Sassano Named Cosmos Assistant Technical Director - Former SKC Wizards Update

It looks like Luke Sassano is moving on with a career outside of his playing days. The former Sporting KC player has been named the New York Cosmos assistant technical director, working with one of the biggest villains in Wizards history, Alecko Eskandarian.  Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Rauwshan McKenzie
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-0 win over Chicago. Started and played 52 minutes in Montreal's 6-0 win over Toronto.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 73 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to LA.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 win over KC.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 win over KC.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 2-0 loss to New England.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to LA.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Came  off the bench and played 70 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 win over DC.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 win over DC.

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 3-2 win over Atlanta.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 4-0 win over Dayton.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 81 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Orlando's 4-0 win over Dayton.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 4-0 win over Dayton.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - No game this week.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 4-0 win over Dayton.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in LA's 4-0 win over Wilmington.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Started and played 87 minutes, recording an assist in Rochester's 5-1 loss to Harrisburg.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 4-0 win over Dayton.
Yomby William - Richmond - No game this week.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 win overe Pittsburgh. Did not play in Charleston's 2-1 win over Harrisburg.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Offseason

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Beat Oulu 3-0.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Dressed but did not play in DPMM's 2-1 loss to Harimau Muda II.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Started and played 45 minutes in Esteghlal's 1-0 win over Al Ain.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Did not dress in Atlas' 1-1 draw with Puebla.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Did not dress in Churchill's 3-1 loss to Semen.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Beat Argentino Merlo 1-0.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 4-0 win over Caledonia. Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 0-0 draw with Antigua.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Did not play in any of Huila's games.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Came off the benchc and played 10 minutes in Wigan's 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 37 minutes in Santos 0-0 draw with Monterrey. Started and played 90 minutes in Santos' 1-0 loss to Cruz Azul. Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Santos' 4-2 loss to Monterrey.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in either of Bahia's games.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Dressed but did not play in AZAL's 2-0 win over Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Norwich - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Norwich's 1-0 loss to Stoke City.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Beat Rapid Ghidighici.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 loss to Inti Gas. Came off the bench and played 36 minutes in SAn Martin's 1-1 tie with UTC Cajamarca.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Did not dress in Spartak's 2-0 win over Anzhi.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in Zilina's 3-0 win over Ruzomberok. Lost 2-0 to Slovan Bratislava.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season starts in May.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Leotar's 1-1 draw with Siroki Brijeg.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Munster's 1-1 draw with Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in Llaneros 1-0 win over Bogota. Started and played 90 minutes in Llaneros' 2-0 loss to Real Cartagena.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Tied Ratchaburi 1-1.

Salaries and 2013 Preseason

Today, the MLS players union released another update to the player salaries again.  Only one new addition on the list for Sporting KC, the addition of former Barcelona B player, Oriol Rosell.  The Spaniard is making $90,000 for his base salary and $98,750 in guaranteed compensation, the salary is prorated since he didn't sign until midseason.

In other salary news, Scott Angevine, who had been under contract to Sporting for a short time is on the list as a pool keeper, making $33,756, along with Steve Spangler, who trained with Sporting is making $33,750.  Former player, Luke Sassano isn't listed under Sporting's salaries any more, but he is at the bottom of the October list without a team since he's now in the NASL with Carolina.

2013 preseason back in Florida

Buried at the bottom of an article from Steven Goff today is the news on where at least a portion of KC's 2013 preseason will be.  Sporting has apparently agreed to return to Orlando again this year with 5 other MLS clubs (one of which is DC).  They'll once again participate in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer classic, scheduled to take place from February 9th through the 23rd.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Not a lot of players in action this week due to the international break, but still some action for a few players.  Also, congratulations to Luke Sassano who has landed on his feet after being waived by KC, signing with Carolina.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss to Houston.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Seattle's 2-1 win over Chivas.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 89 minutes in Chivas' 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - No game this week.
Josh Wolff - DC - No game this week.

