One last look back at 2016, here are my end of year awards for moment of the year in 2016.
Game of the year - Comets vs Mustangs 12/3/16 - Shutouts don't happen often in indoor soccer, since the Kansas City Comets rebirth back in 2010, the Comets had never had one. That changed in December of this year when the Comets defeated the previously unbeaten Chicago Mustangs 6-0 at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. The Comets jumped out to a two goal lead in the first quarter thanks to goals by Ignacio Flores and Lucas Rodriguez. After a scoreless second quarter, Rodriguez scored his second goal of the game off a set piece with a second assist to John Sosa and the Comets were up 3-0.
The Comets extended their lead early in the fourth quarter as Odaine Sinclair scored two minutes in to make it 4-0. Vahid Assadpour added a goal before Ramone Palmer scored with less than a minute left against the sixth attacker to make it 6-0. For his part in goal for the Comets, Stephen Paterson faced 19 shots, saving all of them in route to the shutout.
Goal of the Year - Brad Davis vs Galaxy - When Sporting KC brought in Brad Davis, Sporting was expecting to get another player to help set up goals while scoring a few himself. The assists never really came for Davis in Kansas City, but he did score some important goals for KC early on against LA and Toronto. The one that wins goal of the year is his finish against the LA Galaxy that seemed to even impress him. In the 30th minute of a scoreless game, Graham Zusi headed a long ball into the path of an on-rushing Davis. Davis chased the ball into the box and took a single touch, cutting the ball back that allowed him to beat both Emmanuel Boateng and Jelle Van Damme. With his second touch he curled a beautiful shot with his left foot that curled around goalkeeper Brian Rowe as he dove for the ball, and inside the far post to put Sporting up 1-0 on the Galaxy. Davis didn't have a ton of highlights in his final season of professional soccer, but this was certainly one of them.
Assist of the Year - Benny Feilhaber vs Orlando - I'm cheating just a little bit because it's the secondary assist, but I'm a sucker for Feilhaber's scoop passes. Down 1-0 in the 74th minute, Feilhaber received a ball just outside the top of the box, took a touch and scooped the ball into the box for substitute, Jacob Peterson, who headed the ball back into the middle for Dom Dwyer, who headed the ball in to tie the game at 1-1 in a game KC would eventually win 2-1.
Single Game Performance of the Year - Nicole Barnhart vs Western New York - It wasn't the greatest season for FC Kansas City as they missed out on the playoffs for the first time in their history, but there were some bright spots. From the emergence of Shea Groom, to the return of Desiree Scott, to the defensive performance, FCKC had plenty of highlights. One of those was Nicole Barnart against the Wester New York Flash in July of this year. Playing against the highest scoring team in the league, KC sat a little deeper and absorbed a lot of pressure in the game. That led to a number of opportunities for the Flash. Barnhart though was up to the task, making 14 saves against the Flash in route to a 1-0 win. The performance was enough to earn Barnhart player of the week honors.
Low Point of the Year - Sporting KC vs DC United 5/27 - Heading into the game, at Children's Mercy Park, Sporting KC had won just one game in their last nine after starting the season 3-1. KC had gone 1-6-2 in the nine games priorgoing 1-2-1 at home in that stretch. KC had scored more than one goal just once in that nine game stretch (their only win) and had been shutout three times, scoring just seven goals while allowing 14. Welcoming a DC United team that was 0-2-3 on the road heading into the game. KC completely controlled the game (as KC tends to do in a lot of home games) with 58% of the possession, out shooting DC 18-5, and creating the better of the opportunities. But KC paid for putting just three of their 18 shots on goal as DC United struck late to steal all three points as Alhaji Kamara beat Tim Melia to a ball near the penalty spot, knocking the ball down and then burying his shot into the net as Melia was on the ground after coming for the ball and missing. The 1-0 loss mean that KC had won just one of their last 10, a streak that would turn into 11 games the following week after a 0-0 draw in LA before KC got back to winning against FC Dallas on June 19th.
Non-Kansas City-KC Player Moment of the Year - Matt Besler Scores First International goal - 2016 probably isn't going to go down as the best year in Matt Besler's professional soccer career. He started 2016 as Sporting KC's captain, but then lost it to Roger Espinoza, lost his starting spot with Sporting KC for a time and played the fewest games for his club since his second season as a pro in 2010. It'll still be a memorable year for Besler though as he welcomed his first child.
In early September, Besler had been called up for US national team qualifiers against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. Besler traveled to the game in St. Vincent and while there heard that his wife was having their first child. Due to travel, Besler was unable to leave to get home in time for the birth of his daughter so instead took the field for the US, starting in central defense for Klinsmann's side. Already up 1-0 in the 32nd minute, Graham Zusi chipped a free kick into the box where a St. Vincent defender cleared the ball right into the path of Besler who chested the ball down and blasted it into the net for his first international goal. He followed it immediately with a celebration with his teammates in honor of his just becoming a father. The US went on to win the game 6-0 and Besler left to be with his family instead of flying to Jacksonville for the second game.
