While Sporting Kansas City looks set to not be playing a friendly against a foreign opponent in 2016, there looks like there will be a friendly at Children's Mercy Park this summer. Sporting announced today that Liga MX sides Pachuca and Santos Laguna will be playing a friendly at CMP on Tuesday, June 21st.
The match up will feature a pair of Mexican sides that have traditionally come to the US to play competitive games in the CONCACAF Champions League. In fact, this will actually be Santos' fourth trip to Kansas City in their history for a game. Back when Sporting KC were the Wizards they hosted Santos Laguna in three different competitions, the 2001 Copa Mercanorte, the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup (precursor to the CCL), and the 2009 SuperLiga. Santos holds a 2-1 record in those three games. Pachuca on the other hand has never played in Kansas City as far as I can tell.
The pair of teams could be down a few of their higher profile players for the game though as the friendly takes place on the same day as one of the Copa America Centenario semifinals. Combined the two teams have nine players that have made their countries' preliminary roster for the competition. Pachuca has two players from Colombia, Stefan Medina and Oscar Murillo, one from the US, Omar Gonzalez, and two from Mexico, Rodolfo Pizarro and Hirving Lozano. Santos meanwhile has two from Mexico, Nestor Araujo and Jesus Molina, one from Argetina, Agustin Marchesin, and one from Chile, Bryan Rabello.
Showing posts with label friendly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendly. Show all posts
Thursday, May 05, 2016
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Heineman Takes to Twitter Again
Once again while killing time while on a flight, Sporting Club CEO, Robb Heineman took to Twitter again, conducting a Q&A with fans. Heineman answered a number of questions over an hour or so of Tweeting. There was lots of decent information in his tweets, but as always with these conversations you always have to take it with a grain of salt and remember Heineman's tendency to troll the fans on occasion.
Heineman came out with his first question answering Orlando City fans who have held out hope that they could some how get Dom Dwyer to return to their club now that they've entered MLS in 2015. Quickly seeming to put an end to any speculation (and really any hope Orlando City fans had of getting him were a delusional to begin with).
Heineman also crushed some wild fan hopes for player signings, from the hopeful, to the never gonna happen. And also crushed the baseless speculation that the team was chasing Giovanni Dos Santos again. He did though provide some hope of an incoming Designated Player, and also said that the team was still looking to bring in a defensive midfielder. Heineman also seemed to indicate that the club has yet to give up on getting Brazilian right back, Igor Juliao back in Kansas City.
Heineman answered a few questions pertaining to stadiums throughout the tweet along as well. The first one would be a blow to a number of fans who were hoping for an expanded Sporting Park in the future. When asked when we'd see an expanded Sporting Park, Heineman responded "I'd guess never." It's a departure from his previous comments on the topic when he's said things from five years to that they'd look into it after 2015. While Toronto is working on an expansion of BMO Field to up their capacity, Sporting Park really is restricted by the land it is on. The only way to go is up. In the past talk has been about raising the roof on the East Stand so that he matched the level of the West Stand and adding a second tier, as well as adding more seats above the Cauldron. The process for that certainly wouldn't be cheap or as easy as the expansion of BMO appears to be. On other stadium topics, Heineman was asked whether the team would ever return to the Truman Sports Complex, to play at either of the two stadiums out there. In regards to Kauffman, Heineman was more interested in the idea if it were a downtown stadium. As for Arrowhead, Heineman was asked about playing one game a year at the team's former home, to which he responded that the chances were low.
Back to Sporting Park, Heineman was asked about friendlies this summer for Sporting, to which Heineman responded that they had nothing lined up at this time regarding a big name European team. Heineman did though say that they were working on setting up a friendly between the team and former goalkeeper, Jimmy Nielsen's Oklahoma City Energy, which would be fun. But on the other hand I also think that game would do a lot more for Oklahoma City to host Sporting for a game (just don't get hurt). My assumption had been that one of the friendlies this summer would be a visit from partner club Fluminense as part of the home and home friendlies that were part of the agreement. Heineman was asked about training at Fluminense ahead of the 2016 season, for which Heineman said that the club would like to, which would be the perfect time for the "return" leg of the friendlies.
Heineman also pretty much confirmed the leaked jerseys as the team's new primary jersey for those that were doubting that the leaked jersey was really going to be the team's new jersey in 2015. He also gave further proof to the word going around that there was going to be no third jersey in 2015. Rumors had been making the rounds that KC would have a third that would keep the argyle pattern but would instead go to white instead of the black that the team had over the past two years.
A few other minor bits of information from his tweets tonight. He said that the land where the US Training Complex will be going in is currently being prepped for the ground breaking, which previously mentioned was planned for some time in the first half of 2015. He also seemed to confirm an eventual interest in the team creating a USL team that would play at Swope Park with FC Kansas City. It's an area that I feel is the next logical step for Kansas City. The LA Galaxy showed how a successful model for their USL team can help players develop to eventually help the main team. With a number of other MLS teams starting USL teams themselves this year, it'll be interesting to see how many do it right and how many do it wrong, and whether that pushes Kansas City to create their USL team quicker or not.
We also may have finally found out why I'll likely never get a job with Sporting Kansas City. This may have been my favorite question of the night, though it went unanswered.
Heineman ended the night with the below Tweet, that will certainly lead to a lot of responses and create further interest locally in the team and their push in 2015.
Of course, as I feel obligated to say each time Robb does one of these things, make sure you take your grain of salt.
Heineman came out with his first question answering Orlando City fans who have held out hope that they could some how get Dom Dwyer to return to their club now that they've entered MLS in 2015. Quickly seeming to put an end to any speculation (and really any hope Orlando City fans had of getting him were a delusional to begin with).
Heineman also crushed some wild fan hopes for player signings, from the hopeful, to the never gonna happen. And also crushed the baseless speculation that the team was chasing Giovanni Dos Santos again. He did though provide some hope of an incoming Designated Player, and also said that the team was still looking to bring in a defensive midfielder. Heineman also seemed to indicate that the club has yet to give up on getting Brazilian right back, Igor Juliao back in Kansas City.
Heineman answered a few questions pertaining to stadiums throughout the tweet along as well. The first one would be a blow to a number of fans who were hoping for an expanded Sporting Park in the future. When asked when we'd see an expanded Sporting Park, Heineman responded "I'd guess never." It's a departure from his previous comments on the topic when he's said things from five years to that they'd look into it after 2015. While Toronto is working on an expansion of BMO Field to up their capacity, Sporting Park really is restricted by the land it is on. The only way to go is up. In the past talk has been about raising the roof on the East Stand so that he matched the level of the West Stand and adding a second tier, as well as adding more seats above the Cauldron. The process for that certainly wouldn't be cheap or as easy as the expansion of BMO appears to be. On other stadium topics, Heineman was asked whether the team would ever return to the Truman Sports Complex, to play at either of the two stadiums out there. In regards to Kauffman, Heineman was more interested in the idea if it were a downtown stadium. As for Arrowhead, Heineman was asked about playing one game a year at the team's former home, to which he responded that the chances were low.
