It's the first day of 2016 and with little news from any of KC's teams likely to come down in the next day or so we're going to take another look back at the year that was 2015 in Kansas City. Here are some moments of the year.
Game of the Year
7/1/15 vs Dallas
There were a few options to pick from here, the 3-2 win over Philadelphia, the 4-3 comeback win over Vancouver, or the US Open Cup final against Philadelphia, but I'm going with probably Sporting KC's most dominating of the season. KC jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first half, including a natural hattrick by Dom Dwyer, the club's first since the 2010 season. Dwyer scored in the fifth, 30th, and 41st minute to put KC on top. In first half stoppage time Krisztian Nemeth scored to make it 4-0. Before the hour mark Nemeth made it 5-0 with his audacious effort from neither the end line that he curled and chipped over Dan Kennedy. After Dallas' Michael Barrios got Dallas on the board, Dwyer finished off his night by scoring a fourth goal from a free kick outside the box. Dallas was able to grab one last consolation through Kellyn Acosta but KC cruised to victory and advancment in the Open Cup. Plus it gave us this video:
Goal of the Year
Krisztian Nemeth vs Portland Timbers 10/3/15
Really there was never any doubt on this one, the MLS Goal of the Year by Nemeth, beating three Portland Timbers defenders, two of them multiple times to allow KC to steal all three points at Providence Park. The goal is one of those that will be replayed over and over for years. Plus for once I actually love the opposing team call of the goal, the "oh no" is just perfect in a "I can not believe I just saw that happen" kind of way.
Assist of the Year
Graham Zusi vs Houston Dynamo 4/25/15
It may seem like a really mundane header, but I love the poise of Zusi on his cushioned header back to Benny Feilhaber. As the broadcast said, most players would try to take the ball on the chest and set up a shot for themselves, but unselfishly Zusi touches the ball back to Feilhaber and we get an amazing goal to give KC a point.
Single Game Performance of the Year
Leo Gibson vs Tacoma Stars 2/22/15
The Missouri Comets had a lot of big victories in the 2014-2015 season, and many of those saw Leo Gibson play a big role in those games. None was bigger than the Comets final regular season game of the season. Taking on the Tacoma Stars, who'd replaced the Seattle Impact midway through the season, Leo Gibson scored eight goals and assisted on four more as the Comets won 17-1 over the Stars.
Low Point of the Year
5-0 loss to San Jose 8/19/2015
Coming off the high of the big come from behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps it was a very big fall when San Jose came into Kansas City and beat Sporting 5-0. It was the first win by either team away from home in the series since 2004. It was also the start of a five game winless run for Sporting that really started to be the downfall of their season.
Non-Kansas City-KC player moment of the year
Lauren Holiday vs Japan 7/5/2015
The Women's World Cup final was the Carli Lloyd show, Holiday herself had a very nice game against Japan and a superb volley off a poor headed clearance that proved to be the game winning goal.
KC Soccer Player of the Year
Benny Feilhaber
The MVP finalist had a career year for Sporting KC. Feilhaber was the main catylist for Kansas City all season. He scored 10 league goals and added two in all competitions. He also proved 15 assists and another five in all competitions to make him responsible 32 of KC's 64 goals this season. That's right, Feilhaber was involved as the scorer or assist man on half of Sporting's goals in 2015.
FCKC Player of the Year
Becky Sauerbrunn
The rock in the back not only for FC Kansas City but for the US women's national team as well. Sauerbrunn was snubbed by the Women's World Cup for the Best XI and other awards but was arguably the USA's best player over the course of the entire tournament over the summer. Back in the NWSL Sauerbrunn continued to just be a solid defender for FC Kansas City, winning her third straight NWSL defender of the year, at this point they should just name the award after her.
Comets Player of the Year
Leo Gibson
He's been doing it for years for the Comets, scoring goals and leading the team. In 2014-2015 he was the MASL MVP in the league's first season finishing the season with 93 points, 48 goals and 45 assists. The 93 points were 30 more than the league's next closest player in the league.
Showing posts with label Lauren Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lauren Holiday. Show all posts
Friday, January 01, 2016
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
2014 Moments of the Year
With 2014 coming to an end, here's a look at my 2014 moments of the year.
Game of the Year
3/16/2014 vs Baltimore Blast
Start here in the game.
Not going with a Sporting KC game this year for the game of the year. Instead that honor goes to the Missouri Comets and the mini-game, game three against the Baltimore Blast that clinched the MISL championship for the Comets. The game took place immediately after Game 2, which the Comets had lost 19-4, and were thoroughly dominated by the defending champion Blast. The 15 minute mini game featured some good defense by both teams. The Blast took the lead 2-0 with just over six and a half minutes to play. The Comets equalized almost a minute later from a bicycle kick from Lucas Rodriguez.
The final five minutes became a hectic scramble of goals. First the Blast retook the lead with a goal at the back post. Then with just over a minute and a half left, and Vahid Assadpour on as the sixth attacker, the Comets found an equalizer as Stefan St. Louis knocked home a Rodriguez cross at the back post to tie the game at 4-4. Then with under a minute left, The Comets found a winner. A long ball up the field to Leo Gibson was touched into the path of Brian Harris who had made a run up the boards. Gibson's touch to Harris was perfect and the defender was able to fire the ball into the far corner to give the Comets the 6-4 lead. They were able to kill the last 54 seconds and claim their first (and last) MISL title.
Goal of the Year
Grhaam Zusi vs Chicago Fire 10/10/14
We didn't see a lot of this this year from Zusi. Running at defenders and shooting from distance, but we got it here. Collecting a pass from Kevin Ellis, Zusi fires from distance into the far corner to give KC a 1-0 lead over the Chicago Fire.
Assist of the Year
Lauren Holiday vs Seattle Reign 8/31/14
A fantastic play to secure a title, Lauren Holiday set up Amy Rodriguez in the NWSL final against the Seattle Reign. Receiving the ball, Holiday proceeded to turn and race towards goal. Over the course of that 25 yard run, Holiday was able to turn her two markers a number of times before getting into the box and laying off a nice ball to Rodriguez who made no mistake, firing home to give FCKC a 2-0.
Single Game Performance of the Year
Oriol Rosell vs Montreal Impact 5/10/14
Probably Sporting KC's best game of the season, KC won 3-0 over the Impact, and really completely dominated them the entire game. And at the center of it all, was KC's Spanish midfielder, Rosell. Rosell didn't score any goals, in fact he only had 1 shot, which coincidently led to the team's first goal as Collen Warner kept the ball out of the goal with his hand. But it was his passing that did it. Behind Rosell, KC passed the Impact to death, completing 739 of their 803 passing attempts and holding possession for over 78% of the game, all of those are MLS records, with quite a bit of distance to second place. The 92% passing accuracy is the second highest in league history (all since Opta started tracking MLS stats in 2011). Rosell himself set records for passing attempts (166) and completed passes (160, 96.4% completion percentage) in a game. his 160 completed passes were only 13 less than the entire Montreal Impact had as a team on that day. A dominating performance by him even if it doesn't show in the stats.
Low Point of the Year
2-1 Loss to New York 9/6/2014
This moment is not for this loss itself, but for this loss and the three games before it as well. Over that stretch from August 23rd through September 6th, Sporting went 0-4, conceding 11 goals while scoring just 3. This stretch was what really saw KC fall from grace as the season really hit it's tailspin. The first two of those games, a 3-0 loss to DC and a 3-1 loss to Houston were both at Sporting Park and two of the worse performances the team has put in at the new stadium. The 3-0 loss to DC was the worst in team history at Sporting Park. KC then followed those two up by losing both games of a East Coast road trip, losing 3-1 in New England and then the 2-1 loss in New York. KC did come out a week after this and romp Chivas USA 4-0, but it ended up being false hope for the rest of the season.
Non-Sporting KC, KC player moment of the year
6/16/14 Graham Zusi vs Ghana
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first minute, the US had been holding onto that lead for dear life against Ghana in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup. In the 82nd minute though Ghana equalized. It was only four minutes later though when the US reestablished their lead. Zusi, a substitute for Alejandro Bedoya, played a corner in to substitute, John Brooks (who'd come on at half time for Matt Besler). Brooks powered his header into the net giving the US a 2-1 lead and eventual win over the team that had knocked them out of the prior two World Cups.
KC Soccer Player of the Year
Brian Harris
The MISL finals MVP last year in the Comets victory over the Baltimore Blast, Harris has continued his superb form in the 2014-2015 season in the MASL. As the Comets have started the season 9-0, Harris has chipped in 15 goals and 6 assists for 21 points on the season. Many of those coming from big runs forward and blasts from long range.
Sporting KC Player of the Year
Dom Dwyer
Setting the single season scoring record for the club is definitely a big deal, KC has never been a club that's been known to have one dedicated goal scorer. They haven't been a club that has scored a lot of goals really since the Ron Newman days. But Dwyer had a season that many won't forget soon. At the half way point of the year I was ready to give the award to Benny Feilhaber, but the second half of the season, with Oriol Rosell gone, Feilhaber was forced to drop deeper in the field to help distribute, and his contribution to the team fell from there.
