Sporting KC has won just 2 of their last 7 home games. One against a bunch of college kids, the other vs the dysfunctional team known as Chivas USA. But Sporting Park is a fortress...
Eric Kronberg and CJ Sapong made their 10th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying them with Jimmy Conrad, Chris Klein, and Matt Besler for 7th on that list.
Kronberg started his 10th game in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 3rd on that list.
The loss was Kronberg's 3rd in the US Open Cup, the most for any KC goalie.
Aurelien Collin made his 8th start in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Klein, Besler Davy Arnaud, Matt McKeon, and Teal Bunbury for 7th on that list.
It was Collin's 7th start in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with Arnaud and Preki for 6th on that list.
Showing posts with label Livestrong Sporting Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Livestrong Sporting Park. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Sporting KC and Livestrong End Relationship in Messy Fashion
We all probably saw this coming in one way or another after all the news this week regarding Lance Armstrong and his apparent confession to Oprah in regards to doping. I'm not sure that we expected the ending of the relationship to end quite like this. Tonight, Darren Rovell broke the news on ESPN that Sporting and Livestrong had severed their relationship with both sides laying the blame on the other.
Things got messy really quickly between the two as just last week, Robb Heineman said that they were still reviewing the situation. And then tonight the shit hit the fan. First with the article from Rovell that stated Livestrong was the one that was ending the deal, telling the team this week that they had not paid the $1 million that was owed to the foundation, stating that Sporting had only paid $250,000 of it. Sporting has refuted this claim. One would assume if money is owed, then we can probably expect some sort of legal action to take place between the two.
Sporting fired back in the same ESPN article with Heineman stating that the Livestrong Foundation forced Sporting into an "unacceptable arrangement" and that due to the faith and trust in the partnership had been damaged, Sporting was ending the partnership.
Heineman elaborated on the comments in the ESPN article in a statement on Sporting's website. Heineman explained how since the announcement off the name of the stadium, the organization has taken a bit of a beating publicly over getting into a relationship with the Livestrong organization considering the problems it was facing with it's founder, Armstrong. He also discussed how Livestrong's "spirit" for the partnership had changed and wasn't the same as Sporting. It's certainly easy to argue that Sporting had done more to push the Livestrong brand than the other way around. The statement is fairly well crafted and and makes no mention of Armstrong himself, only that the actions of Livestrong were surprising considering they were "in the midst of a significant transitional phase for their organization."
Things have moved very quickly since the announcement, the stadium portion of the Sporting KC site has been changed to reference the "new" name of the stadium, Sporting Park, with no mention to the previous name. The website for the stadium, www.livestrongsportingpark.com is offline. And out at the stadium, the big signage that says Livestrong is no longer lit up. I'd expect that signage to come down over the next few days/weeks.
I'm still amazed at how quickly this whole thing has gone down. Sure there had been the rumors that changes were coming to the name of the stadium because of the issues that were going on with Armstrong, but I'm not sure anyone expected it to come this quickly. The way it's gone down has also been surprising. . The messy "divorce" looks likely to turn into a big he said/she said situation. I've seen lots of people taking both sides of the situation tonight. People believing the comments made by Greg Lee that Sporting hasn't paid. When seeing Heineman's comments, people are responding by asking if people are surprised someone associated with an organization founded by a "lying cheat" would say something like that.
Overall I seriously doubt we'll ever hear the full story on this situation. At least not on the record. I'm sure there is some truth to what both sides are saying. The search for a new stadium sponsor will begin though. Either way, this is a very messy end to the sponsorship. Hopefully Sporting will go the route of a sponsor that will pay this time. Like the jersey sponsor, this is a revenue stream that Sporting has missed out on.
Things got messy really quickly between the two as just last week, Robb Heineman said that they were still reviewing the situation. And then tonight the shit hit the fan. First with the article from Rovell that stated Livestrong was the one that was ending the deal, telling the team this week that they had not paid the $1 million that was owed to the foundation, stating that Sporting had only paid $250,000 of it. Sporting has refuted this claim. One would assume if money is owed, then we can probably expect some sort of legal action to take place between the two.
Sporting fired back in the same ESPN article with Heineman stating that the Livestrong Foundation forced Sporting into an "unacceptable arrangement" and that due to the faith and trust in the partnership had been damaged, Sporting was ending the partnership.
Heineman elaborated on the comments in the ESPN article in a statement on Sporting's website. Heineman explained how since the announcement off the name of the stadium, the organization has taken a bit of a beating publicly over getting into a relationship with the Livestrong organization considering the problems it was facing with it's founder, Armstrong. He also discussed how Livestrong's "spirit" for the partnership had changed and wasn't the same as Sporting. It's certainly easy to argue that Sporting had done more to push the Livestrong brand than the other way around. The statement is fairly well crafted and and makes no mention of Armstrong himself, only that the actions of Livestrong were surprising considering they were "in the midst of a significant transitional phase for their organization."
Things have moved very quickly since the announcement, the stadium portion of the Sporting KC site has been changed to reference the "new" name of the stadium, Sporting Park, with no mention to the previous name. The website for the stadium, www.livestrongsportingpark.com is offline. And out at the stadium, the big signage that says Livestrong is no longer lit up. I'd expect that signage to come down over the next few days/weeks.
I'm still amazed at how quickly this whole thing has gone down. Sure there had been the rumors that changes were coming to the name of the stadium because of the issues that were going on with Armstrong, but I'm not sure anyone expected it to come this quickly. The way it's gone down has also been surprising. . The messy "divorce" looks likely to turn into a big he said/she said situation. I've seen lots of people taking both sides of the situation tonight. People believing the comments made by Greg Lee that Sporting hasn't paid. When seeing Heineman's comments, people are responding by asking if people are surprised someone associated with an organization founded by a "lying cheat" would say something like that.
Overall I seriously doubt we'll ever hear the full story on this situation. At least not on the record. I'm sure there is some truth to what both sides are saying. The search for a new stadium sponsor will begin though. Either way, this is a very messy end to the sponsorship. Hopefully Sporting will go the route of a sponsor that will pay this time. Like the jersey sponsor, this is a revenue stream that Sporting has missed out on.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
MLS Announce All Star Game in KC
Don Garber made the announcement official today at Livestrong Sporting Park. LSP will be hosting the 2013 MLS All Star Game. The game will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 airing on ESPN and Univision.
The opponent for the game will be announced at a later time, but will follow the same format the All Star game for the past few years, featuring the all stars against an international club. Plenty of fun names are being thrown around, the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid would be fun, or the likes of Juventus, Roma, or Bayern Munich.
For KC purposes, the All Star game will come between a trip to Montreal on July 27th and hosting New York on August 3rd. (So Vermes playing Thierry Henry the full game in response to Hans Backe doing it to Omar Bravo in 2011 would actually be a good touch).
Tickets for the game will go on sale to season ticket holders on Friday at 10am. They'll go on sale to the general public on Friday February 8th.
The All Star game is one of those odd things. As a whole I watch it, but I haven't really enjoyed it or been excited about it. I've seen it as more of a distraction to KC's players than anything, and championed campaigns to NOT vote for KC players to avoid tired legs. I'm still going to probably champion those campaigns, because KC is going to be very busy this year. But I'm actually excited about this game, and it has to do with the fact that the game is in KC. That makes all the difference in the world. I'm looking forward to see who it is the all stars face.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
All Star Game Coming to KC
Look what I found on Ticketmaster tonight.
Once again it looks like Ticketmaster has let an announcement out of the bag early that the MLS All Star game is coming to Kansas City this year.
Last year it was rumored that Kansas City was a finalist for the All-Star Game, but lost out to Philadelphia. This year though it appears that Kansas City will be hosting the event. This will be the second straight year that KC would host a summer all star game after the city hosted last year's MLB All-Star Game.
Since last year there'd been rumors that KC would get to host the event this year. Then today the rumor came back up. It really picked up when it was announced by the team that Don Garber would be doing a Q&A with media at Livestrong Sporting Park on Thursday. The assumption was that the All Star game would be announced at that time as well.
But with it already being posted on Ticketmaster it would appear that the game will take place on July 31st of this year. If the information there is to be believed, then the tickets will go on sale in a pre-sale to Season Ticket Holders on Friday the 11th through the end of January. And tickets would go on sale to the general public on February 8th. Ticket prices look like they'll be priced between $30.00 and $350.00 before you factor in the Ticketmaster fees.
I doubt we'll see an announcement on the opponent on Thursday, I figure that will come a little bit later, but let the grand speculation begin on the foreign team that will be coming to KC to play the MLS All Stars.
UPDATE: Ticketmaster has pulled the game from the site at this time. Thank God for screen shots.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Livestrong Finalist for Costa Rica Qualifier
Reports out of Costa Rica in early December were that Livestrong Sporting Park would be hosting the upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Ticos. After that came further reports that it wouldn't be LSP, but instead Colorado or Salt Lake that would be hosting the game in an attempt to help acclimate players to higher altitudes ahead of the qualifier a few days later in Mexico City.
