Sporting Kansas City punched their ticket to the MLS Cup playoffs with a convincing 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at Children's Mercy Park. With the way other results went today that slide them into the fifth seed and will now see them travel to Seattle on Thursday for a match up with the Seattle Sounders.
While Kansas City controlled the early going, it was the Earthquakes who had the first really good chance just 10 minutes in when a poor pass by Soni Mustivar led to a fast break for the Earthquakes. KC was saved though when Matt Besler cut down the angle on Chris Wondolowski and was able to eventually block an effort on goal in the three on three situation. KC almost paid again for not captializing on all their pressure in the 24th minute when Tim Melia made a save on a shot, but couldn't cover the rebound, Wondolowski collected and Melia pushed wide of his goal pressuring the San Jose captain. Eventually Melia got Wondolowski to retreat outside his box where he crossed a ball towards the back post that was headed towards to middle but eventually headed out for a corner by Kevin Ellis. KC was living extremely dangerous as they failed to capitalize on their possession. Minutes later Kansas City had the chance to take the lead from the spot after a hand ball in the box after a long throw in was flicked on by Ellis. Benny Feilhaber stepped up and coolly slotted his penalty kick into the corner to give Kansas City a 1-0 lead. Kansas City was able to take that lead into the half time break and with the Portland Timbers down 2-0 in Vancouver, Sporting looked well on their way to clinching a playoff berth.
The second half saw the Earthquakes continue to find chances off of mistakes by Kansas City. In the 79th, another Mustivar give away led to another fast break for the Quakes, but Wondolowski headed a cross over the bar after the cross in was a little high. Going the other way, KC continued to search for that insurance goal to secure their playoff berth. They had to wait until late on to get it when Feilhaber found Graham Zusi racing down the wing unmarked. Feilhaber played Zusi into the box where the US international fired the shot past David Bingham and into the net to give KC the 2-0 lead that was more than enough to see off the Earthquakes.
Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - A goal and an assist in what could have been Feilhaber's last game at Children's Mercy Park, Feilhaber pulled the strings on the offense quite well helping Sporting control the game against the Earthquakes.
Honorable Mention: Matt Besler
Player Ratings: Melia 7, Sinovic 7, Besler 8, Ellis 7, Abdul-Salaam 7, Mustivar 5, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 8, Espinoza 7, Dwyer 6, Zusi 7. Subs Opara NR, Medranda NR.
Showing posts with label San Jose Earthquakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Jose Earthquakes. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Match Day 34: All Down to This
Sporting Kansas City's season has all come down to this, one game at Children's Mercy Park against the San Jose Earthquakes, a win and their in the playoffs, a draw or a loss and the club puts themselves in the position where they need help to qualify. All the games tomorrow will take place at the same time as MLS completely embraces the final day drama with Decision Day. With all games occurring at the same time it'll create an intense atmosphere in the stands especially, where fans will likely spend time scoreboard watching on their phones during the game.
San Jose is eliminated from playoff contention and is just looking to play the role of spoiler against Kansas City tomorrow. The Earthquakes will be without Anibal Godoy, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, it'll be the second straight game against KC he'll miss due to suspension. San Jose will also be without Quincy Amarikwa who suffered an ACL and LCL injury just seconds into the game the last time these two teams faced each other. The Earthquakes will still have Chris Wondolowski who always seems to cause KC headaches.
Sporting Kansas City rested pretty much their entire starting 11 on Wednesday in their final CONCACAF Champions League game against Central FC. The only regular starter that may start tomorrow is probably Jimmy Medranda, who had been suspended last weekend in league play. But he may not start in favor of Peter Vermes going with the "hot hand" on defense and start Seth Sinovic at left back, where he'd helped KC pitch a shutout on the road at Salt Lake. The other good news from last weekend's game was the fact that Tim Melia looks to be rounding into solid form again at the right time of the season making some good saves to preserve the shutout against RSL last week. Elsewhere on the field, Jacob Peterson (probably the most surprising "he needs to be a starter" call of the season) is listed as questionable and could be a game day decision after returning to practice late this week. If he can go it'll be a boost to Kansas City's offense, which struggled last week in his absences. His absence also continued the trend of breaking up probably the strongest part of KC's 11, their midfield, as Benny Feilhaber and Roger Espinoza have both rotated up to one of the wing positions over the past two weeks.
Number to Remember - 5 - That's how many goals KC gave up the last time these two teams played in Kansas City. It was the first win by San Jose in KC since 2002. The game is certainly one that has to at least be in the back of he minds of a few of those players, especially those that remember the little details like Benny Feilhaber seems to.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - The US national team teammates are quite familiar with each other after spending numerous friendlies, qualifiers, and a World Cup together. Wondolowski has been the focal point of the Earthquakes attack for seven seasons now, shutting him down is still the key to shutting down the Quakes tomorrow.
PREDICTION - The Quakes really aren't that good of a team this year (and frankly, KC isn't much better), they've scored the fewest goals in the league this year (just 32). At the same time that have allowed the third fewest in the league this season, with just 38, this game unfortunately looks like it could be a slow, sluggish affair based on the way the Quakes play. It'll likely fall on KC to try to open the game up more, something that they have not shown a real ability to do throughout the season. KC's not a team that has attacked quickly under Vermes, they've been able the build up, and against a Quakes team coached by Dominic Kinnear he's going to have the team compact and ready for this game. If KC can't get an early goal, I have a feeling this is a game that is going to leave KC fans stressing and sweating, especially if Portland can start to get a result on the road in Vancouver.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
SJ - 0
San Jose is eliminated from playoff contention and is just looking to play the role of spoiler against Kansas City tomorrow. The Earthquakes will be without Anibal Godoy, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, it'll be the second straight game against KC he'll miss due to suspension. San Jose will also be without Quincy Amarikwa who suffered an ACL and LCL injury just seconds into the game the last time these two teams faced each other. The Earthquakes will still have Chris Wondolowski who always seems to cause KC headaches.
Sporting Kansas City rested pretty much their entire starting 11 on Wednesday in their final CONCACAF Champions League game against Central FC. The only regular starter that may start tomorrow is probably Jimmy Medranda, who had been suspended last weekend in league play. But he may not start in favor of Peter Vermes going with the "hot hand" on defense and start Seth Sinovic at left back, where he'd helped KC pitch a shutout on the road at Salt Lake. The other good news from last weekend's game was the fact that Tim Melia looks to be rounding into solid form again at the right time of the season making some good saves to preserve the shutout against RSL last week. Elsewhere on the field, Jacob Peterson (probably the most surprising "he needs to be a starter" call of the season) is listed as questionable and could be a game day decision after returning to practice late this week. If he can go it'll be a boost to Kansas City's offense, which struggled last week in his absences. His absence also continued the trend of breaking up probably the strongest part of KC's 11, their midfield, as Benny Feilhaber and Roger Espinoza have both rotated up to one of the wing positions over the past two weeks.
Espinoza - Dwyer - Zusi
Nagamura - Feilhaber
Mustivar
Sinovic - Besler - Ellis - Abdul-Salaam
Melia
Number to Remember - 5 - That's how many goals KC gave up the last time these two teams played in Kansas City. It was the first win by San Jose in KC since 2002. The game is certainly one that has to at least be in the back of he minds of a few of those players, especially those that remember the little details like Benny Feilhaber seems to.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - The US national team teammates are quite familiar with each other after spending numerous friendlies, qualifiers, and a World Cup together. Wondolowski has been the focal point of the Earthquakes attack for seven seasons now, shutting him down is still the key to shutting down the Quakes tomorrow.
PREDICTION - The Quakes really aren't that good of a team this year (and frankly, KC isn't much better), they've scored the fewest goals in the league this year (just 32). At the same time that have allowed the third fewest in the league this season, with just 38, this game unfortunately looks like it could be a slow, sluggish affair based on the way the Quakes play. It'll likely fall on KC to try to open the game up more, something that they have not shown a real ability to do throughout the season. KC's not a team that has attacked quickly under Vermes, they've been able the build up, and against a Quakes team coached by Dominic Kinnear he's going to have the team compact and ready for this game. If KC can't get an early goal, I have a feeling this is a game that is going to leave KC fans stressing and sweating, especially if Portland can start to get a result on the road in Vancouver.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
SJ - 0
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Sporting End Their Jinx in San Jose
For the first time in 16 years, Sporting Kansas City is returning to Kansas City from San Jose with all three points after a 2-1 win at Avaya Stadium last night. Not since 2000 when a lineup mixed with starters and back ups went to San Jose and won 3-0 has Kansas City been able to get a win on the road in San Jose. The 18 game winless streak was the second longest in league history after New York's winless run in New England.
San Jose though came out firing immediately attacking Kansas City from the opening kick off, but punching a cross only as far as Chris Wondolowski, Tim Melia made a nice save off the US international. Unfortunately for the Earthquakes the early attack came at a cost as forward Quincy Amarikwa appeared to suffer a serious knee injury while going after the initial cross into the box. KC had an early opportunity of their own in the seventh minute and made no mistake as Benny Feilhaber played a quick restart to Paulo Nagamura who crossed a ball into the box for Dom Dwyer who had found space between a group of San Jose defenders and headed the ball past David Bingham and into the net to put KC up 1-0. San Jose began to push the game against KC from there, spending a lot of time attacking Jimmy Medranda down KC's left hand side. Medranda at times struggled with the spotlight from the opposing attack squarely on him, but KC's defense was able to hold out. All the pressure from the Quakes finally got them level in the 42nd a mistake in the back by Nuno Coelho allowed the Earthquakes to score. A long ball to the top of the box was flicked into the box where Coelho held three Quakes players onside, as Coelho went to the ball he held up thinking Melia was going to come and claim it, but Melia stayed on his line and Coelho took too long making up his mind to clear it as Henok Goitom tried to reach for the ball at the same time. Coelho went down thinking he was fouled while Goitom went for the ball and back heeled it into the path of Simon Dawkins who easily beat Melia to tie the game at 1-1 as the teams headed into the half.