FCKC Player of the Year
Amy Rodriguez
I'd said in my wishes for 2014 that I wanted Rodriguez to become the goal scorer the Blues needed to take the pressure off of Lauren Holiday, and she certainly did that, finishing second in the league in goals with 13. Rodriguez played herself back onto the national team after missing the 2013 season after giving birth. Now if only Jill Ellis would get her on the field more.
Game of the Year
3/16/2014 vs Baltimore Blast
Start here in the game.
Not going with a Sporting KC game this year for the game of the year. Instead that honor goes to the Missouri Comets and the mini-game, game three against the Baltimore Blast that clinched the MISL championship for the Comets. The game took place immediately after Game 2, which the Comets had lost 19-4, and were thoroughly dominated by the defending champion Blast. The 15 minute mini game featured some good defense by both teams. The Blast took the lead 2-0 with just over six and a half minutes to play. The Comets equalized almost a minute later from a bicycle kick from Lucas Rodriguez.
The final five minutes became a hectic scramble of goals. First the Blast retook the lead with a goal at the back post. Then with just over a minute and a half left, and Vahid Assadpour on as the sixth attacker, the Comets found an equalizer as Stefan St. Louis knocked home a Rodriguez cross at the back post to tie the game at 4-4. Then with under a minute left, The Comets found a winner. A long ball up the field to Leo Gibson was touched into the path of Brian Harris who had made a run up the boards. Gibson's touch to Harris was perfect and the defender was able to fire the ball into the far corner to give the Comets the 6-4 lead. They were able to kill the last 54 seconds and claim their first (and last) MISL title.
Goal of the Year
Grhaam Zusi vs Chicago Fire 10/10/14
We didn't see a lot of this this year from Zusi. Running at defenders and shooting from distance, but we got it here. Collecting a pass from Kevin Ellis, Zusi fires from distance into the far corner to give KC a 1-0 lead over the Chicago Fire.
Assist of the Year
Lauren Holiday vs Seattle Reign 8/31/14
A fantastic play to secure a title, Lauren Holiday set up Amy Rodriguez in the NWSL final against the Seattle Reign. Receiving the ball, Holiday proceeded to turn and race towards goal. Over the course of that 25 yard run, Holiday was able to turn her two markers a number of times before getting into the box and laying off a nice ball to Rodriguez who made no mistake, firing home to give FCKC a 2-0.
Single Game Performance of the Year
Oriol Rosell vs Montreal Impact 5/10/14
Probably Sporting KC's best game of the season, KC won 3-0 over the Impact, and really completely dominated them the entire game. And at the center of it all, was KC's Spanish midfielder, Rosell. Rosell didn't score any goals, in fact he only had 1 shot, which coincidently led to the team's first goal as Collen Warner kept the ball out of the goal with his hand. But it was his passing that did it. Behind Rosell, KC passed the Impact to death, completing 739 of their 803 passing attempts and holding possession for over 78% of the game, all of those are MLS records, with quite a bit of distance to second place. The 92% passing accuracy is the second highest in league history (all since Opta started tracking MLS stats in 2011). Rosell himself set records for passing attempts (166) and completed passes (160, 96.4% completion percentage) in a game. his 160 completed passes were only 13 less than the entire Montreal Impact had as a team on that day. A dominating performance by him even if it doesn't show in the stats.
Low Point of the Year
2-1 Loss to New York 9/6/2014
This moment is not for this loss itself, but for this loss and the three games before it as well. Over that stretch from August 23rd through September 6th, Sporting went 0-4, conceding 11 goals while scoring just 3. This stretch was what really saw KC fall from grace as the season really hit it's tailspin. The first two of those games, a 3-0 loss to DC and a 3-1 loss to Houston were both at Sporting Park and two of the worse performances the team has put in at the new stadium. The 3-0 loss to DC was the worst in team history at Sporting Park. KC then followed those two up by losing both games of a East Coast road trip, losing 3-1 in New England and then the 2-1 loss in New York. KC did come out a week after this and romp Chivas USA 4-0, but it ended up being false hope for the rest of the season.
Non-Sporting KC, KC player moment of the year
6/16/14 Graham Zusi vs Ghana
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first minute, the US had been holding onto that lead for dear life against Ghana in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup. In the 82nd minute though Ghana equalized. It was only four minutes later though when the US reestablished their lead. Zusi, a substitute for Alejandro Bedoya, played a corner in to substitute, John Brooks (who'd come on at half time for Matt Besler). Brooks powered his header into the net giving the US a 2-1 lead and eventual win over the team that had knocked them out of the prior two World Cups.
KC Soccer Player of the Year
Brian Harris
The MISL finals MVP last year in the Comets victory over the Baltimore Blast, Harris has continued his superb form in the 2014-2015 season in the MASL. As the Comets have started the season 9-0, Harris has chipped in 15 goals and 6 assists for 21 points on the season. Many of those coming from big runs forward and blasts from long range.
Sporting KC Player of the Year
Dom Dwyer
Setting the single season scoring record for the club is definitely a big deal, KC has never been a club that's been known to have one dedicated goal scorer. They haven't been a club that has scored a lot of goals really since the Ron Newman days. But Dwyer had a season that many won't forget soon. At the half way point of the year I was ready to give the award to Benny Feilhaber, but the second half of the season, with Oriol Rosell gone, Feilhaber was forced to drop deeper in the field to help distribute, and his contribution to the team fell from there.
FCKC Player of the Year
Amy Rodriguez
I'd said in my wishes for 2014 that I wanted Rodriguez to become the goal scorer the Blues needed to take the pressure off of Lauren Holiday, and she certainly did that, finishing second in the league in goals with 13. Rodriguez played herself back onto the national team after missing the 2013 season after giving birth. Now if only Jill Ellis would get her on the field more.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
FC Kansas City Win NWSL Championship
I'm one of those people that hasn't fully embraced the whole "Soccer Capital of America" that Sporting Kansas City started last season around the all star game. After today I may be starting to believe in it. At this time, KC hold the championships of all three leagues that they have teams competing in. With FC Kansas City's 2-1 win over the Seattle Reign in the NWSL Championship today, Kansas City now is home to the current holders of MLS Cup (Sporting KC), the NWSL Championship (FC Kansas City), and the indoor league previously known as the MISL (Missouri Comets). A big accomplishment for a city that was drawing flies for their one professional soccer team only a few years ago.
It wasn't easy for FCKC today though. The home side, Reign, came out with a good high press early in the game, pinning the Blues deep in their own end. After enduring the early pressure though, the Blues started to create chances of their own. In the 20th minute after the Reign failed to clear the ball, Jenna Richmond had a shot from the top of the box that hit the outside of the post and bounced out of play. Two minutes later, FCKC went on top. Lauren Holiday led a break, running at a number of Seattle defenders before playing the ball through for Amy Rodriguez who made a diagonal run to stay on side. Rodriguez controlled the ball into the box, looked up as Hope Solo came up and calmly shot the ball over her and into the net giving FCKC the 1-0 lead. Seattle almost responded immediately but Nicole Barnhart made a nice kick save at the near post on Kim Little. Seattle picked up the pressure and shortly after, Little set up Naho Kawasumi on a platter with a nice cross, but Kawasumi headed the ball wide from six yards out. KC had chances of their own, in the 36th a cross into the box was almost turned in by Rodriguez at the near post, but was just wide.
Early in the second half, the Reign had another good opportunity as Megan Rapinoe lofted a cross to the back post where Kawasumi put it on goal, but right into the arms of Barnhart. The pressure continued with Little testing Barnhart with a free kick from the top of the box, but right at the US national team keeper as she held onto the shot. Minutes later FCKC made the Reign pay for the lack of finishing. Holiday again was the architect, receiving the ball out wide and then dribbling down field towards goal. She got into the box, splitting two more Seattle defenders before laying a ball back into the path of Rodriguez who fired into the net to double KC's advantage. A fantastic run by Holiday to set up the goal. With the two goal lead, KC sat back just a little bit, and the Reign took advantage, creating a number of opportunities, but not able to find the net. Rapinoe hit the elbow of the goal in the 84th minute off a deflected shot, but the ball went out for a corner. Late on the Blues had trouble finding possession, instead resorting to booting the ball down field away from danger each time they were able to. In the 87th the Reign finally found the back of the net, making things interesting. A corner was headed off the cross bar by substitute, Mariah Nogueira, the rebound came back to her where she appeared to be fouled by KC's Sarah Hagen. No call was made, eventually the ball fell to Rapinoe at the top of the box. Seattle continued to throw numbers forward late on, but were unable to find another goal and FCKC walked out of Seattle with the championship, the club's first in their second season of existence. Holiday was named the MVP of the Championship for her two assists, and it's hard to argue with, she showed the form that won her the league's MVP award last year and did a marvelous job setting up both of Rodriguez's goals.
And now this tifo by the Blue Crew from earlier this season seems prophetic.