KC Soccer Player of the Year - Amer Didic - No player on the KC soccer scene probably had a better year than Amer Didic did for the Swope Park Rangers and Sporting KC. The Baker product started the season as a bench player for the Rangers, getting garbage minutes at the end of the game to preserve the lead and kill some time off the clock. After a string of three straight losses and a red card to Oumar Ballo, Didic got a start in Swope's 2-1 win over Tulsa and never looked back. He started 21 of the final 24 games in the regular season for SPR and started all four of their playoff games. He formed a strong partnership with Ballo that helped carry the SPR defense to the USL final, going 13-1-2 when paired together, the only loss in the USL final. Didic's play with SPR earned him a call up to Sporting KC where he started three of KC's four CONCACAF Champions League games, the only game he didn't was the final meaningless one, just days before the USL final. Didic has already signed on to return to SPR in 2017 and continued solid performances should see him up with Sporting KC either on a temporary contract or full time soon enough.
Sporting KC Player of the Year - Dom Dwyer - Dwyer had his second most successful season in terms of goal scoring in his career this past season. Take out Dwyer's penalty kicks in 2014 and Dwyer actually scored more goals from the run of play in 2016 than he did in 2014 (16 to 15). This despite not having a secondary threat to really take the pressure off and being on Dwyer Island for long periods of time in the season.
FCKC Player of the Year - Shea Groom - The second year forward had the unevnyable task of having to try to replace the scoring of Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux, who both missed the season. Groom didn't miss a beat though, scoring eight goals for the Blues in 2016, good for fifth in the league. Groom's eight goals were good for 44% of the Blues' offense in the 2016 season. Add in Rodriguez and Leroux in 2017 and the Blues look to have a strong offense.
Comets Player of the Year - Vahid Assadpour - The Comets captain and assistant coach is one of the few remaining players who have been with the Comets since their rebirth in 2010. He finished last season third in the league in points with 23 goals and 27 assists and was a first team all league selection. So far in the 2016-2017 season he has added five goals and four assists, which is fifth on the team in goals and fourth in assists.
Newcomer of the Year - Didic - Didic does the double winning the player of the year award, and winning that it's easy to see why he's also newcomer to professional soccer in Kansas City in 2016. Didic is probably one of the leading candidates to be the next player to make the jump from the Rangers to Sporting KC permanently.
Showing posts with label year end awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label year end awards. Show all posts
Monday, January 02, 2017
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Melia Wins Award, Trialists Coming to Town
MLS continues to slowly announce their end of season awards for players. Today they announced the winner of this year's Comeback Player of the Year award. Sporting KC's Tim Melia was given the award after "coming back" from basically being out of the game. Last year Melia had started the season with Chivas USA before being waived and becoming a league goalkeeper. Melia became a league goalkeeper and spent time with Kansas City during their goalkeeping issues in 2014. Signed to KC during the offseason, Melia started the season as KC's back up to Luis Marin. After Marin's issues adjusting to MLS Melia took over the starting job and played 23 of the final 26 games for Kansas City.
Melia beat out Diego Valeri and Will Trapp who were the other two finalists. Of the three, Melia finished third in the player vote with Trapp and Valeri tying for first. The media vote is where Melia ran away with things, getting over 30% of the vote there. In front office voting, Melia finished second behind Valeri in the top three.
Melia becomes the fourth KC player to win the award, and the fifth time KC has brought the award home. Tony Meola won the award in 2000, Chris Klein won it in both 2002 and 2005, while Eddie Johnson won it in 2007.
Trialists coming to town
Peter Vermes makes a habit of regularly bringing in trialists to look at. More often than not those players come in with no one knowing and leave the same way. Some times though the names of players get out, like this time where Guyanese player Daniel Wilson and Dominican player Julian Wade are apparently coming on a trial.
Both players currently play in Guyana, Wilson for Alpha United, a club that regularly has won the league championship in recent years and has participated in the CONCACAF Champions League. Wilson according to the article is the club's captain at only 22 and has already appeared 12 times for his country, scoring a goal in 2018 World Cup qualifying against St. Vincent and Grenadines.
Wade plays for Slingerz FC in Guyana, and has spent his entire career in the Caribbean. Before moving to Slingerz, the 25 year old played for Caledonia AIA in Trinidad. He has also appeared three times for Dominica, scoring twice in that time.
