Ryan Smith Retires - Former SKC Wizards Update

Former KC midfielder, Ryan Smith has called it a career when it comes to playing. After spending last season in Greece, Smith has retired and moved into a career in player consulting.  Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 71 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-0 win over Dallas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal in Seattle's 1-1 draw with LA.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 59 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 75 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-0 loss to New York.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Edmonton.

USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.

PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason

Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force

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

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Started and played 90 minute sin Haka's 3-1 win over PK-35 Vantaa.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not play in Charleroi's 2-0 win over Cercle Brugge. Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Charleroi's 1-0 cup win over Westhoek.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Atlas' 3-3 draw with Veracruz. Did not dress in Atlas' 1-0 Copa Mexico win over Morelia.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Game this week was postponed.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not play in UAI's 1-0 win over Fenix.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Arabe Unido. Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 1-0 win over Police FC. Did not dress in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Houston.
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 0-0 draw with Alianza Petrolera. Started and played 90 minutes in Boyaca's 1-1 draw with Deportivo Cali.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 0-0 draw with Zulte-Waregem. Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Started and played 90 minutes in Wigan's 5-0 League Cup loss to Manchester City.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 0-0 draw with Cruz Azul.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in Goianiense's 0-0 draw with Paysandu.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Azal's 3-1 loss to Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Middlesbrough's 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 45 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 win over Dnepr Mogilev.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 3-3 draw with UTC Cajamarca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-1 draw with Winterthur. Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-0 loss to Wil.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow. Started and played 74 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 3-2 win over Krasnodar.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in either of Zilina's games.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 85 minutes in Fylkir's 2-1 win over Vikingur Olafsvik.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Dressed but did not play in Atyrau's 1-1 draw with Taraz.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 65 minutes, scoring a goal in Munster's 2-1 loss to Heidenheim. Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 3-0 cup loss to Augsburg.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 0-0 draw with Atletico Bucaramanga.

Former SKC Wizards Update

A quiet weekend for former SKC Wizards.  Not many games this week with plenty of teams on winter break or with time off for the holidays.  Tyson Wahl has a new club, signing with the Columbus Crew today.   Ryan Smith also looks like he has a new club, moving to the Greek league.

Active without a club or unknown
Korede Aiyegbusi
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Kevin Hartman
Cyprian Hedrick
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Neven Markovic
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Scott Sealy
Khari Stephenson
Shavar Thomas
Konrad Warzycha

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Offseason.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Offseason.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Offseason.
Will Hesmer - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Offseason.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Offseason.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Offseason.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Offseason.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Offseason

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Offseason
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Offseason
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Offseason
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Offseason

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Offseason
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Offseason
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Offseason

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Offseason

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse Silver Knights - Played in Syracuse's 14-8 loss to Wichita.  Scored 2 goals in the Knights' 17-9 loss to Missouri.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had an assist in Baltimore's 17-4 win over Rochester.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Did not play in either of the Comets games.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Out injured
Paul Wright - San Diego - No game this week.

International
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Offseason.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Did not play in Esteghlal's 1-0 win over Saipa.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Clausura starts this weekend.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Dressed but did not play in Sporting's 1-0 loss to Portimonense.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Off until February.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Was not eligible to play in Wigan's 3-0 win over Aston Villa or their 4-0 loss to Manchester United
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Clausura starts this weekend.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No game until January.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - On winter break until March.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - On winter break until March.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Offseason
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - No game thsi week.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - On winter break until January.
Ivan Trujillo - America de Cali - Colombia - Offseason.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Offseason.

Former SKC Wizards Update

The European seasons are starting to kick off, meaning more players appearing on the report regularly.  With KC's scoring woes, it hurts a little seeing both Herculez Gom ez and Yura Movsisyan scoring in their club's season opener.  Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
luke Sassano
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over New England.  Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not play in RSL's 2-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 loss to San Jose.  Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 5-0 win over Portland.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Chivas.  Came off the bench and played 36 minutes in Portland's 5-0 loss to Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 2-0 loss to New York.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Did not play in Chivas' 1-0 win over Portland.  Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 3-1 loss to LA.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not play in DC's 1-0 loss to Columbus.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 loss to San Jose.  Started and played 76 minutes, scoring a goal in Dallas' 5-0 win over Portland.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Portland.  Started and played 57 minutes, recording an assist in Chivas' 3-1 loss to LA.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 19 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 win over Dallas.  Did not play in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Vancouver.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over New England.  started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to Houston.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Started and played 90 minutes in Colorado's 2-1 loss to Toronto.  Started adn played 90 minutes in Colorado's 2-0 loss to RSL.
Josh Wolff - DC - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in DC's 1-0 loss to Columbus.