It wasn't easy for FCKC today though. The home side, Reign, came out with a good high press early in the game, pinning the Blues deep in their own end. After enduring the early pressure though, the Blues started to create chances of their own. In the 20th minute after the Reign failed to clear the ball, Jenna Richmond had a shot from the top of the box that hit the outside of the post and bounced out of play. Two minutes later, FCKC went on top. Lauren Holiday led a break, running at a number of Seattle defenders before playing the ball through for Amy Rodriguez who made a diagonal run to stay on side. Rodriguez controlled the ball into the box, looked up as Hope Solo came up and calmly shot the ball over her and into the net giving FCKC the 1-0 lead. Seattle almost responded immediately but Nicole Barnhart made a nice kick save at the near post on Kim Little. Seattle picked up the pressure and shortly after, Little set up Naho Kawasumi on a platter with a nice cross, but Kawasumi headed the ball wide from six yards out. KC had chances of their own, in the 36th a cross into the box was almost turned in by Rodriguez at the near post, but was just wide.
Early in the second half, the Reign had another good opportunity as Megan Rapinoe lofted a cross to the back post where Kawasumi put it on goal, but right into the arms of Barnhart. The pressure continued with Little testing Barnhart with a free kick from the top of the box, but right at the US national team keeper as she held onto the shot. Minutes later FCKC made the Reign pay for the lack of finishing. Holiday again was the architect, receiving the ball out wide and then dribbling down field towards goal. She got into the box, splitting two more Seattle defenders before laying a ball back into the path of Rodriguez who fired into the net to double KC's advantage. A fantastic run by Holiday to set up the goal. With the two goal lead, KC sat back just a little bit, and the Reign took advantage, creating a number of opportunities, but not able to find the net. Rapinoe hit the elbow of the goal in the 84th minute off a deflected shot, but the ball went out for a corner. Late on the Blues had trouble finding possession, instead resorting to booting the ball down field away from danger each time they were able to. In the 87th the Reign finally found the back of the net, making things interesting. A corner was headed off the cross bar by substitute, Mariah Nogueira, the rebound came back to her where she appeared to be fouled by KC's Sarah Hagen. No call was made, eventually the ball fell to Rapinoe at the top of the box. Seattle continued to throw numbers forward late on, but were unable to find another goal and FCKC walked out of Seattle with the championship, the club's first in their second season of existence. Holiday was named the MVP of the Championship for her two assists, and it's hard to argue with, she showed the form that won her the league's MVP award last year and did a marvelous job setting up both of Rodriguez's goals.
And now this tifo by the Blue Crew from earlier this season seems prophetic.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
FC Kansas City Advance to Title Game
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City won 2-0 over Portland Thorns FC in front of 2,997 fans at Verizon Wireless Field in downtown Kansas City, MO. The goals were credited to team leaders Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday. The Blues now advance to the championship match with the opponent and location being determined after the second semifinal match on Sunday.
FC Kansas City won 2-0 over Portland Thorns FC in front of 2,997 fans at Verizon Wireless Field in downtown Kansas City, MO. The goals were credited to team leaders Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday. The Blues now advance to the championship match with the opponent and location being determined after the second semifinal match on Sunday.
The match had a slower
pace due to the notorious Kansas City summer heat. The action was still
what is expected of Kansas City and Portland. In the opening minutes,
Kansas City had an attack that had potential. The play slipped past
Portland’s backline and ended in an offside call.
In the 14th minute,
rookie Jenna Richmond made a beautiful run in to the attacking third.
She had the first promising play of the match when she fired off a shot
at goalkeeper, Nadine Angerer. The ball rolled just wide of the net but
set a tempo for the match.
Portland’s Emily Menges and Erika Tymrak both went for the ball just beyond midfield in the 21st minute. Menges tackled Tymrak who tumbled to the turf. The referee showed Menges a yellow for the first caution of the match.
Rodriguez experienced a
controversial moment late in the second half when she was taken down in
the box by Portland’s defense. The referee did not call for a foul or a
penalty kick and the play continued in to the final seconds of the first
half. Without that call, the teams went to the locker room scoreless.
After the break, both teams reentered the heat and prepared for the second half. Rodriguez broke the stalemate in the 63rd minute
with a play from Holiday. Kansas City’s dynamic duo struck Portland’s
defense with world-class style and gave the Blues a lead.
Kansas City doubled the lead in the 87th minute
with a goal from Holiday. Sarah Hagen sent a beautiful ball to Holiday;
she redirected the ball and found the back post for the Blues’ second
goal.
The match ended minutes
later and solidified Kansas City’s ticket in the championship match. The
Blues will either host the Washington Spirit or visit Seattle Reign FC
depending on the winner of Sunday’s Match. FC Kansas City will play for the NWSL Championship on Sunday, August 31st at 3:00 PM.
Monday, July 28, 2014
FCKC Top Sky Blue FC
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City fought with Sky Blue FC to a 2-1 victory in front of 1,852 fans tonight on Verizon Wireless Field. The Blues’ undefeated record at home still stands as Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday secure an important win tonight.
The match had an exciting start. Katrina Gorry took a tumble after a shot that goalkeeper Jill Loyden saved quickly. The game’s energy matched the Kansas City summer heat on the field. Erika Tymrak also had a close shot. NWSL’s 2013 Rookie of the Year took a beautiful shot that Loyden just saved.
Though the Blues had stunning offensive attacks, the New Jersey club challenged Kansas City and kept the pressure in the defensive third. FC Kansas City finally broke through Sky Blue FC’s defense in the 34th minute. The dangerous team of Sarah Hagen, Holiday and Rodriguez worked the ball around the defenders in the box. Holiday found an open Rodriguez who fired a shot past Loyden. It was Rodriguez’s eleventh goal of the season.
FC Kansas City controlled the ball for the remaining minutes of the first half. Gorry looked up to see a streaking Hagen but Sky Blue’s defense was there to intercept the pass. The first half closed out with the Blues up 1-0.
The second half looked similar to the first, the Blues controlled the ball with a few chances against the run of play. Rodriguez looked dangerous in the 59th minute when she had a close shot for her 12th goal of the season but Loyden was there to keep the score 1-0 with 30 minutes remaining.
Amy LePeilbet made a huge defensive play for FC Kansas City in the 64th minute. LePeilbet took on multiple New Jersey attackers on her own to possess the ball and clear it out of the defensive third.
The score increased by one in the 70th minute when Frances Silva sent a beautiful cross from 18 yards out to find an open Holiday. She found her opportunity to take a shot and found the back of the net. The Blues went up to 2-0 with Holiday’s eighth goal of the season.
Sky Blue FC scored in the 87th minute. Gorry had a pass intercepted by Nadia Nadim who turned the ball and broke the shutout. The New Jersey club controlled the match with scary close chances on goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. June’s Player of the Month held strong and the game ended at 2-1.
FC Kansas City fought with Sky Blue FC to a 2-1 victory in front of 1,852 fans tonight on Verizon Wireless Field. The Blues’ undefeated record at home still stands as Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday secure an important win tonight.
The match had an exciting start. Katrina Gorry took a tumble after a shot that goalkeeper Jill Loyden saved quickly. The game’s energy matched the Kansas City summer heat on the field. Erika Tymrak also had a close shot. NWSL’s 2013 Rookie of the Year took a beautiful shot that Loyden just saved.
Though the Blues had stunning offensive attacks, the New Jersey club challenged Kansas City and kept the pressure in the defensive third. FC Kansas City finally broke through Sky Blue FC’s defense in the 34th minute. The dangerous team of Sarah Hagen, Holiday and Rodriguez worked the ball around the defenders in the box. Holiday found an open Rodriguez who fired a shot past Loyden. It was Rodriguez’s eleventh goal of the season.
FC Kansas City controlled the ball for the remaining minutes of the first half. Gorry looked up to see a streaking Hagen but Sky Blue’s defense was there to intercept the pass. The first half closed out with the Blues up 1-0.
The second half looked similar to the first, the Blues controlled the ball with a few chances against the run of play. Rodriguez looked dangerous in the 59th minute when she had a close shot for her 12th goal of the season but Loyden was there to keep the score 1-0 with 30 minutes remaining.
Amy LePeilbet made a huge defensive play for FC Kansas City in the 64th minute. LePeilbet took on multiple New Jersey attackers on her own to possess the ball and clear it out of the defensive third.
The score increased by one in the 70th minute when Frances Silva sent a beautiful cross from 18 yards out to find an open Holiday. She found her opportunity to take a shot and found the back of the net. The Blues went up to 2-0 with Holiday’s eighth goal of the season.
Sky Blue FC scored in the 87th minute. Gorry had a pass intercepted by Nadia Nadim who turned the ball and broke the shutout. The New Jersey club controlled the match with scary close chances on goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. June’s Player of the Month held strong and the game ended at 2-1.
Monday, July 07, 2014
FCKC Drop Five on Sky Blue
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City (10-4-3 33 pts) won a big road game tonight against Sky Blue FC (3-7-7 16 pts). The Blues shut out the New Jersey club 5-0 on Yurcak Field in front of 1,349 fans. Second place Kansas City had four goal scorers throughout the night: Erika Tymrak, Sarah Hagen, Lauren Holiday and Amy Rodriguez. Hagen started her first match with FC Kansas City and tallied a brace.