The article says that the pair were invited to an "invite only" three day trial November 21 through 23 at the suggestion of former Kansas City forward, and Guyana native, Alex Bunbury. Two of those three days are also the tryout dates for Sporting's USL side, the Swope Park Rangers. So while the pair may be getting a bit of a closer look, this feels more like the two will be trying out more so for the Rangers.
Melia beat out Diego Valeri and Will Trapp who were the other two finalists. Of the three, Melia finished third in the player vote with Trapp and Valeri tying for first. The media vote is where Melia ran away with things, getting over 30% of the vote there. In front office voting, Melia finished second behind Valeri in the top three.
Melia becomes the fourth KC player to win the award, and the fifth time KC has brought the award home. Tony Meola won the award in 2000, Chris Klein won it in both 2002 and 2005, while Eddie Johnson won it in 2007.
Trialists coming to town
Peter Vermes makes a habit of regularly bringing in trialists to look at. More often than not those players come in with no one knowing and leave the same way. Some times though the names of players get out, like this time where Guyanese player Daniel Wilson and Dominican player Julian Wade are apparently coming on a trial.
Both players currently play in Guyana, Wilson for Alpha United, a club that regularly has won the league championship in recent years and has participated in the CONCACAF Champions League. Wilson according to the article is the club's captain at only 22 and has already appeared 12 times for his country, scoring a goal in 2018 World Cup qualifying against St. Vincent and Grenadines.
Wade plays for Slingerz FC in Guyana, and has spent his entire career in the Caribbean. Before moving to Slingerz, the 25 year old played for Caledonia AIA in Trinidad. He has also appeared three times for Dominica, scoring twice in that time.
The article says that the pair were invited to an "invite only" three day trial November 21 through 23 at the suggestion of former Kansas City forward, and Guyana native, Alex Bunbury. Two of those three days are also the tryout dates for Sporting's USL side, the Swope Park Rangers. So while the pair may be getting a bit of a closer look, this feels more like the two will be trying out more so for the Rangers.
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Feilhaber and Melia Up for End of Year Awards
MLS today announced the finalists for this year's end of season awards. Two Sporting KC players are among the finalists for awards this year. Benny Feilhaber and Tim Melia are the two representatives from KC that could bring home individual hardware this year.
Feilhaber is up for the big award, MVP, where he is up against Sebastian Giovinco and former KC forward, Kei Kamara. Feilhaber finished the season with 10 goals and 15 assists in league play, the first player in KC history to hit double digits in goals and assists since Josh Wolff scored 10 and had 10 assists in the 2005 season. It's difficult to see Feilhaber winning the award though after the season that Giovinco had, leading the league in both goals (22), and assists (16). It's more a battle to see who finishes second between Feilhaber and Kamara (22 goals, 8 assists) as Giovinco really should be the run away winner here.
The other award is Comeback Player of the Year, which Melia is up for. Melia had been a league goalkeeper last year after being released by Chivas USA. Sporting KC had brought him in with their rotating goalkeeping issues during the 2014 season. After waiving Andy Gruenebaum and Eric Kronberg after the season KC signed Melia to be the primary back up for new goalkeeper, Luis Marin. After Marin failed to adapt quickly to the style of play in MLS, Melia stepped in and made the goalkeeping position his own. Melia finished the season with an 11-8-4 record as a starter, and recording eight shutouts and a 1.22 goals against average. Melia is up against Will Trapp of the Columbus Crew, who overcame concussion issues earlier this season to appear in 19 games and record three assists while helping hold down the Crew midfield. Melia is also up against Portland Timbers midfielder, Diego Valeri who returned from an ACL tear in October of last year to play 22 games, scoring two goals and adding eight assists. This one will be a closer race than MVP, but I think Valeri is going to pull this award.
When the award nominations come out there were a couple awards where KC fans thought Sporting players should have gotten a nod. Many felt Melia deserved to be in the conversation for goalkeeper of the year, where Bill Hamid, David Ousted, and Luis Robles are the three players up for the award. While Melia has had a very good season, KC's two shutouts since July 13th probably did not help Melia's case in this instance.
The other player many thought should have been nominated for an award was Krisztian Nemeth for the league's Newcomer of the Year award. Giovinco is up for this award like with MVP, so his inclusion on this list is no surprise. While Didier Drogba didn't join the Montreal Impact until late this season it is hard to argue about his contribution to the Impact since then with his 11 goals and one assist in only 870 minutes. The third nominee, Mike Grella is probably the one KC fans could point to as someone that could be replaced by Nemeth. In five fewer games than Grella, Nemeth produced one more goal (10) and only one fewer assists (6) than Grella did. On the opposite side of that though it is hard to argue with a player who played in 33 of 34 games and started 30 for the Supporters' Shield winners.