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Atlanta's 1-1 draw with Tampa.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with Edmonton.  Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Minnesota's 4-0 win over Puerto Rico.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-0 loss to San Antonio.  Play Edmonton tonight.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Just signed for the Railhawks.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
Konrad Warzycha - Carolina - Loan - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Carolina's 1-0 loss to San Antonio.

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Wilmington.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - Belgium - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - No game this week.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - No game this week.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in the USA's 2-1 loss to Jamaica.  Started and played 80 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 1-0 win over Jamaica.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Season is over.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in either of Bahia's games.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not play in Hjorring's 2-0 loss to Vejle-Kolding.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Alvarado - Argentina - Did not play in Alvarado's 1-1 draw wtih Sportivo Desamparados
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 1-0 win over Malta.  Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 1-0 loss to Bulgaria.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fjolnir's 1-0 loss to Thor.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - No game this week.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.

Sporting Waive Sassano

The MLS July 1st guaranteed contract deadline is right around the corner, and teams are making their moves to clear players off their roster.  KC made their move today, waiving midfielder, Luke Sassano.  Sassano had been picked up by KC after the Re-Entry draft in a trade with the LA Galaxy that sent the rights to Frankie Hejduk to LA. 
Sassano appeared in 10 league games for KC, scoring one goal, in the team's 4-1 win last season over Dallas.  He also appeared in all four of KC's US Open Cup games (qualifiers and proper).  He'd only made one appearance this season for KC, in their home opener vs New England.  He also missed time due to a knee injury that required surgery. 
As a whole this move, while disappointing is not completely without surprise.  With Paulo Nagamura, Peterson Joseph, and Michael Thomas all playing a similar position to Sassano it was a bit of a numbers game.  Factor that in with Sassano's salary of $81,000 per the players union, and it's not surprising that Sporting KC decided to drop the veteran midfielder at this time. 

Busy Schedule Coming Up

I hope you enjoy this upcoming weekend without a Sporting KC game, because it could be the last light week in a little while for KC.  Should KC make the finals of the US Open Cup, and the PSG friendly is made official, KC will play 17 games in 56 days between June 16th and August 11th.  Twelve of those games are league games, 3 could be US Open Cup games, and 2 could be friendlies.  KC will basically be playing a game every 3 days or so between next Saturday and about the middle of August.  It's a very busy stretch that will test the depth for KC quite a bit.

The schedule starts very rough for KC, as they will play on the 16th at home against Toronto and then immediately take off for Seattle where they will play on Wednesday the 20th.  On Saturday the 23rd KC is on the opposite coast playing against Philadelphia.  They'll then come home and play Dayton in the US Open Cup on the 26th and then host Chicago on the 29th.  Here's a look at all the potential games for KC over the next 56 days.

June 16th vs Toronto
June 20th at Seattle
June 23rd at Philadelphia
June 26th vs Dayton (USOC)
June 29th vs Chicago
July 4th at Montreal
July 7th vs Houston
July 10th USOC Semifinals (KC not guaranteed to play)
July 14th at Columbus
July 18th at Houston
July 21st at New England
July 25th or 26th MLS All Star game on the 25th, 26th is potential date of PSG friendly
July 28th vs Columbus
August 1st vs Stoke City friendly
August 4th at New England
August 7th or 8th USOC Final (KC not guaranteed to play)
August 11th vs DC

MLS All Star Voting List Out

Today MLS announced the players that can be voted on for the All Star game in Philadelphia this year vs Chelsea.  Each MLS team had 6 players put up.  For KC, those six are Aurelien Collin, Roger Espinoza, Kei Kamara, Jimmy Nielsen, CJ Sapong, and Graham Zusi.  Of that list, Espinoza is at the top of my list of players that I'd vote for, he's still in my opinion, KC's MVP this year.  Collin is pretty deserving of it as well.  Honestly though I want these guys to be named to the "reserves" who still earn the All Star bonus but don't play in the game.  KC is going to be busy enough without having some of their players going off to Philadelphia to play Chelsea.