Today on Goals on Sunday on Fox Soccer Channel, Grant Wahl said that those are the final 3 sites that are being decided upon and that a decision should be coming some time this week.
Putting the game in Salt Lake or Colorado makes sense from the altitude standpoint. Salt Lake hosted the US qualifier against Costa Rica in the 2006 cycle and provided a very good home atmosphere. The last qualifier held in Colorado at Dick's Sporting Goods Park was the qualifier against Guatemala in the 2010 cycle. That game wasn't that well attended overall, but the game also meant nothing, and since then games for qualifiers have changed and qualifiers aren't going to have attendance like that any more I don't think.
KC provides a good home atmosphere and a place where the US will have a home field advantage, as shown in the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifier vs Guatemala. In fact you can go back to the 2002 cycle when KC hosted the Costa Rica qualifier and over 30,000 showed up for that game. All 3 provide very good choices for US Soccer.
If the qualifier doesn't come to KC, I still expect KC to get one of the qualifiers, whether it be Honduras, Mexico, Panama, or Jamaica. Even with the rumors of the two summer home qualifiers vs Honduras and Panama going to the Pacific Northwest, I'd still figure on KC getting one of the final two. My opinion then would be Jamaica as I wouldn't take the US-Mexico game out of Columbus. The Jamaica game may not be glamorous, but if the US needs a result, there aren't many places where the US would probably want to come for a must win than Kansas City.
Today on Goals on Sunday on Fox Soccer Channel, Grant Wahl said that those are the final 3 sites that are being decided upon and that a decision should be coming some time this week.
Putting the game in Salt Lake or Colorado makes sense from the altitude standpoint. Salt Lake hosted the US qualifier against Costa Rica in the 2006 cycle and provided a very good home atmosphere. The last qualifier held in Colorado at Dick's Sporting Goods Park was the qualifier against Guatemala in the 2010 cycle. That game wasn't that well attended overall, but the game also meant nothing, and since then games for qualifiers have changed and qualifiers aren't going to have attendance like that any more I don't think.
KC provides a good home atmosphere and a place where the US will have a home field advantage, as shown in the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifier vs Guatemala. In fact you can go back to the 2002 cycle when KC hosted the Costa Rica qualifier and over 30,000 showed up for that game. All 3 provide very good choices for US Soccer.
If the qualifier doesn't come to KC, I still expect KC to get one of the qualifiers, whether it be Honduras, Mexico, Panama, or Jamaica. Even with the rumors of the two summer home qualifiers vs Honduras and Panama going to the Pacific Northwest, I'd still figure on KC getting one of the final two. My opinion then would be Jamaica as I wouldn't take the US-Mexico game out of Columbus. The Jamaica game may not be glamorous, but if the US needs a result, there aren't many places where the US would probably want to come for a must win than Kansas City.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
2013 Wishes
The calender has switched over to 2013. And with the change it's time to look towards the year and soccer in Kansas City, specifically Sporting KC, who will start the season in about 2 months. Here are my wishes for the year 2013.
1. Silverware - This is what I always want. Last year KC grabbed the US Open Cup and I'd love to repeat that or grab the Supporters' Shield, or the big one, MLS Cup.
2. 15 goals from Claudio Bieler - Bieler has been brought in for one thing, to score goals. For KC to be successful next season, he's going to need to find success and put the ball in the net. Fifteen goals would be the most for a KC player since Eddie Johnson in 2007 and tied for the second most all time for Kansas City.
3. A second double digit goal scorer - Finishing needs to improve next season. Hopefully Bieler helps with that, but hopefully KC doesn't lose too much from other goal scorers. KC almost had two double digit goal scorers last year, next year getting a second player over 10 goals would be good.
4. A game in the Hex at Livestrong Sporting Park - KC has proven the last 2 years that they'll bring it to support the US national team in games at LSP. From the Gold Cup two years ago to the qualifier vs Guatemala. There were reports out of Costa Rica that KC would get that game in March, but later rumors have that game going to Colorado or Salt Lake for altitude preparations for Mexico City. I'm not sure that KC will get the high profile US-Mexico game, but I wouldn't be surprised to see US-Honduras played at LSP.
5. No more than 1 home loss - KC had a 10-3-4 record at home this past year and a 8-4-5 record on the road. If KC wants to go to the next level it's going to have to be their home record that improves. KC's never been a traditionally good road team so if they can improve their home form and try to keep a similar road record they'll be in the race for the Supporters' Shield.
6. Comets break the Big 2 - Since the MISL returned in it's 3rd form in the 2008-2009 season (then the NISL) either the Baltimore Blast or Milwaukee Wave have made the final. The last two year's the finals have been between those two teams. The Comets initial hope this year had been to finally break up those two. Currently though they're well behind those two in the standings this year. While they may not catch the Wave or Blast in league play, hopefully at least in the playoffs they can break up the finals being these two teams.
7. Successful launch of FC Kansas City and the NWSL - It's been a whirlwind month plus so far for the new women's team and the new women's league. From not publicly existing to the point of starting play in 2013. On the surface the league looks like it may be in a good position from the start with the backing of 3 federations and more interested in how the league does in it's first season. Right now FCKC is one of only two teams that have yet to announce where they'll be playing in the 2013 season. Getting everything squared away for the 2013 season and a successful launch to the new league.
8. Advancement from the group phase of the Champions League - KC's first trip into the CONCACAF Champions League since it referred to as the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2005. At this point for an MLS team anything other than advancement is a major disappointment.
9. No friendlies - With MLS play, the US Open Cup, and the CCL, there's really no reason for KC to congest their schedule any more with meaningless friendlies. Last year KC pulled in French champion Montpellier, which was a fun game for what it was considering it's a team most teams had never seen before and looked to be entertaining. The other game was against EPL side Stoke who while a top half of the table side this season doesn't exactly scream high profile. Avoiding these games with the busy schedule during the summer is something that I think needs to be done.
1. Silverware - This is what I always want. Last year KC grabbed the US Open Cup and I'd love to repeat that or grab the Supporters' Shield, or the big one, MLS Cup.
2. 15 goals from Claudio Bieler - Bieler has been brought in for one thing, to score goals. For KC to be successful next season, he's going to need to find success and put the ball in the net. Fifteen goals would be the most for a KC player since Eddie Johnson in 2007 and tied for the second most all time for Kansas City.
3. A second double digit goal scorer - Finishing needs to improve next season. Hopefully Bieler helps with that, but hopefully KC doesn't lose too much from other goal scorers. KC almost had two double digit goal scorers last year, next year getting a second player over 10 goals would be good.
4. A game in the Hex at Livestrong Sporting Park - KC has proven the last 2 years that they'll bring it to support the US national team in games at LSP. From the Gold Cup two years ago to the qualifier vs Guatemala. There were reports out of Costa Rica that KC would get that game in March, but later rumors have that game going to Colorado or Salt Lake for altitude preparations for Mexico City. I'm not sure that KC will get the high profile US-Mexico game, but I wouldn't be surprised to see US-Honduras played at LSP.
5. No more than 1 home loss - KC had a 10-3-4 record at home this past year and a 8-4-5 record on the road. If KC wants to go to the next level it's going to have to be their home record that improves. KC's never been a traditionally good road team so if they can improve their home form and try to keep a similar road record they'll be in the race for the Supporters' Shield.
6. Comets break the Big 2 - Since the MISL returned in it's 3rd form in the 2008-2009 season (then the NISL) either the Baltimore Blast or Milwaukee Wave have made the final. The last two year's the finals have been between those two teams. The Comets initial hope this year had been to finally break up those two. Currently though they're well behind those two in the standings this year. While they may not catch the Wave or Blast in league play, hopefully at least in the playoffs they can break up the finals being these two teams.
7. Successful launch of FC Kansas City and the NWSL - It's been a whirlwind month plus so far for the new women's team and the new women's league. From not publicly existing to the point of starting play in 2013. On the surface the league looks like it may be in a good position from the start with the backing of 3 federations and more interested in how the league does in it's first season. Right now FCKC is one of only two teams that have yet to announce where they'll be playing in the 2013 season. Getting everything squared away for the 2013 season and a successful launch to the new league.
8. Advancement from the group phase of the Champions League - KC's first trip into the CONCACAF Champions League since it referred to as the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2005. At this point for an MLS team anything other than advancement is a major disappointment.
9. No friendlies - With MLS play, the US Open Cup, and the CCL, there's really no reason for KC to congest their schedule any more with meaningless friendlies. Last year KC pulled in French champion Montpellier, which was a fun game for what it was considering it's a team most teams had never seen before and looked to be entertaining. The other game was against EPL side Stoke who while a top half of the table side this season doesn't exactly scream high profile. Avoiding these games with the busy schedule during the summer is something that I think needs to be done.
Review of 2012 Wishes
With the calender now switched over to 2012, let's take a look at my 2012 wishes and how they were fulfilled.
1. Silverware - Your 2012 US Open Cup Champions, Sporting Kansas City has a nice ring to it. While Sporting fell 3 points (and goal difference) short of the Supporters' Shield and fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs, they brought home their first silverware since 2004.