The second half started almost the exact same way as the first as the Earthquakes came out flying and another fantastic save by Melia as Wondolowski redirected a cross kept the Quakes from going up 2-1. San Jose continued to pour numbers forward and attack KC's left side and they had another chance at the hour mark as Wondolowski made the run down the left and crossed the ball in, it eventually was knocked back to Alberto Quintero who fired a low blast that Melia saved and then jumped on the rebound. Kansas City started to find some space of their own with Brad Davis having a curling effort tipped wide of the post (although no corner was given) in the 77th minute. In the 80th minute after winning a corner KC grabbed the lead again as Feilhaber's corner was flicked on by Ike Opara to the back side where Kevin Ellis, facing the wrong way, hit the ball with his calf and into the net from about a yard out as he got just enough separation from his defender, giving KC a 2-1 lead. KC held on the final 10 minutes, including a very late corner kick where the Quakes brought Bingham forward to win in San Jose and help their playoff chances after dropping four points at home.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - Came up with some huge saves in goal for Sporting last night, the save on Wondolowski at the beginning of the second half was absolutely fantastic reaction save.
Player Ratings - Melia 7, Medranda 4, Ellis 6, Coelho 5, Abdul-Salaam 6, Mustivar 6, Espinoza 6, Nagamura 6, Peterson 4, Dwyer 5, Feilhaber 5. Subs Davis 6, Opara 6.
San Jose though came out firing immediately attacking Kansas City from the opening kick off, but punching a cross only as far as Chris Wondolowski, Tim Melia made a nice save off the US international. Unfortunately for the Earthquakes the early attack came at a cost as forward Quincy Amarikwa appeared to suffer a serious knee injury while going after the initial cross into the box. KC had an early opportunity of their own in the seventh minute and made no mistake as Benny Feilhaber played a quick restart to Paulo Nagamura who crossed a ball into the box for Dom Dwyer who had found space between a group of San Jose defenders and headed the ball past David Bingham and into the net to put KC up 1-0. San Jose began to push the game against KC from there, spending a lot of time attacking Jimmy Medranda down KC's left hand side. Medranda at times struggled with the spotlight from the opposing attack squarely on him, but KC's defense was able to hold out. All the pressure from the Quakes finally got them level in the 42nd a mistake in the back by Nuno Coelho allowed the Earthquakes to score. A long ball to the top of the box was flicked into the box where Coelho held three Quakes players onside, as Coelho went to the ball he held up thinking Melia was going to come and claim it, but Melia stayed on his line and Coelho took too long making up his mind to clear it as Henok Goitom tried to reach for the ball at the same time. Coelho went down thinking he was fouled while Goitom went for the ball and back heeled it into the path of Simon Dawkins who easily beat Melia to tie the game at 1-1 as the teams headed into the half.
The second half started almost the exact same way as the first as the Earthquakes came out flying and another fantastic save by Melia as Wondolowski redirected a cross kept the Quakes from going up 2-1. San Jose continued to pour numbers forward and attack KC's left side and they had another chance at the hour mark as Wondolowski made the run down the left and crossed the ball in, it eventually was knocked back to Alberto Quintero who fired a low blast that Melia saved and then jumped on the rebound. Kansas City started to find some space of their own with Brad Davis having a curling effort tipped wide of the post (although no corner was given) in the 77th minute. In the 80th minute after winning a corner KC grabbed the lead again as Feilhaber's corner was flicked on by Ike Opara to the back side where Kevin Ellis, facing the wrong way, hit the ball with his calf and into the net from about a yard out as he got just enough separation from his defender, giving KC a 2-1 lead. KC held on the final 10 minutes, including a very late corner kick where the Quakes brought Bingham forward to win in San Jose and help their playoff chances after dropping four points at home.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - Came up with some huge saves in goal for Sporting last night, the save on Wondolowski at the beginning of the second half was absolutely fantastic reaction save.
Player Ratings - Melia 7, Medranda 4, Ellis 6, Coelho 5, Abdul-Salaam 6, Mustivar 6, Espinoza 6, Nagamura 6, Peterson 4, Dwyer 5, Feilhaber 5. Subs Davis 6, Opara 6.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Match Day 31: An Unwelcome Road Trip
In desperate need to try to shore up their playoff chances, Sporting KC head on the road for three straight games before closing out the season at home. Sitting just five points above the red line, and having not won on the road against a first division team since April, KC will be trying desperately to try to hang onto that playoff spot. They'll start the road trip tomorrow in San Jose, probably the least hospitable place for Kansas City.
The Earthquakes are still alive in the race to qualify for the playoffs, sitting in ninth place in the West, but only six points behind Sporting KC with two games in hand on them. That makes tomorrow's game a much more interesting match up as a loss and KC's lead is down to just three and the Earthquakes would still have two games in hand. The Quakes look like they may be without Aibal Godoy, the Panamanian midfielder who scored twice last year against Kansas City is recovering from a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.
Kansas City has finally been getting goals from that second goal scorer that they've lacked for most of the season as Jacob Peterson is hitting career highs for goals and close to career highs in starts and minutes played for his MLS career. He's helped to create a secondary threat that has allowed Dom Dwyer to get some space as well the last few games. Unfortunately for KC the extra support offensively has been offsason by a leaking defense that has allowed five goals in the last two home games. Now they go on the road where they have scored one goal or fewer in 11 of KCs' 14 road games. Sporting's defense will be the first thing that will need to clean itself up if KC wants to make any sort of run towards the playoffs in this road stretch.
Peterson - Dwyer - Davis
Espinoza - Feilhaber
Mustivar
Medranda - Besler - Opara - Abdul-Salaam
Melia
Number to Remember - 5883 - That's how many days it has been since Sporting Kansas City won a game in San Jose, the last win was on 8/16/2000 when KC beat the Earthquakes 3-0 on goals by Francisco Gomez, Vicente Figueroa, and Chris Henderson.
Key Match Up - KC defense vs Chris Wondolowski - Sporting KC have played five games on the road across all competitions, and in those five games Kansas City have allowed 12 goals, an average of 2.4 goals per game. Going up against one of the league's highest goal scorers of all time doesn't seem to be the best way to cure your defensive woes though.
PREDICTION - Kansas City need to get something out of tomorrow's game, a loss and Kansas City really put their playoff position in a precarious situation heading into the final three games of the season. San Jose for their part have won just one time in their last nine games, at the same time they've only lost twice, so the team seems pretty predictable for a draw tomorrow. It won't end the winless run either this year or in San Jose, and it won't do Kansas City a ton of good, but it'll be better than a loss, which has been the case on most of KC's previous trips to San Jose.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
SJ - 1 (Wondolowski)
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Match Day 8: Heading to Unfriendly Confines
Sporting KC return to the field tomorrow afternoon in San Jose in an attempt to end their two game losing streak. After a 3-0 start to the season, KC has just won one of their last four games to drop them to 4-3 on the season. They'll now travel to some very unfriendly confines at Avaya Stadium. Kansas City has had very little success away from home against the Earthquakes outside of Kansas City in their history, especially over the last 16 years.
The Earthquakes are currently just one point behind Kansas City at this early point of the season, currently 3-2-2 sitting on 11 points. They have their own injury issues at the moment with six players on their roster listed as being out for tomorrow's game. The biggest of those losses for the Earthquakes is probably Clarence Goodson, most of the rest probably wouldn't be key contributors in tomorrow's game. As has been the case for the last few years, the San Jose offense is lead by Chris Wondlowski who is leading the Golden Boot race at this early point of the season.
Kansas City has their own injury issues, although not as numerous. The big issue is Soni Mustivar who did not travel with the team for their two game road trip to San Jose and Vancouver. His absence in the center of midfield has been a big hole in Kansas City's system since he went out. Lawrence Olum has struggle in replicating his style of as the defensive midfielder in KC's system, he just doesn't have the engine that Mustivar does and KC hasn't made any other changes to their system to compensate for that. Elsewhere KC could look to make some lineup changes with another game on Wednesday, KC could look to rest some legs ahead of that game.
Number to Remember - 2000 - That's the last time that Kansas City took all three points in San Jose, almost 16 years ago. Kansas City's last win in San Jose came on August 16th, of 2000 when a mostly reserve Kansas City Wizards team went into Spartan Stadium and won 3-0 on goals by Francisco Gomez, Vicente Figueroa, and Chris Henderson. Kansas City is 0-10-5 in San Jose since that win in 2000, the last time Kansas City even got a point there was a 1-1 draw back in 2011.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - The pair of World Cup veterans will likely be matched up plenty on the night. Wondolowski has scored 7 goals in his Earthquakes career against Kansas City, and scoring again wouldn't be a surprise.
PREDICTION - Kansas City really hasn't played well in San Jose over the past few years, the Earthquakes have been able to control the games and really not allow much in the way of chances for KC. While KC has been a decent road team since the rebranding, they struggle in San Jose with the style that the Earthquakes play. Unfortunately with the congested schedule upcoming for KC I'm not sure that Sporting get anything out of this one.
SKC - 0
SJ - 1 (Wondolowski)
The Earthquakes are currently just one point behind Kansas City at this early point of the season, currently 3-2-2 sitting on 11 points. They have their own injury issues at the moment with six players on their roster listed as being out for tomorrow's game. The biggest of those losses for the Earthquakes is probably Clarence Goodson, most of the rest probably wouldn't be key contributors in tomorrow's game. As has been the case for the last few years, the San Jose offense is lead by Chris Wondlowski who is leading the Golden Boot race at this early point of the season.
Kansas City has their own injury issues, although not as numerous. The big issue is Soni Mustivar who did not travel with the team for their two game road trip to San Jose and Vancouver. His absence in the center of midfield has been a big hole in Kansas City's system since he went out. Lawrence Olum has struggle in replicating his style of as the defensive midfielder in KC's system, he just doesn't have the engine that Mustivar does and KC hasn't made any other changes to their system to compensate for that. Elsewhere KC could look to make some lineup changes with another game on Wednesday, KC could look to rest some legs ahead of that game.
Hallisey - Dwyer - Zusi
Feilhaber - Espinoza
Olum
Sinovic - Besler - Coelho - SAS
Melia
Number to Remember - 2000 - That's the last time that Kansas City took all three points in San Jose, almost 16 years ago. Kansas City's last win in San Jose came on August 16th, of 2000 when a mostly reserve Kansas City Wizards team went into Spartan Stadium and won 3-0 on goals by Francisco Gomez, Vicente Figueroa, and Chris Henderson. Kansas City is 0-10-5 in San Jose since that win in 2000, the last time Kansas City even got a point there was a 1-1 draw back in 2011.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - The pair of World Cup veterans will likely be matched up plenty on the night. Wondolowski has scored 7 goals in his Earthquakes career against Kansas City, and scoring again wouldn't be a surprise.
