Great Goals and Defensive Mistakes Highlight Sporting Loss to New England

The penultimate preseason game for Sporting KC didn't go exactly as the club probably would have liked it in Tucson against the New England Revolution. A number of defensive errors helped to allow the Revolution to score six goals against Sporting KC. Five of those six goals were scored against what could be described as the club's second team, as Peter Vermes rested his "starters" until the final 14 minutes. Sporting could only respond with a pair of goals, both very well taken and scored from distance by Jimmy Medranda and Graham Zusi. Unfortunately you can't win the game on style points as KC fell 6-2 to the Revolution.

Things couldn't have started any worse for KC as before a full minute had been played the club was down 1-0 as Andrew Dykstra committed the first of many mistakes by Sporting's defense on the day, not holding a simple low cross and Daigo Kobayashi pounced first poking the ball home to put the Revs up 1-0. Sporting responded by controlling a good portion of the rest of the first half creating a number of chances. Medranda leveled the scoring in the 21st minute as he brought down a long ball from Benji Joya, cut inside and fired a curling shot around Brad Knighton and into the far corner to level the game at 1-1. KC continued the pressure and had the better of the chances in the rest of the first half, the best a back heel by Latif Blessing right on the doorstep, but right at Knighton after New England couldn't clear a corner.

The second half is when things changed though, unlike Sporting who stuck with pretty much the same lineup for the first 76 minutes, New England made full changes at half time, bringing on their starters for the second 45 minutes. It took less than 10 minutes to take advantage of having fresher legs, as KC slowly worked the ball out of the back a Joya pass to Jimmy Medranda was poor and picked off by the Revolution going the other way. With KC on the attack, Igor Juliao was up the field leaving just Joya to cover the right side of defense. Lee Nguyen played a through ball to Juan Agudelo who raced past Joya and put a shot past Dykstra and into the net to put the Revs on top 2-1. Things got worse six minutes later when a Kei Kamara cross to the back post was tapped home by Agudelo as Juliao didn't follow his runner to the back post, a simple tap in for the US international. In the 67th minute Sporting was down 4-1 as more defensive errors led to another Revolution goal. Dykstra came off his line towards the corner of the box to pressure Nguyen who had been played. Nguyen got around Dykstra and played a ball to the back post where Juliao had this time lost Diego Fagundez who easily scored to extend the lead. New England extended the lead to 5-1 on a penalty kick converted by Nguyen after Kamara was fouled in the box. Shortly after the penalty kick goal, Sporting made full changes to the team, bringing on the regular starters for the final 14 minutes. Unfortunately they couldn't stop the bleeding as the Revolution were able to grab a sixth goal. As Fagundez and Nguyen made crossing runs in front of Zusi and Ike Opara, Zusi stayed with Fagundez instead of passing him off to Opara. Opara meanwhile let Nguyen slide out wide leaving two players on Fagundez and no one on Nguyen who Fagundez picked out and Nguyen got around Adrian Zendejas and scored to give New England an even half dozen. KC pulled one more goal back late on another long distance shot, this time by Zusi who fired from close to 30 yards out and Cody Cropper to his near side as the shot hit off the underside of the cross bar and in.

Sporting have one final game in the Desert Diamond Cup, there's been no official announcement yet on the opponent, but some reports out of New York are that it's New York City FC.

Youngest and Oldest Goal Scorers for Kansas City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sporting Sign Three to New Contracts, Lose One in Expansion Draft

Sporting Kansas City continued their work with their roster ahead of the 2017 MLS season. Today the club announced that they had signed three players to new contracts, but then lost one of those three players in the expansion draft.

First today the club announced that they had agreed to new contracts with homegrown defender Kevin Ellis, back up goalkeeper Alec Kann, and midfielder/defender Jimmy Medranda. Ellis, KC's second ever homegrown player, has enjoyed a good run with the team over the past couple years, becoming a regular at center back for Kansas City in the 2015 season after an injury to Ike Opara. This past season, Ellis became a spot starter for Sporting KC, but by the end of the season was Peter Vermes' preferred partner to Matt Besler in KC's back line. He certainly has his share of detractors among fans, but seems to have established himself in Vermes' system as a guy that Vermes feels he can rely on.

Medranda enjoyed a break out season for Kansas City after a position change. In 2015 Medranda had played a couple games at left back, to varying degrees of success, and eventually the idea was scraped. In 2016 though Medranda again found time at left back and seemed to make the position his own becoming a consistent starter, playing in 29 games and starting 22 of them for KC. He did surprisingly well on the defensive side of the ball providing KC with an attack from the left back position as well. The club has said they see his future further up the field, but his ability to play left back is something that Vermes is certain to use from time to time.

The last of the three signed also had the most interesting day as Kann signed his new deal with KC and then was promptly selected by Atlanta United with their final pick of today's expansion draft. Kann had appeared in 10 games for Sporting last season across all competitions, appearing in the league, the Open Cup, and the CCL for Kansas City spelling Tim Melia. He'd shown some good ability in goal and looked to be a decent back up goalkeeper that KC picked up in the re-entry draft last year. His new contract didn't last long in Kansas City though as shortly after KC announced the three signings, the expansion draft started and Kann was selected by Atlanta United with their fifth and final pick, the second goalkeeper they'd taken after Clint Irwin of Toronto. Irwin though has already been traded back to Toronto leaving Kann, as one of two goalkeepers on the roster. The Decatur, Georgia native would right now appear to be the club's starter, but with the rumors of Brad Guzan coming in, Kann looks like a good local product to have as a backup goalkeeper in MLS.

The move would put KC back in the market for a third goalkeeper it would seem as the club now just has two goalkeepers under contract for 2017, Melia and new signing Adrian Zendejas. The club already declined the option on homegrown goalkeeper Jon Kempin, but the possibility is there that the club could re-sign him, something that I was absolutely sure wasn't going to happen a few weeks ago.

S.A.S. Monday After Stats

Jimmy Medranda's goal was his first for the team.

Medranda's goal was the 150th league goal scored by KC at Children's Mercy Park.

At 22 years, 154 days, Medranda became the 13th youngest player to score a goal for KC in league play, he knocked Jack Jewsbury out of the top 20.

He became the 15th youngest goal scorer in all competitions for KC, knocking Vicente Figueroa off that list.

Benny Feilhaber's goal was his 13th in league play at home for KC, tying him with Mark Chung for 12th on that list.

It was his 15th at home in all competitions, tying him with Igor Simutenkov for 12th on that list.

In the 76th minute, Roger Espinoza moved past Tony Meola and into 15th place for minutes played in league play for KC. He finished the game with 11,346 minutes played.

Espinoza made his 170th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Michael Harrington for 12th all time on that list.

Espinoza made his 128th league start for KC, tying him with Harrington, Josh Wolff, and Jimmy Nielsen for 11th all time on that list.

Ike Opara made his 50th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 64th player to hit that mark.

Sporting Top East Leaders

Sporting Kansas City continued their good recent run of form, extending their unbeaten run in MLS play to five games with a 3-1 win over New York City FC. The offense is finally starting to click and score goals after looking anemic for the first couple months of the season and the defense is still holding strong with both center backs who started the season now on the bench. Sporting almost made it look easy against the Eastern Conference leaders, pinning them back in their own end and allowing just three shots on goal all game, just one after the 14th minute.