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Started and played 45 minutes in Atlanta's 2-1 loss to Edmonton.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 loss to Fort Lauderdale.  Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 loss to Carolina.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Minnesota.  Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to San Antonio.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-0 win over Minnesota.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Minnesota.  Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to San Antonio.

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over Dayton.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 65 minutes, recording an assist in Dayton's 2-1 win over Harrisburg.  Started and played 45 minutes in Dayton's 2-0 loss to Wilmington.  Did not play in Dayton's 2-0 loss to Richmond.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over Dayton.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Orlando.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Started and played 90 minutes in Tucson's 2-1 loss to the Sounders U23.

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

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Season is over.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 58 minutes in Cruz Azul's 0-0 draw with Morelia.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Season is over.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season is over.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Santos' 2-1 win over San Luis.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Season is over.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Season is over.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in either of Bahia's games.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Season is over.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Season has not started.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Season is over.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Tiraspol's 0-0 draw with Olimpia.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Krasnodar's 2-1 win over Rubin Kazan.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Season is over.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fjolnir's 2-1 loss to Vikingur Olafsvik.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Munster's 2-0 win over Wacker Burghausen.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Lost to BBCU 3-2.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Here's another week of former Wizards updates.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 loss to KC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 82 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a shutout in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 4-1 loss to New York.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with DC.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas 2-1 win over Portland.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Recovering from surgery.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Did not dress in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Came off the bench and played 44 minutes, recording 2 assists in Chivas' 2-1 win over Portland.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 22 minutes in San Jose's 3-1 win over Vancouver.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Josh Wolff - DC - Dressed but didn't play in DC's 0-0 draw with DC.

NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 0-0 draw wtih Carolina.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.

USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Diosgyor's 2-1 loss to Paksi SE.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 65 minutes in Cruz Azul's 2-1 loss to Queretaro.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Mohun Bagan's 0-0 draw with HAL. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals and getting an assist in Mohun Bagan's 6-1 win over Shillong Lajong.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Defeated San Miguel 3-2.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Did not dressed in Santos' 1-1 draw with Tecos.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Dressed but did not play in Vasas' 4-2 loss to Kecskemeti TE.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied Portmore United 1-1.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 3-2 win over Bahia de Feira.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Defeated Imotski 3-1.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 2-1 win over Oxford. Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 1-0 loss to Swindon.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Tiraspol's 3-2 loss to Nistru. Lost 1-0 to Dacia in the cup.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Did not dress in Krasnodar's 3-1 win over Tom' Tomsk.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Thrasyvoulos' 0-0 draw with Agrotikos Asteras.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Paderborn's 2-2 draw with 1860 Munich. Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 2-0 win over Erzgebirge Aue.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Here's another week of former SKC Wizards updates. First, came word last week that Craig Rocastle will not be playing for the Missouri Comets. Instead he has moved to Greece where he's joined his former club, Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC, who is currently at the bottom of the second division in Greece. In other news, Ryan Smith has come out with his side of what happened when he left KC. While I'm sure that his mother's illness had plenty to do with why he left, I'm just not sure the full story is actually out there. But I'm glad he seems to be getting things squared away.

In other news, Rauwshan McKenzie and Mike Jones are going about the process of finding new clubs. McKenzie is trialing with Chivas during preseason, while Jones appears on his way to Denmark for trialing. I'm sure other players will be showing up in team camps soon as well. Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Amir Lowry
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Scott Sealy
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.

NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.

USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Had an assist in Wichita's 10-9 win over Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Did not play in Kansas' 9-4 loss to Cincinnati. Did not play in Kansas' 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 17-12 loss to Norfolk.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 2 goals in Louisville's 15-4 win over Ohio. Scored 2 goals in Louisville's 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 17-12 win over Baltimore. Played in Norfolk's 12-11 win over Syracuse.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Did not play in Anaheim's 28-7 loss to Tijuana.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 81 minutes, setting up the PK and recording an assist in Cruz Azul's 2-0 win over Atlas.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Did not play in Bagan's 3-2 win over Churchill Brothers.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Santos' 2-1 win over Atlante.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Tied Alagoinhas Atletico Clube 3-3
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Started and played 84 minutes in Thrasyvoulos' 2-1 win over Panserraikos.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.

Sporting Trade Smith to Chivas

Sporting KC started a busy day today by announcing a trade with Chivas USA. Kansas City sent midfielder Ryan Smith to Chivas USA for 2 supplemental draft picks in the upcoming draft. Both sides can see this as a win for them. From Kansas City's perspective, they get something for nothing. Smith's time in Kansas City was over. Most people were really unable to see Smith returning to KC after leaving the team for family reasons in return. So similar to the Stephane Auvray situation, KC picked up a couple draft picks in exchange for the Englishman. The picks are the 5th pick in each round, the 43rd and 81st overall when you factor in the 2 round Superdraft. In the past, the 43rd pick has brought about one really good pro that most Sporting KC fans will know, Jack Jewsbury. As for the 81st pick, you have another former Wizard who is currently playing in Europe, Vicente Arze.

For Chivas, they get a player that is dynamic and can be a difference maker when he's healthy and his head is on straight. Unfortunately it didn't seem to be, especially this past season. For his sake I hope he can turn it around, you can see all the talent that is there that got him a contract at Arsenal. But it's not doing it consistently that sees him in MLS instead of the EPL.

In his year plus in KC, Smith appeared in 32 games scoring 4 goals and 7 assists. He missed much of his time with KC this season due to injury, recovering from offseason knee surgery.

Former SKC Wizards Update

This week's former SKC Wizards update is here. Some other news this week, Ryan Smith has left his trial with Real Zaragoza as the parties couldn't come to an agreement for the winger. Scoot Lorenz has joined this list for the time being while on his loan with Minnesota. Speaking of loans, Ryan Pore has departed Portland on loan, heading back to the NASL to play for the Montreal Impact. Finally, it appears that Diego Walsh has moved clubs again, he's apparently signed with TOT SC in the Thai league. Here's the rest of this week's update.

Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo

MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 3-0 win over Houston.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in RSL's 4-0 win over San Jose. Came off the bench and played 21 minutes, recording an assist on the US U18 team's 2-0 win over Israel. Started and played 90 minutes in the US U18 team's 1-1 draw with Mexico.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in SEattle's 1-0 loss to San Francisco FC from Panama.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-2 draw with New York.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 1-0 win over Portland.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Columbus.
Mike Jones - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not have a game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 4-0 win over San Jose.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not have a game this week.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Started and played 63 minutes in San Jose's 4-0 loss to RSL.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 4-0 loss to RSL.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to San Francisco FC from Panama.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not have a game this week.

NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Montreal.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not have a game this week.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Montreal's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Scott Lorenz - Minnesota - Just went on loan.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Just went on loan.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not have a game this week.

USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 3-2 win over Dayton.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 82 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to LA.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 80 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-0 loss to Rochester.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Rochester's 3-0 win over Pittsburgh.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Started and played 76 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over Richmond. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in LA's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to LA.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-2 win over Dayton.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 65 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Ocean City's 4-0 win over Booklyn.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Did not play in Jax's 3-2 loss to Central Florida. Did not play in Jax's 4-1 loss to Bradenton.

International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Started and played 84 minutes in India's 3-0 loss ot UAE in their World Cup qualifier.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 1-0 win over Deportes Tolima.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Tecos' 2-1 loss to Toluca.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 79 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 2-2 draw with Spartak Nal'chik.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Paderborn's 1-1 draw with Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season restarts next week.

Practice and Press Conference Thoughts

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.

Smith to Real Zaragoza?