PREDICTION - Kansas City really hasn't played well in San Jose over the past few years, the Earthquakes have been able to control the games and really not allow much in the way of chances for KC. While KC has been a decent road team since the rebranding, they struggle in San Jose with the style that the Earthquakes play. Unfortunately with the congested schedule upcoming for KC I'm not sure that Sporting get anything out of this one.
SKC - 0
SJ - 1 (Wondolowski)
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Sporting's Late Season Struggles Continue
For the sixth time in the last 10 games Sporting KC were unable to pick up any points as they fell 1-0 on the road to the San Jose Earthquakes. The loss was KC's 17th straight game without a win in San Jose, a streak that dates back all the way to the 2000 season. KC now heads into the final two games of the season at home still needing a win to secure their playoff spot for this season. They've missed out on the ability to win the Western Conference though with the loss.
Things started out okay for Kansas City as they had the first decent chance of the game as Erik Palmer-Brown flicked the ball towards goal with his head after a long cross from Matt Besler, but Palmer-Brown's looping header went just over the cross bar. While San Jose had much of the early possession though it was KC that continued to create better chances. In the eighth Dom Dwyer really should have done better after he got in behind the San Jose defense, but his shot was knocked away by David Bingham in the San Jose net. The Quakes though started to get more into the game and put more pressure on the KC back line. Quincy Amarikwa was a major pain for the KC back line, similar to how he was when the two teams met earlier this year at Sporting Park. Neither side though was able to find a break through in the first half.
Early in the second half though the Quakes were able to get themselves on the board. A long ball up the field by Bingham was brought down by Amarikwa as Besler and Seth Sinovic dropped off. Amarikwa dribbled up field before playing the ball wide to Shea Salinas. Salinaz crossed the ball back across the box to Chris Wondolowski who fired a ball across the face of goal. At the back post where Anibal Godoy beat Palmer-Brown to the ball knocking it into the net to give San Jose the lead. San Jose had a great chance to double their lead in the 55th as Amarikwa got played in behind the KC defense, but after he spun around to avoid a recovering Besler Amarikwa fired his shot at Tim Melia who stood tall to knock the ball away. Minutes later it was Wondolowski as he got played in and his first touch set up a nice volley but it was right at Melia who made the save. KC's best chance of the second half came in the 71st when Benny Feilhaber played a nice chip from near the top of the box into it for Mikey Lopez, but Lopez's header was just over the bar keeping the score at 1-0. KC tried to push late but really didn't create much in the way of chances and now things are a lot tighter in the West as KC is just 1 point away from behind on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - As he's already done many times this season he kept the score from being a lot worse for Kansas City with some good saves and some good positioning. If KC had stuck with Luis Marin this season I don't think they're in a playoff position at this point.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Sinovic 4, Besler 4, Palmer-Brown 5, Myers 4, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Lopez 5, Anor 3, Dwyer 3, Zusi 4. Subs Nemeth 5, Okugo 4, Abdul-Salaam 5.
Things started out okay for Kansas City as they had the first decent chance of the game as Erik Palmer-Brown flicked the ball towards goal with his head after a long cross from Matt Besler, but Palmer-Brown's looping header went just over the cross bar. While San Jose had much of the early possession though it was KC that continued to create better chances. In the eighth Dom Dwyer really should have done better after he got in behind the San Jose defense, but his shot was knocked away by David Bingham in the San Jose net. The Quakes though started to get more into the game and put more pressure on the KC back line. Quincy Amarikwa was a major pain for the KC back line, similar to how he was when the two teams met earlier this year at Sporting Park. Neither side though was able to find a break through in the first half.
Early in the second half though the Quakes were able to get themselves on the board. A long ball up the field by Bingham was brought down by Amarikwa as Besler and Seth Sinovic dropped off. Amarikwa dribbled up field before playing the ball wide to Shea Salinas. Salinaz crossed the ball back across the box to Chris Wondolowski who fired a ball across the face of goal. At the back post where Anibal Godoy beat Palmer-Brown to the ball knocking it into the net to give San Jose the lead. San Jose had a great chance to double their lead in the 55th as Amarikwa got played in behind the KC defense, but after he spun around to avoid a recovering Besler Amarikwa fired his shot at Tim Melia who stood tall to knock the ball away. Minutes later it was Wondolowski as he got played in and his first touch set up a nice volley but it was right at Melia who made the save. KC's best chance of the second half came in the 71st when Benny Feilhaber played a nice chip from near the top of the box into it for Mikey Lopez, but Lopez's header was just over the bar keeping the score at 1-0. KC tried to push late but really didn't create much in the way of chances and now things are a lot tighter in the West as KC is just 1 point away from behind on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - As he's already done many times this season he kept the score from being a lot worse for Kansas City with some good saves and some good positioning. If KC had stuck with Luis Marin this season I don't think they're in a playoff position at this point.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Sinovic 4, Besler 4, Palmer-Brown 5, Myers 4, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Lopez 5, Anor 3, Dwyer 3, Zusi 4. Subs Nemeth 5, Okugo 4, Abdul-Salaam 5.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Match Day 32: Playoffs in Sight
Tomorrow night in San Jose, Sporting Kansas City will have the chance to clinch a playoff spot for the fifth straight year. All Sporting need is a draw tomorrow night at Avaya Stadium to book their spot in the playoffs. While a draw will do, Sporting will likely have a bit of extra motivation for the game after San Jose came into Sporting Park and gave KC their only loss of the year so far at home, not just winning, but blowing Sporting away to the tune of a 5-0 win for the Earthquakes. The first win by an away team in the series since 2004.
The Earthquakes are in desperate need of a win tomorrow against KC to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently sit in seventh place in the West, three points behind the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot. The Earthquakes after tomorrow will have just a single game left and would need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs should they lose. The Earthquakes will have Chris Wondolowski available as he returned to the club after the USA's 3-2 loss to Mexico so they'll have their top scorer available. They will be a little short handed for the game tomorrow though as starting center back, Victor Bernardez and midfielder Marc Pelosi are both suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Bernardez's absence will be the bigger hole for the Quakes to fill tomorrow.
Sporting could have some big absences of their own tomorrow though. When the team left for San Jose yesterday, both Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar did not travel due to lingering injuries. Both could have traveled today if their condition improved, but their absence could be felt quite a bit. Ellis is likely to be replaced by teenager Erik Palmer-Brown who came on for him when he got hurt two weeks ago in Portland. Mustivar will be more difficult to replace as seen when he was out earlier this year. Potential replacements could be Jordi Quintilla, Mikey Lopez, or Amobi Okugo. The first two would unfortunately see the team's MVP, Benny Feilhaber drop into the deep lying playmaking role. Unfortunately that hasn't been a position that has allowed him to really dictate the game as he has when he's further up the field. The last option would see Feilhaber further up the field, but Okugo's last appearance for KC was just 45 minutes in that disastrous game against San Jose at home.
Number to Remember - 15 - That's the number of years that it's been since KC last won a game in San Jose. KC's last win there came in the 2000 season when KC picked up a 3-0 win with a mostly reserve lineup.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - With Ellis potentially out more pressure is going to fall on Besler with teenager Palmer-Brown his likely replacement. Besler has stepped up multiple times this season for the defense, and KC will likely need him to step up again against one of the league's highest scorers.
PREDICTION - San Jose has scored just 12 goals at home at Avaya stadium this year, they've been less than stellar going forward in their home stadium. On the opposite side they've allowed just 10 goals in their 14 games at Avaya Stadium this year. Tomorrow's game is unlikely to be a pretty affair between the two teams. Instead this game seems likely to be a frustrating battle that will be decided by the lone goal from an opposition mistake.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
The Earthquakes are in desperate need of a win tomorrow against KC to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently sit in seventh place in the West, three points behind the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot. The Earthquakes after tomorrow will have just a single game left and would need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs should they lose. The Earthquakes will have Chris Wondolowski available as he returned to the club after the USA's 3-2 loss to Mexico so they'll have their top scorer available. They will be a little short handed for the game tomorrow though as starting center back, Victor Bernardez and midfielder Marc Pelosi are both suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Bernardez's absence will be the bigger hole for the Quakes to fill tomorrow.
Sporting could have some big absences of their own tomorrow though. When the team left for San Jose yesterday, both Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar did not travel due to lingering injuries. Both could have traveled today if their condition improved, but their absence could be felt quite a bit. Ellis is likely to be replaced by teenager Erik Palmer-Brown who came on for him when he got hurt two weeks ago in Portland. Mustivar will be more difficult to replace as seen when he was out earlier this year. Potential replacements could be Jordi Quintilla, Mikey Lopez, or Amobi Okugo. The first two would unfortunately see the team's MVP, Benny Feilhaber drop into the deep lying playmaking role. Unfortunately that hasn't been a position that has allowed him to really dictate the game as he has when he's further up the field. The last option would see Feilhaber further up the field, but Okugo's last appearance for KC was just 45 minutes in that disastrous game against San Jose at home.
Nemeth - Dwyer - Zusi
Quintilla - Nagamura
Feilhaber
Sinovic - Besler - Palmer-Brown - Myers
Melia
Number to Remember - 15 - That's the number of years that it's been since KC last won a game in San Jose. KC's last win there came in the 2000 season when KC picked up a 3-0 win with a mostly reserve lineup.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - With Ellis potentially out more pressure is going to fall on Besler with teenager Palmer-Brown his likely replacement. Besler has stepped up multiple times this season for the defense, and KC will likely need him to step up again against one of the league's highest scorers.
PREDICTION - San Jose has scored just 12 goals at home at Avaya stadium this year, they've been less than stellar going forward in their home stadium. On the opposite side they've allowed just 10 goals in their 14 games at Avaya Stadium this year. Tomorrow's game is unlikely to be a pretty affair between the two teams. Instead this game seems likely to be a frustrating battle that will be decided by the lone goal from an opposition mistake.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
Thursday, August 20, 2015
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
It was the 50th league game between KC and San Jose. San Jose leads the all time series 22-21-7.
