More on Franklin Salas and Rui Miguel

A quick update from today's press conference with Peter Vermes on two players that could have possibly been Sportinng KC players, but it looks like both will not be now.

First, Franklin Salas. He appeared in Saturday's preseason game against Columbus, but did not appear in today's inter-squad scrimmage. And with that the rumors started to flying about what was going on with Salas. Vermes confirmed that Salas was gone during his press conference today. By the sound of what Vermes was saying, Salas did not fit with Vermes scheme and was just not understanding exactly how Vermes wanted him to play it seems. It's a bit disappointing in one regard cause Salas is/was an exciting player, but had recently been suffering some injury issues. But with all the competition at forward, Salas would have had to have been impressive to come in.

The other player, Rui Miguel, was mentioned earlier today as having been a target, but instead seems set to be on his way to Russia instead. During the press conference, when asked about Miguel, Vermes said that KC had gotten a deal in place with the player, but that it was the team added in an extra fee at the end that the Wizards were not willing to accept. This seems to continue the trend that the Wizards have suffered from in their pursuit of an attacking midfielder, as each time it seems they're close they're hit with a hidden fee that in the end they'll not want to pay. As I said originally and on the podcast that Thad and I recorded today, it's disappointing, mainly because I've been impressed with the highlights that I've seen of him online.

Trialists Revealed, and One Player Not Coming

Today before the team's intersquad scrimmage (where Korede Aiyegbusi (blue) and Kei Kamara (orange) scored the two goals as the Blue team went 1-0-1, Orange went 1-1, and Yellow went 0-1-1), the team put out the names of some of the trialists in camp who had previously been hidden under the name Trialist 1-6. There were 4 that KC fans didn't know, there is still one that is labeled as Trialist 1. As for the game itself, only 3 players did not participate, Shavar Thomas for the second straight game and Craig Rocastle are the two under contract, but also Franklin Salas, the Ecuadorian who had played against the Crew was not in the lineup either today.

First, Scott Lorenz, played last season for the NSC Minnesota Stars and went to the University of Wisconsin. Lorenz is a left back per his wikipedia entry and could possibly be the reason that second round pick, JT Murray, was released if he is in fact playing that position with SKC.

Second is the Slovenian mentioned only by nationality in a Tweet by Kei Kamara, Mitja Morec. Morec is a defender who last played for Panetolikos FC in Greece. He's also played in his home country, Austria, Israel, and both CSKA and Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria.

Third, there's Travis Bowen, the brother of Chivas USA forward, Tristan Bowen. I'd mentioned Bowen over the weekend after the game against the Crew because of a picture of him tweeted by Kamara. There's a video of him on Youtube with some highlights.

Finally there is Gor Kirakosyan, who went to Pasadena City College, the same college that former Wizards player, Yura Movsisyan played at before he was drafted by KC.

Also, as mentioned in Gooch's kickoff this morning, it looks like KC has missed out on another attacking midfielder, this one out of Portugal, Rui Miguel. Miguel will instead be on his way to Russia it appears according to the article. Miguel, 27, currently plays for Vitoria SC in the Portuguese first division. Here are some highlights of his play, he certainly seems to have a good touch and ability to find players. Based on the highlights it could be a rough miss for KC.