Ryan Smith is saying he's a free agent, Sporting KC is saying otherwise, but that hasn't stopped Smith from trying to find a team closer to his family in England. Word out of Spain is that Smith is headed to Real Zaragoza for a trial. The Spanish club finished only 2 points clear of the relegation zone in Spain last year, but in 13th place. The question is whether Smith is really a free agent. Everything I've heard from the team is no he's not, but I doubt they'd stand in the way of him moving to a club in Europe. Still I wouldn't be surprised if there's some sort of minor compensation if and when Smith moves.

Ryan Smith Done for Season

Ryan Smith is done for KC for the season. He left the team and has returned to England for a family issues and will not be returning to the team this season. The specifics of the situation were not revealed, but he does have a daughter that is in the UK, so maybe that played some sort of part in it. Smith missed time at the end of last season for family issues as well.

While the door on Smith returning has not been closed, I don't expect him to be back in a Sporting KC jersey unfortunately. I think he's going to find a club probably in one of the lower divisions in England and KC will either release him from his contract or get some sort of transfer fee for Smith. Smith is in the second year of a four year contract so he'd need to be released or transferred. It's sad that Smith's time in KC looks like it's likely over, he brought a creativity that KC really hasn't had in a long time. Although Carlos Marinelli was close, but it turns out those two are a little comparable due to their jumping around clubs and injury issues that plagued their time here in KC. Smith though obviously has a better attitude and endeared himself to fans a lot better. If Smith is in fact done, he finishes his career with four goals and seven assists in his 32 games for the club. Hopefully Smith gets these family issues under control. Good luck.

Smith to Atlas Rumors

Today, Kansas City's former sister club Atlas announced that they'd made a deal with the Chicago Fire to bring in Gaston Puerari. But in the same article about that move, there's talk about Atlas trying to bring in Sporting Kansas City midfielder, Ryan Smith, at least on trial. Smith who missed the first few games of the season, and the last two as well, due to injury has been limited to only 6 appearances this season.

Thad posted today after the rumor surfaced that he'd heard the rumors were not true. But still it's an interesting rumor that he's drawing interest from the Mexican league at least in some form it seems. Overall I'm not really sure how to feel about it though. Smith was (and probably still is) our most creative player when he's on the field. But the one thing that seems to have dogged him his entire career is injuries, and that's how he's started this year. KC has shown that they have plenty of guys that can play up top, but I think KC needs Smith. Without Smith and Omar Bravo KC really doesn't have a true wide forward for their 4-3-3 system. Teal Bunbury, Kei Kamara, and CJ Sapong are all better suited for the center forward position, although Kamara has done the best job of adjusting to the wide position of the 3. Unless KC already has a signed deal for a creative attacking minded player, this might not be the best move for KC, if there is any small truth to it.

Sunday After Stats Monday Edition

A day late due to travel and a bus tire blowing on the bus on the way back to KC, but here are this week's stats. Not many this week though.

Ryan Smith's goal was the 12th road goal of the season for KC, they scored 11 all of last year.

Michael Harrington made his 110th league start, tying him with Jose Burciaga for 12th place on that list.

A Road Point

So my original prediction of the team needing 10 points on this road trip can now no longer happen. But at least KC ended their long term losing streak in league play as they came from behind to draw with the Colorado Rapids, 1-1 out in Colorado. KC came out strong from the start and put good pressure on the Rapids. Chance Myers had the first good chance in the 9th minute when he stripped Wells Thompson of the ball and fired a shot that Rapids goalkeeper, Matt Pickens had to tip wide. Shortly after Myers' attempt, KC found themselves down a goal due to a defensive mistake, this time by Aurelien Collin. On a ball over the top, Collin tried to play the ball calmly back to Jimmy Nielsen, but his pass didn't have anything on it and ended up being too slow. Conor Casey raced by Collin, rounded Nielsen and passed the ball into the net before Matt Besler could slide in to recover. KC continued to be the more aggressive side throughout the first half, controlling possession, but as has been the story for the team for much of the season, they could not find that final pass that would set up the goal for KC. The lack of a central midfielder that can create and find that final pass is seen more and more each game.