Matt Besler made his 200th start in all competitions for KC, he's the seventh player to hit that mark.
It was the worst loss for Kansas City since a 6-0 loss in Dallas in 2009.
It was the worst home loss for Kansas City since a 7-0 loss to Chicago in 2001.
Chance Myers made his 129th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Jimmy Nielsen for 15th place on that list.
Matt Besler made his 200th start in all competitions for KC, he's the seventh player to hit that mark.
It was the worst loss for Kansas City since a 6-0 loss in Dallas in 2009.
It was the worst home loss for Kansas City since a 7-0 loss to Chicago in 2001.
Chance Myers made his 129th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Jimmy Nielsen for 15th place on that list.
From the Highest of Highs to the Lowest of Lows
After the dramatic comeback on Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps you had to expect a bit of a letdown at some point soon. That said I'm not sure anyone expected this much of a letdown. Last night at Sporting Park, Sporting KC suffered their biggest defeat ever at Sporting Park and the second largest home defeat in the club's history as the San Jose Earthquakes came in and got their first win in KC in 11 years in emphatic fashion, playing KC off the field to the tune of a 5-0 win for the Quakes.
Things started out poorly for KC as they fell behind in just the third minute when Shea Salinas beat Chance Myers down the right and squared the ball into the middle to an unmarked Cordell Cato who easily finished putting San Jose on top. Things got worse for Kansas City in the 17th minute when Myers knocked over Quincy Amarikwa in the box on a cross and was whistled for a penalty kick. Chris Wondolowski stepped up and sent Tim Melia the wrong way to double San Jose's lead and the rout was on. Recent signing, Anibal Godoy made it 3-0 in the 27th minute after being played on by a back heel by Amarikwa, Godoy raced into the box, cut back on Kevin Ellis to get open, then easily slid the ball into the corner. The first half was a disaster for KC, they didn't record a single shot on goal, the back line struggled to connect passes, and the midfield wasn't following runners. At half time Peter Vermes made two changes, pulling Amobi Okugo from his first start after just 45 minutes, inserting Mikey Lopez and inserted Marcel de Jong for Amadou Dia.
The second half though didn't bring a change of fortunes for KC though as the Earthquakes continued to run all over Kansas City. In the 52nd, Wondolowski should have scored his second after Salinas again got open down the KC right side and squared a ball into the middle for an unmarked Wondolowski, but his attempt to touch the ball back into the near corner as Melia came out went just wide of the post. It didn't matter though as six minutes later, Salinas combined again with Cato for the second time on the night to make it 4-0. A minute later KC almost pulled one goal back through Krisztian Nemeth. The Hungarian received the ball out wide, cut inside and fired a shot from about 25 yards out that goalkeeper David Bingham got a hand on to push it just enough that it hit off the inside of the post and bounced right back to Bingham to collect. Minutes later, San Jose would make it 5-0 and Wondolowski would make amends for his earlier miss. From San Jose's right side, Fatai Alashe played in a nice cross into the box for Wondolowski who placed a nice header that Melia could only get a hand on as it went into the net. As if the 5-0 score line wasn't bad enough, KC went down to 10 men in the 71st minute when Benny Feilhaber had the ball taken from him in KC's half by Amarikwa. Feilhaber pulled back on his jersey and fouled him as he raced towards the box. Feilhaber was given a straight red for denial of a goal scoring opportunity. While Feilhaber tried to plead his case I can't argue with the red card, while Matt Besler could have possibly made it back, I don't think it's enough that Feilhaber didn't clearly deny Amarikwa a goal scoring opportunity. With the man advantage and a five goal lead, the Quakes took the air out of the game, keeping possession and denying KC much in the way of chances as they cruised to victory.
Wizards Man of the Match - The Cauldron - I do have a precedent for doing this, I gave the TFC crowd man of the match back in their first home game in their team's history. Last night even with the performance on the field being as bad as it was for KC the Cauldron didn't stop last night, the capos in the middle worked as hard as I've ever seen them work to try to get people involved. So they deserve the award for last night. If I had to choose a player for the game last night, it'd be Tim Melia. While it's not often a goalkeeper gives up five goals and is named man of the match, but Melia kept it from being a lot worse with five saves as his defense really let him down.
Player Ratings - Melia 3, Myers 2, Ellis 1, Besler 3, Dia 2, Okugo 1, Nagamura 2, Feilhaber 2, Nemeth 3, Dwyer 2, Peterson 2. Subs Lopez 2, de Jong 2, Zusi 3.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Match Day 23: Games in Hand
Tomorrow night at Sporting Park, Sporting KC will begin their process of making up the one to four games in hand on the rest of the Western Conference when they host the San Jose Earthquakes. It will also be Kansas City's fourth game in 12 days when you include last week's 3-1 US Open Cup win over Real Salt Lake. The last two have been high intensity with the US Open Cup semifinal and the dramatic comeback against Vancouver. With that the worry has to be about a let down against an opponent sitting six points adrift of a playoff spot right now.
The Earthquakes are really in need of getting points at this spot in the season. They sit outside the playoffs right now, six points behind sixth place Seattle in the West. Last week their first win in eight games, ending a stretch where they'd gone 0-6-1 since the beginning of July, and that win came against the last place Colorado Rapids at home 1-0. The Earthquakes were dealt a blow in that game though when Matias Perez Garcia left the game after 50 minutes after picking up a knock. Combine that with a season ending injury that defender Jordan Stewart picked up and the Quakes just aren't in a good spot right now.
That said, KC can't be complacent about the game. The issue that KC has going against it is the fatigue factor. Over the last three games heading into this one, KC has had seven players play over 200 minutes in those three games, five (Tim Melia, Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, Soni Mustivar, and Benny Feilhaber) have played all 270 of the available minutes in the last 12 days. With all the games in hand, KC will have a busy stretch run, made busier by the US Open Cup final at the end of September. With that in mind, Peter Vermes has to look to get some players some rest. With this game and a game against Columbus on the weekend it could be a decent time to rest a couple players. With today's injury report it appears that the first of those with over 200 minutes to get some rest is Soni Mustivar who is questionable. With the likes of Amobi Okugo having only played 33 minutes so far for KC, he seems the prime candidate to come in and spell the Haitian. The other question could be whether Vermes chooses to rest one of his two center backs who have both played almost every minute since Ike Opara went down with his injury. The replacement there would be teenager, Erik Palmer-Brown.
Number to Remember - 11 - It has been 11 years since the away team has won a game in this series. The last time the away team won was on 8/14/04 when the San Jose Earthquakes came into Arrowhead Stadium and won 2-0 in a nationally televised game on a pair of goals by Landon Donovan. Since then, the home team is 12-0-2 in the series in league play and 15-0-2 in all competitions including KC being 7-0 in league play and 9-0 in all competitions.
Key Match Up - Amobi Okugo vs Chris Wondolowski - With the acquisition of Quincy Amarikwa, Wondolowski has dropped into the midfield and playing a bit more withdrawn. The former Golden Boot winner and USMNT player is still a menace and will cause KC's midfield plenty of issues. Without Mustivar in the lineup, the responsibility will likely fall to one of KC's newest players, Okugo.
PREDICTION - While the history of matches between these two teams would seem to point to a win, or at least a draw, there's so many other factors involved in tomorrow's game. On top of KC's fatigue and San Jose losing one of their better players, the Quakes also have the biggest thrown in Vermes' side when it comes to other coaches, Dominic Kinnear. While head coach of the Houston Dynamo, Kinnear always seemed able of frustrating KC and their high pressure and stealing a result. Tomorrow we get to see if he can do it with a different roster than the one he had in Houston. With KC's high profile games in the two games before, KC is prime for a let down in this one, but I think even resting guys KC has the ability to take all three points, but wouldn't be surprised if they only get one.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
SJ - 0
The Earthquakes are really in need of getting points at this spot in the season. They sit outside the playoffs right now, six points behind sixth place Seattle in the West. Last week their first win in eight games, ending a stretch where they'd gone 0-6-1 since the beginning of July, and that win came against the last place Colorado Rapids at home 1-0. The Earthquakes were dealt a blow in that game though when Matias Perez Garcia left the game after 50 minutes after picking up a knock. Combine that with a season ending injury that defender Jordan Stewart picked up and the Quakes just aren't in a good spot right now.
That said, KC can't be complacent about the game. The issue that KC has going against it is the fatigue factor. Over the last three games heading into this one, KC has had seven players play over 200 minutes in those three games, five (Tim Melia, Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, Soni Mustivar, and Benny Feilhaber) have played all 270 of the available minutes in the last 12 days. With all the games in hand, KC will have a busy stretch run, made busier by the US Open Cup final at the end of September. With that in mind, Peter Vermes has to look to get some players some rest. With this game and a game against Columbus on the weekend it could be a decent time to rest a couple players. With today's injury report it appears that the first of those with over 200 minutes to get some rest is Soni Mustivar who is questionable. With the likes of Amobi Okugo having only played 33 minutes so far for KC, he seems the prime candidate to come in and spell the Haitian. The other question could be whether Vermes chooses to rest one of his two center backs who have both played almost every minute since Ike Opara went down with his injury. The replacement there would be teenager, Erik Palmer-Brown.
Nemeth - Dwyer - Peterson
Feilhaber
Nagamura - Okugo
Dia - Besler - Ellis - Myers
Number to Remember - 11 - It has been 11 years since the away team has won a game in this series. The last time the away team won was on 8/14/04 when the San Jose Earthquakes came into Arrowhead Stadium and won 2-0 in a nationally televised game on a pair of goals by Landon Donovan. Since then, the home team is 12-0-2 in the series in league play and 15-0-2 in all competitions including KC being 7-0 in league play and 9-0 in all competitions.
Key Match Up - Amobi Okugo vs Chris Wondolowski - With the acquisition of Quincy Amarikwa, Wondolowski has dropped into the midfield and playing a bit more withdrawn. The former Golden Boot winner and USMNT player is still a menace and will cause KC's midfield plenty of issues. Without Mustivar in the lineup, the responsibility will likely fall to one of KC's newest players, Okugo.