The game started out at a frantic pace with Sporting Kansas City really pushing the game and pressuring NYCFC early on. The early pressure paid off in just the eighth minute when Benny Feilhaber was the first to react to a rebound off the post on a redirected shot by Jacob Peterson to tap the ball into the net to make it 1-0 Kansas City. Kansas City continued to push forward after the early goal and were almost immediately exposed on the counter by Jack Harrison and NYCFC has he raced by Jimmy Medranda and fired a shot on goal that Tim Melia pushed wide. A poor give away by KC in 14th minute gave New York their equalizer. Ike Opara made a poor pass forward that Andrea Pirlo knocked down and played to David Villa in a two-v-two situation. Villa fed it back to Pirlo who played it to an overlapping Ronald Matarrita who squared a pass into the middle of the box where Frank Lampard had ghosted in unmarked and he passed the ball into the near post past Melia. The game wasn't level long though as KC retook the lead two minutes later. A Feilhaber corner kick didn't get over the first man and was cleared to Medranda who was able to bring the ball down line his shot up and fire it on goal. NYCFC goalkeeper Josh Saunders had a clear view of it and dove to save it but the ball bounced right in front of him and over and into the net to put Kansas City back on top 2-1. Kansas City continued to push things looking to extend their lead with Roger Espinoza having a shot from outside the box saved by Saunders, then before half Diego Rubio really should have made it 3-1 after a ball found its way to him in the box, but his attempt at a curling shot into the corner went well high and wide of the goal.

Kansas City continued the pressure in the second half and found the third goal just five minutes in. After NYCFC failed to fully clear a corner the ball fell to Feilhaber at the top of the box who slid a ball through to Opara who had been up for the corner. Opara was brought down in the box but got up quickly and touched a shot past Saunders that rolled into the net to put KC up 3-1. NYCFC just didn't seem to really get into the game as Sporting was able to shut down their midfield and limit New York to just 33% possession for the game. KC continued to create chances of their own with Brad Davis firing just over the bar and Rubio having another chance at a goal late on after some good work down the wing by Connor Hallisey. Hallisey played a ball into the box that Rubio skillfully brought down and turned but couldn't get a good shot off with a defender right on his shoulder. It wasn't needed though as KC was able to cruise to victory over the Eastern Conference leaders.

Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - Looked like the 2015 version of Feilhaber has been showing up recently for KC, Feilhaber had another solid performance, scoring a goal and setting up Opara's goal as well. He was also all over the field running the offense for Kansas City.

Honorable Mention - Roger Espinoza

Player Ratings - Melia 6, Medranda 7, Olum 7, Opara 7, Abdul-Salaam 7, Mustivar 8, Espinoza 8, Feilhaber 8, Davis 7, Rubio 6, Peterson 6. Subs Hallisey 6, Coelho NR, Mapp NR.

Not There Yet, But That's a Start

It wasn't the prettiest game of soccer that you're ever going to see played, but Sporting Kansas City may have taken a step forward in turning around what has quickly become a disaster of a season for the club. Having won just one of their last 10 games, going to LA to take on a team that had lost just once in their last 10 games most fans were expecting little to nothing from Kansas City out of last night's game against the Galaxy. KC had one of the lowest goals per game average in the league, while LA has the highest, it was a recipe for a blow out against KC, but Sporting stepped up and shut down the strong LA attack, holding them to just a single shot over 90 minutes. While the offense for Kansas City continued its finishing issues, the defense tightened up and shut down the Galaxy attack.

While KC's defense was able to shut down the Galaxy attack they did so mainly by allowing the Galaxy to possess the ball a lot while KC sat in to break up their chances. The Galaxy dominated possession, holding over 60% of the possession over the course of the entire game, but as Kansas City has shown time and again this season, possession doesn't always pay off as an organized and stingy KC defense forced the Galaxy into possessing the ball well away from KC's goal. LA tried to find a way through by overloading Kansas City's left side and focusing their offensive pressure on KC's least experienced outside back, Jimmy Medranda, but KC's defense held firm in the first half as Medranda got help from Roger Espinoza, Connor Hallisey, and Lawrence Olum when Medranda got pulled out of position. While LA held the possession it was Kansas City that looked the more dangerous when they did get forward. On the offensive end of the field, Medranda continued to show well for KC getting himself some looks on goal throughout the game but would see his efforts blocked or saved by Brian Rowe. Medranda's continued presence as the main offensive catalyst for KC though has to be the next problem for KC to address, the team can't continue to rely on their left back to be their main offense creator. KC's best chance though came in the 40th minute when Dom Dwyer got played in behind the LA defense. A little to the left of the goal Dwyer controlled the ball and tried to slide the ball past the oncoming Rowe, but Dwyer got his angle off and put the ball well wide of the post and out for a goal kick.

The second half saw Kansas City make some defensive changes to give Medranda more cover dealing with the Galaxy attack and it made things even harder for the Galaxy to get forward. While the Galaxy continued to control the game, it was the kind of meaningless possession around midfield and in an arc around the box that KC fans are used to seeing from Kansas City. Sporting's compact defense kept the Galaxy from getting clear, strong looks on goal. Offensively it was still the Medranda show as he had the best of KC's chances forcing a save from Rowe on a curling shot from the top of the box near the middle of the half. Also off a short corner he fired a shot/cross to the back post but no one could get a foot on it to touch it into the net and it rolled through for a goal kick. KC kept getting chances, earning eight corners, but continued to struggle with set piece finishing. In the end Kansas City was able to get the draw and will have some measure of satisfaction going into the Copa America break, hopefully after a little time away the players come back and can now work on fixing the finishing issue the team currently has.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Medranda - Medranda yet again has been the spark for Kansas City, it's disappointing that the spark continues to be at left back, but Medranda once again had a very good game. Compared to the experiment last year at left back he seems to have become a smarter player and is getting the help from the players around him to make the transition much smoother. He did a good job of containing the Galaxy's attack on his side and was consistently the most dangerous player for KC when he got forward.

Honorable Mention: Ike Opara, Lawrence Olum

Player Ratings - Melia 6, Medranda 8, Opara 8, Olum 7, Abdul-Salaam 6, Feilhaber 6, Espinoza 6, Nagamura 5, Hallisey 4, Dwyer 3, Peterson 3. Subs Myers 5, Rubio NR.

Something Gives, But Not in KC's Favor

A pair of teams with a combined 11 games winless meeting in a game, while a draw was a possibility, something had to give. Unfortunately for Kansas City that didn't give in their favor as they fell on the road to the Houston Dynamo 2-0 to end the Dynamo's six game winless streak, and extended Kansas City's to six, their longest since 2011.

Kansas City controlled the majority of the game with over 65% possession over the course of the game, but again struggled to translate that possession into meaningful chances on goal, forcing Houston's Tyler Deric to make just three saves. KC did have chances though, Dom Dwyer set up Graham Zusi near the top of the box, but Zusi pulled his shot wide of Deric's post. Over the course of the half, KC dominated possession and looked more like the home team than the Dynamo. An inability to take advantage of that possession though came back to bite them in the 30th minute when the Dynamo took the lead. A long ball over the top to Cubo Torres was flicked into the path of Giles Barnes who fired a shot past Tim Melia and into the net to put Houston on top. While Kansas City couldn't take advantage of all their possession and put shots on goal, Houston didn't have that problem with their possession putting five of their six shots in the first half on frame. The last of those came in stoppage time and doubled Hoston's lead. After some good play by the Dynamo, Andrew Wenger won the  ball in front of Seth Sinovic, touching the ball into the box and roofing the ball into the net past Melia to make it 2-0 before half time.