Sassano Out for 2 Months

Earlier this week it was announced that Luke Sassano will miss two months after having surgery on Tuesday.  Sassano had the surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. It's a blow for Sassano who with injuries in the center of midfield looked set to get more time, but will now miss KC's busy stretch of the season.

Rangers Defeat Rockhurst

In the first game of the season at Livestrong Sporting Park, the Swope Park Rangers defeated Rockhurst University 2-0 on goals by Luke Sassano and Dom Dwyer. KC started the game with a lineup that featured only two players that defeated DC on Saturday 1-0. Jacob Peterson and goal scorer, CJ Sapong both started for the Rangers against Rockhurst.

As expected, Sporting KC dominated play from the start. For much of the half, Rockhurst was lucky to combine 3 passes before their build up broke down. KC attacked in waves, but had trouble beating Rockhurst's defense as they came up with numerous blocks. Finally in the 22nd minute KC broke through. Michael Harrington laid back a pass to Luke Sassano to the right of the goal. Sassano fired a shot that went into the side netting making it 1-0 KC. After the goal, Rockhurst had some of their best build up, as the Rangers defensive pairing of Lawrence Olum and Cyprian Hedrick seemed to struggle at times to stay organized. After the short flurry from Rockhurst though, KC was back down the field and scored again in the 34th minute. Sassano played a cross into the box that took a big deflection off a Rockhurst defender. Dwyer reacted first to the ball and headed it into the net to make it 2-0 KC. After the goal, KC subbed out Sapong for Michael Thomas. Earlier in the half, Sapong had come to the sidelines to have Chet North check him out. It is likely nothing, and he was probably subbed out as a precaution ahead of Saturday's game against New England.

In the second half, the Rangers continued to dominate play. They were especially working down the right hand side, first through Michael Harrington and Peterson, then with Kevin Ellis and Kyle Miller as the two subs came on later in the half. KC created numerous chances but were unable to add to their lead. The best came when Miller played a ball back to Olum whose shot towards the far corner was well saved by the Rockhurst goalkeeper.

Sassano Re-Signed

It's been rumored and speculated on since he pulled out of the re-entry draft, but today, Sporting KC finally made it official. Luke Sassano has signed a new contract with Sporting KC. Sassano had played in 9 league games last year in a season that was cut short by some injuries. Sassano had not had his contract picked up and had gone into the re-entry draft. But before the first stage of the re-entry draft took place, Sassano disappeared from the list, prompting the re-signing speculation. Finally it was made official today, so Sassano will return for his second season in Kansas City.

Sassano Opts Out of Re-Entry Draft

Yesterday while looking around MLS' website I went back to the list of players that were put into the re-entry draft. The list of Sporting KC players had been reduced by one. Luke Sassano was no longer listed as being available in the draft. Today on Twitter, I got a response from @agenterob, Sassano's agent. In the response I was told that Sassano opted out of the re-entry draft.

So what does that mean? Well from doing a little searching, I found this article from the Revolution that talks about the players they have that are eligible for the re-entry draft. It says: "Eligible players may either choose to participate in the Re-Entry Process or opt out and sign with their current clubs."

The bolded part is mine. If this is correct, it would seem that Sassano has opted out of the draft and signed a new contract with Sporting KC. I know that will make quite a few people happy, especially those at Pandolfi's, home of The Sassano, probably the best sandwich in the city in my opinion.

Sassano played in 9 games, starting 5. He also scored this goal to cap off Sporting KC's win over Dallas.