2. A double digit goal scorer - This was also a success. While KC as a whole struggled to take advantage of all their shots, Kei Kamara did hit double digits for goals scored this year. CJ Sapong almost made it there as well, finishing with 9 goals.
3. A designated player who scores double digit goals - This one didn't happen, KC actually didn't bring in a designated player for the 2012 MLS season.
4. Equal or better last year's attendance mark - With all but 1 game sold out, and the majority of those games "over capacity" Sporting topped the 2011 average attendance of 17,810 with a 19,404 mark in 2012, 105% capacity of Livestrong Sporting Park.
5. One home loss at most - This one didn't come true, Sporting ended the 2012 season 10-3-4 in league at Livestrong Sporting Park. Not a bad record at all, but the 3 losses, especially the one to Montreal really hurt KC last year.
6. Lock up Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Chance Myers long term - Zusi was locked up before the season started. Besler, there were a few worrying nights after the season ended and rumors of trials abroad for the MLS Defender of the Year, but Besler too re-signed. Myers is the only one on the list who hasn't been locked up long term.
7. A World Cup Qualifier at Livestrong Sporting Park - The USA clinched a spot in the Hex with their 3-1 win over Guatemala at LSP. An electric atmosphere in a game that the US needed to win to assure advancement. KC set itself up as a site that can provide the US a home field advantage and has set itself up as a favorite to host a game in the Hex.
8. Get OUR MLS Cup back from Hunt Sports Group - Kind of but not really. The fact that HSG still had the trophy got publicity this year and led to the issue actually being addressed publicly. It came out that part of the deal to sell the team involved HSG keeping the trophy. HSG did "loan" the trophy to OnGoal to display during the 2012 season. After that Sporting is going to get a replica for the team. At least this issue was brought out and something ended up being done about it.
Not bad on the wishes overall many of them came true and those that didn't weren't the biggest of the issues.
1. Silverware - Your 2012 US Open Cup Champions, Sporting Kansas City has a nice ring to it. While Sporting fell 3 points (and goal difference) short of the Supporters' Shield and fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs, they brought home their first silverware since 2004.
2. A double digit goal scorer - This was also a success. While KC as a whole struggled to take advantage of all their shots, Kei Kamara did hit double digits for goals scored this year. CJ Sapong almost made it there as well, finishing with 9 goals.
3. A designated player who scores double digit goals - This one didn't happen, KC actually didn't bring in a designated player for the 2012 MLS season.
4. Equal or better last year's attendance mark - With all but 1 game sold out, and the majority of those games "over capacity" Sporting topped the 2011 average attendance of 17,810 with a 19,404 mark in 2012, 105% capacity of Livestrong Sporting Park.
5. One home loss at most - This one didn't come true, Sporting ended the 2012 season 10-3-4 in league at Livestrong Sporting Park. Not a bad record at all, but the 3 losses, especially the one to Montreal really hurt KC last year.
6. Lock up Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Chance Myers long term - Zusi was locked up before the season started. Besler, there were a few worrying nights after the season ended and rumors of trials abroad for the MLS Defender of the Year, but Besler too re-signed. Myers is the only one on the list who hasn't been locked up long term.
7. A World Cup Qualifier at Livestrong Sporting Park - The USA clinched a spot in the Hex with their 3-1 win over Guatemala at LSP. An electric atmosphere in a game that the US needed to win to assure advancement. KC set itself up as a site that can provide the US a home field advantage and has set itself up as a favorite to host a game in the Hex.
8. Get OUR MLS Cup back from Hunt Sports Group - Kind of but not really. The fact that HSG still had the trophy got publicity this year and led to the issue actually being addressed publicly. It came out that part of the deal to sell the team involved HSG keeping the trophy. HSG did "loan" the trophy to OnGoal to display during the 2012 season. After that Sporting is going to get a replica for the team. At least this issue was brought out and something ended up being done about it.
Not bad on the wishes overall many of them came true and those that didn't weren't the biggest of the issues.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Some Best Ofs for 2012
I don't normally do any Best Ofs here at the end of the year, but here are a few today. Some moments of the year, enjoy.
Game of the Year
8/8/12 vs Seattle Sounders
Really was their any other choice? The game itself lacked a little bit, but the atmosphere and the result combine to make this the game of the year. A goal from the spot by Kei Kamara led to the loudest cheer I've heard at any Sporting game. The equalizer from Zach Scott a minute later. A scoreless extra time period that saw Patrick Ianni sent off led to penalty kicks. Kei Kamara made the first to put KC up. Brad Evans equalized. Roger Espinoza had his attempted saved and Marc Burch gave Seattle the lead. Matt Besler leveled things and Osvaldo Alonso sent his shot over the bar. Graham Zusi tried to be cheeky but put his attempt over the bar while Christian Tiffert had his shot saved by Jimmy Nielsen. Paulo Nagamura stepped up to be the 5th shooter and his shot stopped by Michael Gspurning. The PK was forced to be retaken though as Gspurning was off his line. Nagamura buried his second attempt. Eddie Johnson skied his attempt over the bar and the celebration was on.
Goal of the Year
Julio Cesar vs Toronto FC 6/16
I'm not sure you can strike a ball better than Cesar did here, it's absolutely fantastically struck.
Assist of the year
Peterson Joseph to Jacob Peterson vs Columbus 7/14
I just love the way Joseph goes completely against the movement of the movement of the ball using the outside of his foot to play the ball through to Peterson, a fantastic ball.
Goosebump moment of the year
Roger Espinoza's standing ovation after being red carded at the Olympics
The summer Olympics in London were a coming out party of sorts for Roger Espinoza, he was a known commodity the past two years for Sporting KC in the midfield, but in the Olympics many others found out. Espinoza had played a fantastic tournament and it was highlighted by his man of the match performance against Brazil in the quarterfinals. Espinoza set up one and scored another in Honduras' 3-2 loss to the eventual silver medalists. But it was his play and passion overall that won over the crowd at St. James' Park that day. He ended the day early picking up a red card, but walked off the field to many congratulations from players and a standing ovation from the St. James' Park crowd. Many fans expected Espinoza to be leaving KC after this season, the Olympics just confirmed that and Espinoza will be plying his trade in England starting in January.
Off field moment of the year
Lance Armstrong/Livestrong Saga
With Lance Armstrong being stripped of his Tour de France titles for doping and the on going discussion over that, talk eventually turned to Livestrong Sporting Park. KC's home stadium that has the name of the foundation that Armstrong founded to help people during their fight with cancer. The debate on whether to keep the name or change it has been one that has been discussed not just by soccer fans, but by sports fans as well as casual fans, especially locally. So far, publicly Sporting Club has made statements about the separation between the Livestrong organization and Armstrong. Whether Sporting will end up keeping the name, or eventually switch to another name is something that will still have to be watched.
Low moment of the year
4-0 loss to Philadelphia 6/23
While season ending loss in the series to Houston is a downer, the low point of the year was Sporting's 4-0 dismantling that they took at the hands of the Philadelphia Union. Sporting conceded in the first minute on a Jack McInerney goal and conceded again in the 42nd. Goals in the 81st by Lionard Pajoy from the spot and from Antoine Hoppenot in the 87th sealed the rout. KC never looked into the game and desperately missed Matt Besler who was out recovering from his appendectomy. What made the loss all that much wosre was that while KC was 9-2-2 heading into that game, Philadelphia was 1-8-2 sitting on 5 points, 24 behind KC when the teams took the field.
Moment of anger that was quickly forgotten
MLS Cup 2000 trophy
As one of my wants/wishes for 2012 I wanted to get the 2000 MLS Cup trophy back from Hunt Sports' Group. James from Sporting Times started a grass roots movement to attempt to get the trophy back. Turns out the trophy was in storage and had been put there during the renovations of Arrowhead Stadium. During the process, it came out that one of the requirements for selling the team was that HSG got to keep the 2000 MLS Cup trophy. Clark Hunt was going to have the trophy put into a portion of the Hall of Fame at Arrowhead. But first, it would spend the 2012 season with Sporting KC and then the team would receive a replica to keep. I saw the MLS Cup trophy twice I believe at the stadium, both times in the Members' Club shortly after the announcement was made. The trophy was supposed to "tour" the stadium throughout the season, but I never heard anything else about it's travels. The good news is that winning the Open Cup helped people to forget the 2000 trophy a bit.
Game of the Year
8/8/12 vs Seattle Sounders
Really was their any other choice? The game itself lacked a little bit, but the atmosphere and the result combine to make this the game of the year. A goal from the spot by Kei Kamara led to the loudest cheer I've heard at any Sporting game. The equalizer from Zach Scott a minute later. A scoreless extra time period that saw Patrick Ianni sent off led to penalty kicks. Kei Kamara made the first to put KC up. Brad Evans equalized. Roger Espinoza had his attempted saved and Marc Burch gave Seattle the lead. Matt Besler leveled things and Osvaldo Alonso sent his shot over the bar. Graham Zusi tried to be cheeky but put his attempt over the bar while Christian Tiffert had his shot saved by Jimmy Nielsen. Paulo Nagamura stepped up to be the 5th shooter and his shot stopped by Michael Gspurning. The PK was forced to be retaken though as Gspurning was off his line. Nagamura buried his second attempt. Eddie Johnson skied his attempt over the bar and the celebration was on.
