkeeper, Jon Kempin didn't go to Oklahoma City on loan this year. He'd get to continue to learn from Jimmy Nielsen, head coach of the OKC Energy. Last year Kempin played nine games while on loan to Orlando City. He was partially limited by injury, but also because Orlando already has a strong goalkeeper in Miguel Gallardo, who also limited Kempin's time. With the expansion Energy though, he'll come in and expect to battle to be the number one goalkeeper against former DC academy product, Samir Badr and OKC native Jennings Clark.
With Kempin expected to be the goalkeeper of the future for KC, he needs to continue to get games that matter. Hopefully this year he can get more games.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Who Should be Sporting's Next Captain?
There have been two big questions for Sporting KC since the retirement of Jimmy Nielsen after the end of the 2013 season. Who would take over in net for the White Puma. And who would take over as the club's captain. The first question we are in the process of answering. Peter Vermes has given Eric Kronberg the number 1 jersey and he seems to have the inside track to be the starter over recently acquired Andy Gruenebaum.
The second question though is further up in the air. With Nielsen starting 79 of KC's 86 competitive games in the last two years since been named the club's captain after the trade of Davy Arnaud. In those seven games, Sporting KC has had four different players wear the arm band. Kronberg has worn the arm band twice this past year, once in the Open Cup against Des Moines and against Olimpia in Honduras. Paulo Nagamura has also captained the club twice, KC's two match ups against Orlando City over the last two years. Matt Besler captained Kansas City in their two home games of the CCL this past year. The last captain was Aurelien Collin, who wore the arm band against Real Esteli.
If we're looking at who is going to be the next captain of the club I think the best place to start are those four players. One player I think we can eliminate from the list is Collin. While I like Collin, and he's a player that you put into the lineup every chance he's available, that's the one question, his availability. This past season Collin he picked up 13 yellow cards and was suspended due to accumulation three times in the 2013 season. I'm not sure you want your full time club captain to be that sort of liability. While he's never picked up a red card officially for KC (the one he did pick up was rescinded due to mistaken identity) it's just too much for me to say he should be captain.
Another player that I think we can eliminate from the list is Kronberg. The most tenured player on KC's roster, this will be his 9th season with the club. Not only has he captained Sporting two of the seven times over the last two years, he's also been captain before that in other Open Cup and Open Cup qualifier games. The thing that really works against Kronberg in my opinion is his lack of experience. He's played just five league games in his eight year career so far and another 14 more games in all other competitions. Not enough for me to see him given the arm band.
That leaves us with two players that have captained the team in Nielsen's absence, Besler and Nagamura. These are the two players I feel could captain the team and I think both will over the course of the year.
For me though I think the player that should join the likes of Nielsen, Preki, Tony Meola, Diego Gutierrez, and Jimmy Conrad as club captain, is local KC boy, Matt Besler. The Notre Dame product was a candidate to take over the position after the trade of Arnaud before it was given to Nielsen. The US national teamer has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league and has proven to be a leader on the field. I think Besler is the best candidate on the roster at this time to take over the arm band.
As I said though, Nagamura could very well get the opportunity to wear the arm band as well. As long as Nagamura can remain healthy, I think he's the one that wears the arm band while Besler is away with the US team at the World Cup.
The second question though is further up in the air. With Nielsen starting 79 of KC's 86 competitive games in the last two years since been named the club's captain after the trade of Davy Arnaud. In those seven games, Sporting KC has had four different players wear the arm band. Kronberg has worn the arm band twice this past year, once in the Open Cup against Des Moines and against Olimpia in Honduras. Paulo Nagamura has also captained the club twice, KC's two match ups against Orlando City over the last two years. Matt Besler captained Kansas City in their two home games of the CCL this past year. The last captain was Aurelien Collin, who wore the arm band against Real Esteli.
If we're looking at who is going to be the next captain of the club I think the best place to start are those four players. One player I think we can eliminate from the list is Collin. While I like Collin, and he's a player that you put into the lineup every chance he's available, that's the one question, his availability. This past season Collin he picked up 13 yellow cards and was suspended due to accumulation three times in the 2013 season. I'm not sure you want your full time club captain to be that sort of liability. While he's never picked up a red card officially for KC (the one he did pick up was rescinded due to mistaken identity) it's just too much for me to say he should be captain.