Back to Sporting Park, Heineman was asked about friendlies this summer for Sporting, to which Heineman responded that they had nothing lined up at this time regarding a big name European team. Heineman did though say that they were working on setting up a friendly between the team and former goalkeeper, Jimmy Nielsen's Oklahoma City Energy, which would be fun. But on the other hand I also think that game would do a lot more for Oklahoma City to host Sporting for a game (just don't get hurt). My assumption had been that one of the friendlies this summer would be a visit from partner club Fluminense as part of the home and home friendlies that were part of the agreement. Heineman was asked about training at Fluminense ahead of the 2016 season, for which Heineman said that the club would like to, which would be the perfect time for the "return" leg of the friendlies.
Heineman also pretty much confirmed the leaked jerseys as the team's new primary jersey for those that were doubting that the leaked jersey was really going to be the team's new jersey in 2015. He also gave further proof to the word going around that there was going to be no third jersey in 2015. Rumors had been making the rounds that KC would have a third that would keep the argyle pattern but would instead go to white instead of the black that the team had over the past two years.
A few other minor bits of information from his tweets tonight. He said that the land where the US Training Complex will be going in is currently being prepped for the ground breaking, which previously mentioned was planned for some time in the first half of 2015. He also seemed to confirm an eventual interest in the team creating a USL team that would play at Swope Park with FC Kansas City. It's an area that I feel is the next logical step for Kansas City. The LA Galaxy showed how a successful model for their USL team can help players develop to eventually help the main team. With a number of other MLS teams starting USL teams themselves this year, it'll be interesting to see how many do it right and how many do it wrong, and whether that pushes Kansas City to create their USL team quicker or not.
We also may have finally found out why I'll likely never get a job with Sporting Kansas City. This may have been my favorite question of the night, though it went unanswered.
Heineman ended the night with the below Tweet, that will certainly lead to a lot of responses and create further interest locally in the team and their push in 2015.
Keep hearing rvdv rumor....definitely on the radar. Not imminent...
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 12, 2015
Of course, as I feel obligated to say each time Robb does one of these things, make sure you take your grain of salt.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Mexico and Paraguay to Play in KC
El 27 de marzo será el debut de Ramón Díaz como DT de Paraguay vs #CostaRica,Luego el 31 ante #México en Kansas.
— Elmer Polanco (@PolancoESA) December 11, 2014
Reports from Mexico and Paraguay today are reporting that the two national teams will be meeting in Kansas in March of 2015.
The location for the friendly has not been announced as of yet, but if it is "Kansas" one would assume that it is Sporting Park. Of course we've learned over the years that foreign media will refer to the whole of Kansas City as Kansas. So it's a possibility that the game could be played at Arrowhead Stadium.
The game would be the first stand alone national team game in Kansas City to not feature the US national team game. All prior national team games in KC not involving the US team have all been tied in with other competitions, like the Gold Cup or Olympic qualifying.
It should certainly be a fun atmosphere for the game wherever it ends up being held.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Manchester City Announces Travel Roster
We're less than a week away from the Champions Shield match up between Sporting Kansas City and Manchester City at Sporting Park, and today, the EPL champions announced their travel roster for the game. Unfortunately for a lot of people, there's going to be disappointment as none of City's 10 players that were at the World Cup are on the roster. Those players don't look like they'll join the club until after the game with KC so no Joe Hart, no Yaya Toure, and no Sergio Aguero along with others.
That's certainly going to be a big talking point for a lot of people that bought tickets hoping to see big name players that played during City's run to the EPL title. Less than half of the roster (11 of the 23) played in the Premier League last season. For me there are really only nine names on the roster that stick out to me as names that I really recognize.
The names on the roster really aren't going to be those that really move tickets much. And while sales look better than they earlier this week, there still appears to be a number of tickets available for the game.
Manchester City FC Travel Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Willy Caballero, Richard Wright, Ian Lawlor
Defenders (8): Micah Richards, Dedryck Boyata, Gael Clichy, Karim Rekik, Aleksandar Kolarov, Matthias Bossaerts, Matija Nastasic, Jason Denayer
Midfielders (8): Fernando, Samir Nasri, Scott Sinclair, Javi Garcia, Jesus Navas, Jack Rodwell, Bruno Zuculini, Emry Huws
Forwards (4): Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic, John Guidetti, Kelechi Iheanacho
That's certainly going to be a big talking point for a lot of people that bought tickets hoping to see big name players that played during City's run to the EPL title. Less than half of the roster (11 of the 23) played in the Premier League last season. For me there are really only nine names on the roster that stick out to me as names that I really recognize.
The names on the roster really aren't going to be those that really move tickets much. And while sales look better than they earlier this week, there still appears to be a number of tickets available for the game.
Manchester City FC Travel Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Willy Caballero, Richard Wright, Ian Lawlor
Defenders (8): Micah Richards, Dedryck Boyata, Gael Clichy, Karim Rekik, Aleksandar Kolarov, Matthias Bossaerts, Matija Nastasic, Jason Denayer
Midfielders (8): Fernando, Samir Nasri, Scott Sinclair, Javi Garcia, Jesus Navas, Jack Rodwell, Bruno Zuculini, Emry Huws
Forwards (4): Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic, John Guidetti, Kelechi Iheanacho
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Sporting to Play Manchester City this Summer
Sporting KC announced today that the team will be playing a summer friendly this year as part of their Summer in the Soccer Capital. The first friendly since KC played Stoke City to a 1-1 draw at Sporting Park in 2012 will see Sporting KC take on a better English side, Manchester City on July 23rd.
Oriol Rosell had let word of the friendly slip back in December that the Capital One Cup winners this year would be traveling to Kansas City to play the defending MLS Cup champs at Sporting Park. It just took a few extra months to officially be announced. By the time these two teams play, City could have added Premier League Champs to their titles they've won this season.
City coming to Sporting Park would be the biggest team to play at Sporting Park and the biggest team to come to KC since Manchester United played the Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium in 2010.
The game falls on a Wednesday between two big league games, at home against LA and away at Toronto. So there will certainly be plenty of gnashing of teeth about that.