The second half saw much of the same as Kansas City threw numbers forward looking to find a way back into the game, but their shooting struggles continued. The insertion of Diego Rubio and Jimmy Medranda did add some life to an offense that seemed to be devoid of creativity, but KC still couldn't find the final ball and still struggled to create chances as they failed to win for the sixth straight game.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Medranda - I almost gave this to no one for the play tonight, but Medranda was a bright spot for KC. I'm not sure if either of KC's starting wingers are the players Peter Vermes talked about not giving enough effort, but Medranda at this point for me as earned himself a run of starts for Kansas City up top.

Player Ratings - Melia 4, Sinovic 4, Besler 4, Coelho 3, Myers 3, Mustivar 4, Espinoza 4, Feilhaber 3, Davis 4, Dwyer 4, Zusi 4. Subs Rubio 5, Medranda 5, Abdul-Salaam 4.

Sporting's Winless Run Hits Five

The winless run has hit five for Sporting Kansas City after the club was unable to break down another bunkered, shorthanded defense in their 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy last night at Children's Mercy Park. After a 3-0 start to the season, Sporting has now gone 1-4-2 over their last seven games to see them fall well down the standings in MLS. With that fall, Peter Vermes made some changes to the lineup for the game against the Galaxy and even went to a new formation to try to get more out of the team. Vermes played all three of the club's healthy center backs, and seemed to go from a three man back line to a four man back line depending on whether KC was defending or attacking. If KC had three in the back it was Sporting's three center backs. When they switched to four in the back, Seth Sinovic and Graham Zusi took over the outside back positions with Nuno Coelho sliding up into the holding midfield role.

The formation switched paid off for Kansas City as they came out and controlled the game against the Galaxy, but really failed to test goalkeeper Brian Rowe. Finally in the 30th minute though KC found a way through the Galaxy defense. A long ball by Matt Besler was knocked into the path of Brad Davis by Zusi, the left footed winger dribbled at his defender before cutting inside to his left foot where he curled a shot around Jelle Van Damme around Rowe and into the far side netting, a beautiful finish by Davis to put KC on top 1-0. Kansas City kept up the pressure but was unable to add to their lead. The inability to capitalize on their possession came back to bite them in the 40th minute when a quick counter by the Galaxy led to the equalizer. A poor header back by Benny Feilhaber was picked off and Gyasi Zardes immediately raced up field before playing a ball over the top to Giovanni Dos Santos. Dos Santos took a shot touching the ball into the box and then softly chipped the ball over an on rushing Tim Melia and into the net to tie the game at 1-1.

With the game tied again it set off a flurry of activity for Kansas City in front of the LA goal but they were still unable to find a second goal. Feilhaber and Ike Opara both missed good chances on goal from inside the box, putting efforts wide of the posts as the teams went into the half tied at 1-1.

The second half continued to be more of the same for Kansas City as they pushed forward and kept the Galaxy pinned back for the most part. Kansas City though couldn't get through their defense and get a good look at goal. The game changed further in KC's favor in the 69th and 70th minute where Galaxy defender Ashley Cole picked up a pair of yellows in a matter of a few seconds. The first came as Cole was getting ready to take a throw in. He took longer than referee Chris Penso liked and the referee handed him a yellow card. Seconds later after the throw in Feilhaber won the ball and was heading towards goal when Cole came sliding through, getting the ball but putting his exposed studs right into Feilhaber's ankle. Penso went to his pocket again and produced a second yellow for Cole giving him his marching orders.

Up a man for the fourth time this season Kansas City kept up the pressure but remained unable to break down the Galaxy defense. Over the final 20 minutes KC couldn't manage a single shot on goal during that stretch, in fact KC recorded just three shots in those 20 minutes, two of which were from distance and blocked away. In the end KC again couldn't take advantage of the man advantage and ended with a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Medranda - The Colombian has had himself a good run of games with Kansas City this season. After playing the Swope Park Rangers first game, Medranda has pretty much been a fixture for Sporting KC and has been making the most of his time too. He's been dangerous on the wing and has caused plenty of trouble so far.

Player Ratings - Melia 5, Besler 6, Opara 6, Coelho 6, Sinovic 6, Espinoza 7, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 7, Davis 6, Dwyer 4, Medranda 7. Subs Mapp NR.

Sporting Loan Three to Swope Park

The Swope Park Rangers kick off their inaugural season tomorrow night at Children's Mercy Park against the Portland Timbers 2. Ahead of their first game, the parent club, Sporting KC has sent three players from the first team on loan to the Rangers ahead of the game, Jon Kempin, Jimmy Medranda, and Daniel Salloi. All three were expected to spend time with the Rangers this season ahead of their first team and all should get plenty of playing experience with the USL side.

Kempin spent all of the Rangers preseason training with them. After spending the first portion of Sporting KC preseason with the first team, Kempin moved to the Rangers for the second half of Sporting's preseason. Kempin is likely expected to the starter for the Rangers, getting him the experience that Sporting KC has been trying to get him for the last two years on loan, only to be stopped due to goalkeeping injuries, inconsistencies, and departures. Hopefully in 2016 Kempin can finally get the chance to be a full time starter. If he does struggle, or KC goes through more goalkeeping issues, the club has two other goalkeepers, veteran, Zac Lubin and academy player, Steven Tekesky.

Medranda was another player from Sporting KC that spent the second half of preseason in Arizona training with the Rangers instead of Sporting KC. Medranda started all of the Rangers games in the Desert Diamond Cup. Since then though Medranda has been a fixture in the 18 man roster on each of Sporting's first three games. In fact he's been the first substitute off the bench for KC in their 1-0 win over Seattle and 2-1 win over Vancouver. He did not make the field in KC's last game against Toronto though. With Benny Feilhaber returning to health it would seem Medranda's spot in the 18 would likely go to him instead allowing him to go to the Rangers where he'll get more consistent minutes.

The final player loaned, Salloi has been a fixture in the 18 for Kansas City over the first three games of the season, but has yet to make his debut for Sporting KC. With the acquisition of Diego Rubio on loan, Salloi's time in the 18 was likely limited to begin with so this loan isn't much of a surprise, even though Salloi didn't spend any time with the Rangers during preseason. The announcement about the moves doesn't indicate a length of time for any of the three, but if Rubio isn't ready to be in the 18 come next week against Real Salt Lake, Salloi could very easily be recalled and be in the 18 for Sporting KC on Saturday against RSL.

Sporting KC Season Preview - Midfield

In Sporting KC's midfield, like on defense, the squad sees very little in the way of change from 2015. The lone addition to the group is actually a familiar face to Sporting KC fans in the form of Lawrence Olum, who after a season in Malaysia is back in Kansas City. The rest of the midfielders are returning to the team from 2015.

For the sake of this post and tomorrow's about the forwards I am classifying the club's wingers as forwards in KC's 4-3-3 formation so they won't be included directly in this section. So you won't see players like Brad Davis, Justin Mapp, Graham Zusi, etc. Instead I'm going to focus mainly on those players that will predominately play the three midfield positions in KC's system.