A Look at the Re-Entry Draft List

MLS released the list of players that are available for the Re-Entry Draft next week. Up until Friday team's can still negotiate with their players and potentially reach a deal that would see the player stay with their current club. So fans of Luke Sassano (sorry I'm not sure Shavar Thomas has many fans in KC at this point) don't have to get worried quite yet that the midfielder will not be back. Both Sassano and Thomas did not have their options picked up by the club. If no deal is reached by Friday, then players will go into the first stage of the draft, which takes place on Monday the 5th. In the first stage, teams pick up a player's option or make them a bona fide offer. Per what was released last year, a bona fide offer is considered the same same guaranteed salary they made this past season if they are 25 years old and at least 4 years experience or 105% of their 2011 salary if they are 30 with 8 years. The other potential is a player under 25 with 3 years experience that could be picked up at their option price if their option wasn't picked up.

The second stage on December 12th, there wouldn't be any specific contract requirements.

Last year in the first stage, only one player, Joseph Ngwenya by DC. This year I think we could see a few more players taken, but I think the majority will go in the second round.

When it comes to KC, it'll be interesting to see which way the team goes. There's not really a guy there that I could see coming in and starting, but there are a few players that I think could add some quality depth to the team heading into the 2012 season. Especially with much of our movement so far this offseason being in the midfield, it's possible KC could try to add depth there or in the center of defense. KC could also use another striker on the bench, but I don't see any of the forwards available as ones that would fit well in KC's system. So here's a few players that I think could potential contribute for KC.

Baggio Husidic - Chicago - M - $82,500 - Maybe more of a second stage option if you can get him to take a lower salary, but I think Husidic could be a good depth edition for KC. Drafted the same year as Matt Besler and Graham Zusi, Husidic made 50 league appearances for the Fire in his 3 years with the club. He graduated from the Generation Adidas program last year. I think he could be a good potential back up for Zusi in the midfield.

Ryan Cochrane - New England - D - $70,000 - The 28 year old defender started 22 games for the for the Revolution last year. He too may be a little more expensive than what KC wants to use in the first stage, but could prove to be decent depth in the center of defense. Of course with Daneil Cyrus, Lawrence Olum, and the possibility of Nick Cardenas and center back may not be a requirement for KC.

Jean Alexandre - Salt Lake - M - $42,000 - A more defensive minded midfielder, Alexandre pulled a Diop this past year for Salt Lake filling it at forward as well. The Haitian international could join his countryman, Peterson Joseph. His salary is definitely appealing for KC.

We'll see if KC goes for any of these, or other players.

Sassano, Thomas, Nielsen, and Bravo News

Some quick bits of news on four Kansas City players from this past season. First, with regards to the re-entry draft (more on the draft as a whole later). Kansas City has two players that have been played into the draft, Luke Sassano and Shavar Thomas. Neither one is incredibly surprising. Thomas was 100% expected after he wasn't waived, the Jamaican international made only 3 substitute appearances in MLS play this past season. Thomas, who made $160,000 last year, came to KC last year from Philadelphia via trade and helped KC to stop some of the bleeding in the middle of defense, but fell so far down the depth chart KC wasn't even dressing a back up center back, instead if Matt Besler or Aurelien Collin weren't able to go, Julio Cesar would drop from midfield to defense. Sassano, who started off on a 3 month contract, earning a contract for the rest of the season after impressing enough, finished the season making $51,600. He played in 9 games, starting 5 after coming to KC last year via trade LA in a trade of re-entry draft participants as KC sent Frankie Hejduk the other direction. Sassano scored his first goal in the team's 4-1 win over Dallas.

Last week it was announced that Jimmy Nielsen has signed a contract extension with Sporting KC. Word out of Denmark is that Nielsen will see a pay raise of about $76,000 over his $200,000 last year (1,530,000 Danish Krone equals $276,000 US). A decent pay raise for the Dane, one that he has probably earned over the past two years with his play. (H/T to The Front Men)

Finally, some Omar Bravo news, also courtesy of The Front Men originally. Bravo's agent, Ruben Perez told ESPN Deportes that Bravo is not going to be going to Mexico on loan during the offseason. There had been rumors of Tecos and Atlas both being interested in bringing in the former Mexican international on loan. But all that talk all died down a few weeks ago when Tecos said that they were going to be unable to do a deal because of KC's demands. With KC wanting Bravo back for the beginning of the 2012 season, Bravo would have only been able to play 7 games in Mexico, which wasn't worth it to Tecos. At that point you expected that Bravo wouldn't be going anywhere, but this confirms it.