Another player that I think we can eliminate from the list is Kronberg. The most tenured player on KC's roster, this will be his 9th season with the club. Not only has he captained Sporting two of the seven times over the last two years, he's also been captain before that in other Open Cup and Open Cup qualifier games. The thing that really works against Kronberg in my opinion is his lack of experience. He's played just five league games in his eight year career so far and another 14 more games in all other competitions. Not enough for me to see him given the arm band.
That leaves us with two players that have captained the team in Nielsen's absence, Besler and Nagamura. These are the two players I feel could captain the team and I think both will over the course of the year.
For me though I think the player that should join the likes of Nielsen, Preki, Tony Meola, Diego Gutierrez, and Jimmy Conrad as club captain, is local KC boy, Matt Besler. The Notre Dame product was a candidate to take over the position after the trade of Arnaud before it was given to Nielsen. The US national teamer has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league and has proven to be a leader on the field. I think Besler is the best candidate on the roster at this time to take over the arm band.
As I said though, Nagamura could very well get the opportunity to wear the arm band as well. As long as Nagamura can remain healthy, I think he's the one that wears the arm band while Besler is away with the US team at the World Cup.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
2014 Wishes
With 2014 here it's time to take a look at what my wishes are for the year 2014 for KC's professional teams and players.
1. Silverware - I'm greedy, I want another trophy in the trophy case, and I want to paint the wall again.
2. Kronberg or Gruenebaum emerges as a clear number 1 goalkeeper - Eric Kronberg has been given the number one jersey right now but his lack of MLS experience is troubling. With a more experienced Andy Gruenebaum also available this could have the makings of a goalkeeper controversy. Very rarely has a goalkeeper platoon worked out for a professional team so whoever it is I want them to establish themselves as the clear number 1 on this team .
3. Whichever keeper gets established as the clear number 1 finishes in the top third of the league in most goalkeeper categories - I don't expect Kronberg or Gruenebaum to be on the level of Jimmy Nielsen when it comes to overall goalkeeping statistics, but with the back four in front of them staying in tack, anything less than finishing in the top third is a major disappointment.
4. Whatever the Bieler situation, resolve it quickly - Sporting KC has said that they plan on Claudio Bieler being here next year. Meanwhile there have been rumors of Bieler wanting to return to Ecuador or Argentina. Whether he stays or goes, resolve it quickly so that you have time to find a replacement. Two years ago with Omar Bravo, the decision had already been made by this point and Bravo was back in Mexico. Whatever the decision get it done so that if he is sold, KC can move forward.
5. Find a forward that will excel in this system - Whether that player is already on the team or not, find a forward that can play well in Peter Vermes high pressure system. Claudio Bieler started well but his style didn't work as well with the pressure Vermes expects from the forwards. Dom Dwyer provided that pressure from the forward spot, but didn't score enough. KC needs better production from their center forward, especially down the stretch.
6. USA gets out of their group at the World Cup - This certainly won't be easy, playing in a group of death with the ghosts of World Cups past with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal but the US is at the point where advancement out of the group should be the lowest expectations for the World Cup.
7. Besler and Zusi have stand out World Cups - While this one may lead to more questions about how long they may be in KC, I want to see the two players from KC expected to be on the World Cup roster to do well. I want Besler to prove he can shut down attackers at the world's biggest stage. And I want Zusi to step up to prove he can be a creative force with the US team.
8. Neither Besler or Zusi leave KC this year - This might not happen if 7 happens, but I don't want Zusi or Besler to leave KC this year. I'm being selfish, but I want both to stay in KC.
9. Comets return to MISL championship - They broke up the "Big 2" last year, I'd like to see them do it again this year and get back to the championship game. The unbalanced schedule is a bit of a hinderance as it sees the Baltimore Blast get expansion Pennsylvania Roar, who they've beaten 74-2 over the last three games, another three times before the end of the season. Meanwhile the Comets get the Milwaukee Wave a total of six times this season and play the Roar just two.