FC Kansas City (10-4-3 33 pts) won a big road game tonight against Sky Blue FC (3-7-7 16 pts). The Blues shut out the New Jersey club 5-0 on Yurcak Field in front of 1,349 fans. Second place Kansas City had four goal scorers throughout the night: Erika Tymrak, Sarah Hagen, Lauren Holiday and Amy Rodriguez. Hagen started her first match with FC Kansas City and tallied a brace.
The match started out with a bang when Tymrak put the Blues
on the board in the second minute. Leigh Ann Robinson received the ball out
wide, after beating her defender she sent it in to the box. After some bouncing
around, Tymrak got a foot on the ball and knocked it in.
FC Kansas City controlled the ball all over the field and just
minutes later scored again. Holiday stepped up to take a corner and it bounced
off of goalkeeper Brittany Cameron for another Kansas City corner. The second
kick curved perfectly to sail over the goal line and hit the side net.
Holiday’s seventh goal of the season put the Blues up 2-0 in the opening ten
minutes.
The third goal of the first half came from Hagen in the 20th
minute. Tymrak sent a long ball up to the newest FC Kansas City member. Hagen
brought the ball down to her feet and sent it past Cameron who was playing up
off of the goal line. The goal was Hagen’s first in her National Women’s Soccer
League career.
Hagen scored again in the 42nd minute of the
match on a counter attack. Holiday took a shot that just bounced off the post.
Cameron dove for Holiday’s shot leaving the net open for Hagen to head the
rebound in. FC Kansas City went to the locker rooms up 4-0.
The Blues’ best half of the season could be contributed to a
formation change for this match. Hagen started up at the front with Rodriguez,
distributing attacking pressure between the two. There was also a large
cheering section for the Blues at the game tonight. Defender Nikki Phillips,
goalkeepers Nicole Barnhart and Sara Keane had a total of around 100 family members in
attendance.
Sky Blue FC came out from the short break ready to defend
and fight back. The New Jersey club found 10 shots with 4 on target in the
second half. The first 45 minutes were clearly controlled by FC Kansas City,
but the last 45 saw an aggressive Sky Blue FC.
The Blues were still hungry for more goals throughout the
second half. Close shots came from all over the Kansas City roster including
the goal scorers. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski brought in three substitutes to
build up the defense. June’s Player of the Month, Barnhart, did her new
title proud with beautiful saves, especially in the second half.
The 4-0 score stuck late in to the second half and looked to
remain there until the final minute of the match. Liz Bogus received a pass on
the outside and found Rodriguez in the middle at the top of the box. Bogus sent
it over and Rodriguez took a shot. The ball went past Cameron’s hands and to
the back of the net. FC Kansas City made it 5-0 as the match closed out.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
FCKC Tops Portland
FC Kansas City (9-4-3 30 pts) won 1-0 over Portland Thorns FC (6-6-2 20 pts) in front of 2,421 fans on Verizon Wireless Field tonight. Lauren Holiday scored her sixth goal of the season tonight late in the first half. FC Kansas City stays comfortably in second place after gaining another 3 points at home.
Tonight’s match was preceded by rain for most of the day and stopped only an hour before kick off. The electricity between the two teams was still prevalent throughout the game.
Holiday started the game off in the 3rd minute when she fired a shot on Nadine Angerer from outside box but it went over the crossbar. Alex Morgan quickly retaliated by pressuring goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart as she safely picked up the ball in the 6th minute. Portland maintained control of the ball in the first part of the match.
The momentum shifted in favor of Kansas City towards the end of the first half. In the 29thminute, Amy Rodriguez had a beautiful run towards the goal but it went just wide of the goal. A few minutes later, Holiday was fouled just on the other side of midfield. Jen Buczkowski took the resulting free kick to find an open Holiday. The 2013 MVP tried to head the ball in to the net, but Angerer saved.
Holiday’s goal came in the 41st minute when Rodriguez made a run on a Portland defender. Her foot slid in to steal the ball and she took it to the side of the goal. Holiday came running in to get the cross from Rodriguez and netted it past Angerer. Portland kept defense in mind first for the rest of the half and the Blues led 1-0 at half.
The second half saw the only caution early on. Amber Brooks was shown a yellow card after a collision with Holiday in the 50th minute. Angerer was bold coming off her line throughout the match, which Kansas City noticed. Just shy of the hour marker, Rodriguez looked up to see Angerer off her line and chipped a long ball that bounced just wide of the net. Minutes later, Holiday put the ball in the net, but she was declared offsides and a no-goal.
Portland brought on a substitute, Jessica McDonald, who gave the Kansas City defense trouble the rest of the night. McDonald had close chances throughout on the night, one of which landed on top of the net off of a corner kick.
Sarah Hagen made her FC Kansas City debut in the 77th minute when she came on for Rodriguez. The Appleton, WI native has spent time with Bayern Munich in Germany and the US National Team before joining the Blues.
Portland had a dangerous play with just minutes left on the clock when Allie Long took a shot that looked like it was headed straight in. The ball bounced off the crossbar with a little help from Barnhart keeping the score 1-0 as the game ended.
FC Kansas City remains undefeated at home and continues an undefeated streak to 8 games. The Blues will be on the road for the next three games, the first being in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC.
Tonight’s match was preceded by rain for most of the day and stopped only an hour before kick off. The electricity between the two teams was still prevalent throughout the game.
Holiday started the game off in the 3rd minute when she fired a shot on Nadine Angerer from outside box but it went over the crossbar. Alex Morgan quickly retaliated by pressuring goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart as she safely picked up the ball in the 6th minute. Portland maintained control of the ball in the first part of the match.
The momentum shifted in favor of Kansas City towards the end of the first half. In the 29thminute, Amy Rodriguez had a beautiful run towards the goal but it went just wide of the goal. A few minutes later, Holiday was fouled just on the other side of midfield. Jen Buczkowski took the resulting free kick to find an open Holiday. The 2013 MVP tried to head the ball in to the net, but Angerer saved.
Holiday’s goal came in the 41st minute when Rodriguez made a run on a Portland defender. Her foot slid in to steal the ball and she took it to the side of the goal. Holiday came running in to get the cross from Rodriguez and netted it past Angerer. Portland kept defense in mind first for the rest of the half and the Blues led 1-0 at half.
The second half saw the only caution early on. Amber Brooks was shown a yellow card after a collision with Holiday in the 50th minute. Angerer was bold coming off her line throughout the match, which Kansas City noticed. Just shy of the hour marker, Rodriguez looked up to see Angerer off her line and chipped a long ball that bounced just wide of the net. Minutes later, Holiday put the ball in the net, but she was declared offsides and a no-goal.
Portland brought on a substitute, Jessica McDonald, who gave the Kansas City defense trouble the rest of the night. McDonald had close chances throughout on the night, one of which landed on top of the net off of a corner kick.
Sarah Hagen made her FC Kansas City debut in the 77th minute when she came on for Rodriguez. The Appleton, WI native has spent time with Bayern Munich in Germany and the US National Team before joining the Blues.
Portland had a dangerous play with just minutes left on the clock when Allie Long took a shot that looked like it was headed straight in. The ball bounced off the crossbar with a little help from Barnhart keeping the score 1-0 as the game ended.
FC Kansas City remains undefeated at home and continues an undefeated streak to 8 games. The Blues will be on the road for the next three games, the first being in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC.
Sunday, June 08, 2014
Pair of PKs Sees FCKC Top Boston
FC Kansas City (6-4-3 21 pts) moves to a 3 game winning streak and 5 games undefeated with a 2-0 win over Boston Breakers (2-8-0 6 pts) in front of 1,457 fans tonight. Lauren Holiday capitalized on two penalty kicks in the first half. The first penalty came from Amy Rodriguez being fouled and the second from Erika Tymrak being fouled. This match brings the aggregate goal total between the two clubs to 4-0, continuing FC Kansas City’s shutout of Boston in the 2014 National Women's Soccer League regular season.
The first half saw both goals, the first coming in the 14th minute when Rodriguez was tripped up just inside the box and a foul was called. Holiday stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and easily netted it to take the lead. The goal boosted FC Kansas City’s confidence and saw a clear momentum definition in favor of the Blues. A few attempts on goal from both sides filled the time between goals for Kansas City. In the 33rd minute, Tymrak took on two defenders in the box, she tried to sneak in the open space but was taken down for a foul. Holiday once again stepped up to the line and went the opposite way to throw off Boston goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for the second and final goal of the night.
The second half was a midfield battle from both sides. FC Kansas City trying to maintain the lead while having defenders like Becky Sauerbrunn and Kassey Kallman make runs in to the attacking third of the pitch. The Breakers still challenged the Blues with attempts that kept the fans on the edge of their seat. Amy LePeilbet saw her return on Wednesday entered the game in the 63rd minute and saw more playing time. Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart made picture perfect saves throughout the night, proving she is one of the best in the league. Rookie Mandy Laddish made her professional debut entering the match in the 87th minute for Holiday. Boston had a close call in the final minutes when Nikki Phillips tried to contain a bouncing ball but the Breakers had a close range shot. The final shot went high over the net and kept the score at 2-0 as the final whistle sounded.