Injury Crisis?

The injuries for Sporting Kansas City seem to continue to mount up, with news on two more players coming out today. First for some good news, the team posted on Twitter today that captain, Davy Arnaud had returned to training. Combine that with the return of Craig Rocastle to game play yesterday in the reserve game. The two of them will help boost the midfield that has suffered some injuries and suspensions lately.

Still, though there are plenty of injury issues going around. Aurelien Collin is still out with his back injury. Best case scenario could see him back probably in early to mid-September. But if recovery goes slowly, Collin could miss longer. Back injuries are something that can take a long time to heal depending on the person. Hopefully he's on the short side. Especially since today word came out that KC is down another central defender. Newly signed, Daneil Cyrus has broken the 5th metatarsal in his left foot. The injury will require surgery and will see him miss the rest of the 2011 season. Combine those two and it's a blow to KC. Now KC only has 3 central defenders on it's roster, Matt Besler, Julio Cesar, and Shavar Thomas. Thomas had likely been on the trade block and transfer list up until the injury to Cyrus. Now KC can't afford to get rid of the Jamaican, as he's the only back up KC has if Besler or Cesar gets injured. I'd said that previously I wanted KC to get another center back. There's 6 days left in the MLS transfer window to go shopping outside the league, but the trade deadline is still about a month away so KC could get someone within the league. But everyone knows Cyrus is now up and the price for KC to get a defender just went up. The other possibility is that KC signs a free agent, for example, a guy like Nick Cardenas who the Wizards drafted in 2010 and played 90 minutes for KC in the reserve game yesterday. It'll be interesting to see if KC makes a move.

The other new injury is the rumor that Andrew Wiebe posted today about Luke Sassano. Sassano limped through the last 2 minutes plus stoppage time of the game on the weekend against the Sounders after a collision with Lamar Neagle. Wiebe has heard that Sassano has a sprained MCL and will miss the next 4-6 weeks recovering from the injury. The injury looked a lot worse watching it on replay after the game. With Arnaud and Rocastle on their way back, this injury may not hurt as much, but until they're able to go KC is going to have some depth issues at midfield. Especially when you factor in that we haven't heard anything with regards to the status to Jeferson, who limped off to be replaced by Sassano against the Sounders. Hopefully with the extra time off, Jeferson will be ready to go in about a week against Portland. But if he can't the injury crisis could continue.

Monday After Stats

Here are your stats for Monday.

Luke Sassano scored his first ever MLS goal.

Aurelien Collin's goal was his first MLS league goal.

Milos Stojcev's red card was KC's 5th of the season, they had only 4 all of last year.

Matt Besler made his 50th league appearance for KC, he's the 38th player to hit that mark for KC.

Davy Arnaud made his 230th start in all competitions, breaking his tie with Preki for 3rd place on that list.

The Offense Awakens

When the lineup for tonight's game against FC Dallas was announced, I don't know if there were many fans, if any, predicting a point, let alone all three as Sporting KC took it to FC Dallas, winning 4-1, even though they played the last 30 plus minutes down a man. With virtually only 18 players healthy, or not with their national team, KC looked set to continue their long winless run, while Dallas looked set to extend their own unbeaten run to 10 games.