Another thing to be mindful of is that with the World Cup this summer, there's a chance we're not going to see some of City's World Cup players, depending on how far they advance. With players potentially representing England, Argentina, the Ivory Coast, France, Belgium, Spain, and Bosnia in Brazil, a number of first team players may not be traveling. Back in 2010 Sir Alex Ferguson left many of his World Cup veterans at home when they traveled to play KC just a few weeks after the World Cup.
A final thing to keep in mind if you're wanting to go to this, is expect to pay a bit more than you will for a regular Sporting game. With the game at Sporting Park and attendance likely capped around 20,000, the rules of supply and demand will certainly be in play here.
Oriol Rosell had let word of the friendly slip back in December that the Capital One Cup winners this year would be traveling to Kansas City to play the defending MLS Cup champs at Sporting Park. It just took a few extra months to officially be announced. By the time these two teams play, City could have added Premier League Champs to their titles they've won this season.
City coming to Sporting Park would be the biggest team to play at Sporting Park and the biggest team to come to KC since Manchester United played the Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium in 2010.
The game falls on a Wednesday between two big league games, at home against LA and away at Toronto. So there will certainly be plenty of gnashing of teeth about that.
Another thing to be mindful of is that with the World Cup this summer, there's a chance we're not going to see some of City's World Cup players, depending on how far they advance. With players potentially representing England, Argentina, the Ivory Coast, France, Belgium, Spain, and Bosnia in Brazil, a number of first team players may not be traveling. Back in 2010 Sir Alex Ferguson left many of his World Cup veterans at home when they traveled to play KC just a few weeks after the World Cup.
A final thing to keep in mind if you're wanting to go to this, is expect to pay a bit more than you will for a regular Sporting game. With the game at Sporting Park and attendance likely capped around 20,000, the rules of supply and demand will certainly be in play here.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Three Friendlies
It was a day full of friendlies for Sporting KC and it's players. Counting an international appearance for Soony Saad, there were three for Sporting KC today.
The first game of the day was Saad's friendly with Lebanon against Pakistan in Beirut. Saad started for his country, his third time appearing for Lebanon. Lebanon jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 14 minutes. Pakistan pulled one back in the 16th before Lebanon scored a late goal to win 3-1. Lebanon will now begin to prepare for their March 5th game against Thailand. A game that Lebanon must win, and then get help from China in hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
The second game of the day saw a team made up of Sporting's reserves take on Eastern Florida State College. A 60 minute game saw Sporting not score until the final 10 minutes. Second round draft pick, Adnan Gabeljic scored on a header from a corner kick by fellow draft pick, Alex Martinez. A short time later, Martinez set up a second goal as trialist Carlos Sanchez scored to make it 2-0, the way the game ended.
In the final game of the day, Sporting opened the Disney Pro Soccer Classic with a 1-0 win over conference rival New York. The first half saw both teams put out close to their first XI lineup, minus a few pieces (Matt Besler, Thierry Henry, and Graham Zusi as a few examples). Both teams had chances in the first half, KC's best probably coming when a failed clearance fell to Dom Dwyer but he couldn't get a good shot off. New York on the other hand, had a goal called back after Loyd Sam was ruled to have been offside.
In the second half, New York made a number of changes while KC stuck with the same team until the 60th minute. With the new lineup out there, their high pressure paid off in the 64th. Claudio Bieler forced an errant clearance up field that got knocked into the path of Christian Duke. Duke tried to played the through to Jacob Peterson, but a Red Bulls' defender cut it out. The touch was poor though and a sliding Peterson was able to connect with the ball and put it in to give KC the 1-0 lead. Shortly after that, Kevin Ellis almost set up another goal. A great cross found Bieler in the middle, but his volley was blocked and Gabeljic couldn't turn in the rebound.
Check out the full highlights.
The first game of the day was Saad's friendly with Lebanon against Pakistan in Beirut. Saad started for his country, his third time appearing for Lebanon. Lebanon jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 14 minutes. Pakistan pulled one back in the 16th before Lebanon scored a late goal to win 3-1. Lebanon will now begin to prepare for their March 5th game against Thailand. A game that Lebanon must win, and then get help from China in hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
The second game of the day saw a team made up of Sporting's reserves take on Eastern Florida State College. A 60 minute game saw Sporting not score until the final 10 minutes. Second round draft pick, Adnan Gabeljic scored on a header from a corner kick by fellow draft pick, Alex Martinez. A short time later, Martinez set up a second goal as trialist Carlos Sanchez scored to make it 2-0, the way the game ended.
In the final game of the day, Sporting opened the Disney Pro Soccer Classic with a 1-0 win over conference rival New York. The first half saw both teams put out close to their first XI lineup, minus a few pieces (Matt Besler, Thierry Henry, and Graham Zusi as a few examples). Both teams had chances in the first half, KC's best probably coming when a failed clearance fell to Dom Dwyer but he couldn't get a good shot off. New York on the other hand, had a goal called back after Loyd Sam was ruled to have been offside.
In the second half, New York made a number of changes while KC stuck with the same team until the 60th minute. With the new lineup out there, their high pressure paid off in the 64th. Claudio Bieler forced an errant clearance up field that got knocked into the path of Christian Duke. Duke tried to played the through to Jacob Peterson, but a Red Bulls' defender cut it out. The touch was poor though and a sliding Peterson was able to connect with the ball and put it in to give KC the 1-0 lead. Shortly after that, Kevin Ellis almost set up another goal. A great cross found Bieler in the middle, but his volley was blocked and Gabeljic couldn't turn in the rebound.
Check out the full highlights.
Monday, February 17, 2014
A Look at Heineman's Q/A on Twitter Tonight
Tonight while on his way to Orlando, Robb Heineman did another one of his impromptu Twitter Q/A's. As always, there were a number of lighthearted questions and some trolling, but there were some good questions in there as well that he answered.
One of the early questions that Heineman was asked had to do with the team adding players to the current squad. A number of fans have questioned whether KC would add to their roster and if they could possibly fall behind other teams. Heineman's response to the question doesn't sound to optimistic at least at this moment.
In regards to the recent rumors about Juniors signing, Erik Palmer-Brown and Juventus, Heineman responded "Noooooo" when asked if the team had agreed to sell him abroad. And take it for what you will, but Heineman also had some high praise for the 16 year old later:
He also fielded questions about the state of the league as it is now. Specifically he was asked if he felt he was concerned that KC hadn't done enough to improve while other teams like Toronto and DC had. Heineman said he wasn't concerned about that. But when questioned further about whether he was concerned about smaller market teams being "out-priced," Heineman responded with an affirmative. And it's certainly a concern that I think many KC fans feel, especially having seen similar things happen with the Royals over the years as the team has been "out-priced" (plenty of that of their own doing). Another question in that same vein asked if a 4th designated player spot was inevitable, to which Heineman responded no. That topic had come up for discussion recently with the fact that the Seattle Sounders had been linked with Didier Drogba. With them already having three DP's on their roster, assumption immediately turned to the league adding another DP spot for teams to use for Seattle to bring in the Ivory Coast international.