Roger Espinoza - If last season's second half slide proved anything for Sporting KC fans; it was how important Roger Espinoza actually was to the team's midfield and their play. Paulo Nagamura performed well in his place, but he didn't provide the bite and tenacity that Espinoza brought on the field. He was close to returning at the end of the season but was unable to make it back in time for the playoff game against the Portland Timbers. A healthy Espinoza in 2016 is going to be important for Kansas City if they want to be successful.

Benny Feilhaber - There was probably no other player last season affected more by Espinoza's injury than Feilhaber. The MVP finalist had scored seven goals and had 11 assists in league play up until Espinoza went down in the 1-1 draw against Houston. After the injury, Feilhaber's defensive duties went up without Espinoza next to him and he wasn't as involved in KC's attack as he was before. After the Espinoza injury Feilhaber had just three goals and four assists over his final 14 appearances in the regular season.

Jimmy Medranda - Medranda looks set to be on a long term loan to the Swope Park Rangers after spending the second half of preseason with them. Medranda has played almost all over the field for KC in his time, playing in the midfield, on the wing, even in the outside back position. He's still young, just 22, but he's really reaching a point where he needs to probably start producing more on the field for Kansas City. Hopefully spending a season with SPR, which looks likely, will give him the chance to get consistent playing time to help him get to that next level.

Soni Mustivar - The Haitian become a key component of KC's midfield once he got himself into the starting 11. His play as the deep midfielder in KC's three man midfield was part of KC's rise up the Supporters' Shield Standings in the 2015 season before the collapse in the second half. Surprisingly, Mustivar hasn't gotten a ton of time in preseason with what would be considered mainly the first team. That could simply be down to Peter Vermes knowing what he has in Mustivar and wanting to see other players with the first team.

Paulo Nagamura - The man with ice in his veins for penalty kicks, Nagamura is back with the club for his fifth season after testing the free agency waters just a little bit in the offseason. At 33 years old (happy birthday Paulo) there does have to be some question of how much more he can give, he's started at least 17 games for KC in each of the past four seasons, and has shown he has the engine to be an integral part of the roster. With 34 MLS games, four Champions League games, and at least one US Open Cup game there's going to be plenty of opportunity for him to get time. If Espinoza can stay healthy though KC should be able to be more selective when they run him out, which will preserve his legs for those moments when KC needs him to step up.

Lawrence Olum - Returning to KC after a year abroad Olum can play either in the midfield or center back, but looks set to mainly play in the midfield. That's where he spent his entire time this preseason save for a brief spell at center back after Ike Opara went down with his hamstring injury. Olum isn't a fancy midfielder, he'll do the work out of there, make the safe distribution to move up the field. The rap he got during the 2014 season was because KC was too reliant on him after the departure of Oriol Rosell. Olum is a fine spot starter and can give good minutes, as shown in two cup finals for KC. But he's not an everyday starter, which is basically what he became after KC sold Rosell early in the 2014 season. In the right role for KC he fills a need and will do just fine in 2016.

Jordi Quintilla - A late season addition in 2015, Quintilla has already written himself into Sporting folklore with his "Jake I go" comment right before he took the winning penalty kick at the US Open Cup final. This year more seems to be expected from the Spaniard and he may even be playing a bit of a different position. At times in preseason it was Quintilla that was playing in the deep midfield role for Kansas City. A position that Feilhaber played at times last year, the deep position allowed Quintilla to play the deep lying playmaking role that Feilhaber played at times last year, but at the same time allowed Feilhaber to be further up the field to create there as well. That was one of the big issues with Feilhaber's role there last year; there was no one further up in the midfield that could really be relied on to create once Feilhaber got the ball forward. That led to stagnation of the offense until Feilhaber was moved further up the field. Quintilla playing deeper is an intriguing idea and could be a way for Kansas City to switch things up in the midfield and offer opponents something else to think about.

Like with defense there are other players elsewhere on the roster that can drop into the midfield if KC needs it. Davis spent a good portion of last season with the Houston Dynamo playing a much more central midfield position than out on the wing for them. Zusi as well can drop back into the center of midfield and take on an attacking midfield role. So there are other players elsewhere on the field that can step into the midfield if KC needs them too.

Season Review - Midfielders - Revamped Midfield for KC in 2015

Continuing to make the way up the field we take a look at the midfield this year for Sporting Kansas City.

Sporting saw plenty of turnover in the midfield from the 2014 season, with just four players, Benny Feilhaber, Mikey Lopez, Jimmy Medranda, and Paulo Nagamura returning for the 2015 season for KC as the club parted company with the likes of Toni Dovale, Lawrence Olum, Victor Munoz, and Jorge Claros in an effort to remake their midfield. The 2015 season saw Kansas City stick with their three man midfield, but there was a lot of movement regarding who played where in the system. The beginning of the season saw Sporting's playmaker, Feilhaber playing very deep in the midfield, in a holding role, but with an ability to play more out of the back. The deep lying playmaker allowed KC to build more out of the back, but it really limited Feilhaber's involvement in the offense, and KC's attack sputtered early on. From there the revolving door at the holding midfield spot picked up again with offseason acquisition, Servando Carrasco getting the run out there before being replaced by Haitian, Soni Mustivar who spent the majority of the season at the holding spot.

Higher up in the midfield, Sporting welcomed back Roger Espinoza to the club after spending two years in England with Wigan Athletic. A little less "Roger the red," Espinoza seemed much more composed at times on the field for Kansas City while still being the box-to-box midfielder that KC needed to break up play and get into the attack. Once Mustivar came in Espinoza and he formed a solid partnership, and KC's late season drop in form and loss of Espinoza is more than just a coincidence. When he went down, Paulo Nagamura took over that role, and while the Brazilian has written himself into Sporting KC lore with some clutch performances, he just doesn't play the position the same way. At the attacking position, Feilhaber found his grove, setting records that most probably wouldn't have been touched after Preki left the club, but KC's #10 really proved to be such in 2015.

The Players

Servando Carrasco - Brought in during the offseason from Houston, Carrasco was the first player to get a crack at the bottom of the midfield triangle after Peter Vermes moved Benny Feilhaber to a more advanced position. Carrasco didn't play poorly there, but he also didn't give everything that was required of the position in Peter Vermes' system. His last appearance as a regular starter was the 4-4 draw in Houston. After that he made just three league appearances, only one start before being traded to Orlando in exchange for Amobi Okugo.

Roger Espinoza - The World Cup and Olympic stand out for Honduras returned to Kansas City in 2015 after a string of rumors throughout the summer and fall of his return. He took up his normal position in the box-to-box role and was successful in getting attacking play through the middle shut down. When paired with Soni Mustivar, Espinoza really was able to funnel attack to the Haitian who was then able to cut the attacks out. Espinoza came back to KC as the team's highest paid player at $750,000 according to the players' union numbers. That led a number of fans to question the signing since he didn't contribute a lot to the offense. While that his true, his contribution to the defense and team as a whole can't be overlooked as easily. After Espinoza went down in the 1-1 draw against Houston, KC won five of their remaining 14 league games, going from Supporters' Shield favorites to squeaking into the playoffs as the six seed. Their defense that had been one of the best in the league when he went down finished around the middle of the league. He may not provide the offensive numbers, but his importance to the team can't be understated.

Benny Feilhaber - The team's MVP and a league finalist for the award, I'm not sure that KC could have asked for more from Feilhaber this year. He had a career year scoring 10 goals and assisting on 15 more in league play while appearing in 32 of 34 games. He also added another two goals and five assists in KC's run to the US Open Cup and played virtually all three midfield positions at different points in the 2015 season and was still able to produce offensively.