Goal of the Year
Julio Cesar vs Toronto FC 6/16
I'm not sure you can strike a ball better than Cesar did here, it's absolutely fantastically struck.
Assist of the year
Peterson Joseph to Jacob Peterson vs Columbus 7/14
I just love the way Joseph goes completely against the movement of the movement of the ball using the outside of his foot to play the ball through to Peterson, a fantastic ball.
Goosebump moment of the year
Roger Espinoza's standing ovation after being red carded at the Olympics
The summer Olympics in London were a coming out party of sorts for Roger Espinoza, he was a known commodity the past two years for Sporting KC in the midfield, but in the Olympics many others found out. Espinoza had played a fantastic tournament and it was highlighted by his man of the match performance against Brazil in the quarterfinals. Espinoza set up one and scored another in Honduras' 3-2 loss to the eventual silver medalists. But it was his play and passion overall that won over the crowd at St. James' Park that day. He ended the day early picking up a red card, but walked off the field to many congratulations from players and a standing ovation from the St. James' Park crowd. Many fans expected Espinoza to be leaving KC after this season, the Olympics just confirmed that and Espinoza will be plying his trade in England starting in January.
Off field moment of the year
Lance Armstrong/Livestrong Saga
With Lance Armstrong being stripped of his Tour de France titles for doping and the on going discussion over that, talk eventually turned to Livestrong Sporting Park. KC's home stadium that has the name of the foundation that Armstrong founded to help people during their fight with cancer. The debate on whether to keep the name or change it has been one that has been discussed not just by soccer fans, but by sports fans as well as casual fans, especially locally. So far, publicly Sporting Club has made statements about the separation between the Livestrong organization and Armstrong. Whether Sporting will end up keeping the name, or eventually switch to another name is something that will still have to be watched.
Low moment of the year
4-0 loss to Philadelphia 6/23
While season ending loss in the series to Houston is a downer, the low point of the year was Sporting's 4-0 dismantling that they took at the hands of the Philadelphia Union. Sporting conceded in the first minute on a Jack McInerney goal and conceded again in the 42nd. Goals in the 81st by Lionard Pajoy from the spot and from Antoine Hoppenot in the 87th sealed the rout. KC never looked into the game and desperately missed Matt Besler who was out recovering from his appendectomy. What made the loss all that much wosre was that while KC was 9-2-2 heading into that game, Philadelphia was 1-8-2 sitting on 5 points, 24 behind KC when the teams took the field.
Moment of anger that was quickly forgotten
MLS Cup 2000 trophy
As one of my wants/wishes for 2012 I wanted to get the 2000 MLS Cup trophy back from Hunt Sports' Group. James from Sporting Times started a grass roots movement to attempt to get the trophy back. Turns out the trophy was in storage and had been put there during the renovations of Arrowhead Stadium. During the process, it came out that one of the requirements for selling the team was that HSG got to keep the 2000 MLS Cup trophy. Clark Hunt was going to have the trophy put into a portion of the Hall of Fame at Arrowhead. But first, it would spend the 2012 season with Sporting KC and then the team would receive a replica to keep. I saw the MLS Cup trophy twice I believe at the stadium, both times in the Members' Club shortly after the announcement was made. The trophy was supposed to "tour" the stadium throughout the season, but I never heard anything else about it's travels. The good news is that winning the Open Cup helped people to forget the 2000 trophy a bit.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
2012 Attendance Figures
Sporting KC once again set an attendance record this year for KC. As a whole, Sporting finished the season 7th in the attendance table, which in percentage terms is probably close to, if not the highest Kansas City has ever finished in the league, averaging 19,404 per game, almost 1,000 over the capacity of Livestrong Sporting Park. Here's a look at Sporting's finish compared with the other teams in the league.
KC finished behind those that you'd expect to finish behind, Seattle, LA, Montreal (multiple games hosted at the Olympic Stadium), Houston, and Portland. Vancouver's attendance was extremely close to KC. Sporting did finish ahead of one of the model team's attendance wise up to this season, Toronto, who stumbled greatly down the stretch after yet another poor season for the club. KC also finished ahead of the league's biggest market, New York.
| 1 | Seattle | 43104 |
| 2 | LA | 23136 |
| 3 | Montreal | 22772 |
| 4 | Houston | 20946 |
| 5 | Portland | 20438 |
| 6 | Vancouver | 19475 |
| 7 | KC | 19404 |
| 8 | RSL | 19087 |
| 9 | New York | 18303 |
| 10 | Toronto | 18155 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 18053 |
| 12 | Chicago | 16407 |
| 13 | Colorado | 15175 |
| 14 | Columbus | 14397 |
| 15 | Dallas | 14199 |
| 16 | New England | 14002 |
| 17 | DC | 13846 |
| 18 | San Jose | 13293 |
| 19 | Chivas | 13056 |
KC finished behind those that you'd expect to finish behind, Seattle, LA, Montreal (multiple games hosted at the Olympic Stadium), Houston, and Portland. Vancouver's attendance was extremely close to KC. Sporting did finish ahead of one of the model team's attendance wise up to this season, Toronto, who stumbled greatly down the stretch after yet another poor season for the club. KC also finished ahead of the league's biggest market, New York.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Armstrong Cuts Formal Ties with Livestrong
The saga surrounding Sporting KC's stadium name rights sponsor, Livestrong took another turn this past week, as on November 4th, Lance Armstrong resigned from his position on the board of directors for Livestrong. The resignation cuts all formal ties between Armstrong and the charity that he had helped found.
As a whole this should have absolutely no effect on Sporting KC, but since the USADA made their findings known on the investigation into Armstrong, there have been some calls for Sporting to sever their ties with the charity due to Armstrong's issues. Sporting up to this point as done what other Livestrong partners, including Nike and Radio Shack, have done, kept their support with the charity.
With Armstrong now severing his formal ties with the charity, one has to wonder if some of those calls will stop or die down. Some people will still say that Sporting should cut their ties because of the relationship Armstrong had with his charity during his doping. Others will still say that Sporting should just move to another cancer charity, the biggest comment I hear is "one that actually does more cancer research."
I still firmly believe that Sporting will not make any move in relation to the stadium sponsor unless Nike makes a move to drop from sponsoring the Livestrong organization. Each member of Sporting's ownership has been effected by cancer in their family, and Livestrong is the arguably the most high profile, especially in the sports world. Sporting still have no reason to change the name, especially with Armstrong now backing further away from the charity to try to help it avoid further damage.
As a whole this should have absolutely no effect on Sporting KC, but since the USADA made their findings known on the investigation into Armstrong, there have been some calls for Sporting to sever their ties with the charity due to Armstrong's issues. Sporting up to this point as done what other Livestrong partners, including Nike and Radio Shack, have done, kept their support with the charity.
With Armstrong now severing his formal ties with the charity, one has to wonder if some of those calls will stop or die down. Some people will still say that Sporting should cut their ties because of the relationship Armstrong had with his charity during his doping. Others will still say that Sporting should just move to another cancer charity, the biggest comment I hear is "one that actually does more cancer research."
I still firmly believe that Sporting will not make any move in relation to the stadium sponsor unless Nike makes a move to drop from sponsoring the Livestrong organization. Each member of Sporting's ownership has been effected by cancer in their family, and Livestrong is the arguably the most high profile, especially in the sports world. Sporting still have no reason to change the name, especially with Armstrong now backing further away from the charity to try to help it avoid further damage.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Espinoza, Vermes, and World Cup Qualifiers
Some notes from the past few days now that the season is over.
Espinoza Confirms Wigan Interest
After the game against Houston on Wednesday, Roger Espinoza confirmed the rumors that had been around since the end of the Olympics, that Wigan Athletic were interested in the Honduran midfielder. Wigan had been a rumored sutor for both the summer and winter windows for Espinoza, and with Espinoza now out of contract he has a choice to make. According to Thad, Espinoza has 3 offers on the table, one from Wigan, one from Sporting, and a 3rd from another European team that Espinoza would not name. Everyone would like Espinoza to stay in Kansas City, but I still believe that in the end, the chance to play in Europe and that bigger pay day will win out in the end and Espinoza will leave Kansas City for greener pastures.
It's amazing the player Espinoza's turned into during his time here. He started out as a left winger, converted to a left back, and then finally last year during the Gold Cup for Honduras really showed a penchant for playing in the midfield. He came back to KC after the Gold Cup and took up the center midfield position, in front of Julio Cesar and helped KC finish on top of the Eastern Conference. Cesar's staying home allowed Espinoza a free role that let him go all over the field winning tackles and causing trouble. Then this year he was named one of Honduras' overage players for the Olympics. Honduras advanced into the knock out stages, where they met Brazil. Espinoza had already had a good tournament, including a stellar performance against Spain in a 1-0 win that helped see Honduras through. The Brazil game though was Espinoza's coming out party. He scored Honduras' second goal on a great run and finish that gave Honduras their second lead of the game. He turned in a man of the match performance that was capped by a red card in stoppage time. As Espinoza walked off the field though, Brazil players stopped to shake his hand and the crowd at St. James' Park rose to their feet giving Espinoza a standing ovation. A moment that still when thinking about it gives me goose bumps, I can't imagine how Espinoza feels about it. If he does leave all I can say is good luck to him and that I might need to pick up an Espinoza jersey for whatever team he ends up with.