Feilhaber is up for the big award, MVP, where he is up against Sebastian Giovinco and former KC forward, Kei Kamara. Feilhaber finished the season with 10 goals and 15 assists in league play, the first player in KC history to hit double digits in goals and assists since Josh Wolff scored 10 and had 10 assists in the 2005 season. It's difficult to see Feilhaber winning the award though after the season that Giovinco had, leading the league in both goals (22), and assists (16). It's more a battle to see who finishes second between Feilhaber and Kamara (22 goals, 8 assists) as Giovinco really should be the run away winner here.
The other award is Comeback Player of the Year, which Melia is up for. Melia had been a league goalkeeper last year after being released by Chivas USA. Sporting KC had brought him in with their rotating goalkeeping issues during the 2014 season. After waiving Andy Gruenebaum and Eric Kronberg after the season KC signed Melia to be the primary back up for new goalkeeper, Luis Marin. After Marin failed to adapt quickly to the style of play in MLS, Melia stepped in and made the goalkeeping position his own. Melia finished the season with an 11-8-4 record as a starter, and recording eight shutouts and a 1.22 goals against average. Melia is up against Will Trapp of the Columbus Crew, who overcame concussion issues earlier this season to appear in 19 games and record three assists while helping hold down the Crew midfield. Melia is also up against Portland Timbers midfielder, Diego Valeri who returned from an ACL tear in October of last year to play 22 games, scoring two goals and adding eight assists. This one will be a closer race than MVP, but I think Valeri is going to pull this award.
When the award nominations come out there were a couple awards where KC fans thought Sporting players should have gotten a nod. Many felt Melia deserved to be in the conversation for goalkeeper of the year, where Bill Hamid, David Ousted, and Luis Robles are the three players up for the award. While Melia has had a very good season, KC's two shutouts since July 13th probably did not help Melia's case in this instance.
The other player many thought should have been nominated for an award was Krisztian Nemeth for the league's Newcomer of the Year award. Giovinco is up for this award like with MVP, so his inclusion on this list is no surprise. While Didier Drogba didn't join the Montreal Impact until late this season it is hard to argue about his contribution to the Impact since then with his 11 goals and one assist in only 870 minutes. The third nominee, Mike Grella is probably the one KC fans could point to as someone that could be replaced by Nemeth. In five fewer games than Grella, Nemeth produced one more goal (10) and only one fewer assists (6) than Grella did. On the opposite side of that though it is hard to argue with a player who played in 33 of 34 games and started 30 for the Supporters' Shield winners.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Besler and Zusi Named to Best XI
MLS announced their Best XI today as voted on by teams, media, and players. Sporting KC was represented on the list by two players. Sporting defender, Matt Besler and Graham Zusi were KC's two representatives on the list. It's the second straight year for both players to be selected to the Best XI.
Jimmy Nielsen's absence from the team would seem to indicate that he won't win goalkeeper of the year, which usually goes to the goalkeeper in the Best XI (Donovan Ricketts).
Jimmy Nielsen's absence from the team would seem to indicate that he won't win goalkeeper of the year, which usually goes to the goalkeeper in the Best XI (Donovan Ricketts).
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Two Sporting Players Miss Out on Awards
Sporting KC defenders Matt Besler and Erik Palmer-Brown both ended up missing out on awards this week.
Starting defender, and US national team player, Belser was once again up for MLS defender of the year. Besler was a finalist along with New England's Jose Goncalves and LA's Omar Gonzalez. Besler ended up finishing a distant second to Goncalves who took the award. Goncalves finished with 36.74% of the club vote compared to Besler's 14.29%, 46.75% of the media vote to 27.27% and 18.83% of the player vote compared to 13.75%. In my opinion it's a fair win for the New England man, who had a very big season for the Revolution.
Sporting's latest home grown player, Palmer-Brown was also up for an award. The US U18 international was up for US Soccer's Young Male Athlete of the Year. Palmer-Brown ended up losing out on the award as well. The winner ended up being Columbus Crew midfielder, Will Trapp. Again it's hard to argue against this. Trapp, of the four nominees has had the most success so far at the club level along with playing for the youth national teams.
Starting defender, and US national team player, Belser was once again up for MLS defender of the year. Besler was a finalist along with New England's Jose Goncalves and LA's Omar Gonzalez. Besler ended up finishing a distant second to Goncalves who took the award. Goncalves finished with 36.74% of the club vote compared to Besler's 14.29%, 46.75% of the media vote to 27.27% and 18.83% of the player vote compared to 13.75%. In my opinion it's a fair win for the New England man, who had a very big season for the Revolution.
Sporting's latest home grown player, Palmer-Brown was also up for an award. The US U18 international was up for US Soccer's Young Male Athlete of the Year. Palmer-Brown ended up losing out on the award as well. The winner ended up being Columbus Crew midfielder, Will Trapp. Again it's hard to argue against this. Trapp, of the four nominees has had the most success so far at the club level along with playing for the youth national teams.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Besler and Nielsen Up for Year End Awards
Today, MLS announced the finalists for their awards. Sporting Kansas City has two players up for the year end awards. Matt Besler is up for defender of the year, while Jimmy Nielsen is up for goalkeeper of the year.