The first half saw both goals, the first coming in the 14th minute when Rodriguez was tripped up just inside the box and a foul was called. Holiday stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and easily netted it to take the lead. The goal boosted FC Kansas City’s confidence and saw a clear momentum definition in favor of the Blues. A few attempts on goal from both sides filled the time between goals for Kansas City. In the 33rd minute, Tymrak took on two defenders in the box, she tried to sneak in the open space but was taken down for a foul. Holiday once again stepped up to the line and went the opposite way to throw off Boston goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for the second and final goal of the night.
The second half was a midfield battle from both sides. FC Kansas City trying to maintain the lead while having defenders like Becky Sauerbrunn and Kassey Kallman make runs in to the attacking third of the pitch. The Breakers still challenged the Blues with attempts that kept the fans on the edge of their seat. Amy LePeilbet saw her return on Wednesday entered the game in the 63rd minute and saw more playing time. Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart made picture perfect saves throughout the night, proving she is one of the best in the league. Rookie Mandy Laddish made her professional debut entering the match in the 87th minute for Holiday. Boston had a close call in the final minutes when Nikki Phillips tried to contain a bouncing ball but the Breakers had a close range shot. The final shot went high over the net and kept the score at 2-0 as the final whistle sounded.
Monday, May 19, 2014
FCKC Draw with Expansion Dash
FC Kansas City draws 2-2 with Houston Dash at Verizon Wireless Field in front of 1,483 fans. The Blues credit two beautiful goals to Lauren Holiday and Erika Tymrak. Jordan Jackson and Tiffany McCarty scored Houston's goals for the night. Each team takes a point away from tonight's match bringing Kansas City to 11 points and Houston to 4.
The match started with a bang when Tymrak played a through ball to Holiday who easily found the back of the net in the second minute. Houston answered the early goal when Jackson netted one with an assist from Nina Burger. Erika Tymrak played a ball through her defender's legs to hit the upper 90 and score Kansas City's second goal. Houston would try to retaliate, but the first half would end.
Both teams played with even more intensity in the second half. Goalkeepers Nicole Barnhart and Erin McLeod were put to the test with shots fired from all angles. In the 78th minute, Tiffany McCarty netted the equalizer on a play from Ella Masar. Two Dash players received yellow cards in the match. Burger received her's the 65th minute for fouling Tymrak. Osinachi Ohale was shown the other in the 90th minute. Kansas City's Nikki Phillips received a yellow card in the 79th for a rough foul.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
FCKC Fall Short in Seattle
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City traveled to Seattle to take on the undefeated Reign. The thrilling match continues Seattle’s streak but not without a challenge. Kansas City’s two goals doubled the Reign’s goals allowed this season. Seattle netted two quick goals but could not hold the Blues off for long. At the final whistle, Kansas City would be down 3-2.
FC Kansas City returns home on Sunday, May 18, to take on the newest club in the league, the Houston Dash. This will be the second
meeting between the two teams. The Blues go into the match with a game advantage on the series. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00p.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased by calling 855.4KC.GOAL.
FC Kansas City traveled to Seattle to take on the undefeated Reign. The thrilling match continues Seattle’s streak but not without a challenge. Kansas City’s two goals doubled the Reign’s goals allowed this season. Seattle netted two quick goals but could not hold the Blues off for long. At the final whistle, Kansas City would be down 3-2.
The
first half started with a bang for the Reign. Kendall Fletcher scored
the first while Kim Little scored on a penalty kick minutes later. Even
down two goals, the Blues remained
calm and kept the traditional possessive game plan. Liz Bogus and Amy
Rodriguez made beautiful runs against their former club, but nothing to
put on the scoreboard.
FC
Kansas City found a chance at scoring when Beverly Goebel fouled
Rodriguez in the box. Lauren Holiday took the resulting penalty kick and
sent it past Seattle’s Hope Solo in
the 44th minute. The whistle sent the teams to the locker room with the Reign up 2-1.
After the break, Erika Tymrak came on for Kansas City in the 57th
minute for Liz Bogus. Tymrak made her presence known with an equalizing
goal from outside the box
that sailed right over Solo’s hands. The two goals marked a turning
point in the game, both clubs eager for the leading goal. The backlines
of both teams were put to the test with play after play. Goalkeepers
Solo and Nicole Barnhart showed why they are two
of the best in the world with major saves.
Seattle found the game-winning goal in the 76th minute off a header from team captain Keelin Winters that Barnhart just missed. Kansas City fought hard to try and find
one more goal but the match would end.
Friday, January 03, 2014
NWSL Announce Player Allocation for 2014
The NWSL today announced the player allocation for the 2014 season. As of right now, FC Kansas City is allocated seven players from the US, Canadian, and Mexican federations. Two of those players are new from last year, Amy Rodriguez, who the club traded Kristie Mewis to Seattle for, and Cecilia Santiago, a goalkeeper for Mexico. The other five are all returning players, Nicole Barnhart, Lauren Holiday, and Becky Sauerbrunn from the US and Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann from Canda.
Boston Breakers
Meghan Klingenberg (USA)
Kristie Mewis (USA)
Heather O'Reilly (USA)
Chelsea Stewart (CAN)
Kaylyn Kyle (CAN)
Dinora Garza (MEX)
Chicago Red Stars
Shannon Boxx (USA)
Amy LePeilbet (USA)
Christen Press (USA)
Adriana Leon (CAN)
Erin McLeod (CAN)
Rachel Quon (CAN)
The questions on Scott's move, and Sesselmann's rumored move to Notts County are still hanging in the air, but the two as of now are expected to be in camp with FCKC. That will be something to keep an eye on in the days moving forward, especially with the expansion draft for the Houston Dash coming up soon.
Speaking of the expansion draft, it could have big implications for the Blues. Today, the Dash were allocated their first three players, one from each of the participating federations. Word is that the team's other two allocated American players will come through the expansion draft. With KC being one of two clubs (Seattle the other) with four Americans currently allocated to the club, it's easy to deduce that KC and Seattle will be the two clubs losing an allocated American.
For FCKC, with Barnhart Holiday, Rodriguez, and Sauerbrunn it's hard to decide who they'd lose. With Holiday being the league's reigning MVP, I can't see the club letting her leave. Rodriguez was just acquired from Seattle in the offseason and is another that I don't see KC being pushed to give up. That leaves Barnhart and Sauerbrunn. Currently with the addition of Santiago, KC now has three goalkeepers on their roster with Barnhart and Bianca Henninger. I can't see KC carrying three keepers this year, so one of those three will be departing. Now whether that's Barnhart or Henninger is another question.
It's going to be a big loss for FCKC either way. Whatever happens, the Blues could end up with a big hole up the middle of the field somewhere. Or it could be multiple holes if Scott does not return to the club.
Here's the rest of the allocated players.
Boston Breakers
Meghan Klingenberg (USA)
Kristie Mewis (USA)
Heather O'Reilly (USA)
Chelsea Stewart (CAN)
Kaylyn Kyle (CAN)
Dinora Garza (MEX)
Chicago Red Stars
Shannon Boxx (USA)
Amy LePeilbet (USA)
Christen Press (USA)
Adriana Leon (CAN)
Erin McLeod (CAN)
Rachel Quon (CAN)
Houston Dash
Whitney Engen (USA)
Melissa Tancredi (CAN)
Teresa Noyola (MEX)
Portland Thorns FC
Rachel Buehler (USA)
Tobin Heath (USA)
Alex Morgan (USA)
Christine Sinclair (CAN)
Karina LeBlanc (CAN)
Jackie Acevedo (MEX)
Seattle Reign FC
Stephanie Cox (USA)
Sydney Leroux (USA)
Megan Rapinoe (USA)
Hope Solo (USA)
Carmelina Moscato (CAN)
Arianna Romero (MEX)
Sky Blue FC
Jill Loyden (USA)
Kelley O'Hara (USA)
Christie Rampone (USA)
Jonelle Filigno (CAN)
Sophie Schmidt (CAN)
Monica Ocampo (MEX)
Whitney Engen (USA)
Melissa Tancredi (CAN)
Teresa Noyola (MEX)
Portland Thorns FC
Rachel Buehler (USA)
Tobin Heath (USA)
Alex Morgan (USA)
Christine Sinclair (CAN)
Karina LeBlanc (CAN)
Jackie Acevedo (MEX)
Seattle Reign FC
Stephanie Cox (USA)
Sydney Leroux (USA)
Megan Rapinoe (USA)
Hope Solo (USA)
Carmelina Moscato (CAN)
Arianna Romero (MEX)
Sky Blue FC
Jill Loyden (USA)
Kelley O'Hara (USA)
Christie Rampone (USA)
Jonelle Filigno (CAN)
Sophie Schmidt (CAN)
Monica Ocampo (MEX)
Washington Spirit
Yael Averbuch (USA)
Ashlyn Harris (USA)
Ali Krieger (USA)
Robyn Gayle (CAN)
Diana Matheson (CAN)
Renae Cuellar (MEX)
Yael Averbuch (USA)
Ashlyn Harris (USA)
Ali Krieger (USA)
Robyn Gayle (CAN)
Diana Matheson (CAN)
Renae Cuellar (MEX)
Western New York Flash
Carli Lloyd (USA)
Abby Wambach (USA)
Selenia Iacchelli (CAN)
Veronica Perez (MEX)
Carli Lloyd (USA)
Abby Wambach (USA)
Selenia Iacchelli (CAN)
Veronica Perez (MEX)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013 Moments of the Year
With 2013 coming to a close, here are some moments of the year.