A topic that Heineman has used to troll numerous times in the past is the playing surface, starting the infamous "blue turf" a few years ago. When asked about the surface tonight, he said that the field would be changed to Bermuda grass this summer. When jokingly asked about the blue turf though, Heineman gave a response that I'm sure will cause worry for a number of fans around the league:
The bane of many MLS fans' existence, turf. It'd be extremely disappointing if KC were forced to install turf at Sporting Park, especially since only a few years ago Sporting's grounds crew were given awards for the work that they'd done at Community America Ballpark. Hopefully the fungus, or disease, or whatever was causing the problem is resolved with the switch to Bermuda grass and we don't have to see a game played on turf at Sporting Park.
Heineman also reiterated a comment he made in an earlier Q/A in regards to a USL-Pro team for Kansas City. The team recently signed an agreement with the Oklahoma City Energy to be their affiliate, but Heineman said that OnGoal is still working on creating their own USL-Pro team, similar to the LA Galaxy II that was announced recently. Whether this team would be KC based or potentially in another market is certainly something that will likely be discussed.
Another thing in the Q/A tonight that I liked were his comments regarding a TV deal. Heineman was asked about an expanded TV deal that would see KC expand outside the KC area. In the past the team has made references to wanting to be a regional team that could have fans throughout the Midwest. Heineman in response to the question said that they are apparently looking to broadcast games in 5 states. Later in the Q/A when asked by the American Outlaws chapter of Sioux Falls, if they'd be able to watch games on local TV he said yes. So that would mean Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota would seem to be three of the five states. I could also see the likes of Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma being included in that list of five when things are all said and done. I love the idea of KC becoming a more regional team in regards to pulling in fans. They're solidifying themselves in the KC metro area, and with them doing that, they can now look to pull in people from around the region.
The topic that probably brought up the most questions tonight though was the possibility of a summer friendly for Sporting KC this year. Heineman shot down the idea of a friendly against a Bundesliga team and a rematch against Manchester United. But did say Sporting Park when asked about a venue, and that he'd "given plenty of hints" in regards to the team.
So the question becomes was this Tweet from the 14th a hint:
If so could it be a reference to the rumored Manchester City friendly that Oriol Rosell let slip in an interview? That would make some sense, but then again, City is playing in the Guinness International Champions Cup in the US from July 26th through August 4th. So who knows, it might not have been a hint at all, maybe he just likes Charles Dickens.
On one final question that is a personal crusade of mine, Heineman was asked about the soccer hall of fame and bringing it to KC. This is something I would truly love, specifically the archives (which I would love to work at). In the past it's something that's been brought up, specifically in conjunction with the training complex that OnGoal wants to build with US Soccer. This time Heineman again left the door open for it, but said that the format needs to be considered.
One of the early questions that Heineman was asked had to do with the team adding players to the current squad. A number of fans have questioned whether KC would add to their roster and if they could possibly fall behind other teams. Heineman's response to the question doesn't sound to optimistic at least at this moment.
Hard 2 say....summer window more likely RT @zachbettis: @RobbHeineman Any more signings before the start of the season?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014
In regards to the recent rumors about Juniors signing, Erik Palmer-Brown and Juventus, Heineman responded "Noooooo" when asked if the team had agreed to sell him abroad. And take it for what you will, but Heineman also had some high praise for the 16 year old later:
Epb RT @JaredSevers: @RobbHeineman Which young players do you expect to contribute this year that didn't last year? #skctweetandfly
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014
He also fielded questions about the state of the league as it is now. Specifically he was asked if he felt he was concerned that KC hadn't done enough to improve while other teams like Toronto and DC had. Heineman said he wasn't concerned about that. But when questioned further about whether he was concerned about smaller market teams being "out-priced," Heineman responded with an affirmative. And it's certainly a concern that I think many KC fans feel, especially having seen similar things happen with the Royals over the years as the team has been "out-priced" (plenty of that of their own doing). Another question in that same vein asked if a 4th designated player spot was inevitable, to which Heineman responded no. That topic had come up for discussion recently with the fact that the Seattle Sounders had been linked with Didier Drogba. With them already having three DP's on their roster, assumption immediately turned to the league adding another DP spot for teams to use for Seattle to bring in the Ivory Coast international.
A topic that Heineman has used to troll numerous times in the past is the playing surface, starting the infamous "blue turf" a few years ago. When asked about the surface tonight, he said that the field would be changed to Bermuda grass this summer. When jokingly asked about the blue turf though, Heineman gave a response that I'm sure will cause worry for a number of fans around the league:
If bermuda fails....turf inevitable RT @DoctorJayhawk: @RobbHeineman When does the blue turf go in?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014
The bane of many MLS fans' existence, turf. It'd be extremely disappointing if KC were forced to install turf at Sporting Park, especially since only a few years ago Sporting's grounds crew were given awards for the work that they'd done at Community America Ballpark. Hopefully the fungus, or disease, or whatever was causing the problem is resolved with the switch to Bermuda grass and we don't have to see a game played on turf at Sporting Park.
Heineman also reiterated a comment he made in an earlier Q/A in regards to a USL-Pro team for Kansas City. The team recently signed an agreement with the Oklahoma City Energy to be their affiliate, but Heineman said that OnGoal is still working on creating their own USL-Pro team, similar to the LA Galaxy II that was announced recently. Whether this team would be KC based or potentially in another market is certainly something that will likely be discussed.
Another thing in the Q/A tonight that I liked were his comments regarding a TV deal. Heineman was asked about an expanded TV deal that would see KC expand outside the KC area. In the past the team has made references to wanting to be a regional team that could have fans throughout the Midwest. Heineman in response to the question said that they are apparently looking to broadcast games in 5 states. Later in the Q/A when asked by the American Outlaws chapter of Sioux Falls, if they'd be able to watch games on local TV he said yes. So that would mean Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota would seem to be three of the five states. I could also see the likes of Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma being included in that list of five when things are all said and done. I love the idea of KC becoming a more regional team in regards to pulling in fans. They're solidifying themselves in the KC metro area, and with them doing that, they can now look to pull in people from around the region.
The topic that probably brought up the most questions tonight though was the possibility of a summer friendly for Sporting KC this year. Heineman shot down the idea of a friendly against a Bundesliga team and a rematch against Manchester United. But did say Sporting Park when asked about a venue, and that he'd "given plenty of hints" in regards to the team.