PREDICTION - While the history of matches between these two teams would seem to point to a win, or at least a draw, there's so many other factors involved in tomorrow's game. On top of KC's fatigue and San Jose losing one of their better players, the Quakes also have the biggest thrown in Vermes' side when it comes to other coaches, Dominic Kinnear. While head coach of the Houston Dynamo, Kinnear always seemed able of frustrating KC and their high pressure and stealing a result. Tomorrow we get to see if he can do it with a different roster than the one he had in Houston. With KC's high profile games in the two games before, KC is prime for a let down in this one, but I think even resting guys KC has the ability to take all three points, but wouldn't be surprised if they only get one.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
SJ - 0
Friday, December 12, 2014
Sporting Pass on Re-Entry Draft. Kronberg, Gruenebaum Selected
MLS held the first phase of this year's Re-Entry Draft. And like most years, there was little movement. The prior four drafts had averaged under three picks in the first phase. Today, three players were taken, none of them going to Kansas City, as Sporting passed on making a selection in the draft. Peter Vermes has still yet to pick someone in the first phase.
Of the three players that were taken, two of them were Sporting KC players. With the first pick, Montreal selected KC's former starter, Eric Kronberg. With the Impact having dumped Troy Perkins, Kronberg will likely be battling Evan Bush for the starting job in Montreal. With the second pick in the draft, the San Jose Earthquakes grabbed KC's other available goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum. Gruenebaum had played well for Kansas City, but continued to struggle with injuries, missing games at three separate times during the season. He'll likely come in and either compete with or be the back up to David Bingham. The third player taken was Toronto FC grabbing Real Salt Lake's Robbie Findley.
Of the three players that were taken, two of them were Sporting KC players. With the first pick, Montreal selected KC's former starter, Eric Kronberg. With the Impact having dumped Troy Perkins, Kronberg will likely be battling Evan Bush for the starting job in Montreal. With the second pick in the draft, the San Jose Earthquakes grabbed KC's other available goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum. Gruenebaum had played well for Kansas City, but continued to struggle with injuries, missing games at three separate times during the season. He'll likely come in and either compete with or be the back up to David Bingham. The third player taken was Toronto FC grabbing Real Salt Lake's Robbie Findley.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sporting Will Head West if They Advance
Sporting Kansas City will be headed West should they beat the Portland Timbers tomorrow night at Sporting Park. The draw for the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup was held today and for the first time in this year's tournament, Sporting will be forced to travel if they win. The winner of the Sporting and Portland match will travel to face the winner of the San Jose vs Seattle game on either July 8th or 9th.
KC has already played both teams this season, losing 1-0 on the road to Seattle and winning 1-0 at home against the Earthquakes.
It'd be a busy time for Sporting with plenty of frequent flyer miles. KC plays at home against the Chicago Fire on Sunday the 6th. If they advance they'd then turn around and fly to the West Coast to take on either the Sounders or Earthquakes. The team would then turn around and fly back to KC before heading to the East Coast for a Saturday the 12th league match against the Montreal Impact. It wouldn't be an easy stretch at all, especially for a team that is still working to get over a number of injury issues.
KC has already played both teams this season, losing 1-0 on the road to Seattle and winning 1-0 at home against the Earthquakes.
It'd be a busy time for Sporting with plenty of frequent flyer miles. KC plays at home against the Chicago Fire on Sunday the 6th. If they advance they'd then turn around and fly to the West Coast to take on either the Sounders or Earthquakes. The team would then turn around and fly back to KC before heading to the East Coast for a Saturday the 12th league match against the Montreal Impact. It wouldn't be an easy stretch at all, especially for a team that is still working to get over a number of injury issues.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Sunday After Stats
Graham Zusi made his 125th league appearance for KC, tying him with Tony Meola for 14th all time on that list.
No team has won on the road in this series since 2004, a stretch of 18 games in all competitions.
No team has won on the road in this series since 2004, a stretch of 18 games in all competitions.
Dwyer PK Helps KC Top San Jose.
Sporting Kansas City finally got themselves off the mark with a win in MLS play tonight with a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes thanks to a second half PK goal by Dom Dwyer. As might be expected after the two teams played CONCACAF Champions League games on Wednesday, the game lacked a lot of the bite that you'd expect from the match up, but both sides had their chances to pick up the win.
For the majority of the first half, Kansas City controlled the game. They did a good job of playing the ball around the field and had good movement, but their final ball was really lacking. KC had a really good chance in the 18th minute off a Seth Sinovic long throw. Ike Opara beat Jon Busch to the ball and flicked it toward goal, but Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi biked the ball off the line. The ball went to Sal Zizzo who fired a shot from outside the box that beat Busch, but hit off the post and bounced back into play where it hit off of Ike Opara. The deflection off of Opara bounced back off the post a second time. And with the goal open, Opara couldn't get enough of a touch on the ball to turn the ball in as it went out for a corner. KC continued the pressure and had another good opportunity in the 25th minute. After working the ball around the field, Kevin Ellis picked out Benny Feilhaber who dribbled into the box and squared the ball for Graham Zusi whose shot to the lower corner was well saved by Busch for a corner. As the half wore on KC also had a penalty shot as a cross went into the box for Zizzo who tried to touch it past Clarence Goodson, but ended up going down. No call was made though.
KC continued to pressure in the second half and won a corner in the 55th. Zusi played it short to Sinovic who played it back to Zusi. His cross into the box was headed towards goal by Opara, but Busch tipped it over the bar for another corner. Off that corner, San Jose cleared the initial corner, but the ball got played back into the box and in the mix of bodies in the box shouts for a hand ball went up from a number of KC players. Referee Ricardo Salazar agreed, pointing to the spot. Replays showed that Steven Lenhart appeared to bat the ball away from Opara and Aurelien Collin during the play. Dom Dwyer stepped up and sent Busch the wrong way making the score 1-0. The first goal by a forward for KC since Dwyer scored against Houston in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After the goal, the Earthquakes picked up the pressure a little bit, but struggled to create really good chances. They should have gotten level though in the 71st minute. After a cross into the box, the ball got headed back across the box to wear Chris Wondolowski was running in unmarked. But from just inside the 18, Wondolowski fired wide of Eric Kronberg's goal to keep it 1-0. The Quakes continued to pressure and Wondolowski again had a chance from a free kick in the 83rd, but fired his effort over the bar. KC withstood San Jose's pressure and picked up their first win of the season, 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - The man was all over the place tonight. He looked like a guy tonight (and has all season) that is trying to play his way onto the plane to Brazil for the World Cup. So far in my opinion he's doing a good job of it as he put in another complete performance.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Ellis 6, Collin 6, Opara 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 5, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 8, Zusi 6, Dwyer 6, Zizzo 6. Subs Sapong 6.
For the majority of the first half, Kansas City controlled the game. They did a good job of playing the ball around the field and had good movement, but their final ball was really lacking. KC had a really good chance in the 18th minute off a Seth Sinovic long throw. Ike Opara beat Jon Busch to the ball and flicked it toward goal, but Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi biked the ball off the line. The ball went to Sal Zizzo who fired a shot from outside the box that beat Busch, but hit off the post and bounced back into play where it hit off of Ike Opara. The deflection off of Opara bounced back off the post a second time. And with the goal open, Opara couldn't get enough of a touch on the ball to turn the ball in as it went out for a corner. KC continued the pressure and had another good opportunity in the 25th minute. After working the ball around the field, Kevin Ellis picked out Benny Feilhaber who dribbled into the box and squared the ball for Graham Zusi whose shot to the lower corner was well saved by Busch for a corner. As the half wore on KC also had a penalty shot as a cross went into the box for Zizzo who tried to touch it past Clarence Goodson, but ended up going down. No call was made though.
KC continued to pressure in the second half and won a corner in the 55th. Zusi played it short to Sinovic who played it back to Zusi. His cross into the box was headed towards goal by Opara, but Busch tipped it over the bar for another corner. Off that corner, San Jose cleared the initial corner, but the ball got played back into the box and in the mix of bodies in the box shouts for a hand ball went up from a number of KC players. Referee Ricardo Salazar agreed, pointing to the spot. Replays showed that Steven Lenhart appeared to bat the ball away from Opara and Aurelien Collin during the play. Dom Dwyer stepped up and sent Busch the wrong way making the score 1-0. The first goal by a forward for KC since Dwyer scored against Houston in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After the goal, the Earthquakes picked up the pressure a little bit, but struggled to create really good chances. They should have gotten level though in the 71st minute. After a cross into the box, the ball got headed back across the box to wear Chris Wondolowski was running in unmarked. But from just inside the 18, Wondolowski fired wide of Eric Kronberg's goal to keep it 1-0. The Quakes continued to pressure and Wondolowski again had a chance from a free kick in the 83rd, but fired his effort over the bar. KC withstood San Jose's pressure and picked up their first win of the season, 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - The man was all over the place tonight. He looked like a guy tonight (and has all season) that is trying to play his way onto the plane to Brazil for the World Cup. So far in my opinion he's doing a good job of it as he put in another complete performance.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Ellis 6, Collin 6, Opara 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 5, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 8, Zusi 6, Dwyer 6, Zizzo 6. Subs Sapong 6.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Match Day 3: Full Focus on League Now
With KC's departure from the CONCACAF Champions League, Sporting KC turn their full focus to the MLS season and Saturday's opponent, San Jose. The Earthquakes like Sporting bowed out of the competition, falling on penalty kicks to Toluca.
San Jose, like Sporting has had a full schedule early in the season. While they were off the first weekend of the season, they'll be playing their 4th game in 12 days, while KC plays it's 5th in 15 days. The Earthquakes rested a few of their regular starters, including center back, Victor Bernardez. The question may be who starts up top for the Quakes. All three of their main forwards, Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, and Steven Lenhart, all played a role in Wednesday night's game and Wondolowski is coming off an injury. So the forward line for San Jose tomorrow could be interesting.
Sporting has their own team selection issues to deal with tomorrow after the trip to Mexico City. So far Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, and Eric Kronberg have started every game, with Besler and Kronberg playing every minute. Resting any of them wouldn't be a surprise heading into the game tomorrow. A few names that should be expected to play though are Aurelien Collin and Seth Sinovic, who both did not play in Mexico City. Another question though is the health of Chance Myers, who is still listed as quesitonable, if he can't go, that leaves Kevin Ellis who went 90 minutes in Mexico City and Mechack Jerome who went 47 and started last weekend against Dallas as well. That could make for some very tired legs on the right hand side of KC's defense tomorrow. But there could be another debut for KC tomorrow as Antonio Dovale's ITC card has arrived and he's available for selection now as well.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Steven Lenhart - This is a match up that a few years ago was a heavy weight fight at Sporting Park. It was fun to watch. I'm not sure Lenhart starts tomorrow after starting on Wednesday for the Earthquakes, but if he gets on the field, this match up should be just as fun to watch again.