Game of the Year
11/23 vs Houston Dynamo
It'd be an easy thing for me to pick MLS Cup against Salt Lake. And while that game was exciting and brought KC a trophy this year, I'm going with the win that got KC there. Falling behind 1-0 after just three minutes to the team that had knocked KC out of the playoffs the last two years there was plenty of "here we go again" comments from fans. On the field though KC took control of the game against the Dynamo. And without Ricardo Clark in the middle of the field for the Dynamo, Benny Feilhaber had room to run at the Houston back line. Those runs led to both of KC's goals as KC finally overcame the Dynamo and advanced to MLS Cup.
Goal of the Year
Benny Feilhaber 8/31 vs Colorado
There were a number of good goals this year, from the one touch passing on Claudio Bieler's goal against Toronto, to Graham Zusi's shross against the Chicago Fire, and Dom Dwyer's winner in the Eastern Conference finals. But the goal of the year was Feilhaber's outside of the foot blast against the Colorado Rapids. Dwyer won a ball with a sliding challenge from Hendry Thomas and the ball fell to Feilhaber who took one touch with his right and then let fly with the outside of his right foot. The ball curled around Clint Irwin and into the net giving KC a 1-0 lead in a game they'd end up winning 2-1.
Assist of the year
Benny Feilhaber to Dom Dwyer vs Houston 11/23
A fantastic little chip over a couple Houston defenders right into the path of Dwyer whose finish matched the fantastic set up by Feilhaber. That type of play is why Feilhaber was brought in, to give KC a bit more of that creative spark. And in the playoffs, Feilhaber definitely brought it.
Honorable mention - Soony Saad, Kei Kamara, and Benny Feilhaber, one touch passing sets up Claudio Bieler against Toronto.
Best player that is underrated outside KC.
Seth Sinovic
Sporting's left back had another solid season for Kansas City, in fact he was my vote for KC's defender of the year this year. He appeared in 42 of KC's 45 games in all competitions and played more minutes than any other player this year. With Chris Klute having a breakout season for Colorado, Sinovic has again been "overlooked" by larger media. But hopefully Sinovic has done enough this year to finally get the call up many KC fans feel he deserves.
Low moment of the year
1-0 loss to Orlando 6/12
KC's last game before the US Open Cup match up with affiliate club, Orlando City was on 6/1. So they had 11 days since their 2-1 loss at home to Montreal. So they were well rested, and they had another 10 days before their next league game against Dallas. Combine that with the fact that Orlando's leading scorer, Dom Dwyer did not play in the game because of the affiliate agreement between KC and Orlando kept him and KC's other loaned players from playing in the game. Orlando though came in with a chip on their shoulder, scored in just the second minute and held on to top Sporting 1-0.
Non-Sporting KC, KC player moment
10/15 Graham Zusi vs Panama
What this is, is a moment for a Sporting KC player away from Sporting KC. While it'd be easy to pick Zusi's goal at Sporting Park against Jamaica, I'm choosing his goal a few days later. Mainly because his goal against Panama made him a cult hero in Mexico. San Zusi should probably be enjoying an all expenses paid trip to a Mexican resort at some point for that goal.
Comets Goal of the Year
1/19/13 Leo Gibson vs Rochester Lancers
Gibson had a heck of a performance against the Lancers in this game, setting an MISL record for points in a game with 16, scoring 6 goals and adding 2 assists. His best goal was his fifth, a bicycle kick off a long ball from Vahid Assadpour. The goal starts at 1:55 in the below video.
FC Kansas City Goal of the Year
6/23/13 Lauren Holiday (Cheney) vs Washington Spirit
In their first game against the Washington Spirit, Holiday scored both goals, but it was her first goal that was her best. Receiving the ball at the top of the 10 yard arc at the top of the box, Holiday took a centering touch and then let fly with a shot that went into the corner, a great shot.
KC Soccer Player of the Year
Lauren Holiday (Cheney)
In the NWSL's first season, US women's national team player, Lauren Holiday had a fantastic season. She was named the league's MVP while leading the league in both goals (12) and assists (9). On top of winning the MVP award, Holiday also got married this year and played a key role for the US throughout the years.
Game of the Year
11/23 vs Houston Dynamo
It'd be an easy thing for me to pick MLS Cup against Salt Lake. And while that game was exciting and brought KC a trophy this year, I'm going with the win that got KC there. Falling behind 1-0 after just three minutes to the team that had knocked KC out of the playoffs the last two years there was plenty of "here we go again" comments from fans. On the field though KC took control of the game against the Dynamo. And without Ricardo Clark in the middle of the field for the Dynamo, Benny Feilhaber had room to run at the Houston back line. Those runs led to both of KC's goals as KC finally overcame the Dynamo and advanced to MLS Cup.
Goal of the Year
Benny Feilhaber 8/31 vs Colorado
There were a number of good goals this year, from the one touch passing on Claudio Bieler's goal against Toronto, to Graham Zusi's shross against the Chicago Fire, and Dom Dwyer's winner in the Eastern Conference finals. But the goal of the year was Feilhaber's outside of the foot blast against the Colorado Rapids. Dwyer won a ball with a sliding challenge from Hendry Thomas and the ball fell to Feilhaber who took one touch with his right and then let fly with the outside of his right foot. The ball curled around Clint Irwin and into the net giving KC a 1-0 lead in a game they'd end up winning 2-1.
Assist of the year
Benny Feilhaber to Dom Dwyer vs Houston 11/23
A fantastic little chip over a couple Houston defenders right into the path of Dwyer whose finish matched the fantastic set up by Feilhaber. That type of play is why Feilhaber was brought in, to give KC a bit more of that creative spark. And in the playoffs, Feilhaber definitely brought it.
Honorable mention - Soony Saad, Kei Kamara, and Benny Feilhaber, one touch passing sets up Claudio Bieler against Toronto.
Best player that is underrated outside KC.
Seth Sinovic
Sporting's left back had another solid season for Kansas City, in fact he was my vote for KC's defender of the year this year. He appeared in 42 of KC's 45 games in all competitions and played more minutes than any other player this year. With Chris Klute having a breakout season for Colorado, Sinovic has again been "overlooked" by larger media. But hopefully Sinovic has done enough this year to finally get the call up many KC fans feel he deserves.
Low moment of the year
1-0 loss to Orlando 6/12
KC's last game before the US Open Cup match up with affiliate club, Orlando City was on 6/1. So they had 11 days since their 2-1 loss at home to Montreal. So they were well rested, and they had another 10 days before their next league game against Dallas. Combine that with the fact that Orlando's leading scorer, Dom Dwyer did not play in the game because of the affiliate agreement between KC and Orlando kept him and KC's other loaned players from playing in the game. Orlando though came in with a chip on their shoulder, scored in just the second minute and held on to top Sporting 1-0.
Non-Sporting KC, KC player moment
10/15 Graham Zusi vs Panama
What this is, is a moment for a Sporting KC player away from Sporting KC. While it'd be easy to pick Zusi's goal at Sporting Park against Jamaica, I'm choosing his goal a few days later. Mainly because his goal against Panama made him a cult hero in Mexico. San Zusi should probably be enjoying an all expenses paid trip to a Mexican resort at some point for that goal.
Comets Goal of the Year
1/19/13 Leo Gibson vs Rochester Lancers
Gibson had a heck of a performance against the Lancers in this game, setting an MISL record for points in a game with 16, scoring 6 goals and adding 2 assists. His best goal was his fifth, a bicycle kick off a long ball from Vahid Assadpour. The goal starts at 1:55 in the below video.
FC Kansas City Goal of the Year
6/23/13 Lauren Holiday (Cheney) vs Washington Spirit
In their first game against the Washington Spirit, Holiday scored both goals, but it was her first goal that was her best. Receiving the ball at the top of the 10 yard arc at the top of the box, Holiday took a centering touch and then let fly with a shot that went into the corner, a great shot.
KC Soccer Player of the Year
Lauren Holiday (Cheney)
In the NWSL's first season, US women's national team player, Lauren Holiday had a fantastic season. She was named the league's MVP while leading the league in both goals (12) and assists (9). On top of winning the MVP award, Holiday also got married this year and played a key role for the US throughout the years.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Palmer-Brown, Holiday Up for Awards, Saad and Lebanon Fall
Some news for you today.
Palmer-Brown and Holiday up for US Soccer awards.
US Soccer has announced the finalists for the year end awards for 2013, and two players for local teams were named finalists.