So the question becomes was this Tweet from the 14th a hint:
Tale of 2 cities
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 14, 2014
If so could it be a reference to the rumored Manchester City friendly that Oriol Rosell let slip in an interview? That would make some sense, but then again, City is playing in the Guinness International Champions Cup in the US from July 26th through August 4th. So who knows, it might not have been a hint at all, maybe he just likes Charles Dickens.
On one final question that is a personal crusade of mine, Heineman was asked about the soccer hall of fame and bringing it to KC. This is something I would truly love, specifically the archives (which I would love to work at). In the past it's something that's been brought up, specifically in conjunction with the training complex that OnGoal wants to build with US Soccer. This time Heineman again left the door open for it, but said that the format needs to be considered.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Espinoza Called Up for Honduras
Roger Espinoza will be back with his national team midweek next week for an international date. Honduras will be taking on Argentine club side, Boca Juniors in Miami on Wednesday August 15th. Espinoza is one of 6 MLS players that have been called up for the game. The good news for Kansas City is that for the first time in a long time they don't have a midweek game this week so Espinoza is unlikely to miss any games with this call up as he should be back with the team for their game against Toronto on the 18th at BMO Field. The only problem is more travel for Espinoza. A little over a week after he got back from London he will be flying to Miami to join his national team for a friendly against a club side.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Are We "Stoked?"
Tomorrow Kansas City plays their second international friendly of the season when they take on English Premier League side Stoke City at Livestrong Sporting Park. Stoke so far is 1-1 on this tour of the United States, they opened the tour with a loss to the Columbus Crew 2-1 and defeated Orlando City 1-0. Stoke have brought what is basically their full roster for the tour including Peter Crouch, Ryan Shawcross, and Kenwyne Jones. After being out at training tonight though I doubt Shawcross plays much of a roll if at all tomorrow, as he spent the session running with the trainer.
Sporting KC is in an interesting situation for themselves with this friendly. Their busy schedule has caught up with them it'd appear, along with the warm weather, slowing down their high pressure game. They're struggling to pick up points right now, at an inopportune time with the US Open Cup final only a week away. The lack of goal scoring and 4 games without a win at home. With a game this weekend ahead of the Open Cup final Peter Vermes has some decisions to make selection wise. In the past he's liked to have his starters play 2 games in a week, usually with the second being a scrimmage during the week in practice. But with so many meaningful games going on and the biggest game of his head coaching career in a week he could look to give starters some rest. I think we'll possibly see a few a few starters get some time, and probably a bigger bench than we saw against Montpellier last week.
PREDICTION - Please no more injuries, with Aurelien Collin, Chance Myers, CJ Sapong, and Jacob Peterson all battling injuries, just no one get hurt. Score tomorrow means nothing.
Sporting KC is in an interesting situation for themselves with this friendly. Their busy schedule has caught up with them it'd appear, along with the warm weather, slowing down their high pressure game. They're struggling to pick up points right now, at an inopportune time with the US Open Cup final only a week away. The lack of goal scoring and 4 games without a win at home. With a game this weekend ahead of the Open Cup final Peter Vermes has some decisions to make selection wise. In the past he's liked to have his starters play 2 games in a week, usually with the second being a scrimmage during the week in practice. But with so many meaningful games going on and the biggest game of his head coaching career in a week he could look to give starters some rest. I think we'll possibly see a few a few starters get some time, and probably a bigger bench than we saw against Montpellier last week.
Kronberg
Ellis - Markovic - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Nagamura
Joseph
Kamara - Bunbury - Aiyegbusi
PREDICTION - Please no more injuries, with Aurelien Collin, Chance Myers, CJ Sapong, and Jacob Peterson all battling injuries, just no one get hurt. Score tomorrow means nothing.
Monday, July 23, 2012
A Look at Montpellier
This comes courtesy of Matt Demlein, who offered to give a bit of a look at Montpellier, ahead of tomorrow's friendly.
On Tuesday night, Sporting Kansas City plays the French Champions, Montpellier. Montpellier were a surprise this past season, holding off Paris Saint-Germain during the second half of the season despite having a budget that was smaller than the transfer fee PSG paid for Javier Pastore.
Montpellier started the season off strong, losing only two of their first eight. However, where the team truly proved themselves was in the second half of the season. Montpellier lost only three games between January and the end of the season in May. They played a thrilling 2-2 in Paris in February, a game in which PSG had to come back in the late stages to pull back a tie.
Much of that team still remains, minus one big loss, however. Attacker Olivier Giroud left the club shortly after playing for France at EURO 2012, heading to Arsenal. Giroud lead the “Ligue” with 21 goals.
However, the team does still have John Utaka, who once played at Portsmouth when they were in the Premier league. Utaka scored both goals in Montpellier’s final game of the season at Auxurre that clinched the squad the title.
Another player to watch is Younes Belhanda. Belhanda has attracted interest as well from English clubs as the team’s primary playmaker. In fact, Belhanda’s loss at the end of the season, due to a red card for fighting in a wild game against Evian, was considered to be a bigger hit to Montpellier’s title chances than losing Giroud would have been. Montpellier is looking at a long season this year, with the French Champions Trophy game next week in New York, as well as Champions League play. The team is not deep, and will have to determine early on if they want to compete at that level. The last time the team went to Europe, in the Europa League in 2010-2011, they finished 14th.
On Tuesday night, Sporting Kansas City plays the French Champions, Montpellier. Montpellier were a surprise this past season, holding off Paris Saint-Germain during the second half of the season despite having a budget that was smaller than the transfer fee PSG paid for Javier Pastore.
Montpellier started the season off strong, losing only two of their first eight. However, where the team truly proved themselves was in the second half of the season. Montpellier lost only three games between January and the end of the season in May. They played a thrilling 2-2 in Paris in February, a game in which PSG had to come back in the late stages to pull back a tie.
Much of that team still remains, minus one big loss, however. Attacker Olivier Giroud left the club shortly after playing for France at EURO 2012, heading to Arsenal. Giroud lead the “Ligue” with 21 goals.
However, the team does still have John Utaka, who once played at Portsmouth when they were in the Premier league. Utaka scored both goals in Montpellier’s final game of the season at Auxurre that clinched the squad the title.
