With one of my precious days off today from my job that pays the bills, I made my way to Swope for Sporting KC's practice today and the press conference with Peter Vermes and Soony Saad. The one thing that was most surprising about practice today was that it was more laid back than I thought it was. With yesterday being more of a recovery day for the guys and tomorrow likely being a light day before departing for Houston I figured today would be more of an intense day. It was still a hard work out for the guys overall, but not as intense as I thought it would be.
Stephane Auvray is still no where to be found, and actually seeing Vermes reaction to questions about him just reinforces what I'd believed for a while and what people had told me, that Auvray is gone. While Vermes comments in the press conference were non-committal on the Guadeloupe captain, his mannerisms when asked about it just drove the point home for me.
On the Richmond game, Vermes didn't want to touch on that much more, stating again that the team did not play well and that there was a lack of effort and a lack of recognition of things that were not taken advantage of. He also talked about how players didn't do themselves favors in terms of getting more playing time after they failed to impress in the opportunity that was given to them. He also said that some players either didn't respect the Kickers, or their teammates during the game on Tuesday. Vermes said that the players now have to change that perception. It'll be interesting to see which of those players get bumped back down a little bit because of the poor performance against Richmond. Some of these comments when I think about the game would seem to be directed towards Teal Bunbury and his poor performance.
On Ryan Smith, Vermes emphasized that Smith is not a free agent, he's free to sign for teams over there, but there would have to be some sort of compensation in some form from any team that signed him to MLS and Sporting. He's not a "free agent" as reports out of England have suggested.
He talked about Matt Besler's all star selection, really talking up the local product, talking about how he's improved from year to year, saying this year he's become a "man at the position". Vermes did tip Besler for eventually being called up to the US national team, saying that if he continues the way he has he will get a call up to the US team. A lot of good things to say about Besler.
Vermes did tip his hat towards Saturday a little bit towards Saturday. After talking Soony Saad up for a little bit, including talking about how Saad has a different mentality than many guys as he is really pushing to scrape together goals. But Vermes did say that Saad is on the travel roster for this weekend in Houston. Saad was the player involved in today's press conference, and the kid looks extremely excited to be playing here. He lite up when asked about LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and talked up the crowd atmosphere in the stadium and how we was looking forward to contributing and becoming a fan favorite. He came across as a kid with a lot of drive to become a star and a kid who literally is living his dream of being a professional player.
Craig Rocastle continues his recovery from injury, running and some agility work, and is still on schedule. Vermes said some time in mid to late August Rocastle would hopefully be back.
With regards to Jeferson Vermes says that he's not going to comment on things at this time. Vermes said he loves that Robb will tip his hand, but he's not going to show his. But the team is looking to be active in the transfer window that opens tomorrow, within and outside the league.
For next week with the busy schedule of game Saturday, reserve game (that Vermes says that he is battling with the league over moving), Newcastle, and Toronto the following Saturday, Vermes said it's going to be a difficult thing to do. He expected trialists and Juniors to play a major role in the reserve game against the Fire.
Showing posts with label Richmond Kickers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richmond Kickers. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Dissapointing and a little Embarassing
Last night Peter Vermes selected a squad well capable of defeating the Richmond Kickers and advancing in the US Open Cup. The team's starting back line for the past few games was starting, the midfield had 3 players that have all gotten plenty of first team minutes in league play, and the forward line had 2 players that have represented their national team. A lineup like that should be able to top a 3rd division side. Unfortunately the guys on the field didn't seem like they were really there to play, and after an 80 minute lightning delay while Richmond came out ready to play KC looked like they were still in the locker room as Richmond scored twice to win 2-0.
While KC didn't play up to their ability, credit has to be given to Richmond, they came in with a smart game plan for this game and played it to perfection. They sat behind the ball, let KC have all the possession they wanted 40 yards out from goal but then swarmed the ball defensively when the Wizards got into the offensive third. After the lightning delay, the rain slicked field played right into their attempts to counter as well.
KC controlled the game entirely, possession was probably something like 80 to 20 for long stretches of the game, but the shooting, a problem that has haunted KC for a while now, still lacked. KC had 25 shots, only 6 on goal, and never really tested Ronnie Pascale in the Kickers net until late. In the first half each of the forwards for KC had some chances that were close but only one was actually on goal. Scott Lorenz, who looked pretty good for much of the night in the forward position, put a back heal off the post after some good work on the wing by Kei Kamara. Teal Bunbury forced Pascale to make a save on a blast from 30 yards out that Pascale didn't hold, but no one followed the shot. Then in stoppage time, Kamara tried a bike from the top of the penalty area, and didn't miss by much. After the first half KC had to fell confident that the ball would come, on the opposite side of the field, Eric Kronberg hadn't even had to make a save.