Mikey Lopez - the only play on KC's roster to go out on loan to their USL affiliate, Oklahoma City this year, Lopez was recalled from the Energy after playing in eight games, five of them starts. Upon his return he played in six games, five of them starts. He did an okay job filling in for the likes of Nagamura and Mustivar when they needed a break or were injured, but overall it wasn't the breakout season that many people were really hoping that he'd have in 2015. Even though the club says they'll make him an offer for 2016 since he's out of contract, now that he's no longer on a Generation Adidas player, and therefore no longer counting against the cap, his position with the club has to be a lot less secure.

Jimmy Medranda - Medranda, like Lopez, was one of those players that you felt really needed to start contributing more to the team this year. Early on it appeared he could as he started three straight games for KC, where the team went 2-0-1. The Colombian couldn't lock down a starting job though and returned to the bench for the most part until early August when injury issues forced him to play left back on the road against Toronto. The experiment went well and KC won 3-1. The next game Medranda started again at left back, this time against Vancouver, but after falling behind 2-0 early, Peter Vermes used a first half substitution to get Medranda off after just 34 minutes. Medranda started shortly after that, on the road in Columbus, but in a more advanced role that he played more regularly. He started just seven games on the season for KC, a number you'd really like to see him push and force Vermes to give him more time, either that or send him to Swope Park next year to play with the Rangers.

Soni Mustivar - Peter Vermes appeared to find his replacement for Oriol Rosell in the Haitian, Mustivar. While a different player than Rosell in terms of skill set, Mustivar was able to help settle KC's deep midfield position and formed a good partnership with Espinoza in front of him and Matt Besler and Kevin Ellis behind him. Wasn't ever flashy, and didn't provide the passing ability that KC had in Rosell, but was more than able to hold his own against plenty of attacking midfielders in MLS. His play, like much of the team's suffered when Espinoza went down for the season.

Paulo Nagamura - The man with ice in his veins, Nagamura continues to give KC good performances in the center of midfield. Called upon greatly after Espinoza went down for the season, Nagamura filled in well. His performance against Vancouver is the stuff that makes you a legend to the fans, and in the Open Cup final and playoff game he continued his run of perfect penalty kicks in high stress situations, converting both times in situations where missing would have resulted in a loss for Kansas City. Every year there seems to be questions (from myself too) about how long Nagamura can hang on at this level and continue to be successful with the team. He's out of contract at this point, and the team has made him an offer towards 2016.

Amobi Okugo - Acquired from Orlando City around the middle of the season for Servando Carrasco, Okugo struggled in KC. He played just three times for KC after being acquired on July 20th, starting only one game. The one start was the San Jose home loss where he was pulled at half time. He did notch one assist in the club's 3-1 win over Toronto though. I thought when KC acquired him that he'd get more time at center back for Kansas City, a position that most thought he excelled at when with the Philadelphia Union, while being just good at his defensive midfield position. But that never happened as even when Kevin Ellis didn't play with Matt Besler, it was Erik Palmer-Brown that got the minutes there ahead of Okugo. This past season Orlando helped cover a portion of his salary as part of the trade deal. How much, if any, they cover in 2016 will be a big factor in this trade. Right now this feels like one that KC ended up on the wrong end of.

Jordi Quintilla - During the summer, Kansas City picked up just two players to help strength their squad for the second half of the season. One was the above mentioned Okugo, the other was Quintilla. The Spaniard joined KC at the beginning of August after spending time in Spain and France. At 22 and from Barcelona's academy many fans likened the signing to when Vermes brought in Rosell. Like Rosell, Quintilla had a limited, but big impact with KC over his first half a season. He played in eight league games, starting three of them. But what he'll likely always be remembered for in KC was scoring the winning penalty kick in the eighth round of the US Open cup final. Also like Rosell, what he will do for the club can't be fully judged on this season, and has to be seen with an eye towards 2016 and beyond.

Looking Towards 2016

KC has two thirds of their starting midfield already under contract for 2016 with Benny Feilhaber and Roger Espinoza both already signed for 2016. The last penciled in starter at this point is Soni Mustivar, who is currently out of contract. Those three returning heathy would answer a lot of questions heading into the 2016 without taking account any new signings. As for the rest of the midfield, the biggest question is KC's depth. Okugo was less than impressive in his minutes and he's under contract for next year. The team's other two defensive midfielders, Paulo Nagamura and Mikey Lopez are out of contract at this time. For those two it could become a matter of cap space and the ability to find a replacement either through the draft or elsewhere. Overall the main core of the midfield will be fine in 2016, there just needs to be some depth added.

Sporting End First Phase of Preseason with Win

Sporting KC closed out the first phase of their preseason ahead of the 2015 season with a win in Tucson. Twice Sporting came from behind to beat PDL side, FC Tucson 4-2.

The first half saw Sporting play as much of the first team as they can at this point, with the team still without Matt Besler and Chance Myers, Ike Opara, and Graham Zusi all still recovering from injury. The predominately first team lineup though could not find the net for Kansas City in the first half.

At half time, Sporting made 10 changes, with only 17 year old Erik Palmer-Brown staying on and playing the full 90 minutes for Kansas City. The team also only had three trialists play in the game. Sporting's third first round pick, Amadou Dia, their third round pick, James Rogers, and former Sporing KC midfielder, Christian Duke. The rest of the roster were players that were already under contract to Sporting KC. Tucson grabbed the lead just a few minutes into the half with Marquis Brooks scoring in the 48th minute to put the PDL side on top. KC equalized in the 60th minute from the penalty spot as Krisztian Nemeth converted after Mikey Lopez was fouled in the box.  Tucson would re-grab the lead in the 74th as Derek Boggs headed home a free kick from Vincent Mediate to put make it 2-1. The lead lasted only a minute though as Nemeth scored his second goal of the game finishing of a cross from Rogers to make it 2-2. Then just a couple minutes later, Sporting went on top thanks to Jimmy Medranda as he one timed a shot into the net off an assist from Nemeth. Sporting put the game away in stoppage time as Dia found Nemeth who beat his defender and then beat former KC academy player, Jacole Turner to finish off his hattrick and make it 4-2 right before the final whistle.

Youngest/Oldest to Appear for Kansas City

Another stat for you, the youngest and oldest players to appear in or start games in league play and in all competitions.

In league appearances, four new players joined the list. Erik Palmer-Brown became the youngest player to ever appear in a game for Kansas City when he started KC's game in Chicago back in May. The game before, Igor Juliao made his KC debut, also joining the top 20 on this list. With his substitution at half time in Vancouver, Jon Kempin also joined this league list for KC. The final entry was Mikey Lopez who jumped in in 20th place on the list. The four players knocked Peterson Joseph, Vicente Figueroa, Roger Espinoza, and Matt McKeon out of the top 20.

Ten youngest to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Erik Palmer-Brown - 17 years, 24 days - 5/18/2014 - Chicago
2. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
3. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
4. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
5. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
6. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
7. Jimmy Medranda - 19 years, 212 days - 9/7/2013 - Columbus
8. Igor Julião - 19 years, 264 days - 5/14/2014 - Philadelphia
9. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
10. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 35 days - 8/11/2012 - DC United
11. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
12. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
13. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
14. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
15. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
16. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
17. Will John - 21 years, 81 days - 9/2/2006 - Los Angeles
18. Jon Kempin - 21 years, 124 days - 8/10/2014 - Vancouver
19. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 144 days - 5/16/1998 - New England
20. Mikey Lopez - 21 years, 146 days - 7/16/2014 - Columbus

In all competitions, only Palmer-Brown and Juliao joined the list as Kempin and Lopez had both previously made their debuts in all competitions for KC. The pair knocked Scott Vermillion and Joseph out of the top 20.