10. Amy Rodriguez becomes the goalscorer FCKC need to take pressure off Lauren Holiday - FC Kansas City got an MVP performance out of Lauren Holiday last year. But during that time they realized they needed some further support for the player. In comes a trade with the Seattle Reign, sending first round pick, Kristie Mewis in return for the US international Rodriguez. She missed the 2013 season sitting out while pregnant, but has scored 26 goals in 102 appearances for the US. Hopefully the assistance takes some pressure off Holiday.
11. FC Kansas City top last year's attendance mark - FCKC finished second in attendance and filled 75% capacity at the Shawnee Mission District Athletic Complex, averaging 4,626. I'd like to see FCKC top that number in 2014.
12. National training center gets go ahead and ground breaks - The US Soccer national training center that was mentioned last year has been something that's stuck in my mind since the announcement. I would love for this to happen and for it to include the US Soccer Hall of Fame. But right now I'd just love to see the facility really happen here. It'd do so much for the development of the game in KC.
1. Silverware - I'm greedy, I want another trophy in the trophy case, and I want to paint the wall again.
2. Kronberg or Gruenebaum emerges as a clear number 1 goalkeeper - Eric Kronberg has been given the number one jersey right now but his lack of MLS experience is troubling. With a more experienced Andy Gruenebaum also available this could have the makings of a goalkeeper controversy. Very rarely has a goalkeeper platoon worked out for a professional team so whoever it is I want them to establish themselves as the clear number 1 on this team .
3. Whichever keeper gets established as the clear number 1 finishes in the top third of the league in most goalkeeper categories - I don't expect Kronberg or Gruenebaum to be on the level of Jimmy Nielsen when it comes to overall goalkeeping statistics, but with the back four in front of them staying in tack, anything less than finishing in the top third is a major disappointment.
4. Whatever the Bieler situation, resolve it quickly - Sporting KC has said that they plan on Claudio Bieler being here next year. Meanwhile there have been rumors of Bieler wanting to return to Ecuador or Argentina. Whether he stays or goes, resolve it quickly so that you have time to find a replacement. Two years ago with Omar Bravo, the decision had already been made by this point and Bravo was back in Mexico. Whatever the decision get it done so that if he is sold, KC can move forward.
5. Find a forward that will excel in this system - Whether that player is already on the team or not, find a forward that can play well in Peter Vermes high pressure system. Claudio Bieler started well but his style didn't work as well with the pressure Vermes expects from the forwards. Dom Dwyer provided that pressure from the forward spot, but didn't score enough. KC needs better production from their center forward, especially down the stretch.
6. USA gets out of their group at the World Cup - This certainly won't be easy, playing in a group of death with the ghosts of World Cups past with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal but the US is at the point where advancement out of the group should be the lowest expectations for the World Cup.
7. Besler and Zusi have stand out World Cups - While this one may lead to more questions about how long they may be in KC, I want to see the two players from KC expected to be on the World Cup roster to do well. I want Besler to prove he can shut down attackers at the world's biggest stage. And I want Zusi to step up to prove he can be a creative force with the US team.
8. Neither Besler or Zusi leave KC this year - This might not happen if 7 happens, but I don't want Zusi or Besler to leave KC this year. I'm being selfish, but I want both to stay in KC.
9. Comets return to MISL championship - They broke up the "Big 2" last year, I'd like to see them do it again this year and get back to the championship game. The unbalanced schedule is a bit of a hinderance as it sees the Baltimore Blast get expansion Pennsylvania Roar, who they've beaten 74-2 over the last three games, another three times before the end of the season. Meanwhile the Comets get the Milwaukee Wave a total of six times this season and play the Roar just two.
10. Amy Rodriguez becomes the goalscorer FCKC need to take pressure off Lauren Holiday - FC Kansas City got an MVP performance out of Lauren Holiday last year. But during that time they realized they needed some further support for the player. In comes a trade with the Seattle Reign, sending first round pick, Kristie Mewis in return for the US international Rodriguez. She missed the 2013 season sitting out while pregnant, but has scored 26 goals in 102 appearances for the US. Hopefully the assistance takes some pressure off Holiday.