Number to Remember - 8 - That's the number of straight home games in all competitions KC has gone without a loss against the Earthquakes. The last loss was August 14, 2004, which is the last time that either of these two teams have won away from home in this series.
PREDICTION - With both teams heading into KC on the backs of grueling games in Mexico at elevation, it doesn't bode well for tomorrow to be an exhibition for the "beautiful game." This game is likely to be a slow, plodding game as both teams are finishing up a very busy stretch of their season. This game is going to be decided by one goal if there's a goal at all.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
San Jose, like Sporting has had a full schedule early in the season. While they were off the first weekend of the season, they'll be playing their 4th game in 12 days, while KC plays it's 5th in 15 days. The Earthquakes rested a few of their regular starters, including center back, Victor Bernardez. The question may be who starts up top for the Quakes. All three of their main forwards, Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, and Steven Lenhart, all played a role in Wednesday night's game and Wondolowski is coming off an injury. So the forward line for San Jose tomorrow could be interesting.
Sporting has their own team selection issues to deal with tomorrow after the trip to Mexico City. So far Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, and Eric Kronberg have started every game, with Besler and Kronberg playing every minute. Resting any of them wouldn't be a surprise heading into the game tomorrow. A few names that should be expected to play though are Aurelien Collin and Seth Sinovic, who both did not play in Mexico City. Another question though is the health of Chance Myers, who is still listed as quesitonable, if he can't go, that leaves Kevin Ellis who went 90 minutes in Mexico City and Mechack Jerome who went 47 and started last weekend against Dallas as well. That could make for some very tired legs on the right hand side of KC's defense tomorrow. But there could be another debut for KC tomorrow as Antonio Dovale's ITC card has arrived and he's available for selection now as well.
Kronberg
Ellis - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Olum - Rosell
Medranda
Zizzo - Dwyer - Sapong
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Steven Lenhart - This is a match up that a few years ago was a heavy weight fight at Sporting Park. It was fun to watch. I'm not sure Lenhart starts tomorrow after starting on Wednesday for the Earthquakes, but if he gets on the field, this match up should be just as fun to watch again.
Number to Remember - 8 - That's the number of straight home games in all competitions KC has gone without a loss against the Earthquakes. The last loss was August 14, 2004, which is the last time that either of these two teams have won away from home in this series.
PREDICTION - With both teams heading into KC on the backs of grueling games in Mexico at elevation, it doesn't bode well for tomorrow to be an exhibition for the "beautiful game." This game is likely to be a slow, plodding game as both teams are finishing up a very busy stretch of their season. This game is going to be decided by one goal if there's a goal at all.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sporting KC Continue Winless Run in San Jose
Sporting Kansas City will have to wait another couple years before they get the chance to end their long winless record in San Jose. Last night, Sporting KC fell to the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 at Buck Shaw Stadium, extending their winless run to 0-11-5 in league and playoff games in San Jose since their last win in 2000.
The first half as a whole was lacking from both teams. KC offered extremely little going forward in the half. San Jose didn't provide much more, but they did test Jimmy Nielsen. Clarence Goodson put an effort just wide of the post early in the first half. He then forced Nielsen into a big save in the 33rd minute. Off a long free kick, Goodson won a header and put it on goal, but Nielsen made a fantastic diving save to knock the ball away keeping the game scoreless. Nielsen again was called into action a little later in the half off a Victor Bernardez free kick, but this one was right at Nielsen.
In the second half Sporting came out and showed better initiative than they did throughout the first half. They kept possession a little bit and were getting deeper into San Jose's end more. But in the 55th it was San Jose that grabbed the lead. Steven Beitashour got a bit of space out wide on Seth Sinovic and fired a cross into the middle that was headed by Chris Wondolowski past Nielsen and into the net. While there were some very big claims for Wondolowski being offside, especially upon viewing the replay, that over shadows, KC's play at the time. Wondolowski was unmarked, only a late attempt by Chance Myers made it at least look like it wasn't completely uncontested. Questions can also be asked a bit of Nielsen, who made the save in the first half on Goodson, and that one had more pace on it.
Sporting almost responded immediately as Soony Saad did a good job working the ball down the left before playing a low cross into the box for substitute, Teal Bunbury. A challenge by Goodson though threw off Bunbury on his shot and the ball went over the goal. Sporting continued to pressure looking for an equalizer, but really were not creating much in the way of chances as San Jose sat a little deeper, cutting off passing angles for KC to play through. In the 65th minute KC had a penalty shout turned down by referee Juan Guzman. A long throw in by Matt Besler was flicked on to the back post towards Saad. As Saad looked to get to the ball before it went out, he appeared to be fouled by Beitashour. Guzman though made no call. As the minutes went by though KC didn't really create much in the way of chances and really didn't deserve a goal. Jon Busch in the San Jose net was never really troubled by KC's offense that desperately missed both Graham Zusi and Kei Kamara.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Saad was the focal point of KC's attack throughout the night. But even he missed Kamara. A few times he'd have the ball wide ready to play a cross to the back post, but Jacob Peterson would either be too tightly marked or not there.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 4, Collin 4, Besler 4, Sinovic 5, Rosell 4, Olum 3, Feilhaber 4, Saad 6, Bieler 5, Peterson 4. Subs Bunbury 4, Sapong 4, Joseph 4.
The first half as a whole was lacking from both teams. KC offered extremely little going forward in the half. San Jose didn't provide much more, but they did test Jimmy Nielsen. Clarence Goodson put an effort just wide of the post early in the first half. He then forced Nielsen into a big save in the 33rd minute. Off a long free kick, Goodson won a header and put it on goal, but Nielsen made a fantastic diving save to knock the ball away keeping the game scoreless. Nielsen again was called into action a little later in the half off a Victor Bernardez free kick, but this one was right at Nielsen.
In the second half Sporting came out and showed better initiative than they did throughout the first half. They kept possession a little bit and were getting deeper into San Jose's end more. But in the 55th it was San Jose that grabbed the lead. Steven Beitashour got a bit of space out wide on Seth Sinovic and fired a cross into the middle that was headed by Chris Wondolowski past Nielsen and into the net. While there were some very big claims for Wondolowski being offside, especially upon viewing the replay, that over shadows, KC's play at the time. Wondolowski was unmarked, only a late attempt by Chance Myers made it at least look like it wasn't completely uncontested. Questions can also be asked a bit of Nielsen, who made the save in the first half on Goodson, and that one had more pace on it.
Sporting almost responded immediately as Soony Saad did a good job working the ball down the left before playing a low cross into the box for substitute, Teal Bunbury. A challenge by Goodson though threw off Bunbury on his shot and the ball went over the goal. Sporting continued to pressure looking for an equalizer, but really were not creating much in the way of chances as San Jose sat a little deeper, cutting off passing angles for KC to play through. In the 65th minute KC had a penalty shout turned down by referee Juan Guzman. A long throw in by Matt Besler was flicked on to the back post towards Saad. As Saad looked to get to the ball before it went out, he appeared to be fouled by Beitashour. Guzman though made no call. As the minutes went by though KC didn't really create much in the way of chances and really didn't deserve a goal. Jon Busch in the San Jose net was never really troubled by KC's offense that desperately missed both Graham Zusi and Kei Kamara.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Saad was the focal point of KC's attack throughout the night. But even he missed Kamara. A few times he'd have the ball wide ready to play a cross to the back post, but Jacob Peterson would either be too tightly marked or not there.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 4, Collin 4, Besler 4, Sinovic 5, Rosell 4, Olum 3, Feilhaber 4, Saad 6, Bieler 5, Peterson 4. Subs Bunbury 4, Sapong 4, Joseph 4.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Sporting Set to Take on San Jose
Sporting Kansas City go on their final long road trip of the MLS regular season when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium tomorrow night. The rest of the way, KC is either in their own time zone or the East Coast for games (they do still have a trip to Honduras in the CCL).
San Jose comes into the game with a fairly impressive home record. They have played 11 games without a loss at home this season. They haven't lost since their season opener against Real Salt Lake. While they've been good at home, it's their road form that's hurt them this season as they currently outside the playoffs looking in right now. They're already replaced last year's coach of the year in Frank Yallop. While they haven't produced the same numbers this year, the offense is still one to be wary of, with Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, and Steven Lenhart.
While San Jose has had their issues lately, Sporting KC has some concerns of their own. Two of their key offensive players look like they could miss this game tomorrow. Kei Kamara, who got hurt near the end of last week's game against New England has been tweeting from home last night and today while the team has been in San Jose, which would rule him out. The other player is midfielder Graham Zusi, who has not played since the all star game. The loss of those two will be hard for KC to over come, especially Kamara, who has picked up a lot of the scoring slack since Claudio Bieler has hit a bit of a slump.
Number to Remember - 4750 - That's the number of days since KC last won a game on the road. That's right, 13 years, 2 days since KC last won a game in the Silicon Valley area. In all competitions, KC is 0-10-5 in San Jose since they won 3-0 in August of the 2000 season. Just think for a second how much the league has changed since then. We've contracted two teams, and added nine. We've gone from about four owners owning all the teams to only having two teams that are at least partially owned by one group.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Steven Lenhart - Back in 2011 when KC and San Jose faced off, these two went 12 rounds against each other. Collin and Lenhart knocked each other around all game. It was fun to watch. Since then though, we've not gotten to see these two go up against each other. Tomorrow we should get to see the rematch.
PREDICTION - KC is one of the better teams on the road in the league, while San Jose has the previously mentioned unbeaten run. The smaller field at Buck Shaw will reduce some of KC's work they've been able to do on the road in other stadiums. Without Kamara and Zusi, creative duties will fall to Soony Saad and Benny Feilhaber again. They've done well recently, but they'll need to continue that form if KC want to remain at the top of the East, which continues to be extremely tight. Gonna be hard to end the winless streak at San Jose though.