KC continued to push in the second half, and should have probably equalized within 2 minutes of the half time break. After some good possession, Myers fired a cross in to Graham Zusi, who did a good job of controlling the ball and then flicking it over his head to Omar Bravo who controlled the ball, did a nice step to get Pickens to go to ground, but Pickens recovered enough to get a hand on Bravo's chipped effort and keep it out as Colorado continued to lead. KC continued to possess, but Colorado created the better chances as the half continued. Collin again was almost responsible for giving CO a two goal lead in the 63rd minute, as he played another hospital ball this time directly to Casey who dribbled at the defense before passing off to Jeff Larentowicz. Besler missed on a sliding chance to knock the ball away and Larentowicz was in on goal, but he fired his shot high of the net keeping the scores level.

Teal Bunbury, a second half sub had a chance to score on a break away after being played in behind by Ryan Smith, but Bunbury got caught from behind by Marvell Wynne, who knocked the ball out for a corner. Shortly after Bunbury's attempt, Colorado again had a chance to grab the lead through Andre Akpan, but Nielsen came up with a good save on the play. In the 75th, KC got themselves back on level terms. Bunbury received a ball on the right side and tried to carry the ball into the middle, twice it appeared that he'd lost the ball, but both times recovered. Bunbury played the ball to Smith who dribbled at Kosuke Kimura, forcing him onto his heals. Smith got into the box and then fired a laser into the far upper90, leaving Pickens with no chance to get a hand on it.

After the goal, KC continued to push, but could not find a winner. Bunbury had a great chance to pull out a winner, but couldn't finish his chance. Colorado also had one more good chance as Akpan deflected a Caleb Folan shot just wide of Nielsen's post. The draw gives KC their first league points since their 3-3 draw with Vancouver on April second, almost 2 months ago. A good performance by KC in Colorado as they outplayed the Rapids and if not for a lack of the final pass, could have gotten all 3 points in the game. With only 1 road game left on the road trip, hopefully KC can finish the trip on a high note.

WIZARDS Man of the Match - Ryan Smith - Changed the game for KC when he came on at half time. While KC still had trouble with the final ball, Smith at least did a better job at it than had been happening in the game up to his entry in the game.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Harrington 5, Collin 4, Besler 4, Sinovic 5, Rocastle 6, Arnaud 6, Zusi 5, Myers 5, Sapong 5, Bravo 6. Subs Smith 7, Bunbury 5, Diop NR.

Three Missing From Camp

Three players are missing from Arizona right now for the final part of the team's preseason training, Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and Konrad Warzycha were all left behind as the team departed. Bunbury was expected, Smith is disappointing, and Warzycha is surprising.

Bunbury's absence was expected after his dislocated elbow. Much easier for his rehab if he didn't have to travel with the team to Arizona. Now he can focus on his rehab and hopefully come back on the lower side of those 4 to 6 weeks.

Smith's staying in KC is disappointing considering earlier this preseason we were told that Smith would head to Arizona on the second trip. His continued work in KC makes you wonder how serious the the offseason surgery really was and what's taking so long in the recovery. If he's still recovering from the surgery and working in KC it's possibly that he's not going to be match fit by the start of the season and that means another forward unlikely to play on opening day against Chivas USA. That could certainly feed the flames of Peter Vermes switching to a 4-4-2 at least to start the season.

Warzycha's absence is surprising in that this is the first announcement of the injury. The femoral condyle defect that Warzycha will have surgery for will keep him out of action for 6 to 8 months. It does some interesting implications for roster spots if Warzycha was going to be signed. Now KC has a roster spot to play with and could still hold on to Warzycha's rights if they think he can contribute in the future.

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.

Bunbury Called Up to "Camp Cupcake"

Thad called it last Monday and it became official today when Teal Bunbury was named to the 24 man roster for this January's US team camp in California. It continues the busy offseason for Bunbury after his trips to South Africa, Spain, and England. Bunbury will be looking to win his second cap for the US team when they take on Chile in late January.