11. FC Kansas City top last year's attendance mark - FCKC finished second in attendance and filled 75% capacity at the Shawnee Mission District Athletic Complex, averaging 4,626. I'd like to see FCKC top that number in 2014.
12. National training center gets go ahead and ground breaks - The US Soccer national training center that was mentioned last year has been something that's stuck in my mind since the announcement. I would love for this to happen and for it to include the US Soccer Hall of Fame. But right now I'd just love to see the facility really happen here. It'd do so much for the development of the game in KC.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Kronberg Re-Signed
Looks like we are going to have ourselves a full on goalkeeper battle for the number 1 shirt this year with Sporting KC.
After the season, KC was down to just a single keeper on their roster. Jimmy Nielsen retired, and Eric Kronberg was out of contract, leaving KC with just Jon Kempin on the roster. Since the team has traded for Andy Gruenebaum and today the team announced that they'd re-signed Kronberg to a new contract.
Heading into preseason in about a month I expect we'll see Gruenebaum and Kronberg battle it out to see which one will be the starter come opening day. Whether both are actually still with the team at the start of the season is a question, but as of right now, KC have their three goalkeepers for the 2014 season.
After the season, KC was down to just a single keeper on their roster. Jimmy Nielsen retired, and Eric Kronberg was out of contract, leaving KC with just Jon Kempin on the roster. Since the team has traded for Andy Gruenebaum and today the team announced that they'd re-signed Kronberg to a new contract.
Heading into preseason in about a month I expect we'll see Gruenebaum and Kronberg battle it out to see which one will be the starter come opening day. Whether both are actually still with the team at the start of the season is a question, but as of right now, KC have their three goalkeepers for the 2014 season.
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Dywer Loan/Transfer to England? And the Start of the Offseason
We barely got 24 hours to enjoy the winning of MLS Cup before focus really started to shift towards the 2014 season. Already we're getting rumors and speculation towards who may or may not be leaving the team. The big news today is out of England. It was only the passing mention at the end of an article about Dom Dwyer coming to the US to play soccer, but it could have a big effect on the team. According to the Telegraph, Dwyer says he is set to move to an unnamed Championship squad in January on loan. That loan could turn into a permanent transfer for the forward as well.
Dwyer leaving would be a surprising exit for Sporting KC. After a very successful loan to Orlando City earlier this year, Dwyer returned to KC and became an immediate contributor to KC and started three games in the playoffs, scoring the winning goal in KC's 2-1 win over Houston.
The Dwyer rumor is just the first rumor to come out post season, but it joins a number of potential player exits that have come up. It includes Jimmy Nielsen potentially retiring, Claudio Bieler and his exit after a falling out with Peter Vermes, Matt Besler and Graham Zusi potentially going out on loan as Jurgen Klinsmann has asked/pushed for. It also includes the "misquoted" rumors of Aurelien Collin wanting to move back to Europe and Eric Kronberg being out of contract.
It looks like we're set for an interesting offseason, and it's starting early.
Dwyer leaving would be a surprising exit for Sporting KC. After a very successful loan to Orlando City earlier this year, Dwyer returned to KC and became an immediate contributor to KC and started three games in the playoffs, scoring the winning goal in KC's 2-1 win over Houston.
The Dwyer rumor is just the first rumor to come out post season, but it joins a number of potential player exits that have come up. It includes Jimmy Nielsen potentially retiring, Claudio Bieler and his exit after a falling out with Peter Vermes, Matt Besler and Graham Zusi potentially going out on loan as Jurgen Klinsmann has asked/pushed for. It also includes the "misquoted" rumors of Aurelien Collin wanting to move back to Europe and Eric Kronberg being out of contract.
It looks like we're set for an interesting offseason, and it's starting early.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
The win was Kansas City's first on the road in international competition since a 1-0 win against W Connection in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2002.
It was Kansas City's first ever win over a Central American team in a competitive match.
Ike Opara's goal was Kansas City's first in an international competition since Claudio Lopez against Santos Laguna in 2009. It was the first in the CONCACAF Champions' League/Cup since Jose Burciaga in 2005.
Eric Kronberg becomes only the second goalkeeper in KC history to win an international game.
It was Kansas City's first ever win over a Central American team in a competitive match.