Ten youngest to appear in a competitive game for KC.
1. Erik Palmer-Brown - 17 years, 24 days - 5/18/2014 - Chicago
2. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
3. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
4. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
5. Jon Kempin - 19 years, 51 days - 5/29/2012 - Orlando
6. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
7. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
8. Jimmy Medranda - 19 years, 212 days - 9/7/2013 - Columbus
9. Igor Julião - 19 years, 264 days - 5/14/2014 - Philadelphia
10. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
11. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 35 days - 8/11/2012 - DC United
12. Mikey Lopez - 20 years, 97 days - 5/28/2013 - Des Moines
13. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
14. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
15. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
16. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
17. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
18. Kevin Ellis - 20 years, 363 days - 6/28/2011 - Chicago PDL
19. Will John - 21 years, 29 days - 7/12/2006 - Des Moines
20. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United

When it came to league starts, the same four who made their debuts in league play overall made the list for youngest league starters. They knocked off McKeon, Aaron Hohlbein, Ryan Pore, and Justin Detter. Also joining the list was Jimmy Medranda, who debuted in league play in 2013, but made his first start in 2014.

Ten youngest players to START a league match.
1. Erik Palmer-Brown - 17 years, 24 days - 5/18/2014 - Chicago
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
3. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
4. Igor Julião - 19 years, 264 days - 5/14/2014 - Philadelphia
5. Soony Saad - 19 years, 308 days - 6/20/2012 - Seattle
6. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
7. Jimmy Medranda - 20 years, 37 days - 3/16/2014 - Dallas
8. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
9. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 77 days - 9/22/2012 - Montreal
10. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 85 days - 5/23/2010 - Columbus
11. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
12. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
13. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
14. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
15. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
16. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
17. Jon Kempin - 21 years, 130 days - 8/16/2014 - Toronto
18. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 144 days - 5/16/1998 - New England
19. Mikey Lopez - 21 years, 146 days - 7/16/2014 - Columbus
20T. Vicente Figueroa - 21 years, 170 days - 4/10/1999 - San Jose
20T. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 170 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston

In starts in all competitions, the trio of Palmer-Brown, Juliao, and Medranda all joined the list in 2014.

Ten youngest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Erik Palmer-Brown - 17 years, 24 days - 5/18/2014 - Chicago
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
3. Jon Kempin - 19 years, 51 days - 5/29/2012 - Orlando
4. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
5. Igor Julião - 19 years, 264 days - 5/14/2014 - Philadelphia
6. Soony Saad - 19 years, 286 days - 5/29/2012 - Orlando
7. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
8. Jimmy Medranda - 20 years, 37 days - 3/16/2014 - Dallas
9. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 - Colorado
10. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
11. Oriol Rosell - 20 years, 77 days - 9/22/2012 - Montreal
12. Mikey Lopez - 20 years, 97 days - 5/28/2013 - Des Moines
13. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
14. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
15. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
16. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
17. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
18. Will John - 21 years, 62 days - 8/14/2006 - Chicago
19. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
20. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 144 days - 5/16/1998 - New England

Among the oldest players to appear for Kansas City, no new players joined any of the lists in the 2014 season. And baring a later addition to the team during the season there will be no players joining the list in 2015 either.

Ten oldest players to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 121 days - 8/12/2001 - Colorado
3. Jimmy Nielsen - 36 years, 81 days - 10/26/2013 - Philadelphia
4. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
5. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
6. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
7. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
9. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
11. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 44 days - 9/27/1998 - San Jose
12. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 341 days - 10/24/2012 - Philadelphia
13. Refik Sabanadzovic - 33 years, 279 days - 5/8/1999 - Los Angeles
14. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 242 days - 10/12/2010 - Chicago
15. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 240 days -  10/23/2010 - San Jose
16. Mark Santel - 33 years, 65 days - 9/8/2001 - San Jose
17. Roy Lassiter - 33 years, 63 days - 5/11/2002 - Colorado
18. Uche Okafor - 33 years, 32 days - 9/9/2000 - Tampa Bay
19. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 352 days - 6/4/2000 - Chicago
20. Diego Gutierrez - 33 years, 346 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas

Ten oldest players in all competitions for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Jimmy Nielsen - 36 years, 123 days - 12/7/2013 - Salt Lake
4. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
5. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
6. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
7. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
9. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
11. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 44 days - 9/27/1998 - San Jose
12. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 352 days - 11/4/2012 - Houston
13. Refik Sabanadzovic - 33 years, 279 days - 5/8/1999 - Los Angeles
14. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 242 days - 10/12/2010 - Chicago
15. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 240 days -  10/23/2010 - San Jose
16. Mark Santel - 33 years, 104 days - 10/17/2001 - Barcelona
17. Uche Okafor - 33 years, 68 days - 10/15/2000 - Chicago
18. Roy Lassiter - 33 years, 63 days - 5/11/2002 - Colorado
19. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 362 days - 6/14/2000 - Chicago Sockers
20. Diego Gutierrez - 33 years, 346 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas

Ten oldest players to START a league game.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 113 days - 8/4/2001 - Columbus
3. Jimmy Nielsen - 36 years, 81 days - 10/26/2013 - Philadelphia
4. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
5. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
6. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
7. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
9. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
11. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 44 days - 9/27/1998 - San Jose
12. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 341 days - 10/24/2012 - Philadelphia
13. Refik Sabanadzovic - 33 years, 279 days - 5/8/1999 - Los Angeles
14. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 242 days - 10/12/2010 - Chicago
15. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 233 days - 10/16/2010 - New England
16. Mark Santel - 33 years, 38 days - 8/12/2001 - Colorado
17. Roy Lassiter - 33 years, 14 days - 3/23/2002 - Colorado
18. Uche Okafor - 32 years, 346 days - 7/19/2000 - New England
19. Diego Gutierrez - 33 years, 346 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
20. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 337 days - 5/20/2000 - San Jose

Ten oldest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Jimmy Nielsen - 36 years, 123 days - 12/7/2013 - Salt Lake
4. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
5. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
6. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
7. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
9. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
11. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 44 days - 9/27/1998 - San Jose
12. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 352 days - 11/4/2012 - Houston
13. Refik Sabanadzovic - 33 years, 279 days - 5/8/1999 - Los Angeles
14. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 242 days - 10/12/2010 - Chicago
15. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 233 days - 10/16/2010 - New England
16. Mark Santel - 33 years, 104 days - 10/17/2001 - Barcelona
17. Roy Lassiter - 33 years, 46 days - 4/24/2002 - Santos Laguna
18. Alex Bunbury - 32 years, 362 days - 6/14/2000 - Chicago Sockers
19. Uche Okafor - 32 years, 346 days - 7/19/2000 - New England
20. Diego Gutierrez - 33 years, 346 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas

What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here - Midfield

Part three of my look at what happened to Kansas City in the 2014 season and where to look at going forward is taking a look at Kansas City's midfield. While Sporting's midfield wasn't hit nearly as hard by injuries as the defense was, other factors led to Sporting's issues in midfield this season.