KC though came out from the start and took the game to Dallas, causing some problems early on set pieces and on long runs into the box. Off an early corner, CJ Sapong headed wide of the post on a diving header and Graham Zusi tested Kevin Hartman in the 17th with a stinging shot that Hartman pushed onto the post. Milos Stojcev also tested Hartman with a blast from the top of the box, that Hartman tipped up into the air and caught the rebound. In the 28th minute, KC grabbed a deserved lead through Zusi. Birahim Diop started a counter, finding Davy Arnaud in the middle of the field. Arnaud continued to switch finding Zusi. Zusi dribbled at Zach Loyd, cut inside and fired a shot past Hartman and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead, their first since going up 1-0 on LA on May 14th. But the lead only lasted 4 minutes as the team's defensive errors popped back up. Brek Shea received the ball about 40 yards from goal, avoided a sliding Diop, and Stojcev seemed to decide to just watch him run. Aurelien Collin was the next to slide, completely missing Shea, finally Chance Myers got turned as Shea cut by. Shea then slotted the ball past Eric Kronberg in goal, leveling the game at 1-1. Kevin Stott had a busy first half, handing out 4 yellow cards, including 3 to Sporting KC players Collin, Seth Sinovic, and Stojcev.

In the second half, KC started things quickly from a corner kick. Zusi played in a corner to the back post. Sapong did well to knock the ball back into the middle where Collin knocked the ball home to give KC the lead again 2-1. The corner was the result of what appeared to be rehearsed set plays that KC tried throughout the game, play the ball to the back post and then get it back across the middle. On this goal it was executed perfectly by all 3 players involved in the play. And KC made it 3 shortly after the second goal. After a hand ball on Dallas just inside Dallas' half, Zusi stepped up, saw Hartman cheating a little bit for the ball into the box and let fly with an absolute rocket that hit the back of the net and rebounded back out from 50 yards out. An amazing goal that any other week would have easily been goal of the week.

Only after Zusi's rocket, KC found themselves down a man again after Stojcev picked up his second yellow of the game for a stupid challenge from behind on Marvin Chavez. A yellow on the play may have been a little harsh, but the challenge was silly and totally ill advised. Down a man though, Kansas City was still able to create chances and should have extended their lead. Sapong and Zusi had a 2 on 2 break, where Sapong had drawn both defenders but did not play the ball to Zusi who was on the hattrick at the time. A little later, substitute, Kei Kamara had a chance, but Jackson made a great sliding tackle to steal the ball away. KC though did find a fourth goal through Luke Sassano in the 78th. After a goal kick by Kronberg, the ball found it's way to the feet of Diop who played a nice little ball over the top to Sassano. Sassano reached the ball before the onrushing Hartman and touched it over him. The ball looped into the net making it 4-1. KC held on and grabbed their second league win of the season. A result that should give all kinds of confidence to the team heading into Friday's game at home against San Jose, who defeated DC United 4-2 on the weekend.

WIZARDS Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - Two goals and an assist for Zusi, a splendid performance. If not for Sapong being unable to get the ball to Zusi on the 2v2, Zusi could have gotten a hattrick. He even played the ball to Diop that set up the fourth goal tonight. If not for Eric Hassli's wonder strike his free kick would be the odds on favorite for goal of the week. And if not for Steven Lenhart's hattrick, Zusi would be wrapping up player of the week as well.

Honorable Mention - CJ Sapong

Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Sinovic 6, Collin 7, Besler 7, Myers 6, Sassano 7, Diop 6, Arnaud 7, Zusi 9, Sapong 8, Stojcev 4. Subs Kamara 5, Cesar 5, Bunbury NR.

Sassano Signed

We've seen in a few interviews with Peter Vermes lately that have been saying that the signing of Luke Sassano was just a formality. Today we learn that the formality is gone and the signing is official, today KC announced the signing for the former New York Red Bulls defender/midfielder. KC acquired the rights to Sassano in a trade with LA. KC had selected Frankie Hejduk in the second round of the re-entry draft, but traded his rights to LA in exchange for Sassano's rights. Sassano will provide cover in the midfield and defense.

More Roster Movement

Today while speaking with Andrew Wiebe from MLSsoccer.com, Peter Vermes gave us a bit of insight into what is currently going on with the roster for Sporting KC next year. Some of it we've heard previously from Thad's interviews with the SKC coach, but we did get some new news as well.