Ike Opara's goal was Kansas City's first in an international competition since Claudio Lopez against Santos Laguna in 2009. It was the first in the CONCACAF Champions' League/Cup since Jose Burciaga in 2005.
Eric Kronberg becomes only the second goalkeeper in KC history to win an international game.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
Sporting KC has won just 2 of their last 7 home games. One against a bunch of college kids, the other vs the dysfunctional team known as Chivas USA. But Sporting Park is a fortress...
Eric Kronberg and CJ Sapong made their 10th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying them with Jimmy Conrad, Chris Klein, and Matt Besler for 7th on that list.
Kronberg started his 10th game in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 3rd on that list.
The loss was Kronberg's 3rd in the US Open Cup, the most for any KC goalie.
Aurelien Collin made his 8th start in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Klein, Besler Davy Arnaud, Matt McKeon, and Teal Bunbury for 7th on that list.
It was Collin's 7th start in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with Arnaud and Preki for 6th on that list.
Eric Kronberg and CJ Sapong made their 10th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying them with Jimmy Conrad, Chris Klein, and Matt Besler for 7th on that list.
Kronberg started his 10th game in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 3rd on that list.
The loss was Kronberg's 3rd in the US Open Cup, the most for any KC goalie.
Aurelien Collin made his 8th start in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Klein, Besler Davy Arnaud, Matt McKeon, and Teal Bunbury for 7th on that list.
It was Collin's 7th start in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with Arnaud and Preki for 6th on that list.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
S.A.S. Wednesday After Stats
This was the third time KC has played Des Moines in the tournament proper. That's tied with Colorado and Chicago for the most against one team.
At 20 years, 97 days, Mikey Lopez became the 9th youngest player to play a game for Sporting KC.
He also became the 9th youngest player to start a game for Sporting KC.
Kei Kamara's goal was his 3rd in the US Open Cup proper for KC, tying him with Ryan Pore for the third most all time.
It was also his 3rd goal in the US Open Cup including qualifiers, tying him with Pore and Teal Bunbury for fourth all time on that list.
The game winner was Kamara's 10th game winner for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Miklos Molnar for 5th on that list.
Chance Myers recorded his 10th assist in all competitions.
Myers made his 11th appearance in Open Cup competitions (qualifiers and the tournament proper), that ties him with Preki for the 5th most appearances.
It was Myers' 8th appearance in the tournament proper. That ties him with Josh Wolff, Matt McKeon, Michael Harrington, and Matt Besler for 6th on that list.
It was Myers' 10th start in Open Cup competitions, giving him sole possession of 3rd place on that list.
It was his 8th start in the tournament proper, tying him with McKeon and Chris Klein for the 3rd most all time for KC.
Eric Kronberg made his 9th start in all open cup competitions, tying him with Harrington and Jimmy Conrad for 4th on that list.
Kronberg earned his 5th win in US Open Cup competitions, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for the most in team history.
At 20 years, 97 days, Mikey Lopez became the 9th youngest player to play a game for Sporting KC.
He also became the 9th youngest player to start a game for Sporting KC.
Kei Kamara's goal was his 3rd in the US Open Cup proper for KC, tying him with Ryan Pore for the third most all time.
It was also his 3rd goal in the US Open Cup including qualifiers, tying him with Pore and Teal Bunbury for fourth all time on that list.
The game winner was Kamara's 10th game winner for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Miklos Molnar for 5th on that list.
Chance Myers recorded his 10th assist in all competitions.
Myers made his 11th appearance in Open Cup competitions (qualifiers and the tournament proper), that ties him with Preki for the 5th most appearances.
It was Myers' 8th appearance in the tournament proper. That ties him with Josh Wolff, Matt McKeon, Michael Harrington, and Matt Besler for 6th on that list.
It was Myers' 10th start in Open Cup competitions, giving him sole possession of 3rd place on that list.
It was his 8th start in the tournament proper, tying him with McKeon and Chris Klein for the 3rd most all time for KC.
Eric Kronberg made his 9th start in all open cup competitions, tying him with Harrington and Jimmy Conrad for 4th on that list.
Kronberg earned his 5th win in US Open Cup competitions, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for the most in team history.
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