SKC - 1 (Saad)
SJ - 1 (Wondolowski)
San Jose comes into the game with a fairly impressive home record. They have played 11 games without a loss at home this season. They haven't lost since their season opener against Real Salt Lake. While they've been good at home, it's their road form that's hurt them this season as they currently outside the playoffs looking in right now. They're already replaced last year's coach of the year in Frank Yallop. While they haven't produced the same numbers this year, the offense is still one to be wary of, with Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, and Steven Lenhart.
While San Jose has had their issues lately, Sporting KC has some concerns of their own. Two of their key offensive players look like they could miss this game tomorrow. Kei Kamara, who got hurt near the end of last week's game against New England has been tweeting from home last night and today while the team has been in San Jose, which would rule him out. The other player is midfielder Graham Zusi, who has not played since the all star game. The loss of those two will be hard for KC to over come, especially Kamara, who has picked up a lot of the scoring slack since Claudio Bieler has hit a bit of a slump.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin -Besler - Sinovice
Joseph - Rosell
Feilhaber
Saad - Bieler - Sapong
Number to Remember - 4750 - That's the number of days since KC last won a game on the road. That's right, 13 years, 2 days since KC last won a game in the Silicon Valley area. In all competitions, KC is 0-10-5 in San Jose since they won 3-0 in August of the 2000 season. Just think for a second how much the league has changed since then. We've contracted two teams, and added nine. We've gone from about four owners owning all the teams to only having two teams that are at least partially owned by one group.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Steven Lenhart - Back in 2011 when KC and San Jose faced off, these two went 12 rounds against each other. Collin and Lenhart knocked each other around all game. It was fun to watch. Since then though, we've not gotten to see these two go up against each other. Tomorrow we should get to see the rematch.
PREDICTION - KC is one of the better teams on the road in the league, while San Jose has the previously mentioned unbeaten run. The smaller field at Buck Shaw will reduce some of KC's work they've been able to do on the road in other stadiums. Without Kamara and Zusi, creative duties will fall to Soony Saad and Benny Feilhaber again. They've done well recently, but they'll need to continue that form if KC want to remain at the top of the East, which continues to be extremely tight. Gonna be hard to end the winless streak at San Jose though.
SKC - 1 (Saad)
SJ - 1 (Wondolowski)
Monday, March 04, 2013
Appearances and Minutes vs San Jose
Another set of stats today, appearances and minutes vs San Jose.
First league play appearances.
1. Chris Klein - 26
Preki - 26
3. Nick Garcia - 22
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 20
5. Chris Brown - 19
6. Francisco Gomez - 18
Matt McKeon - 18
8. Davy Arnaud - 17
Tony Meola - 17
Mo Johnston - 17
Here's the appearances in all competitions.
1. Preki - 28
2. Chris Klein - 27
3. Nick Garcia - 26
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 24
5. Davy Arnaud - 21
6. Jimmy Conrad - 19
Diego Gutierrez - 19
Chris Brown - 19
9. Francisco Gomez - 18
Tony Meola - 18
Matt McKeon - 18
Matt Besler has the most appearances of active KC players with 6.
Here are the minutes against San Jose.
1. Preki - 2,140
2. Chris Klein - 2,117
3. Nick Garcia - 1,968
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 1,753
5. Tony Meola - 1,570
6. Mo Johnston - 1,451
7. Matt McKeon - 1,376
8. Jimmy Conrad - 1,370
9. Davy Arnaud - 1,364
10. Uche Okafor - 1,328
Here are the minutes in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 2,355
2. Preki - 2,292
3. Chris Klein - 2,234
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 2,136
5. Jimmy Conrad - 1,757
6. Tony Meola - 1,687
7. Davy Arnaud - 1,661
8. Diego Gutierrez - 1,569
9. Mo Johnston - 1,451
10. Matt McKeon - 1,376
Besler again with 463 minutes is the most among active KC players.
Here's a list now of players from both teams.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 27 (played for both)
2. Chris Klein - 26
Preki - 26
4. Nick Garcia - 25 (played for both)
5. Richard Mulrooney - 24
6. Ramiro Corrales - 23
7. Troy Dayak - 21
8. Kerry Zavagnin - 20
Chris Brown - 20 (played for both)
10. John Doyle - 19
Here's the appearances in all competitions.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 31 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 29 (played for both)
3. Preki - 28
4. Chris Klein - 27
Richard Mulrooney - 27
6. Ramiro Corrales - 25
7. Kerry Zavagnin - 24
8. Troy Dayak - 22
Chris Brown - 22 (palyed for both)
10. Davy Arnaud - 21
11. Ian Russell - 21
Here are the minutes played in league play.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 2,354 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 2,238 (played for both)
3. Preki - 2,140
4. Chris Klein - 2,117
5. Richard Mulrooney - 1,994
6. Ramiro Corrales - 1,871
7. Kerry Zavagnin - 1,753
8. Troy Dayak - 1,738
9. John Doyle - 1,578
10. Tony Meola - 1,570
Here are the minutes in all competitions.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 2,741 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 2,625 (played for both)
3. Preki - 2,292
4. Richard Mulrooney - 2,291
5. Chris Klein - 2,234
6. Kerry Zavagnin - 2,136
7. Ramiro Corrales - 2,050
8. Troy Dayak - 1,855
9. Tony Meola - 1,687
10. Davy Arnaud - 1,661
First league play appearances.
1. Chris Klein - 26
Preki - 26
3. Nick Garcia - 22
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 20
5. Chris Brown - 19
6. Francisco Gomez - 18
Matt McKeon - 18
8. Davy Arnaud - 17
Tony Meola - 17
Mo Johnston - 17
Here's the appearances in all competitions.
1. Preki - 28
2. Chris Klein - 27
3. Nick Garcia - 26
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 24
5. Davy Arnaud - 21
6. Jimmy Conrad - 19
Diego Gutierrez - 19
Chris Brown - 19
9. Francisco Gomez - 18
Tony Meola - 18
Matt McKeon - 18
Matt Besler has the most appearances of active KC players with 6.
Here are the minutes against San Jose.
1. Preki - 2,140
2. Chris Klein - 2,117
3. Nick Garcia - 1,968
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 1,753
5. Tony Meola - 1,570
6. Mo Johnston - 1,451
7. Matt McKeon - 1,376
8. Jimmy Conrad - 1,370
9. Davy Arnaud - 1,364
10. Uche Okafor - 1,328
Here are the minutes in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 2,355
2. Preki - 2,292
3. Chris Klein - 2,234
4. Kerry Zavagnin - 2,136
5. Jimmy Conrad - 1,757
6. Tony Meola - 1,687
7. Davy Arnaud - 1,661
8. Diego Gutierrez - 1,569
9. Mo Johnston - 1,451
10. Matt McKeon - 1,376
Besler again with 463 minutes is the most among active KC players.
Here's a list now of players from both teams.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 27 (played for both)
2. Chris Klein - 26
Preki - 26
4. Nick Garcia - 25 (played for both)
5. Richard Mulrooney - 24
6. Ramiro Corrales - 23
7. Troy Dayak - 21
8. Kerry Zavagnin - 20
Chris Brown - 20 (played for both)
10. John Doyle - 19
Here's the appearances in all competitions.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 31 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 29 (played for both)
3. Preki - 28
4. Chris Klein - 27
Richard Mulrooney - 27
6. Ramiro Corrales - 25
7. Kerry Zavagnin - 24
8. Troy Dayak - 22
Chris Brown - 22 (palyed for both)
10. Davy Arnaud - 21
11. Ian Russell - 21
Here are the minutes played in league play.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 2,354 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 2,238 (played for both)
3. Preki - 2,140
4. Chris Klein - 2,117
5. Richard Mulrooney - 1,994
6. Ramiro Corrales - 1,871
7. Kerry Zavagnin - 1,753
8. Troy Dayak - 1,738
9. John Doyle - 1,578
10. Tony Meola - 1,570
Here are the minutes in all competitions.
1. Jimmy Conrad - 2,741 (played for both)
2. Nick Garcia - 2,625 (played for both)
3. Preki - 2,292
4. Richard Mulrooney - 2,291
5. Chris Klein - 2,234
6. Kerry Zavagnin - 2,136
7. Ramiro Corrales - 2,050
8. Troy Dayak - 1,855
9. Tony Meola - 1,687
10. Davy Arnaud - 1,661
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sporting Trade for Ike Opara
Sporting KC continued a busy start to their offseason, trading for San Jose defender, Ike Opara for the team's second round pick in the 2013 MLS Superdraft. Opara was the Earthquakes first round pick (3rd overall) in the 2010 MLS Superdraft, where KC took Teal Bunbury with the 4th overall pick. In the 2010 draft the top four picks of Bunbury, Opara, Danny Mwanga, and Tony Tchani were all seen as the cream of the draft class. KC next year will have 2 of those 4, although Bunbury's likely been the most successful of all 4.
Opara has had a bit of an injury filled pro career, only appearing in 35 games over 3 seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Opara though will come in to Kansas City and not be expected to start for Sporting. Opara will likely be set to battle with Lawrence Olum for the 3rd center back spot on the roster. His signing is purely a depth signing to provide cover and play in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League games next year.
Opara was a guy that I immediately looked at when the re-entry draft list came out. I thought he'd be a guy for KC to look into getting in the second stage of the draft. Instead, like last year, KC went out and made their move before the re-entry draft, picking him up for a second round pick. The trading of the pick does leave KC without a second round pick now after trading away their other second round pick to Montreal in the Josh Gardner trade.
I know that some KC fans are worried about giving up these draft picks, but the majority of them have been second round choices, and in the last 3 years KC has drafted Cyprian Hedrick (2012), JT Murray (2011), and Korede Aiyegbusi (2010) in the second round, not a stellar draft outside the first round. So that part doesn't worry me right now.
Opara has had a bit of an injury filled pro career, only appearing in 35 games over 3 seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Opara though will come in to Kansas City and not be expected to start for Sporting. Opara will likely be set to battle with Lawrence Olum for the 3rd center back spot on the roster. His signing is purely a depth signing to provide cover and play in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League games next year.
Opara was a guy that I immediately looked at when the re-entry draft list came out. I thought he'd be a guy for KC to look into getting in the second stage of the draft. Instead, like last year, KC went out and made their move before the re-entry draft, picking him up for a second round pick. The trading of the pick does leave KC without a second round pick now after trading away their other second round pick to Montreal in the Josh Gardner trade.