Vermes to get extension
Yesterday on Twitter, Robb Heineman posted the above, a day before the 3rd year anniversary of Peter Vermes being given the permanent job as , meaning Peter Vermes will be around KC for a while longer. Vermes has been doing two roles for KC ever since the firing of Curt Onalfo during the 2009 season after the 6-0 loss to Dallas. Serving as both coach and technical director, the success or failure of the team when the announcement was made would completely be on him. He's succeed quite well, especially with the opening of Livestrong Sporting Park. Vermes has coached the second most games in team history behind Bob Gansler with 110, the third most wins (45), second if you take away Ron Newman's 14 shootout wins. He's also averaging the most points per game of any coach for KC, currently averaging 1.5 points per game in league play.
Some of his tactical decisions have been questioned, especially his substitution strategy (or lack there of), but he's also still learning as a coach. What he really needs to do is get the Dominic Kinnear playoff monkey off his back. One thing that is hard to argue with his player scouting and signing ability, he's brought in a number of good foreign signings and draft picks that have contributed quite a bit to the team.
Hex Draw Out
While Sporting KC were taking the field vs the Dynamo, CONCACAF was holding the live draw for the final round of World Cup qualifying, the Hex. Here's the draw.
Feb 6 at Honduras
March 22 Costa Rica
March 26 at Mexico
June 7 at Jamaica
June 11 Panama
June 18 Honduras
Sept 6 at Costa Rica
Sept 10 Mexico
Oct 11 Jamaica
Oct 15 at Panama
You would think that Livestrong Sporting Park is in line for one of those 5 home games. After the announcement a rumor was making the rounds that Sunil Gulati had said the US would not be hosting Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium. The rumor that the US is giving this concession for a concession from the Mexican federation, possibly Mexico not playing the game in the middle of the day (I doubt they'd convince them to not play at Azteca). If that's true, one would think one of the favorites to replace Crew Stadium would be LSP. Especially after the crowd for the Guatemala game back in October. Heineman believes that LSP has a very good shot at the Mexico game because Jurgen Klinsmann's feelings on the amenities at the stadium. If LSP doesn't get Mexico, I still expect KC to get a game, possibly the Costa Rica or Honduras game, or maybe for purposes of the late result potential, put the Jamaica game at LSP. We'll have to see, but the biggest surprise would be no game at all at LSP.
Espinoza Confirms Wigan Interest
After the game against Houston on Wednesday, Roger Espinoza confirmed the rumors that had been around since the end of the Olympics, that Wigan Athletic were interested in the Honduran midfielder. Wigan had been a rumored sutor for both the summer and winter windows for Espinoza, and with Espinoza now out of contract he has a choice to make. According to Thad, Espinoza has 3 offers on the table, one from Wigan, one from Sporting, and a 3rd from another European team that Espinoza would not name. Everyone would like Espinoza to stay in Kansas City, but I still believe that in the end, the chance to play in Europe and that bigger pay day will win out in the end and Espinoza will leave Kansas City for greener pastures.
It's amazing the player Espinoza's turned into during his time here. He started out as a left winger, converted to a left back, and then finally last year during the Gold Cup for Honduras really showed a penchant for playing in the midfield. He came back to KC after the Gold Cup and took up the center midfield position, in front of Julio Cesar and helped KC finish on top of the Eastern Conference. Cesar's staying home allowed Espinoza a free role that let him go all over the field winning tackles and causing trouble. Then this year he was named one of Honduras' overage players for the Olympics. Honduras advanced into the knock out stages, where they met Brazil. Espinoza had already had a good tournament, including a stellar performance against Spain in a 1-0 win that helped see Honduras through. The Brazil game though was Espinoza's coming out party. He scored Honduras' second goal on a great run and finish that gave Honduras their second lead of the game. He turned in a man of the match performance that was capped by a red card in stoppage time. As Espinoza walked off the field though, Brazil players stopped to shake his hand and the crowd at St. James' Park rose to their feet giving Espinoza a standing ovation. A moment that still when thinking about it gives me goose bumps, I can't imagine how Espinoza feels about it. If he does leave all I can say is good luck to him and that I might need to pick up an Espinoza jersey for whatever team he ends up with.
Vermes to get extension
fyi....working on an extension for PV.
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) November 8, 2012
Yesterday on Twitter, Robb Heineman posted the above, a day before the 3rd year anniversary of Peter Vermes being given the permanent job as , meaning Peter Vermes will be around KC for a while longer. Vermes has been doing two roles for KC ever since the firing of Curt Onalfo during the 2009 season after the 6-0 loss to Dallas. Serving as both coach and technical director, the success or failure of the team when the announcement was made would completely be on him. He's succeed quite well, especially with the opening of Livestrong Sporting Park. Vermes has coached the second most games in team history behind Bob Gansler with 110, the third most wins (45), second if you take away Ron Newman's 14 shootout wins. He's also averaging the most points per game of any coach for KC, currently averaging 1.5 points per game in league play.
Some of his tactical decisions have been questioned, especially his substitution strategy (or lack there of), but he's also still learning as a coach. What he really needs to do is get the Dominic Kinnear playoff monkey off his back. One thing that is hard to argue with his player scouting and signing ability, he's brought in a number of good foreign signings and draft picks that have contributed quite a bit to the team.
Hex Draw Out
While Sporting KC were taking the field vs the Dynamo, CONCACAF was holding the live draw for the final round of World Cup qualifying, the Hex. Here's the draw.
Feb 6 at Honduras
March 22 Costa Rica
March 26 at Mexico
June 7 at Jamaica
June 11 Panama
June 18 Honduras
Sept 6 at Costa Rica
Sept 10 Mexico
Oct 11 Jamaica
Oct 15 at Panama
You would think that Livestrong Sporting Park is in line for one of those 5 home games. After the announcement a rumor was making the rounds that Sunil Gulati had said the US would not be hosting Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium. The rumor that the US is giving this concession for a concession from the Mexican federation, possibly Mexico not playing the game in the middle of the day (I doubt they'd convince them to not play at Azteca). If that's true, one would think one of the favorites to replace Crew Stadium would be LSP. Especially after the crowd for the Guatemala game back in October. Heineman believes that LSP has a very good shot at the Mexico game because Jurgen Klinsmann's feelings on the amenities at the stadium. If LSP doesn't get Mexico, I still expect KC to get a game, possibly the Costa Rica or Honduras game, or maybe for purposes of the late result potential, put the Jamaica game at LSP. We'll have to see, but the biggest surprise would be no game at all at LSP.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Attendance Comparison After 17 Home Games
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Sporting KC closed out the regular season last night, and their final home game. As mentioned in the last one, Sporting set a new record for average attendance and overall attendance. For the second time in KC's history the team has averaged over the capacity of their venue, the other time that was done was the was the 2008 season, the team's first year at CAB when they played one game at Arrowhead.
1996 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 12,986
1997 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 9,058
1998 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 8,073
1999 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 9,849
2000 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 9,882
2001 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 10,954
2002 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 12,287
2003 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 15,573
2004 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 14,816
2005 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 9,691
2006 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 11,083
2007 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 11,586
2008 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,716
2009 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,053
2010 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,286
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,921
Saturday October 15, 2011 vs New York 2-0 win
Average - 17,810
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,428
Wednesday October 24, 2012 vs Philadelphia 2-1 win
Average - 19,404
And here is the list of the average attendances for each of the year's throughout Sporting's history.
1. 2012 - 19,403 (-)
2. 2011 - 17,810 (-)
3. 2003 - 15,573 (-)
4. 2004 - 14,816 (-)
5. 1996 - 12,986 (-)
6. 2002 - 12,287 (-)
7. 2007 - 11,586 (-)
8. 2006 - 11,083 (-)
9. 2001 - 10,954 (-)
10. 2008 - 10,716 (-)
11. 2010 - 10,286 (-)
12. 2009 - 10,053 (-)
13. 2000 - 9,882 (-)
14. 1999 - 9,850 (-)
15. 2005 - 9,691 (-)
16. 1997 - 9,058 (-)
17. 1998 - 8,073 (-)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, and Sporting KC
This will hopefully be the last few things I say on the Lance Armstrong/Livestrong/Sporting KC situation unless the team decides to address the situation again.
Sponsors continue to flee from Lance Armstrong like rats from a sinking ship as the ramifications of the USADA report on his doping really begin to sink in. Nike, 24 Hour Fitness, and Anheuser Busch are all among the list of sponsors of Armstrong who have pulled their sponsorship of the cyclist. Armstrong has also stepped down as the chair of Livestrong the cancer awareness organization he helped found. Armstrong does still remain on the board of the organization.