First for the news we've kind of already heard and been told. Zoltan Hercegfalvi, at this time is not expected to be back with the team at this time. Hercegfalvi has returned to Hungary, but while Vermes hasn't ruled out bringing him back, as of this time he will not be back right now. With regards to Michael Harrington, Vermes still says that the team is close to signing him to a new contract and that the ball is in Harrington and his agent's court. Also along with Thad's previous conversation with Vermes, the signing of Luke Sassano is only a formality at this point it appears. Vermes also discusses Ryan Smith's status again saying that Smith is very close to moving off the international player list.

Onto some of the new information. Two more internationals appear like they won't be back next year either. Vermes confirms that Nikos Kounenakis will not be returning to KC next season after being brought over late last year and not making a single appearance.

The other player unlikely to return is Indian forward, Sunil Chhetri. Vermes says an announcement on Chhetri's status will be made in the next few weeks. I'd likely expect this announcement to come some time shortly after India's exit from the AFC Asian Cup which kicked off today. Maybe the team will let him out of his contract to let him sign with Australian side Perth Glory as was rumored.

With Hercegfalvi, Kounenakis, and potentially Chhetri gone from KC, KC will have 3 international slots open up. Four if/when Smith gets his citizenship/green card. That would potentially open slots for Sheldon Bateau and Daneil Cyrus, the two Trinidad and Tobago players who will join the team for a trial starting on the 24th. With a few internationals in the draft on Thursday as well, one of them could be a target too. Once again the team appears set to be making a quite a few moves this offseason.

Some of My Random Questions Answered

So earlier this week I posted some random questions that I had about SKC as we were at a slow point in the offseason. Well today, Thad over at The Back Post in an interview with Peter Vermes answered some of those questions at least in part for me.

First in regards to Luke Sassano, Vermes said that the team is very close to signing Sassano, saying it's "more just a formality of sending something to the league." So it looks like Sassano will be in SKC blue next season.

With regards to Michael Harrington, Vermes says they are "kind of close" and that Harrington and his agent "need to make a decision on one last piece," so it sounds like it's pretty close, but things can definitely change so it's something to keep an eye on, but it sounds like one of KC's best players last season will be back in 2011.

About the draft, Vermes discusses draft for need vs best available, and also makes a comment about mock draft and how it's really hard to predict, especially in soccer where people creating mock drafts don't really know what free agent or foreign signings the team is looking at.

The other really interest part of the interview was Vermes' comments on Ryan Smith. Vermes said that Smith is getting very close to his citizen, he is apparently only one piece of his case away. Not only would that free up an international spot for the Wizards to use on another potential player, but it would also allow Smith to represent the US in international play.

Some Random Questions

There's not been a whole lot of real interesting news lately involving KC and with that news there's a few questions that have been in my mind, so here's some random questions.

Is KC going to sign Luke Sassano?
The Wizards traded for his rights from LA, but there's been next to no word about what's going on with him. Lots of teams are starting to sign their players from the re-entry draft, including Tyrone Marshall with Colorado and KC pick Frankie Hejduk with LA, while New England appear closer to signing Fred to a contract. Others, like Jeff Cunningham, have already made their intentions to move abroad known. Meanwhile there's been next to nothing with regards to what's happening with Sassano. No word from the team, no word from anywhere else in the world that I've found about potential trials. The question is whether Sassano will be in Sporting blue next season or not.

What's going on with Michael Harrington?
We've heard that KC is waiting to hear back from Harrington and his agent, but that was a few weeks ago, since then there's been really nothing on the topic, the same deal as Sassano. No new word from the team, and again nothing that I've been able to find around the world about potential trials for Harrington either. I know KC definitely wants Harrington back, but the lack of news lack the lack of news on Sassano is a little worrisome about either of their playing for KC next season.