Besler's award will be announced next Tuesday, the 26th. For the second year in a row Besler is up for the award. He's up against his center back partner for the national team, Omar Gonzalez, and New England Revolution defender, Jose Goncalves. Full disclosure on my part, I voted for Goncalves first on my ballot, and second I believe I put down Jamison Olave. The thing that knocked Besler in my book was his time away from the team. I understand that he was away representing the US, but I based the awards on their time with their club team. And I felt Besler's absence for KC hurt him. Not just because of missed games, but because of how well his back up, Ike Opara, filled in when he was gone.
The goalkeeper of the year award gets announced on Wednesday December 4th. Like Besler, Nielsen is making another appearance on this list. This year, Nielsen is up against Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando, and Portland's Donovan Ricketts. Like with Belser, I did not vote Nielsen for goalkeeper of the year. Numbers wise, Nielsen's 2013 wasn't incredibly different than his 2012, but they were worse. He faced 2 less shots in 2013 (100) vs 2012 (102). He saved 9 less (68 to 77), he posted two less shutouts (13 to 15), allowed 3 more goals (30 to 27), and his save percentage was 7 points lower (68% to 75%). Personally I voted for Ricketts after his performance this season for Portland. Like Besler, Rimando fell victim in my mind to national team call ups. My second nominee was Clint Irwin for Colorado.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sporting Announce Award Winners
Last night at the club's Pitch Black event at Sporting Park, the club announced the award winners this year as voted on by fans and media. The bigger winner was Graham Zusi. The Sporting KC midfielder took home both the team's offensive player of the year award and the team's MVP award.
Matt Besler was named the defensive player of the year, beating out the rest of the traditional back line starters and Jimmy Nielsen to win the award. Newcomer of the year also went to a defender, as Ike Opara beat out Benny Feilhaber to win the award.
Feilhaber didn't go home empty handed though, he took home the goal of the year award for his strike against Colorado.
Sporting also handed out a number of awards that were not voted on. Claudio Bieler earned the team's Golden Boot for his 10 goals this year. Aurelien Collin took home the humanitarian of the year for his work with the Victory Project. David Leichty earned the team's Bob Gansler award for outstanding academy player.
Also Kansas Rush was named the Sporting Network club of the year. And Sporting St. Louis Rangers took home the academy affiliate club of the year.
Matt Besler was named the defensive player of the year, beating out the rest of the traditional back line starters and Jimmy Nielsen to win the award. Newcomer of the year also went to a defender, as Ike Opara beat out Benny Feilhaber to win the award.
Feilhaber didn't go home empty handed though, he took home the goal of the year award for his strike against Colorado.
Sporting also handed out a number of awards that were not voted on. Claudio Bieler earned the team's Golden Boot for his 10 goals this year. Aurelien Collin took home the humanitarian of the year for his work with the Victory Project. David Leichty earned the team's Bob Gansler award for outstanding academy player.
Also Kansas Rush was named the Sporting Network club of the year. And Sporting St. Louis Rangers took home the academy affiliate club of the year.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Playoff Schedule, Palmer-Brown Call Up, and End of Season Voting
Today was the first day that Sporting KC season ticket holders could purchase tickets for this year's playoffs. We'd been waiting for the dates of the playoffs to be announced, and we now have those dates thanks to the Seattle Sounders playoff ticket page.
According to the Sounders, the play-in game between the 4th and 5th seed will take place either on Wednesday, October 30th or Thursday the 31st at the 4th seed. The Conference semifinals kick off that next Saturday, November 2nd or Sunday the 3rd at the home of the lower seed. The second leg of the semifinal will again take place midweek, on Wednesday the 6th or Thursday the 7th. The Conference finals will actually have a week break between the two legs because of a FIFA international break that occurs around the weekend of the 16th. The first leg of the finals will take place on Saturday the 9th or Sunday the 10th. The second leg will take place either Saturday the 23rd or Sunday the 24th. The MLS Cup finalists will then have two weeks off before the MLS Cup final on December 7th.
Palmer-Brown called up
Sporting KC's youngest player, former academy player, Erik Palmer-Brown has been called up by the US U18 national team for a tournament in France coming up. Palmer-Brown had been training with the US team in preparation for the tournament. Palmer-Brown has made the final roster for the tournament. The tournament kicks off for the US on Wednesday the 9th against hosts France. They'll then play the Czech Republic on Friday the 11th before wrapping up the tournament on the 13th against Poland.