The big question now for Livestrong is whether it can weather the storm surrounding Armstrong because of the connection that existed and continues to exist between the two. So far at least two of their sponsors that also sponsored Armstrong have said they'll stick with the charity. Both Nike and Radio Shack have said that they still support the work being done by Livestrong. At the moment, this seems to be the smart move to take, you don't want to be branded as turning your back on an organization that helps people while they are fighting for their life. Sporting KC is currently in this category as an organization that has partnered with Livestrong, right now isn't the right time to abandon the charity. Plenty of people are calling for the stadium to be renamed because of Livestrong's association with Armstrong, but at the same time there are those that would see it as abandoning an organization that has done good in their hour of need.
Now yes Sporting could go and just give the name to another charity, one that does real research in actually fighting cancer and trying to find a cure, but none of those organizations have the same global recognition as Livestrong currently does. And that was one of the key points I think originally of the deal, it was to bring more name recognition to the team by the association with the organization.
At this time I still don't think there's a reason to split from the deal between the team and Livestrong. I do though think that Sporting KC needs to be keeping a very close eye on the situation, just like I'm sure they have from day one. There was always the chance that further allegations and eventually further evidence coming out implicating Armstrong. Not believing that was possible is stupid and short sighted, both of which are the exact opposite of 90% of what the club does. But if things go further and organizations like Nike and Radio Shack pull their support then it's time to get out as well. I'm not saying that they haven't already, I'm sure that the people that need to have read over the information from the USADA and I'm sure it's been a topic of discussion. I just think that withdrawing support now could be seen as just as bad a PR move for the team to be the first to pull their support.
One thing that does need to happen, if not already is that the yellow seat needs to stop being referred to as being reserved for Lance Armstrong. The name just brings out poor connotations to people after this and continuing to refer to it as such doesn't seem right to me. You can keep it yellow, but just refer to it as the Livestrong Seat, or that it's reserved for a cancer survivor. Just stop referring to it as being reserved for him.
Sponsors continue to flee from Lance Armstrong like rats from a sinking ship as the ramifications of the USADA report on his doping really begin to sink in. Nike, 24 Hour Fitness, and Anheuser Busch are all among the list of sponsors of Armstrong who have pulled their sponsorship of the cyclist. Armstrong has also stepped down as the chair of Livestrong the cancer awareness organization he helped found. Armstrong does still remain on the board of the organization.
The big question now for Livestrong is whether it can weather the storm surrounding Armstrong because of the connection that existed and continues to exist between the two. So far at least two of their sponsors that also sponsored Armstrong have said they'll stick with the charity. Both Nike and Radio Shack have said that they still support the work being done by Livestrong. At the moment, this seems to be the smart move to take, you don't want to be branded as turning your back on an organization that helps people while they are fighting for their life. Sporting KC is currently in this category as an organization that has partnered with Livestrong, right now isn't the right time to abandon the charity. Plenty of people are calling for the stadium to be renamed because of Livestrong's association with Armstrong, but at the same time there are those that would see it as abandoning an organization that has done good in their hour of need.
Now yes Sporting could go and just give the name to another charity, one that does real research in actually fighting cancer and trying to find a cure, but none of those organizations have the same global recognition as Livestrong currently does. And that was one of the key points I think originally of the deal, it was to bring more name recognition to the team by the association with the organization.
At this time I still don't think there's a reason to split from the deal between the team and Livestrong. I do though think that Sporting KC needs to be keeping a very close eye on the situation, just like I'm sure they have from day one. There was always the chance that further allegations and eventually further evidence coming out implicating Armstrong. Not believing that was possible is stupid and short sighted, both of which are the exact opposite of 90% of what the club does. But if things go further and organizations like Nike and Radio Shack pull their support then it's time to get out as well. I'm not saying that they haven't already, I'm sure that the people that need to have read over the information from the USADA and I'm sure it's been a topic of discussion. I just think that withdrawing support now could be seen as just as bad a PR move for the team to be the first to pull their support.
One thing that does need to happen, if not already is that the yellow seat needs to stop being referred to as being reserved for Lance Armstrong. The name just brings out poor connotations to people after this and continuing to refer to it as such doesn't seem right to me. You can keep it yellow, but just refer to it as the Livestrong Seat, or that it's reserved for a cancer survivor. Just stop referring to it as being reserved for him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
USA Advance to Hex
Last night at Livestrong Sporting Park the United States took care of their business and advanced to the next round of World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 win over Guatemala. After going down 1-0 early, the US scored 3 unanswered to get the victory.
The first goal was a disaster for the US back line, as Geoff Cameron stepped up while Carlos Bocanegra did not and a long ball over the top put Carlos Ruiz in behind the US defense. While Ruiz raced down on goal, Tim Howard stayed back not committing until late. Ruiz rounded Howard and slotted the ball into the net giving Guatemala a shocking 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long though as the US immediately pushed the game. In the 10th minute thanks to some great hustle from Herculez Gomez the US won a corner. Graham Zusi's driven corner was headed towards goal by Clint Dempsey. Bocanegra raced in and redirected the header past Ricardo Jerez and tied the game. The US grabbed the lead in the 18th minute with some good play down the right wing. Steve Cherundolo played a ball down the line to Eddie Johnson. Johnson got down the line and played a low cross into the middle where Dempsey scuffed the shot but it got into the net giving the United States the lead. Howard was called in to make a big save shortly after that as again the US back line struggled to deal with Guatemala's attack, but Howard parried the shot away. The US continued to push the game looking for another goal. In the 29th minute Zusi played a great ball to the back post for Johnson. Johnson headed the ball into the middle but Jerez got to it before Herculez Gomez ending the chance. In the 36th minute the US finally found their 3rd, Zusi had the ball on the wing and dribbled at the Guatemalan defense before laying the ball off to Michael Bradley. Bradley's first touch let him down but the ball went to Gomez. Bradley though continued his run and Gomez laid the ball back off to him. In on goal, Jerez came off his line. Bradley chipped the ball over Jerez and was headed towards goal. Dempsey raced in and made sure that the ball got into the net making it 3-1.
At the half down two goals, Guatemala was on the outside looking in on the Hex as Jamaica was up 2 on Antigua in the other game, making up the goal difference gap. In the second half though it was the US that seemed to be the one pushing more. Jerez made a nice save on long range shot from Danny Williams. the rebound fell to Johnson but Jerez was up again and made another good save to keep Guatemala in the game. Immediately after that the US had another good chance as Gomez got played in behind the Guatemalan defense. Gomez got caught though and had to move out wide. The chance wasn't gone though as Gomez played a great cross to the back post where Dempsey just missed connecting on the header that would have made it 4. Guatemala started to push more needing a goal to get themselves back into the Hex picture. In the 66th minute Howard almost gifted them a goal as a low cross by Jose Contreras was not held by Howard. Still with some good reactions, Howard kicked away the muffed collection to keep the 2 goal lead. The US continued to push and should have had a penalty in the 70th minute as Bradley cut past a defender in the box. Bradley was brought down but the referee made no call. In the other game Jamaica scored twice more while Antigua got one themselves to make it 4-1 to Jamaica. But being down on goal difference, Guatemala never really looked into pushing the game and getting themselves back into the Hex. They didn't push the game as much as I thought they would considering they were outside qualifying. Still the final whistle blew and Guatemala just never seemed interested in pushing it and the US guaranteed their passage and sent Guatemala home.
A month ago Columbus raised the bar for US support in the US-Jamaica game and last night, Kansas City matched it in my opinion. The crowd was amazing throughout the game, and while it was below capacity because they couldn't sell standing room only tickets and a portion of the Budweiser corner was taken out for the ESPN broadcast, contributing to the lower number, KC put themselves easily into the discussion for a Hex game some time next year. Robb Heineman tweeted that he thought the performance earned KC the US-Mexico game next year. I'm not sure I'd go that far, I'd be hesitant to go against what's worked in Columbus for US-Mexico, but I'd be shocked if KC didn't get another important game, possibly Costa Rica or Honduras.
The first goal was a disaster for the US back line, as Geoff Cameron stepped up while Carlos Bocanegra did not and a long ball over the top put Carlos Ruiz in behind the US defense. While Ruiz raced down on goal, Tim Howard stayed back not committing until late. Ruiz rounded Howard and slotted the ball into the net giving Guatemala a shocking 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long though as the US immediately pushed the game. In the 10th minute thanks to some great hustle from Herculez Gomez the US won a corner. Graham Zusi's driven corner was headed towards goal by Clint Dempsey. Bocanegra raced in and redirected the header past Ricardo Jerez and tied the game. The US grabbed the lead in the 18th minute with some good play down the right wing. Steve Cherundolo played a ball down the line to Eddie Johnson. Johnson got down the line and played a low cross into the middle where Dempsey scuffed the shot but it got into the net giving the United States the lead. Howard was called in to make a big save shortly after that as again the US back line struggled to deal with Guatemala's attack, but Howard parried the shot away. The US continued to push the game looking for another goal. In the 29th minute Zusi played a great ball to the back post for Johnson. Johnson headed the ball into the middle but Jerez got to it before Herculez Gomez ending the chance. In the 36th minute the US finally found their 3rd, Zusi had the ball on the wing and dribbled at the Guatemalan defense before laying the ball off to Michael Bradley. Bradley's first touch let him down but the ball went to Gomez. Bradley though continued his run and Gomez laid the ball back off to him. In on goal, Jerez came off his line. Bradley chipped the ball over Jerez and was headed towards goal. Dempsey raced in and made sure that the ball got into the net making it 3-1.