Where are the rumors on potential signings?
It seems like there are rumors of potential signings for most teams around the league with names being named for those players. KC though hasn't been one of those, other than the rumors from late November and early December involving Julien Rodriguez and Aurelien Collin, there's really been nothing regarding potential signings for KC. We know that KC is looking at numerous players based off of comments by Robb Heineman and Peter Vermes, but we've heard nothing of the names of those players. It's one thing to say we're looking at players but without names or hard evidence it's just talk.

Where should KC go with their first round pick?
This one isn't that big of a question in my opinion, because as things stand now, KC needs to get a central defender. There are two in the drop that could be available and worth grabbing at the number 10 spot, either Cal's AJ Soares or UNC's Jalil Anibaba would be solid selections at that spot, but the way I think the team should go with this pick could change depending on any potential signings that come in before the draft takes place next Thursday.

Is anyone else ready for the start of the season?
Christmas is over and things are slow for KC right now news wise, which means I'm begging for the season to start. I'm ready to get out and cheer on the SKC Wizards and I really can't wait until June and the opener of our new home, but I'll take March 19th and my trip to LA for the season opener against Chivas.

Re-Entry Draft Busy Day for KC

Lots of coming and going today for KC when it came to today's Re-Entry draft. With the first pick of round 2, DC United selected Josh Wolff and shortly after announced that they'd agreed to a new 1 year contract with a club option year for the 2012 season. With the next pick, another long tenured KC player left the team, as Chivas USA selected Jimmy Conrad, returning Conrad to California where I think most people expected him to go after he retired to take his turn in following his spouse around as his wife has during his playing career. My "tribute posts" to both players will likely be out tomorrow.

With their first pick in the draft, KC grabbed Frankie Hejduk from Columbus. When the pick was made it certainly brought some interesting thoughts on the contract situation of Michael Harrington. With Harrington out of contract it seemed like KC was either looking for depth to back him up or a replace should Harrington not re-sign with the club. He would have been an interesting addition, but wasn't exactly my favorite pick as I'd been unimpressed with his performance this year. And with him turning 37 during the 2011 season, while he'd continue to show is crazy fitness level, his skill level is certainly deteriorating. Him as a veteran sub would be ok, but the pick worried me about Harrington's contract status.

Hejduk, though, was only a SKC Wizard for a few hours before his rights were traded away. KC made a trade with the LA Galaxy sending the rights for Hejduk to LA in return for the rights to Luke Sassano. Sassano spent the 2010 season with New York. Sassano made 3 appearances for New York, 2 starts in the 2010 season. KC now holds Sassano's rights and will have the ability to sign him. In the 2010 season, Sassano made $40,000 this past season, so signing him is extremely unlikely to break the bank. And while it's disappointing to see Conrad and Wolff go they create over $400,000 in cap space for KC with those two no longer on KC's books. If Sassano's signed he could certainly see plenty of time next season with Stephane Auvray, Craig Rocastle, and Shavar Thomas all potentially missing games as part of the Gold Cup this summer. And with Sassano being able to play midfield and defense he could certainly step in to any of those positions.

The final interesting player news of the day came from team's press release regarding the Sassano trade. The team announced that the following players are currently on the roster for 2011: Korede Aiyegbusi, Davy Arnaud, Stephane Auvray, Matt Besler, Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, Sunil Chhetri, Birahim Diop, Roger Espinoza, Jack Jewsbury, Kei Kamara, Nick Kounenakis, Eric Kronberg, Chance Myers, Jimmy Nielsen, Craig Rocastle, Ryan Smith, Shavar Thomas and Graham Zusi. What this means is that the only player still out of contract at this time is Michael Harrington (and Sassano obviously). There's also no Zoltan Hercegfalvi on there as well meaning it looks like his time in KC may be done too. Jon Kempin isn't listed either, but that likely is because of his home grown status and doesn't mean KC's already given up on their first home grown signing. Certainly more moves are on the way, including the "young DP" rumors that are continuing to be talked about and the Aurelien Collin rumors.

So there looks like there could be plenty of interesting information coming out in the next few weeks, including this tweet from Robb Heineman earlier today.