The biggest issue for Kansas City ended up coming early in the season. Sporting sold Oriol Rosell, the team's deep lying defensive midfielder to Sporting Portugal in June. Rosell played just seven games for Sporting in the 2014 season before the club approved the transfer. With his departure, Kansas City's passing seemed to go down field. Rosell set an MLS record for passes attempted, completed, and had a 96% passing accuracy in KC's 3-0 win over Montreal this season. Once KC sold him to Portugal, KC never really found a true replacement. The main player that filled in for Rosell was Lawrence Olum. The Kenyan is a decent player, but he's not Rosell and he couldn't fill the shoes that the Spaniard left. Peter Vermes also brought in long term target, Jorge Claros during the summer window. Claros did okay, but not great in his appearances for KC. But really, not many of Vermes' mid-season signings have really ever had much of an immediate impact on the team. Usually it's taken until the next year for those players to step up, play more, and really get into KC's system (see Rosell or Kei Kamara).

In front of whoever was manning the deep role was originally supposed to be Paulo Nagamura. The Brazilian performed well until summer when he again had an ankle injury that caused him to miss 10 games for Kansas City. Once he returned, KC's midfield improved, but he couldn't carry the team out of the slump that it was in for the second half of the season. With Nagamura out, Mikey Lopez, the team's lone Generation Adidas player started to get some more time. Lopez did well, but from the games he's played, the bite that KC has needed out of that position hasn't been present. KC's other midseason signing; Martin Steuble also got a run out in the box-to-box role in KC's system, but didn't have much of a role to play for KC.

Early on in the season, Nagamura had gotten spelled at times by the team's third round draft pick, Alex Martinez. The North Carolina State graduate didn't look out of place, playing in 10 league games, starting three of them, but he was waived by Kansas City in late June without much explanation. Part of the gap in KC's midfield in this role certainly wasn't helped by the illness/injury that caused Peterson Joseph to collapse in practice and not allow him to play again for the club.


In the attacking midfield spot, KC got its most consistent performance for the entire season, with Benny Feilhaber being the main creator out of the midfield for KC. And Feilhaber wasn't just in the attacking role. Throughout the season due to all the injuries and call ups, Feilhaber played all three of KC's midfield positions. His influence in the offense did decrease some as the season went on. Part of this certainly would seem to fall on the sale of Rosell. With Rosell gone and Olum/Claros not being able to fill his shoes, Feilhaber was dropping himself deeper into KC's midfield to collect the ball from the team's defensive midfielder or from center backs. This pushed Nagamura or the box-to-box midfielder into a more advanced role where they may not be as good at creating and/or finishing chances that are created for them. Feilhaber was arguably Kansas City's best player all around over the course of the entire season. In the instances when Feilhaber would drop into deeper roles, many times the attacking role would fall to Graham Zusi. Zusi does well in the center of midfield can work with both sides of the field. But in a way I think it limits his play. I think he does a better job out on the wing where he can look up and see the entire field with one look instead of scanning across the field. It's been his best position for the US national team and I think while good at central midfield is much better for Kansas City when he's out wide.

The team's other four midfielders had little impact on the team this season. Christian Duke spent most of the season on loan to the Oklahoma City Energy as well as dealing with some injury issues. Another midseason signing, Michael Kafari only ever appeared in the team's friendly against Manchester City. Victor Munoz made just one appearance for KC after being picked up on waivers from DC. Munoz started KC's US Open Cup win over Minnesota, but came off in the first half with an injury, although he looked out of his element in the game as well. The fourth, Jimmy Medranda was the most involved with the team this year, appearing in six games, starting one, but played just 137 minutes this season. Like Duke he spent time in OKC with the Energy.

Heading into 2015 there are plenty of changes that could be needed in KC's midfield. One change may well already be set to happen. The return of Roger Espinoza has been rumored for a little while now. Espinoza has returned to the lineup for Wigan Athletic, but with him out of contract this summer a return could still be in the cards. If Espinoza ends up not returning to Kansas City I think Sporting needs to look elsewhere to get a box-to-box midfielder. While Nagamura has done quite well for Kansas City since coming here, he turns 32 early next season. His injury issues over the past two summers have coincided with a drop in form for Kansas City. Espinoza would seem to be the perfect candidate to replace him, but if he can't then another replacement needs to be found because I'm not sure that Lopez is going to be able to play the position the way Vermes wants.

Another question heading into 2015 is the deep midfield position. As I mentioned earlier, the loss of Rosell was a big blow to KC neither Olum nor Claros were able to fill the role well enough. Many people are saying that a deep midfielder needs to be brought in as well. With the addition of Claros in the summer though I'm willing to give him time in 2015 to prove he deserves the role. As I said earlier, most of Vermes' midseason signings do not contribute much or enough in their first half a season in KC. As for Olum, he could very well be taken in the expansion draft if he's exposed. He's a cheap, veteran who has played in Orlando previously and would give them some experience in midfield, especially after defensive midfielder Yordany Alvarez retired.

As for the attacking midfield spot, Feilhaber should be under contract one more year and while he had an MVP year for KC, I'm not sure I'd make an attempt to re-sign him quite yet. It's a question of what he'll do next year in a contract year before you decide to throw money at him to stay.

With the rest of the midfielders, I expect there to be some turnover with some of the end of the bench guys, most will probably come in to preseason next year and have to fight for a roster spot.

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.

Sunday After Stats

At 20 years and 37 days, Jimmy Medranda became the 5th youngest player to start a league game for KC. He knocked Justin Detter out of the top 20.

In all competitions he became the 6th youngest player to start a game for KC, knocking Matt McKeon off that list.

Seth Sinovic made his 100th league start of his MLS career.

Aurelien Collin scored his 15th goal in all competitions for KC, tying him with Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 20th on that list.

Alex Martinez made his Sporting KC debut.

Oriol Rosell made his 50th appearance in all competitions for KC.

Matt Besler made his 128th league appearance for KC, tying him with Jimmy Nielsen for 12th place all time on that list.

A Look at the Depth Chart - Midfield

Continuing to work forward through Kansas City's team, we move on to the midfield. KC saw no movement out from the midfield position, and only one addition, the signing of third round draft pick, Alex Martinez. As with the defense and the forwards, it's been all about the consistency for KC's midfield.

Attacking Midfielder
1. Benny Feilhaber
2. Graham Zusi
3. Claudio Bieler
4. Jimmy Medranda
5. Alex Martinez

Feilhaber gets the nod ahead of Zusi as the number one on this depth chart because in KC's "Best XI" Zusi's number 1 position is elsewhere on the field. Bieler played a few games in the attacking midfield spot during preseason and didn't look completely out of place. For me though Bieler being back in midfield puts a lot more pressure on the remaining two midfield spots in my opinion for it to be really succession for KC. Medranda looked really impressive during the preseason for KC and looks set to get quite a few minutes in the upcoming season with all the competitions. Martinez rounds out the attacking midfield position. The rookie has also been impressive this preseason, picking up three assists for KC.