At the half down two goals, Guatemala was on the outside looking in on the Hex as Jamaica was up 2 on Antigua in the other game, making up the goal difference gap. In the second half though it was the US that seemed to be the one pushing more. Jerez made a nice save on long range shot from Danny Williams. the rebound fell to Johnson but Jerez was up again and made another good save to keep Guatemala in the game. Immediately after that the US had another good chance as Gomez got played in behind the Guatemalan defense. Gomez got caught though and had to move out wide. The chance wasn't gone though as Gomez played a great cross to the back post where Dempsey just missed connecting on the header that would have made it 4. Guatemala started to push more needing a goal to get themselves back into the Hex picture. In the 66th minute Howard almost gifted them a goal as a low cross by Jose Contreras was not held by Howard. Still with some good reactions, Howard kicked away the muffed collection to keep the 2 goal lead. The US continued to push and should have had a penalty in the 70th minute as Bradley cut past a defender in the box. Bradley was brought down but the referee made no call. In the other game Jamaica scored twice more while Antigua got one themselves to make it 4-1 to Jamaica. But being down on goal difference, Guatemala never really looked into pushing the game and getting themselves back into the Hex. They didn't push the game as much as I thought they would considering they were outside qualifying. Still the final whistle blew and Guatemala just never seemed interested in pushing it and the US guaranteed their passage and sent Guatemala home.
A month ago Columbus raised the bar for US support in the US-Jamaica game and last night, Kansas City matched it in my opinion. The crowd was amazing throughout the game, and while it was below capacity because they couldn't sell standing room only tickets and a portion of the Budweiser corner was taken out for the ESPN broadcast, contributing to the lower number, KC put themselves easily into the discussion for a Hex game some time next year. Robb Heineman tweeted that he thought the performance earned KC the US-Mexico game next year. I'm not sure I'd go that far, I'd be hesitant to go against what's worked in Columbus for US-Mexico, but I'd be shocked if KC didn't get another important game, possibly Costa Rica or Honduras.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Some Thoughts About Tomorrow
Tomorrow at Livestrong Sporting Park is a very big World Cup qualifier between the United States and Guatemala. A spot in next year's Hex is on the line with the chance to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. A draw will see both the US and Guatemala through ahead of Jamaica who play Antigua. Here are some random thoughts about the game.
Get there early
Parking is going to be an absolute mess. With the lots on the Speedway side of State Ave. shut down for the NASCAR race this weekend, 20,000 people will be squeezing into the Community America Ballpark and other lots around the Legends area. It's going to be an absolute cluster fuck so I suggest getting there as early as possible.
Don't wear club gear
Almost everyone knows I'm a club over country guy, I'll choose a Sporting game over a US game most of the time, but there's no reason for that to come into play tomorrow. Sporting is off so my Sporting stuff will stay at home. I strongly suggest that you do the same. Don't brin petty club arguments into the tailgate or into the stadium with you. Sure the jersey may still say Donovan on the back, but on the front it's not a US jersey. It's not a hard concept to understand. That leads to my next point.
Wear red
Or a US jersey. For as long as I remember watching or attending US games, the supporters section of the United States has always worn red as a way to support the team. It's the color of choice unless you're wearing a US jersey. So if you don't have a US jersey, find something red that you can wear and wear that for the game.
The chants are quite similar
The chants and songs that are done by the American Outlaws and US supporters aren't much different from the ones that are done for Sporting. You can basically replace KC or Sporting with US and you have the majoirty of the chants. So don't feel bad if you don't know them right away. The I believe chant is one that really took off after last year's Gold Cup game at LSP.
Expect Guatemala to "park the bus"
With Guatemala only needing a draw to advance, don't expect them to come out flying in the attack. They'll sit back, play 10-11 behind the ball and try to make this game a dull 0-0 affair. With Jamaica-Antigua kicking off at the same time, they'll have an eye on the other game if they do give up a goal. Because if Jamaica and Antigua is close, Guatemala could even get through with a low scoring loss. Should things get closer the game could get quite exciting if the US do score early. That's going to be the best way for the game to open up tomorrow, an early goal will certainly help that. For a further look at potential results see my post from Saturday.
Enjoy the game
Last time KC hosted a World Cup qualifier, it was 11 years ago. I don't expect it to be that long before KC hosts another World Cup qualifier, but they don't come around every day. Enjoy the atmosphere for the US game. This is going to be my 4th cap, and third World Cup qualifier I've attended. And it'll be just as fun. Eleven years ago Kansas City showed for at least one night that they were a soccer city, and now they're proving it on a regular basis, but it's time to show it again at the national level.
Get there early
Parking is going to be an absolute mess. With the lots on the Speedway side of State Ave. shut down for the NASCAR race this weekend, 20,000 people will be squeezing into the Community America Ballpark and other lots around the Legends area. It's going to be an absolute cluster fuck so I suggest getting there as early as possible.
Don't wear club gear
Almost everyone knows I'm a club over country guy, I'll choose a Sporting game over a US game most of the time, but there's no reason for that to come into play tomorrow. Sporting is off so my Sporting stuff will stay at home. I strongly suggest that you do the same. Don't brin petty club arguments into the tailgate or into the stadium with you. Sure the jersey may still say Donovan on the back, but on the front it's not a US jersey. It's not a hard concept to understand. That leads to my next point.
Wear red
Or a US jersey. For as long as I remember watching or attending US games, the supporters section of the United States has always worn red as a way to support the team. It's the color of choice unless you're wearing a US jersey. So if you don't have a US jersey, find something red that you can wear and wear that for the game.
The chants are quite similar
The chants and songs that are done by the American Outlaws and US supporters aren't much different from the ones that are done for Sporting. You can basically replace KC or Sporting with US and you have the majoirty of the chants. So don't feel bad if you don't know them right away. The I believe chant is one that really took off after last year's Gold Cup game at LSP.
Expect Guatemala to "park the bus"
With Guatemala only needing a draw to advance, don't expect them to come out flying in the attack. They'll sit back, play 10-11 behind the ball and try to make this game a dull 0-0 affair. With Jamaica-Antigua kicking off at the same time, they'll have an eye on the other game if they do give up a goal. Because if Jamaica and Antigua is close, Guatemala could even get through with a low scoring loss. Should things get closer the game could get quite exciting if the US do score early. That's going to be the best way for the game to open up tomorrow, an early goal will certainly help that. For a further look at potential results see my post from Saturday.
Enjoy the game
Last time KC hosted a World Cup qualifier, it was 11 years ago. I don't expect it to be that long before KC hosts another World Cup qualifier, but they don't come around every day. Enjoy the atmosphere for the US game. This is going to be my 4th cap, and third World Cup qualifier I've attended. And it'll be just as fun. Eleven years ago Kansas City showed for at least one night that they were a soccer city, and now they're proving it on a regular basis, but it's time to show it again at the national level.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Early Look at Tuesday
Now that we've all had a chance to settle down from what was a fairly drab performance from the US men's national team last night in Antigua, it's now time to look towards Tuesday and the game at Livestrong Sporting Park against Guatemala. Along with the USA's 2-1 win, Guatemala defeated Jamaica at home 2-1. Here is how the groups look right now.
So after last night, Guatemala and the US are tied at the top of the group on 10 points. The US is currently ahead of Guatemala on the 7th tie breaker, goals scored away from home between the two teams (US has one, Guatemala zero because the return leg hasn't been played).
For the US, things are fairly simple as a whole, if you don't lose at home you're through to the Hex. That's a simple enough task for the US, as they haven't lost a World Cup qualifier on home soil since 2001 when they lost 2-1 to Honduras at RFK Stadium. Only one player on the current roster, Steve Cherundolo, was on that team that lost that day (Landon Donovan was on the team as well, but he's no longer in camp due to injury).
A loss would be devastating for Guatemala though as Jamaica is hosting Antigua & Barbuda the same night, and with Antigua having failed to win a game yet, Jamaica would seem primed to finish play on 10 points. The US and Guatemala though could play to a draw and both teams would advance with 11 points as that would put them out of reach of Jamaica. With that said, I'd expect Guatemala to come in and immediately sit back, playing for the draw as they'd know that would see them through. Could make for a frustrating night for the United States unless they score early. An early goal would force Guatemala to come out and attack looking to get back level.