I know that some KC fans are worried about giving up these draft picks, but the majority of them have been second round choices, and in the last 3 years KC has drafted Cyprian Hedrick (2012), JT Murray (2011), and Korede Aiyegbusi (2010) in the second round, not a stellar draft outside the first round. So that part doesn't worry me right now.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Back to Winning
Sporting KC finally ended their long winless run and got a win May for the first time since 2009. KC's last win in the month of May happened on May 16th, 2009, in Utah against Real Salt Lake. A span of 14 games in the month of May since KC last won. It wasn't without some stress at the end again for KC as they almost losta 2 goal lead again against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Early on, the first chance fell to San Jose in the first minute as Marvin Chavez forced a good save out of Jimmy Nielsen after he'd cut inside on Chance Myers. KC started to control after the early chance and in the 5th minute a great spell of possession by KC was capitalized on with a goal. KC worked the ball from one side of the field, to the other, and back again looking for a way through the San Jose defense. A deflected pass from Teal Bunbury found Graham Zusi who raced at the San Jose defense before laying the ball out wide to Kei Kamara. Kamara one timed a cross into the box, where CJ Sapong had made a great run to the back post and knocked the ball past Jon Busch and into the net for a 1-0 lead. With Bobby Convey out of the lineup, KC had a big athletic front line with Bunbury, Kamara, and Sapong. And with San Jose's lack of height in the back, KC played more crosses in from each side.
In the 20th minute, KC was dealt a cruel blow. Seth Sinovic, who had only just returned after missing time breaking his right hand, went over the LED boards on the end line. When he came back up he had a deep cut on his left hand. Sinovic left the game with the injury and it was later reported that Sinovic ended up with 20 stitches in his hand from the cut. Shortly after Sinovic's injury, Bunbury almost made it 2-0. Kamara and Zusi combined for a 1-2 at midfield and then Kamara got past two San Jose defenders. Kamara raced down the field and played a ball in to Bunbury. Bunbury's first attempt was blocked, but the ball came back to him and he fired it just wide of the goal. San Jose struggled to create chances, but did force a good save out of Nielsen in the 31st through Steven Beitashour. After a throw from San Jose was partially cleared, Beitashour settled and volleyed from about 25 yards out. Nielsen though made a nice diving save pushing the ball wide of the goal. KC really should have made it 2-0 in the 36th minute. A long throw from Matt Besler was headed back to the back side of the goal. Kamara won the ball off of Chavez with a great sliding tackle and played a ball back into the box that made it's way through to Aurelien Collin about 3 yards out from goal. Collin though appeared to be surprised the ball made it through to him. He stumbled and didn't make good contact with the ball as Busch collected.
Only a few minutes later, KC did grab the 2-0 lead. Myers collected the ball on his side of the field and while trying to find an open man started making his way into the middle. Myers eventually played the ball to Michael Harrington, who had replaced Sinovic. Harrington played a great ball into the box, where Kamara got in front of his man and headed the ball into the net to double the lead.
KC continued to push in the second half. Zusi had a good opportunity early on off a Myers cross, but he put his effort wide of the goal. The game really started to open up though as San Jose looked for a way back into the game while KC looked to strike on the counter. After a cross was punched by Nielsen, Chavaz tried to chip Nielsen, but the Dane was able to grab the ball. Finally in the 72nd minute, the goal that looked to be coming came. Simon Dawkins collected a pass just outside Sporting's box and curled a shot into the corner out of the reach of Nielsen. And all of the sudden things started to feel a lot like last week's game in Colorado.
KC still created chances though unlike against Colorado. It looked like KC had a free kick coming in a good position after Ike Opara appeared to shoulder Zusi down just outside the box. Referee Baldomero Toledo appeared set to let play continue, but his linesman raised his flag for a foul. After a discussion where it looked like KC would get a free kick, Toledo overruled his linesman and restarted play with a drop ball. The play seemed to piss Zusi off as he played the next 5 minutes with a renewed fire and was unlucky to not make it 3-1 off a great pass from Kamara. Kamara curled a teasing ball into the box towards Bunbury and Zusi. Zusi reached the ball and fired on goal, but Busch saved the shot to keep it 2-1. Sapong put the rebound over the goal.
Things got interesting in stoppage time in front of the Cauldron. Busch was trying to get a play restarted quickly and get a ball from one of the ball boys. From reports of people that were right behind the goal, behind the ball boy, he was taking his time giving the ball back to Busch, apparently in a bit of gamesmanship. Busch ran up to him telling him to give him the ball, then grabbed the ball out of his hands. Busch then apparently swatted at the ball boy, hitting him in the arm. After the final whistle blew to end the game and give KC the win, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Greg Cotton, made his way on a jog to the goal area. There with security and police, the ball boy was escorted to midfield. I expect the league disciplinary committee will be contacting Busch about an upcoming fine and suspension. Based on the history of what mistreatment of a ball kid has gotten, I'd expect at least 3 games. But unlike the verbal abuse that got Colin Clarke a 3 game suspension, I could see Busch getting more for actually making contact with the kid.
Wizards man of the match - Kei Kamara - A goal and an assist for Kamara in his last game before departing for international duty. Kamara was all over the place and had a fantastic game.
Honorable mention - Graham Zusi, Teal Bunbury
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 5, Besler 6, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Espinoza 5, Zusi 7, Sapong 7, Bunbury 7, Kamara 8. Subs Harrington 6, Olum 5, Nagamura NR.
Early on, the first chance fell to San Jose in the first minute as Marvin Chavez forced a good save out of Jimmy Nielsen after he'd cut inside on Chance Myers. KC started to control after the early chance and in the 5th minute a great spell of possession by KC was capitalized on with a goal. KC worked the ball from one side of the field, to the other, and back again looking for a way through the San Jose defense. A deflected pass from Teal Bunbury found Graham Zusi who raced at the San Jose defense before laying the ball out wide to Kei Kamara. Kamara one timed a cross into the box, where CJ Sapong had made a great run to the back post and knocked the ball past Jon Busch and into the net for a 1-0 lead. With Bobby Convey out of the lineup, KC had a big athletic front line with Bunbury, Kamara, and Sapong. And with San Jose's lack of height in the back, KC played more crosses in from each side.
In the 20th minute, KC was dealt a cruel blow. Seth Sinovic, who had only just returned after missing time breaking his right hand, went over the LED boards on the end line. When he came back up he had a deep cut on his left hand. Sinovic left the game with the injury and it was later reported that Sinovic ended up with 20 stitches in his hand from the cut. Shortly after Sinovic's injury, Bunbury almost made it 2-0. Kamara and Zusi combined for a 1-2 at midfield and then Kamara got past two San Jose defenders. Kamara raced down the field and played a ball in to Bunbury. Bunbury's first attempt was blocked, but the ball came back to him and he fired it just wide of the goal. San Jose struggled to create chances, but did force a good save out of Nielsen in the 31st through Steven Beitashour. After a throw from San Jose was partially cleared, Beitashour settled and volleyed from about 25 yards out. Nielsen though made a nice diving save pushing the ball wide of the goal. KC really should have made it 2-0 in the 36th minute. A long throw from Matt Besler was headed back to the back side of the goal. Kamara won the ball off of Chavez with a great sliding tackle and played a ball back into the box that made it's way through to Aurelien Collin about 3 yards out from goal. Collin though appeared to be surprised the ball made it through to him. He stumbled and didn't make good contact with the ball as Busch collected.
Only a few minutes later, KC did grab the 2-0 lead. Myers collected the ball on his side of the field and while trying to find an open man started making his way into the middle. Myers eventually played the ball to Michael Harrington, who had replaced Sinovic. Harrington played a great ball into the box, where Kamara got in front of his man and headed the ball into the net to double the lead.
KC continued to push in the second half. Zusi had a good opportunity early on off a Myers cross, but he put his effort wide of the goal. The game really started to open up though as San Jose looked for a way back into the game while KC looked to strike on the counter. After a cross was punched by Nielsen, Chavaz tried to chip Nielsen, but the Dane was able to grab the ball. Finally in the 72nd minute, the goal that looked to be coming came. Simon Dawkins collected a pass just outside Sporting's box and curled a shot into the corner out of the reach of Nielsen. And all of the sudden things started to feel a lot like last week's game in Colorado.
KC still created chances though unlike against Colorado. It looked like KC had a free kick coming in a good position after Ike Opara appeared to shoulder Zusi down just outside the box. Referee Baldomero Toledo appeared set to let play continue, but his linesman raised his flag for a foul. After a discussion where it looked like KC would get a free kick, Toledo overruled his linesman and restarted play with a drop ball. The play seemed to piss Zusi off as he played the next 5 minutes with a renewed fire and was unlucky to not make it 3-1 off a great pass from Kamara. Kamara curled a teasing ball into the box towards Bunbury and Zusi. Zusi reached the ball and fired on goal, but Busch saved the shot to keep it 2-1. Sapong put the rebound over the goal.
Things got interesting in stoppage time in front of the Cauldron. Busch was trying to get a play restarted quickly and get a ball from one of the ball boys. From reports of people that were right behind the goal, behind the ball boy, he was taking his time giving the ball back to Busch, apparently in a bit of gamesmanship. Busch ran up to him telling him to give him the ball, then grabbed the ball out of his hands. Busch then apparently swatted at the ball boy, hitting him in the arm. After the final whistle blew to end the game and give KC the win, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Greg Cotton, made his way on a jog to the goal area. There with security and police, the ball boy was escorted to midfield. I expect the league disciplinary committee will be contacting Busch about an upcoming fine and suspension. Based on the history of what mistreatment of a ball kid has gotten, I'd expect at least 3 games. But unlike the verbal abuse that got Colin Clarke a 3 game suspension, I could see Busch getting more for actually making contact with the kid.
Wizards man of the match - Kei Kamara - A goal and an assist for Kamara in his last game before departing for international duty. Kamara was all over the place and had a fantastic game.
Honorable mention - Graham Zusi, Teal Bunbury
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 5, Besler 6, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Espinoza 5, Zusi 7, Sapong 7, Bunbury 7, Kamara 8. Subs Harrington 6, Olum 5, Nagamura NR.
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