Another player to watch is Younes Belhanda. Belhanda has attracted interest as well from English clubs as the team’s primary playmaker. In fact, Belhanda’s loss at the end of the season, due to a red card for fighting in a wild game against Evian, was considered to be a bigger hit to Montpellier’s title chances than losing Giroud would have been. Montpellier is looking at a long season this year, with the French Champions Trophy game next week in New York, as well as Champions League play. The team is not deep, and will have to determine early on if they want to compete at that level. The last time the team went to Europe, in the Europa League in 2010-2011, they finished 14th.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Montpellier Friendly Official
After days where the friendly between Sporting KC and French Ligue 1 champions Montpellier appeared on both Ticket Master and the schedule on the Sporting KC website, the team officially announced the friendly. On July 24th, Sporting KC will play the French champs at Livestrong Sporting Park at 7:30. Season ticket holders will have a season ticket for this game already, Special Game C.
The Tuesday night game falls between two league games, both of which, are at LSP as well. KC will play New England the Saturday before and play Columbus the Saturday after. That game is also 1 day before the MLS All Stars take on Chelsea in Philadelphia. So KC players (not all in all 4) could be playing quite a bit that week.
The Tuesday night game falls between two league games, both of which, are at LSP as well. KC will play New England the Saturday before and play Columbus the Saturday after. That game is also 1 day before the MLS All Stars take on Chelsea in Philadelphia. So KC players (not all in all 4) could be playing quite a bit that week.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Montpellier Instead of PSG?
Since Goal.com posted that Paris Saint-Germain would be playing Sporting KC in a friendly on their summer tour, there's been little other word about KC playing PSG. In fact, the lack of announcement, with the rest of the Herbalife World Football Challenge being announced had me wondering if KC would actually play Paris Saint-Germain.
Today while discussing the friendly on the Cauldron Facebook page, someone posted a link to the Ticket Master page for Sporting KC tickets. On the page it didn't list PSG, instead it listed 2011-2012 Ligue 1 champions, Montpellier on Tuesday July 24th at Livestrong Sporting Park.. That came as a bit of a surprise, although they will be in the USA already because of the fact that the Trophee des Champions will be contested this year in the United States at Red Bull Arena. As the champions of Ligue 1, Montpellier will take on the French Cup champion, Lyon. The Trophee des Champions occurs four days after the date that KC is supposedly scheduled to take on Montpellier.
Honestly either one of Montpellier or PSG would be a great friendly. It's a club that is different than KC would normally get, and as the champion or runner up of the French League, I'd like to see them play over Stoke City.
The Ticket Master site has been updated, but not before I'd gotten a screen shot on my phone. You can see it below. See at the very bottom of that list. Funny enough it lists TBA on the August 1st date which we know is the day KC play Stoke.
Today while discussing the friendly on the Cauldron Facebook page, someone posted a link to the Ticket Master page for Sporting KC tickets. On the page it didn't list PSG, instead it listed 2011-2012 Ligue 1 champions, Montpellier on Tuesday July 24th at Livestrong Sporting Park.. That came as a bit of a surprise, although they will be in the USA already because of the fact that the Trophee des Champions will be contested this year in the United States at Red Bull Arena. As the champions of Ligue 1, Montpellier will take on the French Cup champion, Lyon. The Trophee des Champions occurs four days after the date that KC is supposedly scheduled to take on Montpellier.
Honestly either one of Montpellier or PSG would be a great friendly. It's a club that is different than KC would normally get, and as the champion or runner up of the French League, I'd like to see them play over Stoke City.
The Ticket Master site has been updated, but not before I'd gotten a screen shot on my phone. You can see it below. See at the very bottom of that list. Funny enough it lists TBA on the August 1st date which we know is the day KC play Stoke.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Another Friendly for Sporting KC?
A few weeks ago, Sporting KC announced the friendly against Stoke City on August 1st at Livestrong Sporting Park. Today, it appears that there's another friendly coming to KC. Word on Goal.com is that before the Stoke City game, KC will play another friendly against French side, Paris Saint-Germain. PSG finished second in Ligue 1 this year, 3 points behind Montpellier.
According to the article, KC would take on PSG on July 26th, two days before KC takes on Columbus at LSP. The game would be PSG's second of 3 on their tour, as they take on Chelsea at Yankee Stadium on the 22nd. And on the 31st they are in Montreal to take on Juventus.
According to the article, KC would take on PSG on July 26th, two days before KC takes on Columbus at LSP. The game would be PSG's second of 3 on their tour, as they take on Chelsea at Yankee Stadium on the 22nd. And on the 31st they are in Montreal to take on Juventus.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Sporting KC to Play Stoke City
Yesterday, Columbus announced that they would be playing a friendly against Stoke City in Columbus this summer. At the time I made the joke that this was the only game that had been announced and said that KC still hadn't announced a summer friendly yet. Today, rumors are starting to make the rounds that Stoke City is in fact who KC will play this summer in their friendly. Aaron Swarts, producer on The Border Patrol posted on Twitter that he'd been hearing August 1st as the date for the game between Sporting and the Potters. The game is also currently posted on Ticketmaster as of this posting, which would confirm the friendly.
The August 1 date is a Wednesday, and falls between a league game at home on Saturday the 7/28 vs Columbus and an away game on 8/4 in New England. KC is currently 1-0-1 against EPL teams, having beaten Manchester United 2 years ago, 2-1 and drawing with Newcastle United 0-0 this past summer. The part that likes to get played up about those two friendlies is the fact that United didn't lose another game after that loss to KC until sometime in the new year on their way to the Premier League title that year. Newcastle this year after playing KC are trying to wrap up a Champion's League birth for next season.
Can't say I'm overly thrilled with this one. Stoke isn't exactly flashy like Manchester United. And doesn't have a big following, like Newcastle United does. I'm not saying I won't be going, cause I'll be there, but I'm not "stoked" about it. Yes I pulled out that pun. :)
The August 1 date is a Wednesday, and falls between a league game at home on Saturday the 7/28 vs Columbus and an away game on 8/4 in New England. KC is currently 1-0-1 against EPL teams, having beaten Manchester United 2 years ago, 2-1 and drawing with Newcastle United 0-0 this past summer. The part that likes to get played up about those two friendlies is the fact that United didn't lose another game after that loss to KC until sometime in the new year on their way to the Premier League title that year. Newcastle this year after playing KC are trying to wrap up a Champion's League birth for next season.
Can't say I'm overly thrilled with this one. Stoke isn't exactly flashy like Manchester United. And doesn't have a big following, like Newcastle United does. I'm not saying I won't be going, cause I'll be there, but I'm not "stoked" about it. Yes I pulled out that pun. :)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Quick Sporting KC News
Two quick bits of Sporting KC news to throw out real quick for you.