Sporting KC's latest home grown player, Erik Palmer-Brown is up for Young Male Athlete of the Year. Palmer-Brown represented the US at the U15, U17, and U18 levels this year competing in tournaments in Italy, Japan, and France. Palmer-Brown is up against three other professional, Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas, Shane O'Neill from Colorado, and Will Trapp from Columbus. Also nominated is Shaquell Moore, from the US U17 team.
Also nominated for one of the awards is NWSL MVP and FCKC midfielder, Lauren Holiday, is nominated for Female Athlete of the Year. Holiday had 12 goals and nine assists for FC Kansas City this year in her MVP season. She added three goals and six assists while playing with the US national team. Holiday is up against Sydney Leroux, Carli Loyd, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Abby Wambach.
Saad and Lebanon Fall to Iran
It ended up being the minor news of the day in Beirut after the bombing, but Soony Saad and the Lebanese national team played Iran in a big AFC Asian Cup qualifier. After the bombing though, the game was played behind closed doors with no fans in attendance. Saad ended up being an unused substitute in the game as Lebanon fell to Iran 4-1.
The loss put Lebanon in 3rd place in the group with one game left. There is still a chance that Lebanon can qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup though as the best 3rd place team. They currently are the second best team, one point behind Iraq. The final match day sees Lebanon play in Thailand against the fourth place team in their group. Iraq meanwhile plays at home against China who is second place in their group.
There is another question though and that's Group A, where only one team has played 5 games. Oman has clinched a spot in the tournament having played just four games. Jordan is on 5 points after only 3 games. Syria has played 5 games and sits on 4 points, while Singapore has 3 points from 4 games. So there's certainly some questions there that could keep Lebanon out of the tournament.
Palmer-Brown and Holiday up for US Soccer awards.
US Soccer has announced the finalists for the year end awards for 2013, and two players for local teams were named finalists.
Sporting KC's latest home grown player, Erik Palmer-Brown is up for Young Male Athlete of the Year. Palmer-Brown represented the US at the U15, U17, and U18 levels this year competing in tournaments in Italy, Japan, and France. Palmer-Brown is up against three other professional, Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas, Shane O'Neill from Colorado, and Will Trapp from Columbus. Also nominated is Shaquell Moore, from the US U17 team.
Also nominated for one of the awards is NWSL MVP and FCKC midfielder, Lauren Holiday, is nominated for Female Athlete of the Year. Holiday had 12 goals and nine assists for FC Kansas City this year in her MVP season. She added three goals and six assists while playing with the US national team. Holiday is up against Sydney Leroux, Carli Loyd, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Abby Wambach.
Saad and Lebanon Fall to Iran
It ended up being the minor news of the day in Beirut after the bombing, but Soony Saad and the Lebanese national team played Iran in a big AFC Asian Cup qualifier. After the bombing though, the game was played behind closed doors with no fans in attendance. Saad ended up being an unused substitute in the game as Lebanon fell to Iran 4-1.
The loss put Lebanon in 3rd place in the group with one game left. There is still a chance that Lebanon can qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup though as the best 3rd place team. They currently are the second best team, one point behind Iraq. The final match day sees Lebanon play in Thailand against the fourth place team in their group. Iraq meanwhile plays at home against China who is second place in their group.
There is another question though and that's Group A, where only one team has played 5 games. Oman has clinched a spot in the tournament having played just four games. Jordan is on 5 points after only 3 games. Syria has played 5 games and sits on 4 points, while Singapore has 3 points from 4 games. So there's certainly some questions there that could keep Lebanon out of the tournament.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Five FC Kansas City Players Called Up by the US
US Soccer announced the women's roster for three upcoming friendlies in October. The first of the three matches, on October 20th in San Antonio against Australia. Then on the 27th in San Francisco against New Zealand, before closing out against New Zealand again on the 30th in Columbus.
Five FC Kansas City players have received the call up for these games. All three of KC's allocated players, Nicole Barnhart, Lauren Holiday, and Becky Sauerbrunn are all called up. They are joined by KC's first round draft pick, Kristie Mewis, and Leigh Ann Robinson. FCKC's five representatives are the most of any team on the roster.
Five FC Kansas City players have received the call up for these games. All three of KC's allocated players, Nicole Barnhart, Lauren Holiday, and Becky Sauerbrunn are all called up. They are joined by KC's first round draft pick, Kristie Mewis, and Leigh Ann Robinson. FCKC's five representatives are the most of any team on the roster.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Catching Up on FC Kansas City
Apologies for the lack of posts regarding FC Kansas City not just in the last week, but the season as a whole. Life has been catching up with me a bit and I had to cut down a little bit in some of my coverage, unfortunately it was the Blues that had to get chopped a bit.
Year End Awards
While FC Kansas City's season ended last weekend against Portland in the NWSL semifinals, FCKC did clean up when it came to the end of season awards. FCKC swept all the individual awards and put seven players on the first and second team Best XI.
In goalkeeper of the year, Nicole Barnhart won the award, finishing the season with 10 shutouts, the most in the league and finished 3rd in goals against average with .95.
Erika Tymrak won the league's rookie of the year award. After starting the season as a substitute off the bench, Tymrak established herself as key to the Blues attack as the season went on. She finished the season with six goals and four assists.
Another award FC Kansas City won was defender of the year, which was award to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn helped to anchor the defense in front of goalkeeper for the year, Barnhart.
Coach of the year in the NWSL went to the Blues coach, Vlatko Andonovski. In his first season coaching at this level, Andonovski led FC Kansas City to an 11-6-5 record, tied for the most points in the league, and second in the table.
In the award that probably surprised people the least, Lauren Holiday was named the NWSL MVP. Holiday also won the league's Golden Boot, scoring 12 goals while also adding 8 assists. Basically Holiday contributed in 59% of the Blues goals this year, and also missed four games with US call ups and getting married.
Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Holiday were all named to the Best XI first team, along with defender Leigh Ann Robinson. On the second team Tymrak was joined by Lauren Sesselmann, and Desiree Scott.
National Team Call Ups
Also recently announced was the call ups for the US women's team game against Mexico on September 3rd. FC Kansas City led the way in players on the roster with six. KC's three allocated players, Barnhart, Holiday, and Sauerbrunn were all named to the roster, along with Kristie Mewis, who has become a regular on the national team.
Two new Blues players will get the chance to earn their first caps against Mexico. Robinson and Tymrak were called up for the first time. Both had stellar seasons for Kansas City, Robinson established herself as one of the better outside backs in the league, while Tymrak won rookie of the year.
Offseason Loans
Speaking of Tymrak, rumors started to make the rounds yesterday on Twitter of Tymrak going out on loan to German club Bayern Munich during the NWSL offseason. Thad was able to confirm this rumor. He also mentioned that Blues' back up goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger will be joining Tymrak at the German club. There's also mention of more loans coming up.
Year End Awards
While FC Kansas City's season ended last weekend against Portland in the NWSL semifinals, FCKC did clean up when it came to the end of season awards. FCKC swept all the individual awards and put seven players on the first and second team Best XI.
In goalkeeper of the year, Nicole Barnhart won the award, finishing the season with 10 shutouts, the most in the league and finished 3rd in goals against average with .95.
Erika Tymrak won the league's rookie of the year award. After starting the season as a substitute off the bench, Tymrak established herself as key to the Blues attack as the season went on. She finished the season with six goals and four assists.
Another award FC Kansas City won was defender of the year, which was award to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn helped to anchor the defense in front of goalkeeper for the year, Barnhart.
Coach of the year in the NWSL went to the Blues coach, Vlatko Andonovski. In his first season coaching at this level, Andonovski led FC Kansas City to an 11-6-5 record, tied for the most points in the league, and second in the table.
In the award that probably surprised people the least, Lauren Holiday was named the NWSL MVP. Holiday also won the league's Golden Boot, scoring 12 goals while also adding 8 assists. Basically Holiday contributed in 59% of the Blues goals this year, and also missed four games with US call ups and getting married.
Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Holiday were all named to the Best XI first team, along with defender Leigh Ann Robinson. On the second team Tymrak was joined by Lauren Sesselmann, and Desiree Scott.
National Team Call Ups
Also recently announced was the call ups for the US women's team game against Mexico on September 3rd. FC Kansas City led the way in players on the roster with six. KC's three allocated players, Barnhart, Holiday, and Sauerbrunn were all named to the roster, along with Kristie Mewis, who has become a regular on the national team.
Two new Blues players will get the chance to earn their first caps against Mexico. Robinson and Tymrak were called up for the first time. Both had stellar seasons for Kansas City, Robinson established herself as one of the better outside backs in the league, while Tymrak won rookie of the year.
Offseason Loans
Speaking of Tymrak, rumors started to make the rounds yesterday on Twitter of Tymrak going out on loan to German club Bayern Munich during the NWSL offseason. Thad was able to confirm this rumor. He also mentioned that Blues' back up goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger will be joining Tymrak at the German club. There's also mention of more loans coming up.
Monday, August 05, 2013
FC Kansas City Clinch Playoff Birth
FC
Kansas City continues to write the National Women’s Soccer League record
books. In front of the largest crowd of the season at Portland’s
JELD-WEN Field at 17,619, Kansas City extended their unbeaten streak to
10 games, their winning streak to four games and they have become the
first team in league history to clinch a spot in the NWSL postseason.