End of Season Awards
Sporting KC has opened up end of year award voting this year to all fans. In the past it's specifically been the media that has voted on the awards. This year though the fans have a vote, and the winners of the awards will be announced at the club's Pitch Black on October 19th at Sporting Park.
The first category is up for voting now. It is the Newcomer of the Year award. Voting is between Claudio Bieler, Benny Feilhaber, Josh Gardner, Mechack Jerome, and Ike Opara. Offensive and Defense player of the Year voting begins tomorrow, with Goal of the Year voting starting on Friday along with the MVP award. Other awards, like Humanitarian and the Bob Gansler Award (for outstanding academy player) will chosen by the club. And Golden Boot is decided on the field by who finishes with the most goals.
Personally I dislike voting on year end awards until the regular season is over. Once the regular season is over I'll make all my selections know.
According to the Sounders, the play-in game between the 4th and 5th seed will take place either on Wednesday, October 30th or Thursday the 31st at the 4th seed. The Conference semifinals kick off that next Saturday, November 2nd or Sunday the 3rd at the home of the lower seed. The second leg of the semifinal will again take place midweek, on Wednesday the 6th or Thursday the 7th. The Conference finals will actually have a week break between the two legs because of a FIFA international break that occurs around the weekend of the 16th. The first leg of the finals will take place on Saturday the 9th or Sunday the 10th. The second leg will take place either Saturday the 23rd or Sunday the 24th. The MLS Cup finalists will then have two weeks off before the MLS Cup final on December 7th.
Palmer-Brown called up
Sporting KC's youngest player, former academy player, Erik Palmer-Brown has been called up by the US U18 national team for a tournament in France coming up. Palmer-Brown had been training with the US team in preparation for the tournament. Palmer-Brown has made the final roster for the tournament. The tournament kicks off for the US on Wednesday the 9th against hosts France. They'll then play the Czech Republic on Friday the 11th before wrapping up the tournament on the 13th against Poland.
End of Season Awards
Sporting KC has opened up end of year award voting this year to all fans. In the past it's specifically been the media that has voted on the awards. This year though the fans have a vote, and the winners of the awards will be announced at the club's Pitch Black on October 19th at Sporting Park.
The first category is up for voting now. It is the Newcomer of the Year award. Voting is between Claudio Bieler, Benny Feilhaber, Josh Gardner, Mechack Jerome, and Ike Opara. Offensive and Defense player of the Year voting begins tomorrow, with Goal of the Year voting starting on Friday along with the MVP award. Other awards, like Humanitarian and the Bob Gansler Award (for outstanding academy player) will chosen by the club. And Golden Boot is decided on the field by who finishes with the most goals.
Personally I dislike voting on year end awards until the regular season is over. Once the regular season is over I'll make all my selections know.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Catching Up on FC Kansas City
Apologies for the lack of posts regarding FC Kansas City not just in the last week, but the season as a whole. Life has been catching up with me a bit and I had to cut down a little bit in some of my coverage, unfortunately it was the Blues that had to get chopped a bit.
Year End Awards
While FC Kansas City's season ended last weekend against Portland in the NWSL semifinals, FCKC did clean up when it came to the end of season awards. FCKC swept all the individual awards and put seven players on the first and second team Best XI.
In goalkeeper of the year, Nicole Barnhart won the award, finishing the season with 10 shutouts, the most in the league and finished 3rd in goals against average with .95.
Erika Tymrak won the league's rookie of the year award. After starting the season as a substitute off the bench, Tymrak established herself as key to the Blues attack as the season went on. She finished the season with six goals and four assists.
Another award FC Kansas City won was defender of the year, which was award to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn helped to anchor the defense in front of goalkeeper for the year, Barnhart.
Coach of the year in the NWSL went to the Blues coach, Vlatko Andonovski. In his first season coaching at this level, Andonovski led FC Kansas City to an 11-6-5 record, tied for the most points in the league, and second in the table.
In the award that probably surprised people the least, Lauren Holiday was named the NWSL MVP. Holiday also won the league's Golden Boot, scoring 12 goals while also adding 8 assists. Basically Holiday contributed in 59% of the Blues goals this year, and also missed four games with US call ups and getting married.
Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Holiday were all named to the Best XI first team, along with defender Leigh Ann Robinson. On the second team Tymrak was joined by Lauren Sesselmann, and Desiree Scott.
National Team Call Ups
Also recently announced was the call ups for the US women's team game against Mexico on September 3rd. FC Kansas City led the way in players on the roster with six. KC's three allocated players, Barnhart, Holiday, and Sauerbrunn were all named to the roster, along with Kristie Mewis, who has become a regular on the national team.
Two new Blues players will get the chance to earn their first caps against Mexico. Robinson and Tymrak were called up for the first time. Both had stellar seasons for Kansas City, Robinson established herself as one of the better outside backs in the league, while Tymrak won rookie of the year.