First, last night during the Comets game, Robb Heineman posted on Twitter that there was good news on a "GREAT friendly." Nothing is finalized per the tweet, as Heineman said that "hopefully they'll be able to finish it up." So let the speculation begin on what the "GREAT friendly" is. One would assume it would be a well known club based off the "GREAT" comment, someone considered a top tier club in one of the top leagues. Someone like a "top 4" EPL club, or one of the big Italian or Spanish clubs. To a lesser extent maybe someone like Bayern Munich. It'll be interesting to see who it is that KC brings in for the friendly. I'm excited, but the excitement is tempered and will be until we know when the friendly will take place. I don't want the friendly to force the movement of a league game, and I'd also hope the friendly is in an off week or something that doesn't really cause problems for the efforts for winning trophies.
In other news, KC has apparently missed out on signing of 27 year old Venezuelan forward, Jesus Gomez. According to The Daily Wiz, Sporting was beat to the player's signature by Venezuelan club, FC Caracas. The posting on Facebook by FC Caracas is the only reference I can find to Sporting's interest in the striker, who was last with Belgian club, Lierse SK. He's also been capped 15 times by Venezuela. Finding highlights online, Gomez looks impressive, but without knowing what KC offered I'm can't say I'm really disappointed.
First, last night during the Comets game, Robb Heineman posted on Twitter that there was good news on a "GREAT friendly." Nothing is finalized per the tweet, as Heineman said that "hopefully they'll be able to finish it up." So let the speculation begin on what the "GREAT friendly" is. One would assume it would be a well known club based off the "GREAT" comment, someone considered a top tier club in one of the top leagues. Someone like a "top 4" EPL club, or one of the big Italian or Spanish clubs. To a lesser extent maybe someone like Bayern Munich. It'll be interesting to see who it is that KC brings in for the friendly. I'm excited, but the excitement is tempered and will be until we know when the friendly will take place. I don't want the friendly to force the movement of a league game, and I'd also hope the friendly is in an off week or something that doesn't really cause problems for the efforts for winning trophies.
In other news, KC has apparently missed out on signing of 27 year old Venezuelan forward, Jesus Gomez. According to The Daily Wiz, Sporting was beat to the player's signature by Venezuelan club, FC Caracas. The posting on Facebook by FC Caracas is the only reference I can find to Sporting's interest in the striker, who was last with Belgian club, Lierse SK. He's also been capped 15 times by Venezuela. Finding highlights online, Gomez looks impressive, but without knowing what KC offered I'm can't say I'm really disappointed.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Update on Chivas Friendly
Yesterday I talked about the potential issue of Sporting KC selling tickets in the Members Stand to Chivas Guadalajara fans in the hundreds. Today some good news and a common sense move by the Sporting KC front office. Word from one of the leadership in the Cauldron is that the team has canceled all tickets bought in the members stand by Chivas fans and they've been reissued to the "away section". The away section is in the southeast corner of the stadium where Chicago, Portland, DC, etc fans have been for games this season. It certainly alleviates what could have been a volatile situation with many Chivas fans in the section. They will also direct Chivas fans away from the section on game day. So while my questions about the game as a whole still remain this reigns in some of my concerns about the game coming up.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Chivas Friendly Frustration
Today an interesting comment was posted on the KC Cauldron's Twitter account. According to the Cauldron, Sporting KC has sold "hundreds of tickets in the members stand to Guadalajara fans". If true (and usually if things like this aren't true the team immediately takes to Big Soccer to respond) this is just asking for problems. There's a reason that the team has the away supporters at the opposite side of the stadium from the members club. Even for the friendly against Newcastle the organized Newcastle fans were at the opposite side of the stadium. Sure there was the odd fan or two in the section, but not a large number. Bringing a large number of "away" supporters into the members club gives those few guys that are going to start shit the courage to start it because they'll have the back up of the rest of the away supporters in the section. And it's the same thing for the home supporters in the section as there are idiots in all groups of supporters that will start trouble. Putting this sort of situation in an enclosed area like the members stand (and it is an enclosed section, it's cut off from the rest of the stadium) is just going to be asking for trouble. The mob mentality has a chance to take over in this stiuation.
I already expect the stadium to be 60/40 or even 70/30 in favor of Guadalajara fans most likely, because this game is not part of the season ticket package for season ticket holders, meaning the entire stadium was open, not just about 8,000 seats. Add that in with the fact that it's 3 days before the home finale against New York, and in the middle of the late playoff run and that leads to some KC fans not wanting to show up. I already know quite a few people that are in the Cauldron that have already decided not to attend and I know more people have decided not to with this news coming out.
Yes this game wasn't set up for the Cauldron and Sporting KC fans. The main thing that this game was for was as a way to make money off of supporters for Chivas Guadalajara and Omar Bravo. Although Chivas hasn't exactly blown things away attendance wise, this will be their 5th friendly this MLS season in the US, they pulled 38,000 in San Diego vs Real Madrid, then they pulled in 16,000 in North Carolina vs Juventus, in their 3rd game they pulled in 70,000 in Miami, against the European champions Barcelona. They play Chicago in September at Toyota Park. While the game in Miami game was very nicely drawn you gotta wonder if that was more due to Barcelona since they drew an average of 70,000 in their 3 games compared to Chivas' 41,000 or 27,000 in the two games that didn't include the European champs.
But because this is basically a money grab that doesn't mean that the team should be actively selling tickets in the supporter's section to Chivas Guadalajara fans. There are plenty of SKC fans that will be showing up in the Cauldron for the game, and I'm wondering how many of them will be unaware of what they could be walking into for that game. And this situation just has disaster written all over it.
I already expect the stadium to be 60/40 or even 70/30 in favor of Guadalajara fans most likely, because this game is not part of the season ticket package for season ticket holders, meaning the entire stadium was open, not just about 8,000 seats. Add that in with the fact that it's 3 days before the home finale against New York, and in the middle of the late playoff run and that leads to some KC fans not wanting to show up. I already know quite a few people that are in the Cauldron that have already decided not to attend and I know more people have decided not to with this news coming out.
Yes this game wasn't set up for the Cauldron and Sporting KC fans. The main thing that this game was for was as a way to make money off of supporters for Chivas Guadalajara and Omar Bravo. Although Chivas hasn't exactly blown things away attendance wise, this will be their 5th friendly this MLS season in the US, they pulled 38,000 in San Diego vs Real Madrid, then they pulled in 16,000 in North Carolina vs Juventus, in their 3rd game they pulled in 70,000 in Miami, against the European champions Barcelona. They play Chicago in September at Toyota Park. While the game in Miami game was very nicely drawn you gotta wonder if that was more due to Barcelona since they drew an average of 70,000 in their 3 games compared to Chivas' 41,000 or 27,000 in the two games that didn't include the European champs.