It is a little disappointing to see that Michael Harrington still couldn't get himself called up after the good season he had for KC this year. I'd hope to see what he could do once called in to potentially either try to take the left back spot or bring more depth to the right back position. Although there could be other factors keeping Harrington out, maybe he has a trial or something lined up in Europe since he is currently out of contract, but now I'm just wildly speculating, I have nothing to back that thought up.

And for people that are wondering about Ryan Smith, I haven't heard anything regarding his citizenship since he was listed as an international for the expansion draft, so I'm working under the assumption that he was not available for selection.

Poor Start Dooms Wizards

For the second time in 4 days the Wizards made a poor start to the game. Unlike Wednesday's 4-3 win over Houston, the Wizards were unable to recover against the more talented FC Dallas team. Only 4 minutes into the game KC found themselves trailing a goal as Dallas passed around KC like they were traffic cones. Marvin Chavez played the ball to David Ferreira who chipped the ball into the box as Chavez continued his run. Chavez easily beat Jimmy Nielsen to the near post giving Dallas the early 1-0 lead. I had said pre-game that the Wizards couldn't afford to have a half like they did against Houston. Unfortunately in only the 12th minute KC found themselves once again down two goals. Milton Rodriguez made it 2-0 when Atiba Harris flicked on a Jackson Goncalves pass. On the play Jimmy Conrad committed to Harris and when he didn't beat him to the ball the ball got through to Rodriguez, who took a touch and then beat Nielsen to the far post. Those were Dallas' only two shots on goal in the first half. Dallas started to sit back holding onto their 2-0 lead. As an effect of that KC held more possession and created some chances. Unfortunately with the chances they did create they didn't really threaten Dario Sala in the Dallas net. All their good chances were right at the Dallas keeper.

KC made 1 change after only half an hour bringing in Wednesday's hero Josh Wolff for Stephane Auvray in what appeared to be a tactically move as Auvray had not been having a good half. But the goals don't really fall on Auvray as much as the complete lack of speed from our center backs. Conrad and Shavar Thomas have been protected a bit during this good run of form thanks to Auvray's good play. But with Auvray's form taking a bit of a dip lately KC's defensive liabilities are more apparent.

For the second game in a row, Birahim Diop was subbed out at half time for Teal Bunbury. I'd harp more on the fact that Diop continues to get starts when he's uneffective, but no one offensively was really effective last night. Still it's time to drop this love affair with starting Diop, and maybe now with the Wizards not being "unbeaten" when Diop starts will change that.

In the second half, KC continued to control possession and were creating a few more dangerous chances compared to the first half. Some of the Wizards best chances ended up not even being on goal. Thomas put a header just wide of the post early in the second half. Shortly after Thomas' chance, Bunbury forced a good save from Sala on a shot from outside the box that Sala didn't see until late. Shortly after KC got themselves on the board after Ryan Smith played the ball to Kei Kamara who picked out Wolff. Wolff's first touch was heavy but took the ball back into the path of Smith who one timed his shot on goal. The shot took a deflection that took it past Sala and cut the lead in half.

KC continued to press the game, Conrad put a ball just wide of the post off a Davy Arnaud corner kick. Later Kamara also put a header just wide of the other post. In the 82nd minute, Dallas put the game away as Ferreira found Jeff Cunningham down the left wing. Calls of Cunningham being offside were misplaced as he was held on by Thomas. From a sharp angle Cunningham beat Nielsen and restored the 2 goal lead. Soon after Eric Alexander could have made it 4-1, but Nielsen came up with a good foot save.

The loss seemed to be a return to form from May and June when KC would hold possession but wouldn't really create many dangerous chances. the result for the Wizards and the other results around the league leave the Wizards playoff hopes just hanging on. The Wizards are 5 points out of a playoff spot, behind Colorado who currently holds the 8th spot.

Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara - Kamara was all over the place last night although not really successful. Kamara continues to put up an MVP performance for the Wizards this season.

Player Ratings Nielsen 4, Harrington 5, Conrad 4, Thomas 3, Espinoza 5, Auvray 4, Rocastle 5, Arnaud 5, Kamara 5, Diop 3, Smith 5. Subs Wolff 5, Bunbury 4, Jewsbury 4.