Offseason Loans
Speaking of Tymrak, rumors started to make the rounds yesterday on Twitter of Tymrak going out on loan to German club Bayern Munich during the NWSL offseason. Thad was able to confirm this rumor. He also mentioned that Blues' back up goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger will be joining Tymrak at the German club. There's also mention of more loans coming up.
Year End Awards
While FC Kansas City's season ended last weekend against Portland in the NWSL semifinals, FCKC did clean up when it came to the end of season awards. FCKC swept all the individual awards and put seven players on the first and second team Best XI.
In goalkeeper of the year, Nicole Barnhart won the award, finishing the season with 10 shutouts, the most in the league and finished 3rd in goals against average with .95.
Erika Tymrak won the league's rookie of the year award. After starting the season as a substitute off the bench, Tymrak established herself as key to the Blues attack as the season went on. She finished the season with six goals and four assists.
Another award FC Kansas City won was defender of the year, which was award to Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn helped to anchor the defense in front of goalkeeper for the year, Barnhart.
Coach of the year in the NWSL went to the Blues coach, Vlatko Andonovski. In his first season coaching at this level, Andonovski led FC Kansas City to an 11-6-5 record, tied for the most points in the league, and second in the table.
In the award that probably surprised people the least, Lauren Holiday was named the NWSL MVP. Holiday also won the league's Golden Boot, scoring 12 goals while also adding 8 assists. Basically Holiday contributed in 59% of the Blues goals this year, and also missed four games with US call ups and getting married.
Barnhart, Sauerbrunn, and Holiday were all named to the Best XI first team, along with defender Leigh Ann Robinson. On the second team Tymrak was joined by Lauren Sesselmann, and Desiree Scott.
National Team Call Ups
Also recently announced was the call ups for the US women's team game against Mexico on September 3rd. FC Kansas City led the way in players on the roster with six. KC's three allocated players, Barnhart, Holiday, and Sauerbrunn were all named to the roster, along with Kristie Mewis, who has become a regular on the national team.
Two new Blues players will get the chance to earn their first caps against Mexico. Robinson and Tymrak were called up for the first time. Both had stellar seasons for Kansas City, Robinson established herself as one of the better outside backs in the league, while Tymrak won rookie of the year.
Offseason Loans
Speaking of Tymrak, rumors started to make the rounds yesterday on Twitter of Tymrak going out on loan to German club Bayern Munich during the NWSL offseason. Thad was able to confirm this rumor. He also mentioned that Blues' back up goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger will be joining Tymrak at the German club. There's also mention of more loans coming up.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Six Candidates for Year End Awards for Sporting
MLS announced the finalists for their year end awards today, and Sporting KC is well represented among the finalists, as 5 players and head coach Peter Vermes are up for awards.
Graham Zusi is a finalist for MVP this year, along with Chris Wondolowski of San Jose and Thierry Henry of New York. Unfortunately for Zusi I don't think this will be much of a contest, Wondolowski should win the award going away for the season he had. Zusi is a completely deserving finalist for his 5 goals and 15 assists in league play this year. Henry is really only on the list because of name recognition of people that vote but don't really pay attention to the league. The MVP award will be announced on November 29th.
Jimmy Nielsen is a finalist for goalkeeper of the year. Sporting's captain finished one shutout short of tying the league record set by Tony Meola in 2000 of 16. Nielsen is up against Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning and Chivas USA's Dan Kennedy. Gspurning missed a good portion of the season due to injury which hurts his case for the award. And while Kennedy had an amazing season, it wasn't enough to keep Chivas from looking extremely poor this year. Nielsen finished with a .79 goals against average, behind Gspurning's, but Nielsen has played 10 more games than the Seattle net minder. Really this should be Nielsen's award. Goalkeeper of the year is announced on November 28th.
Peter Vermes is a finalist for coach of the year. Leading Sporting KC to a team record in wins (18) and points (63) in a season and to the team finishing on top of the East for the second straight year. Vermes is up against Frank Yallop who led the Supporter Shield winning San Jose side that finished 3 points ahead of KC in the standings, and Ben Olsen who has helped to resurrect DC United finishing second in the East and into the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. The winner is announced on November 27th.
Kei Kamara is a finalist for Humanitarian of the year. Kamara has done a ton of work in the past year to help his home country, Sierra Leone. He's helped with getting schools built and has set up the HearShapedHands Foundation. Kamara is up against Michael Lahoud of the Union who has also done work to help Sierra Leone, and Chris Seitz, who recently missed a good number of games after giving bone marrow. The winner will be announced on the 20th.