Box to Box Midfielder
1. Paulo Nagamura
2. Benny Feilhaber
3. Oriol Rosell
4. Mikey Lopez
5. Christian Duke

Nagamura's return to the midfield helped to propel Kansas City to MLS Cup this past year. His play was key and keeps him at the top of the depth chart. Behind him is Feilhaber and Rosell, both of whom had time playing in the role while Nagamura was out. Feilhaber when Zusi dropped into the midfield and Rosell when Olum played. Behind those two comes last year's first round pick, Lopez. The Generation Adidas player only played one game for KC last year, in the US Open Cup. Without US youth team commitments, Lopez should spend more time with KC and get more game action. Duke spent most of last season on loan to Orlando City where he got plenty of game experience. All of which will come in handy with the number of games KC already has on the schedule and questions on how healthy Nagamura can stay.

Holding Midfielder
1. Oriol Rosell
2. Lawrence Olum
3. Paulo Nagamura

Rosell is the primary starter here, establishing himself in the role last year, taking over for Julio Cesar. When Rosell was rested, or as in MLS Cup injured, Olum filled in quite admirably. I had my doubts about him, especially after he'd been the team's third center back for the majority of the 2012 season. But he did quite well for himself. Behind those two the next in line is Nagamura dropping into the role while KC goes with a more attacking midfield.

While the midfield has been consistent, there are still some questions.

Where is Peterson Joseph on the list?

I've left Peterson Joseph off my depth chart entirely at this moment because of the continued questions about his health and when he'll play again. I personally will be surprised if he is off injured reserve at all this season. At this point he needs to make sure he's healthy enough to leave the next 40-50 years.

Can Nagamura stay healthy?

Another question of a players health. Nagamura was limited to just 17 league games. He'd played 27 in league play the year before. Nagamura just turned 31, and there has to be questions of how much he'll be able to contribute. This question had led many KC fans to wonder if the acquisition of a box to box midfielder was not a key for KC's offseason. KC made no acquisition, at least not yet, so the hope is that Nagamura can provide that bite more this season in midfield.

Which Feilhaber shows up?

Feilhaber had a fantastic playoff run, his game against Houston in KC was his best in a KC uniform. But at times during the season he was invisible and not involved in play. The question is which one will show up for KC the majority of the season. With Zusi set to miss a number of games while away with the US  team, Feilhaber will be expected to fill that playmaking role even more (of course that's assuming Feilhaber isn't called up). KC will need the Feilhaber from the playoffs to show up more.

Sporting Win Two Preseason Games

Sporting KC picked up 2 more preseason wins today down in Florida. In the morning game, a reserve heavy lineup took on Florida Gulf Coast. Adnan Gabeljic scored a pair of goals and Jacob Peterson added a third. Florida Gulf Coast's goal came from the penalty spot. Only two players not under contract started the game for KC, Gabeljic and goalkeeper, Gorrick (who I assume is Devala Gorrick).

In the afternoon game, Sporting took on Fluminense's U23 team. Fluminense started the game well enough, but didn't really test Jon Kempin, who was getting his first minutes of the preseason. Going forward KC looked the better side. Jimmy Medranda forced a nice save by their keeper that turned into a corner for KC. Shortly after that, CJ Sapong had a fantastic opportunity as the ball was played in to Graham Zusi who took a touch then flicked the ball through to Sapong who got in behind Fluminense's defense, but a recovery tackle and interference from the goalkeeper saw the ball go wide of the goal. Finally in the 40th minute, KC's pressure paid off. Medranda won the ball near midfield and played the ball up field to Claudio Bieler. Bieler picked out Paulo Nagamura who fired a shot from distance. His shot skipped off the wet surface and through the hands of the Fluminense keeper and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

The second half saw KC come out and really control the game. It took only 10 minutes for KC to double their lead. Again it was Medranda helping to set it up, playing a chip in to the back post for Bieler. Bieler headed the ball back across the box to the penalty spot. There was no Sporting player there, but the ball continued to roll across the box to Medranda who fired a shot that went under the Fluminense keeper and into the net. Only three minutes later KC added another goal with Bieler again being involved. Chance Myers played the ball in to Bieler who cut the ball back to an on rushing Nagamura who fired a shot that went through the hands of Fluminense's goalkeeper. The Brazilian side had a few chances down the stretch, but didn't really test Kempin in goal much as KC went to the top of their group at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic with 6 points.

Bieler's three assists, even against inferior competition is very encouraging, and he looked good outside those three assists. He looks to have picked up his energy level on the field to fit more with what Peter Vermes wants out of his forwards. And if he is, that could be big for KC this year. The other player that had an impressive performance was Medranda who was aggressive both physically and attacking wise. He wasn't afraid to take on defenders. On the surface he looks like he'd be well able to take the minutes that KC looks like they could lose from Peterson Joseph.

Medranda Officially Re-Acquired and a Look at the Roster

The rumored re-acquisition of midfielder, Jimmy Medranda was announced today. Sporting KC agreed to a fee with his Colombian club Deportivo Pereira. At the same time as they announced the transfer, Sporting announced that they'd signed Medranda to a multi-year deal. Medranda made one appearance for Sporting KC last year, coming off the bench in stoppage time of KC's 3-0 win over Columbus. He made an immediate impression on KC fans by striking a well hit shot from 30 yards out, that while being saved, showed a willingness to take a chance from distance.



The addition of Medranda back to the team puts KC's signed roster at 28 players on it, 26 from last year's MLS Cup team, and two new signings (Sal Zizzo and Andy Gruenebaum). That currently leaves KC with just two open roster spots ahead of the start of the 2014 season. Based on the recent comments made by Peter Vermes regarding Peterson Joseph though, I expect him to be placed on the injured reserve list, which would allow him to not count against the roster capacity, putting KC at 27 signed players.

As of the last roster update and game against Indy Eleven, there are still four trialists in camp. Three draft picks, Adnan Gabeljic, Peter Schmetz, and Alex Martinez, and one trialist, that is likely still Danny Earls (who was outed as Trialist 1 in Sporting's game against Portland). Vermes though has said that more players would be joining the team in Orlando for the second leg of preseason.

Based on the roster currently I think both Gabeljic and Martinez have work to do to make the roster. Gaeljic just because of the sheer number of forwards on KC's roster. But Martinez more so, especially with Medranda back in the fold. The midfield for KC got a little more crowded. Even with the questions still surrounding Joseph, Martinez likely has the biggest hill to climb of the three remaining draft picks.

Medranda Returning, Leichty Signs for OKC

It looks like one question about Sporting KC's roster this preseason is about to be answered. According to his Twitter account and The Daily Wiz, midfielder, Jimmy Medranda, is on his way back to KC. Medranda, had been on loan from Deportivo Pereira last season, making one appearance for Sporting. The question had been whether he would return to KC this season. That question now appears to be answered, the question becomes whether it is now a permanent deal or a continuation of the loan.

In other news, Sporting KC academy product, David Leichty has signed his first professional contract. That contract is not with Sporting KC, but with their USL affiliate, Oklahoma City. It'll be a big step for the midfield academy product. On one hand though it's interesting that he's leaving Sporting's academy to play professionally elsewhere, but you have to assume that should he do well, he'll be back in KC fairly soon with the first team. In Oklahoma City though he'll join up with four former KC players, three players (Cyprian Hedrick, Kyle Miller, and Michael Thomas) and the coach (Jimmy Nielsen). He'll also have two current KC players on the roster from the two players Sporting send down to their affiliate.

This won't be Leichty's first opportunity to play against professionals. Leichty has already played with Sporting's reserves in reserve league play before they moved to affiliate with Orlando City last year. I think while Leichty may not get time immediately, this is his foot in the door professionally and if he does well it's only a matter of time before KC find a way to bring him back to KC.