In the second half KC continued to control the game, but Richmond did a little better offensively, forcing Kronberg into one save. KC took control from there, with multiple crosses and attacks into the box, but came away with nothing, a lack of creativity from Sporting left them with little but hopefully crosses. The best chance came to Teal Bunbury who had got played in 1v1 with the keeper, but skied his effort over the bar. Then in the 65th minute the storms that hit KC last night were close enough to postpone the game for 81 minutes.
After the restart, KC looked like they were still in the locker room as I'm not sure KC got more than 5 touches on the ball before Richmond grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top was misjudged by Matt Besler and the ball went over his head. Substitute David Bulow raced onto the ball and squared it into the middle to an open Shaka Bangura. Kronberg seemed like he'd collect the ball right off of Bangura's foot, but on the slick surface Bangura's shot deflected over Kronberg and looped into the net for the 1-0 lead for Richmond. KC threw more caution to the wind sending more numbers forward looking for an equalizer, but with the lead Richmond sat a little deeper and again KC was forced to hope for a header on a long ball or off a set piece and they weren't coming. Then in the 82nd minute KC's high line cost them, as Jamel Wallace got played in behind the KC back line. Aurelien Collin was able to run him down but fouled Wallace in the box giving the Kickers a PK. It's surprising Collin wasn't sent off for the challenge since he was already on a yellow. Bulow stepped up and fired the shot just out of the reach of Kronberg.
The game was basically over at that point but KC tried to find a consolation. Omar Bravo probably came the closest with a diving header that forced Pascale into a low diving save to catch it. The Open Cup run for KC is over, for the 6th time in the team's history it comes at the hands of a lower division side.
Wizards Man of the Match - Chance Myers - This is being awarded to basically who I thought sucked the least last night. Myers had another decent game at the back in a game where the majority of the guys didn't have decent games.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Harrington 4, Besler 4, Collin 4, Myers 5, Sassano 5, Diop 3, Stojcev 4, Lorenz 5, Bunbury 3, Kamara 3. Subs Espinoza 5, Bravo 5, Sapong 4.
While KC didn't play up to their ability, credit has to be given to Richmond, they came in with a smart game plan for this game and played it to perfection. They sat behind the ball, let KC have all the possession they wanted 40 yards out from goal but then swarmed the ball defensively when the Wizards got into the offensive third. After the lightning delay, the rain slicked field played right into their attempts to counter as well.
KC controlled the game entirely, possession was probably something like 80 to 20 for long stretches of the game, but the shooting, a problem that has haunted KC for a while now, still lacked. KC had 25 shots, only 6 on goal, and never really tested Ronnie Pascale in the Kickers net until late. In the first half each of the forwards for KC had some chances that were close but only one was actually on goal. Scott Lorenz, who looked pretty good for much of the night in the forward position, put a back heal off the post after some good work on the wing by Kei Kamara. Teal Bunbury forced Pascale to make a save on a blast from 30 yards out that Pascale didn't hold, but no one followed the shot. Then in stoppage time, Kamara tried a bike from the top of the penalty area, and didn't miss by much. After the first half KC had to fell confident that the ball would come, on the opposite side of the field, Eric Kronberg hadn't even had to make a save.
In the second half KC continued to control the game, but Richmond did a little better offensively, forcing Kronberg into one save. KC took control from there, with multiple crosses and attacks into the box, but came away with nothing, a lack of creativity from Sporting left them with little but hopefully crosses. The best chance came to Teal Bunbury who had got played in 1v1 with the keeper, but skied his effort over the bar. Then in the 65th minute the storms that hit KC last night were close enough to postpone the game for 81 minutes.
After the restart, KC looked like they were still in the locker room as I'm not sure KC got more than 5 touches on the ball before Richmond grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top was misjudged by Matt Besler and the ball went over his head. Substitute David Bulow raced onto the ball and squared it into the middle to an open Shaka Bangura. Kronberg seemed like he'd collect the ball right off of Bangura's foot, but on the slick surface Bangura's shot deflected over Kronberg and looped into the net for the 1-0 lead for Richmond. KC threw more caution to the wind sending more numbers forward looking for an equalizer, but with the lead Richmond sat a little deeper and again KC was forced to hope for a header on a long ball or off a set piece and they weren't coming. Then in the 82nd minute KC's high line cost them, as Jamel Wallace got played in behind the KC back line. Aurelien Collin was able to run him down but fouled Wallace in the box giving the Kickers a PK. It's surprising Collin wasn't sent off for the challenge since he was already on a yellow. Bulow stepped up and fired the shot just out of the reach of Kronberg.
The game was basically over at that point but KC tried to find a consolation. Omar Bravo probably came the closest with a diving header that forced Pascale into a low diving save to catch it. The Open Cup run for KC is over, for the 6th time in the team's history it comes at the hands of a lower division side.