Lauren Holiday scored goals from Leigh Ann Robinson and Erika Tymrak
while Kristie Mewis scored her first professional goal on the way to a
3-2 FC Kansas City victory. FC Kansas City (11-4-5) remains in first
place with 38 points, four points ahead of Portland Thorns and Sky Blue
FC.
FC Kansas City retains the first spot in the NWSL table with the win. They also clinched a spot in the playoffs that begin on August 24th. They next travel to Boston to face the Breakers on August 10th at 5:00p.m. CT before returning home for the final regular season game on August 18th against the Chicago Red Stars at 3:10p.m.
In
what was billed as a matchup of league heavyweights, FC Kansas City and
Portland Thorns entered tonight’s matchup looking to settle their
season-long series and put their first step towards the playoffs. A win
for either team would secure their spot in the post-season and a draw
would see both teams qualify. This matchup has seen some of the most
exciting games of the season so far. Tonight’s game, broadcast
nationally on Fox Soccer Channel, might have topped them all.
The
two teams at the top of the NWSL table played a fairly even game, with
each team seeing spurts of possession dominance throughout the first
half. FC Kansas City got on the board first when Leigh Ann Robinson
sent a cross that squirted out to a wide open Lauren Holiday. At that
range, Holiday does not disappoint and found the back of the net before
Portland goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc, had a chance to react.
The
second half was another battle. Portland was determined to get
themselves into the game while KC saw their playoff berth within reach.
Portland equalized the game when Kansas City was unable to properly
clear a set play in the 51st minute. Portland’s Rachel
Buehler collected the missed clearance and her shot careened off the
side of her foot to her teammate, Danielle Foxhoven. The Thorns forward
was left open and was able to put her side on the board.
The
tie was only temporary though as FC Kansas City answered four minutes
later. The most dangerous midfield combination in the NWSL put their
team back in the lead when Tymrak’s one touch pass with her back to the
goal found Holiday driving into the Thorns’ penalty box. Her shot went
under the outstretched arms of LeBlanc and trickled into the goal.
Kristie
Mewis, whose versatility has been integral in making FC Kansas City the
best defensive team in the NWSL, stepped up offensively in the 74th
minute. “We did an awesome switch of the field to catch the other team
on their heels. I hadn’t taken anyone on all game so I just went for
it,” the rookie explains, “…I put it on my favorite foot and shot…it was
really just a great build up.” Mewis scored her first professional
goal on the biggest stage of the season to date. It ended up as the
game-winner too. Alex Morgan, one of the finalists for FIFA’s award
given to the best female soccer player in the world, was given just a
bit too much open space in the 89th minute and used her left
foot to sneak a shot to the far post just outside of the reach of Nicole
Barnhart. The FC Kansas City defense stood tall throughout the
remainder of the match, which included five minutes of additional time,
to secure the 3-2 victory.
Although
Portland scored two goals, goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart was one of the
best players on the field all night. She faced sixteen shots in the
game, seven of them on goal, and made five saves. Her spectacular play
frustrated the Portland forwards all night long. She saved three
point-blank shots and directed her defense to the league’s longest
undefeated streak (10 games) and the team’s longest winning streak (four
games). By contrast, her counterpart for the Thorns faced four shots
on goal, making only one save.
FC Kansas City retains the first spot in the NWSL table with the win. They also clinched a spot in the playoffs that begin on August 24th. They next travel to Boston to face the Breakers on August 10th at 5:00p.m. CT before returning home for the final regular season game on August 18th against the Chicago Red Stars at 3:10p.m.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
FCKC Sweep Season Series with Seattle
FC
Kansas City extended their undefeated streak to seven games by shutting
out the visiting Seattle Reign 2-0. In front of 5,271 fans at Verizon
Wireless Field, Lauren Holiday and Erika Tymrak chipped in goals past
Seattle Reign goalkeeper, Hope Solo. Nicole Barnhart recorded her
eighth clean-sheet of the season as FC Kansas City doesn’t allow a
single goal allowed against Seattle this season.
Although
both teams came into this match unbeaten in their past six games,
Seattle had four wins in their streak versus four draws in Kansas
City’s. After failing to score against Kansas City in their first three
attempts this season, the Reign’s confidence level was high.
Alternatively, FC Kansas City had sure wins melt into unsettling draws
as the clock closed down in the past three games.
With
no games since last Sunday, Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski had time to
work with his side on finishing games in the manner they started them.
The extra work paid off. The ‘Blues’ came out of the game dominating
possession and having multiple offensive chances in the opening minutes
of the game. Merritt Mathias and Melissa Henderson each broke through
the Seattle Reign offside trap, but Hope Solo was able to get her hands
on each of them to keep the game scoreless. Making her home debut with
her new name, Lauren Holiday broke the stalemate in the 39th minute.
She collected a pass across the top of the penalty box from Erika Tymrak
and shot a hard line-drive shot across the goal to the far side of the
net and giving her side a 1-0 lead that would last until halftime.
A
lead coming out of half is nothing to be taken lightly and Kansas City
was determined to not only hold onto it, but try to add to their
advantage in the second half. Becky Sauerbrunn and Lauren Sesselmann
held the defensive line and thwarted any attempts from Seattle to get on
goal. At one point, Nicole Barnhart left her line to collect a shot
and was knocked off the ball by a Seattle forward. Although the ball
fell to the feet of former FC Kansas City forward, Renae Cuellar, the KC
defense swarmed to the ball and she was unable to get a clean look on
goal before Desiree Scott cleared the ball from danger.
As the clock ticked past the 85th
minute mark, FC Kansas City increased its pressure rather than sit back
as they had done in previous games. Rather than wait for the other
team to bring the ball to her and her teammates, Erika Tymrak collected a
throw-in from Jen Buczkowski and dribbled through four Seattle
defenders before curling a shot around the outstretched arms of Solo.
The rookie’s sixth goal of the season gave her side the 2-0 lead that
would last through the final minutes and give Kansas City their eighth
win of the season. Kansas City now sits in second place on the NWSL
table, two points ahead of Portland who plays tomorrow.
Monday, July 15, 2013
FCKC Draw Again
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City has now gone six games without losing as they finish today’s match against the Chicago Red Stars with a 3-3 draw. In her debut as Lauren Holiday, the former Ms. Cheney scored a goal and had an assist. A Chicago own goal and Erika Tymrak’s fifth goal of the season gave the Blues a 3-1 lead late in the game, but two Chicago goals in stoppage time, including the game equalizer with seconds to play, leave the Blues with only a single point at the end of this one.
The draw, coupled with a 1-1 tie between Portland and Western New York, leaves Kansas City in third place. They currently sit one point behind the Portland Thorns and two points up on the Western New York Flash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table.
FC Kansas City has now gone six games without losing as they finish today’s match against the Chicago Red Stars with a 3-3 draw. In her debut as Lauren Holiday, the former Ms. Cheney scored a goal and had an assist. A Chicago own goal and Erika Tymrak’s fifth goal of the season gave the Blues a 3-1 lead late in the game, but two Chicago goals in stoppage time, including the game equalizer with seconds to play, leave the Blues with only a single point at the end of this one.
Although
this was the third match this season between these two clubs, it was
the first for many of the players. With United States and Canadian
national team friendlies taking place, FC Kansas City alone was missing
six players for each of the previous two games against Chicago. Taking
advantage of Kansas City’s somewhat unfamiliarity against them, the Red
Stars controlled possession early on in the game. However, FC Kansas
City used their speed in the attack to counter many times and had
several good chances early in the game. In the 17th minute, Melissa
Henderson raced past the Chicago defense, putting her one-on-one with
Red Stars goalkeeper Erin McLeod. Although the Canadian national
goalkeeper was able to make the initial stop, the rebound went straight
to Holiday who scored on the open net.
Chicago
was able to equalize late in the half when Maribel Dominguez scored her
first goal of the season from outside the penalty box. FC Kansas City
went right back on the attack though. Kristie Mewis drove to goal on
the left side and her shot slipped past McLeod, bouncing off the post
and then a Chicago defender into the net. As the teams went into
halftime, FC Kansas City led 2-1. Erika Tymrak scored another
counterattack goal in the second half converting a 4 on 1 opportunity in
the 86th minute.
With
a 3-1 lead as time ticked towards the final moments, Vlatko
Andonovski’s team hunkered down for Chicago’s final attempts at goal.
Ella Masar got her head on a free kick from Lori Chalupny inside the
goal box and redirected it just past the hands of Kansas City goalkeeper
Nicole Barnhart. The fourth official then signaled a minimum of five
minutes would be added to the game, which now set at a 3-2 FC Kansas
City lead. The stoppage time lasted just seconds too long for FC Kansas
City though as Lori Chalupny launched a rocket of a shot from just
inside the penalty box, scoring Chicago’s third goal and evening up the
game. The ensuing kickoff was barely away before the referee blew his
whistle, signaling the end of the game.
The draw, coupled with a 1-1 tie between Portland and Western New York, leaves Kansas City in third place. They currently sit one point behind the Portland Thorns and two points up on the Western New York Flash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table.
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