But because this is basically a money grab that doesn't mean that the team should be actively selling tickets in the supporter's section to Chivas Guadalajara fans. There are plenty of SKC fans that will be showing up in the Cauldron for the game, and I'm wondering how many of them will be unaware of what they could be walking into for that game. And this situation just has disaster written all over it.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sporting KC Set to Announce Chivas Friendly
Back in late July we heard from Robb Heineman that the friendly against Chivas de Guadalajara was looking good to take place in October this year. Late last night the Star put out an article saying that today the team would announce that the friendly will take place on Wednesday, October 12th at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. That is the Wednesday after KC's weekend off from league play the weekend of the 8th and right before what could be a very big game at LSP against the New York Red Bulls on the 15th.
A month later, my opinion hasn't changed on this game. At that point of the season, with only 2 games left KC should be focused on qualifying for the playoffs, or improving their standing to try to get a better seed. Not playing a friendly. Especially when those two remaining games are at home against New York and away vs DC, two Eastern Conference rivals that are currently right on KC's heels in the playoff race. I'd rather the team be avoiding congesting their schedule at this point. And while some guys will certainly be given the night off, I expect Omar Bravo to get a good amount of time during the game, since this was part of the deal with Chivas when we signed and then loaned him back to Chivas.
UPDATE: The team did announce it this morning, tickets are on sale to season ticket holders right now and go on sale to the general public on Friday. Certainly in many of the comments I've seen many fans are not really in favor of this, especially with the timing.
A month later, my opinion hasn't changed on this game. At that point of the season, with only 2 games left KC should be focused on qualifying for the playoffs, or improving their standing to try to get a better seed. Not playing a friendly. Especially when those two remaining games are at home against New York and away vs DC, two Eastern Conference rivals that are currently right on KC's heels in the playoff race. I'd rather the team be avoiding congesting their schedule at this point. And while some guys will certainly be given the night off, I expect Omar Bravo to get a good amount of time during the game, since this was part of the deal with Chivas when we signed and then loaned him back to Chivas.
UPDATE: The team did announce it this morning, tickets are on sale to season ticket holders right now and go on sale to the general public on Friday. Certainly in many of the comments I've seen many fans are not really in favor of this, especially with the timing.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Chivas Friendly Looks to be on For October
Today on Twitter, Robb Heineman gave out another nice little bit of information for Sporting KC fans. Heineman tweeted that LIVESTRONG Sporting Park is looking good to host Sporting KC vs Chivas in October. This would presumably be part of the home-home series that was set up as part of the Omar Bravo signing. Rumors are the leg down in Mexico was canceled due to security concerns. KC currently does have the weekend of October 8th open with no league game currently. That game is between a trip to San Jose and a home game against New York.
Personally I don't like this idea. Even with the week off, at this point in the season the focus shouldn't be on friendlies, instead it should be on either qualifying for the playoffs or improving seeding for the playoffs. It shouldn't be focused on a friendly. Aurelien Collin, Omar Bravo, or any of KC's starters get hurt in that game and miss the playoffs and it becomes a disaster situation for KC.
Personally I don't like this idea. Even with the week off, at this point in the season the focus shouldn't be on friendlies, instead it should be on either qualifying for the playoffs or improving seeding for the playoffs. It shouldn't be focused on a friendly. Aurelien Collin, Omar Bravo, or any of KC's starters get hurt in that game and miss the playoffs and it becomes a disaster situation for KC.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Goose Egg Friendly
Well last night's game wasn't the exciting, 2-1 win last year over Manchester United, but the Wizards stayed undefeated against teams from the EPL, with a 0-0 draw against Newcastle United in what proved to be a bit of a boring game overall. There was no shot on goal until after Soony Saad's effort close to halfway through the second half. The heat and schedules for both teams certainly played a role in the way that the game turned out.
Early on KC had a shout for a penalty after Graham Zusi went down in the box after a shoulder challenge from behind, but the referee continued play. The first half as a whole saw plenty of chances that were well high and wide of the goal. The brightest part of the first half was the play of KC's new designated player, Jeferson. His touch and passing last night were fantastic, I'll wait until he's played against MLS competition in a game that actually counts, but my initial skepticism is starting to turn away. Of course I said the same thing after seeing some of the stuff Carlos Marinelli did in his first few games.
The second half saw Newcastle control more of the game as Sporting put on more reserves than they had in the first half. Still KC had their chances, some of the brightest offensive attacks in the second half came through Saad. He showed plenty of energy on the field and a willingness to take players on. His turn and shot for the first shot on goal of the game was very well taken by the teenager. Newcastle probably should have grabbed the lead with their lone shot on goal. A cross to the back side was met by an unmarked Danny Simpson, but he side footed his shot right at the feet of Eric Kronberg who easily collected the attempt. The final good attempt for either side came on a nice turn and strike by CJ Sapong, but Tim Krul in the Magpies net made the diving save, keeping the score 0-0. Nothing overly exciting, but you could tell both teams were playing with an eye towards their upcoming schedule.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Jeferson - KC's new DP was a big bright spot for KC last night. Showed good touch, vision, and passing ability. Once he's had time to get onto the same page with Omar Bravo and the other forwards it should be fun to watch.
Honorable Mention - Soony Saad
Early on KC had a shout for a penalty after Graham Zusi went down in the box after a shoulder challenge from behind, but the referee continued play. The first half as a whole saw plenty of chances that were well high and wide of the goal. The brightest part of the first half was the play of KC's new designated player, Jeferson. His touch and passing last night were fantastic, I'll wait until he's played against MLS competition in a game that actually counts, but my initial skepticism is starting to turn away. Of course I said the same thing after seeing some of the stuff Carlos Marinelli did in his first few games.
The second half saw Newcastle control more of the game as Sporting put on more reserves than they had in the first half. Still KC had their chances, some of the brightest offensive attacks in the second half came through Saad. He showed plenty of energy on the field and a willingness to take players on. His turn and shot for the first shot on goal of the game was very well taken by the teenager. Newcastle probably should have grabbed the lead with their lone shot on goal. A cross to the back side was met by an unmarked Danny Simpson, but he side footed his shot right at the feet of Eric Kronberg who easily collected the attempt. The final good attempt for either side came on a nice turn and strike by CJ Sapong, but Tim Krul in the Magpies net made the diving save, keeping the score 0-0. Nothing overly exciting, but you could tell both teams were playing with an eye towards their upcoming schedule.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Jeferson - KC's new DP was a big bright spot for KC last night. Showed good touch, vision, and passing ability. Once he's had time to get onto the same page with Omar Bravo and the other forwards it should be fun to watch.
Honorable Mention - Soony Saad
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