The worst thing that could happen for the US is a loss, but it wouldn't eliminate them from qualifying, but things become more difficult. One way that the US could still advance is if Jamaica fails to beat their Caribbean rival in Kingston, that would leave Jamaica on 7 or 8 points, below the US. If the US loses and Jamaica wins, the goal difference in the 2 matches can be 2 (US lose 1-0, Jamaica win 1-0) and the US would still advance on goal difference, +2 to +1. If the goal difference in the 2 games is 3, Jamaica cannot outscore the US by 4 goals, or else they'll pass the US in the goals scored category, putting the US out.
So there's a quick look for you at what can happen on Tuesday at Livestrong Sporting Park. To make it easy, how about we just win?
| Team | GP | W | L | D | Points | GF | GA | GD |
| USA | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Guatemala | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Jamaica | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Antigua & Barbuda | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | -6 |
So after last night, Guatemala and the US are tied at the top of the group on 10 points. The US is currently ahead of Guatemala on the 7th tie breaker, goals scored away from home between the two teams (US has one, Guatemala zero because the return leg hasn't been played).
For the US, things are fairly simple as a whole, if you don't lose at home you're through to the Hex. That's a simple enough task for the US, as they haven't lost a World Cup qualifier on home soil since 2001 when they lost 2-1 to Honduras at RFK Stadium. Only one player on the current roster, Steve Cherundolo, was on that team that lost that day (Landon Donovan was on the team as well, but he's no longer in camp due to injury).
A loss would be devastating for Guatemala though as Jamaica is hosting Antigua & Barbuda the same night, and with Antigua having failed to win a game yet, Jamaica would seem primed to finish play on 10 points. The US and Guatemala though could play to a draw and both teams would advance with 11 points as that would put them out of reach of Jamaica. With that said, I'd expect Guatemala to come in and immediately sit back, playing for the draw as they'd know that would see them through. Could make for a frustrating night for the United States unless they score early. An early goal would force Guatemala to come out and attack looking to get back level.
The worst thing that could happen for the US is a loss, but it wouldn't eliminate them from qualifying, but things become more difficult. One way that the US could still advance is if Jamaica fails to beat their Caribbean rival in Kingston, that would leave Jamaica on 7 or 8 points, below the US. If the US loses and Jamaica wins, the goal difference in the 2 matches can be 2 (US lose 1-0, Jamaica win 1-0) and the US would still advance on goal difference, +2 to +1. If the goal difference in the 2 games is 3, Jamaica cannot outscore the US by 4 goals, or else they'll pass the US in the goals scored category, putting the US out.
So there's a quick look for you at what can happen on Tuesday at Livestrong Sporting Park. To make it easy, how about we just win?
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Still No Plans to Rename Livestrong Sporting Park
Yesterday, the USADA released with some information on why they'd moved forward with banning Lance Armstrong and stripping him of his Tour de France titles. There's plenty of evidence that would seem to be fairly damning towards Armstrong's case with plenty of witness testimony, financial records, and lab results in it. It brings back up the debate of the stadium name. Back when the USADA originally announced the banning of Armstrong, Robb Heineman came out and stated the continued backing of the Livestrong organization and the work that they do with helping cancer survivors.
Today at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge, Heineman was again asked to comment on the new news with the information from the USADA. Heineman again stated the good work that the organization does despite what is going on with Armstrong. He said that the organization doesn't have their "head in the sand... but it doesn't change how we feel about the Foundation."
So by the sounds of it, the stadium will still be Livestrong Sporting Park at least in the near future.
Today at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge, Heineman was again asked to comment on the new news with the information from the USADA. Heineman again stated the good work that the organization does despite what is going on with Armstrong. He said that the organization doesn't have their "head in the sand... but it doesn't change how we feel about the Foundation."
So by the sounds of it, the stadium will still be Livestrong Sporting Park at least in the near future.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Attendance Comparison After 16 Home Games
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Last night at Livestrong Sporting Park, Sporting set a new attendance record for the stadium, drawing 21,010, 2,543 above the announced capacity of the stadium. The attendance also guarantees that KC will set a new team record again this year in terms of average attendance and total attendance as they've already topped last year's total attendance total with one game left.
1996 - Arrowhead
18,594
Saturday September 21, 1996 vs San Jose 0-0 (1-2) shootout loss
Final home game of the season.
Average - 12,986
1997 - Arrowhead
12,485
Friday September 26, 1997 vs Colorado 5-2 win
Final home game of the season.
Average - 9,058
1998 - Arrowhead
13,146
Saturday September 19, 1998 vs Dallas 0-1 loss
Final home game of the season.
Average - 8,073
1999 - Arrowhead
14,845
Saturday October 9, 1999 vs Los Angeles 0-1 loss
Final home game of the seasons.
Average - 9,849
2000 - Arrowhead
20,078
Saturday September 2, 2000 vs Tampa 1-0 win
Final home game of the season.
Average - 9,882
2001 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 10,954
2002 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 12,287
2003 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 15,573
2004 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 14,816
2005 - Arrowhead
12,546
Saturday October 8, 2005 vs New England 2-2 draw
Final game of the season.
Average - 9,691
2006 - Arrowhead
15,878
Saturday October 7, 2006 vs Chvias USA 2-1 win
Final game of the season.
Average - 11,083
2007 - Arrowhead
Season finished
Average - 11,586
2008 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,716
2009 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,053
2010 - Community America Ballpark
Season finished
Average - 10,286
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
17,838
Wednesday September 28, 2011 vs Columbus 2-1 win
Average - 17,678
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
21,010
Friday September 28, 2012 vs Chicago 2-0 win
Average - 19,403
And here is the list of the average attendances for each of the year's throughout Sporting's history.
1. 2012 - 19,403 (-)
2. 2011 - 17,678 (-)
3. 2003 - 15,573 (-)
4. 2004 - 14,816 (-)
5. 1996 - 12,986 (-)
6. 2002 - 12,287 (-)
7. 2007 - 11,586 (-)
8. 2006 - 11,083 (+1)
9. 2001 - 10,954 (-1)
10. 2008 - 10,716 (-)
11. 2010 - 10,286 (-)
12. 2009 - 10,053 (-)
13. 2000 - 9,882 (+2)
14. 1999 - 9,850 (-1)
15. 2005 - 9,691 (-1)
16. 1997 - 9,058 (-)
17. 1998 - 8,073 (-)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Qualifier at LSP Sold Out
It was announced today that the US Men's World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park is sold out. The first World Cup qualifier in KC since the 2001 qualifier against Costa Rica, and the first at the new stadium will see what is expected to be a loud, partisan crowd. The announcement does mean that there will be at least 18,467 at the game in October. The question is whether that sold out crowd will include standing room only or not. A crowd of 20,109 saw the USA beat Guadeloupe last summer at Livestrong Sporting Park in the Gold Cup. A goal to shoot for for the crowd by the time the 16th rows around, is the 20,839 that showed up for last year's Eastern Conference final against the Houston Dynamo. Not saying that they'll get there with standing room only tickets, but that has to be the number to look towards.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
US Qualifier Right Around the Corner
We're less than a month away from what could be a win or go home game for the US men's national team at Livestrong Sporting Park against Guatemala. With the results against Jamaica during this last set of qualifiers, the US find themselves tied with Jamaica and Guatemala for first place in the group on 7 points. KC's first game of the upcoming qualifiers is in Antigua against Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua's qualifying hopes are barely alive at this point and the US can eliminate them with a win or a draw. While that game is going on, Jamaica and Guatemala will play. No matter the result in those two games, the US game will mean a lot when it comes to qualifying. There are a number of scenarios for the way the games could play out, but the simplest thing for the US is to win both games. If the US doesn't, there are ways that could see the US not get through though, but I don't see that as a likely situation.
Ahead of the qualifier, there is going to be a public training session available for fans to attend on Sunday October 14th out at Livestrong Sporting Park. The event in Columbus ahead of the Jamaica game was quite well attended and while it was a light workout for the US, looked like fun. The other thing to keep an eye on is the American Outlaws plans for the game. Not only the pre-night party at Johnny's Tavern, but the festivities the day of.
The one interesting thing about the plans is the news that due to the NASCAR race the weekend after the game, it appears that the parking lots where most Sporting fans park will not be available for use for the game. It'll be a fun day, and could be quite stressful as well, but Columbus Crew Stadium raised the bar against Jamaica, now it's Livestrong's turn to show off. Checking Ticketmaster tonight I wasn't even able to find any tickets for sale. Although there are some on secondary sites at this time.
Ahead of the qualifier, there is going to be a public training session available for fans to attend on Sunday October 14th out at Livestrong Sporting Park. The event in Columbus ahead of the Jamaica game was quite well attended and while it was a light workout for the US, looked like fun. The other thing to keep an eye on is the American Outlaws plans for the game. Not only the pre-night party at Johnny's Tavern, but the festivities the day of.
The one interesting thing about the plans is the news that due to the NASCAR race the weekend after the game, it appears that the parking lots where most Sporting fans park will not be available for use for the game. It'll be a fun day, and could be quite stressful as well, but Columbus Crew Stadium raised the bar against Jamaica, now it's Livestrong's turn to show off. Checking Ticketmaster tonight I wasn't even able to find any tickets for sale. Although there are some on secondary sites at this time.
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