Point on the Road

It wasn't the best game, but the Wizards continued their good run of form, pulling out a 1-1 draw on the road against the expansion Philadelphia Union. KC came out early pressing the game, Ryan Smith was on top of his game early as he turned his man around a few times early on. After the early success though, Philadelphia started to control the game for the Union. They controlled the game and had the more dangerous of the chances in the first half. The almost took the lead in the 26th minute on a blast from Stefani Miglioranzi. Miglioranzi was about 30 yards out from goal and hit a blast that would have likely been a routine save for Jimmy Nielsen but took a deflection off of Jimmy Conrad on the way through that wrongfooted Nielsen. Luckily for the Wizards the deflection carried the ball onto the post and back out into play. Only a minute later Nielsen made a big save on Sebastien Le Toux after he held off Michael Harrington, turned and fired a shot that Nielsen did well to get down for and push wide.

Philly continued to push the game and in the 33rd minute took the lead. Off of a thrown in at midfield Harrington and Stephane Auvray both went for the ball in the air and collided. The ball was played to Danny Mwanga who took the ball down the wing. Conrad pushed out to mark Mwanga as he entered the box. Harrington slid into the middle, but could not stay in front of Le Toux. Mwanga's centering pass was easily put past Nielsen by the Union's leading scorer giving Philly the 1-0 lead. After the early flurry for KC, the Wizards were very ineffective in the first half and it looked like a return to the Wizards of earlier in the season.

In the second half, KC came out and tried to push the game, they had a good half chance immediately from the kickoff as Smith got a ball played over the top by Craig Rocastle. Smith got into the box but couldn't get a shot off before the ball was knocked away. Philly then continued to play like they had in the first half, and a nice foot save by Nielsen on Justin Mapp kept it from being 2-0. KC created some chances of their own as the play started to go back and forth a bit. Birahim Diop forced a good save out of Chris Seitz off a free kick from Davy Arnaud. Back on the defensive end of the field, Nielsen himself came up with another big save off of a Mapp free kick that Le Toux headed towards the near post.

Smith continued to cause problems for Philadelphia when he got the ball and in the 70th minute was fouled right on the left side of the goal. Arnaud buried the free kick from the tough angle putting it over Seitz's head and into the side netting. A well struck free kick, but it was helped by some poor positioning by Seitz. Neither side was able to find the net again, and KC walked out with 4 points from their last two road games, which is only 1 point less than the team has had all season up to this point on the road.

Wizards Man of the Match - Ryan Smith - Smith was all over the place against Philadelphia going at the Union's back line the entire game. The Union's tactic of fouling Smith came back and bit them when Smith's foul led to Arnaud's free kick that tied the game.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Harrington 5, Conrad 6, Thomas 6, Espinoza 6, Arnaud 7, Auvray 4, Rocastle 6, Bunbury 5, Diop 5, Smith 7. Subs Wolff 5, Leathers 5, Jewsbury 5.

News and Notes

Earlier today, the Star posted a quick note from practice today that probably scared a lot of Wizards fans. Apparently at practice today, Wizards forward/midfielder, Ryan Smith, was carted off the field with an apparent knee injury. The Wizards have addressed the injury tonight on their website, and Wizards fans can step off the ledge. Smith's injury is apparently not serious. He has a knee strain, but they right now don't plan on doing an MRI. Smith will be readdressed tomorrow before training, so hopefully in the end it doesn't keep Smith from playing this weekend.

Also on the Wizards website today, head coach, Peter Vermes had a chat with fans where he answered questions. Overall no real new information came out that fans weren't really aware of. The biggest news really was the fact that the team expects Zoltan Hercegfalvi back in October from his ACL tear. Certainly good news for a team that has lacked a scoring punch for much of the season, but is likely going to be too late.

Finally, over the weekend, the MLS transfer window for players under contract in other leagues closed. It closed on the 15th of August. Team's can still sign players that aren't under contract or from within MLS until September 15th. With the Wizards having two open roster spots, one would hope that they're looking to fill at least one of those spots (with Hercegfalvi eventually taking the second). A bit more scoring punch off the bench, or starter would certainly be appreciated at this point.