Wizards Man of the Match - Chance Myers - This is being awarded to basically who I thought sucked the least last night. Myers had another decent game at the back in a game where the majority of the guys didn't have decent games.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Harrington 4, Besler 4, Collin 4, Myers 5, Sassano 5, Diop 3, Stojcev 4, Lorenz 5, Bunbury 3, Kamara 3. Subs Espinoza 5, Bravo 5, Sapong 4.
Monday, July 11, 2011
We Want the Cup
Tomorrow KC continues their busy schedule with their Open Cup quarterfinal against the Richmond Kickers at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Once again KC is playing their 3rd game in the span of a week when the USL-Pro team (US third division) comes into town. The Kickers will also be playing their 3rd game in a week, as they played a home and home series with the Charlotte Eagles on Friday and Saturday night this past week, and now travel to KC. The Kickers have two of the top goalscorers in this year's competition in David Bulow and Matthew Delicate have 5 and 3 goals respectively. The Kickers also feature two former Wizards on their team, Edson Elcock a 2007 second round pick, and Yomby William a 2008 second round pick. To get to this point, the Kickers defeated two other USL-Pro teams, Dayton and Pittsburgh, before beating the Crew in the third round a few weeks ago.
KC's busy schedule will begin to catch up with them eventually and the team's current unbeaten run will end sooner than later, but it shouldn't end tomorrow night. Even with more of a reserve lineup starting the game, this game should be KC's. I say should be, because KC hasn't always had a stellar history in the Open Cup. While they have more wins than losses in the tournament, they don't always perform well, especially against lower division sides. This is only the second time KC has played a team from the USA's third division, last time they lost to the San Francisco Bay Seals in 1997. Still I expect a reserve lineup, Shavar Thomas, Teal Bunbury, Luke Sassano I all expect to be starting.
Number to Remember - 3 - Three wins away from winning silverware and it starts tomorrow. Just keep winning and KC has the chance at silverware.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Richmond back line - Bunbury looked better his last time out, but still has struggled to break out of his slump. Hopefully another game against a lower division side will give Bunbury a chance to do this.
PREDICTION - The higher division side should be able to win match ups against teams two divisions below them. But that's not always the case as previous trips into the Open Cup have shown for KC. Both teams will likely have a few tired legs due to their schedules, but KC not having to travel will be a big point, and KC should just have the talent to be able to get this result.
SKC - 2 (Bunbury, Kamara)
RICH - 1 (Delicate)
KC's busy schedule will begin to catch up with them eventually and the team's current unbeaten run will end sooner than later, but it shouldn't end tomorrow night. Even with more of a reserve lineup starting the game, this game should be KC's. I say should be, because KC hasn't always had a stellar history in the Open Cup. While they have more wins than losses in the tournament, they don't always perform well, especially against lower division sides. This is only the second time KC has played a team from the USA's third division, last time they lost to the San Francisco Bay Seals in 1997. Still I expect a reserve lineup, Shavar Thomas, Teal Bunbury, Luke Sassano I all expect to be starting.
Kronberg
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Lorenz
Sassano - Diop - Stojcev
Kamara - Bunbury - Aiyegbusi
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Lorenz
Sassano - Diop - Stojcev
Kamara - Bunbury - Aiyegbusi
Number to Remember - 3 - Three wins away from winning silverware and it starts tomorrow. Just keep winning and KC has the chance at silverware.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Richmond back line - Bunbury looked better his last time out, but still has struggled to break out of his slump. Hopefully another game against a lower division side will give Bunbury a chance to do this.
PREDICTION - The higher division side should be able to win match ups against teams two divisions below them. But that's not always the case as previous trips into the Open Cup have shown for KC. Both teams will likely have a few tired legs due to their schedules, but KC not having to travel will be a big point, and KC should just have the talent to be able to get this result.
SKC - 2 (Bunbury, Kamara)
RICH - 1 (Delicate)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sporting KC US Open Cup Update
Two bits of news about Sporting KC's trip into the US Open Cup this year. First, the opponent for next week's game is known. After being delayed by the weather last night, the Chicago Fire PDL of the PDL defeated the Madison 56ers of the NPSL 2-0. Two second half goals in the span of 2 minutes by the Fire booked their ticket to Kansas City for a game at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park next Tuesday at 7:30. Tickets are now on sale for the game they're $10 for season ticket holders and $15 for non-members.
The other news, is that if KC gets by the Fire, they will once again host at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. Should KC win they will take on the winner of the Columbus Crew vs Richmond Kickers match up on July 12th. Either game would kick off at 7:30 no matter the opponent. Another chance for KC fans to see their team play at home. The game falls between a home game vs Chivas USA and an away game vs Houston, both on Saturdays.
The other news, is that if KC gets by the Fire, they will once again host at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. Should KC win they will take on the winner of the Columbus Crew vs Richmond Kickers match up on July 12th. Either game would kick off at 7:30 no matter the opponent. Another chance for KC fans to see their team play at home. The game falls between a home game vs Chivas USA and an away game vs Houston, both on Saturdays.
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