The final award that KC has players up for may be the most interesting. KC has two finalists up for the defender of the year award. Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin are both finalists along with Victor Bernardez of San Jose. Besler and Collin helped to anchor the league's best defense this year. Besler started 30 of the 31 games he played while Collin started 28 of the 29 he played in. The one worry I have about this award is that voters may split their vote between Besler and Collin, leading to Bernardez winning the award instead. While Collin had a decent season, this award really should go to Besler who has had a fantastic season, really establishing himself as one of the league's better defenders and pushed himself onto the national team radar. The winner will be announced on the 20th.
As a whole I think KC has a very good shot at winning 3 of the 5 awards, the two exceptions being MVP which I think will go to Wondolowski and coach, which I think Yallop will win this year. The other 3 I think KC can and should win, the one worry again is the defender of the year vote being split between the two.
Graham Zusi is a finalist for MVP this year, along with Chris Wondolowski of San Jose and Thierry Henry of New York. Unfortunately for Zusi I don't think this will be much of a contest, Wondolowski should win the award going away for the season he had. Zusi is a completely deserving finalist for his 5 goals and 15 assists in league play this year. Henry is really only on the list because of name recognition of people that vote but don't really pay attention to the league. The MVP award will be announced on November 29th.
Jimmy Nielsen is a finalist for goalkeeper of the year. Sporting's captain finished one shutout short of tying the league record set by Tony Meola in 2000 of 16. Nielsen is up against Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning and Chivas USA's Dan Kennedy. Gspurning missed a good portion of the season due to injury which hurts his case for the award. And while Kennedy had an amazing season, it wasn't enough to keep Chivas from looking extremely poor this year. Nielsen finished with a .79 goals against average, behind Gspurning's, but Nielsen has played 10 more games than the Seattle net minder. Really this should be Nielsen's award. Goalkeeper of the year is announced on November 28th.
Peter Vermes is a finalist for coach of the year. Leading Sporting KC to a team record in wins (18) and points (63) in a season and to the team finishing on top of the East for the second straight year. Vermes is up against Frank Yallop who led the Supporter Shield winning San Jose side that finished 3 points ahead of KC in the standings, and Ben Olsen who has helped to resurrect DC United finishing second in the East and into the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. The winner is announced on November 27th.
Kei Kamara is a finalist for Humanitarian of the year. Kamara has done a ton of work in the past year to help his home country, Sierra Leone. He's helped with getting schools built and has set up the HearShapedHands Foundation. Kamara is up against Michael Lahoud of the Union who has also done work to help Sierra Leone, and Chris Seitz, who recently missed a good number of games after giving bone marrow. The winner will be announced on the 20th.
The final award that KC has players up for may be the most interesting. KC has two finalists up for the defender of the year award. Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin are both finalists along with Victor Bernardez of San Jose. Besler and Collin helped to anchor the league's best defense this year. Besler started 30 of the 31 games he played while Collin started 28 of the 29 he played in. The one worry I have about this award is that voters may split their vote between Besler and Collin, leading to Bernardez winning the award instead. While Collin had a decent season, this award really should go to Besler who has had a fantastic season, really establishing himself as one of the league's better defenders and pushed himself onto the national team radar. The winner will be announced on the 20th.
As a whole I think KC has a very good shot at winning 3 of the 5 awards, the two exceptions being MVP which I think will go to Wondolowski and coach, which I think Yallop will win this year. The other 3 I think KC can and should win, the one worry again is the defender of the year vote being split between the two.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sporting's Candidates for Year End Awards
MLS has sent out the information for year end voting for the season awards. The media get 33.3% of the vote, the club gets 33.3%, from the CBO's, Technical Director/coach, and communications/community relations, and the final 33.3% from the players themselves. The club and players are prohibited from voting for players on their own team. On November 15th, the finalists will be announced with the winners being announced in the lead up to the MLS Cup final on December 1st. Let's take a look at the awards and where KC players stand in each category. I'll also throw in my votes.
MLS MVP - Really I don't think this is even a contest, if anyone but Chris Wondolowski wins this award I will be absolutely shocked. Tying the league record for goals in a season, and scoring more than Chivas USA did as a whole team. The surprise in this award will be who finishes in second for the award. Sporting KC's co-MVP's, Jimmy Nielsen and Graham Zusi are both among KC's nominees, along with the team's Golden Boot winner, Kei Kamara. My vote in the KC MVP voting went to Kamara, but here I actually changed up my vote.
DTB vote - 1st Wondolowski, 2nd Zusi
Defender of the Year - This is certainly a category that Sporting KC can and possibly will win. Matt Besler has had a fantastic season for Sporting KC, and certainly could/should have been in the conversation for team MVP with Nielsen, Zusi, and Kamara. Besler won the team's defender of the year award this year, but one worry that came to mind for me today was the possibility of a split vote for KC. Sporting's other nominee for the award is Aurelien Collin, and the thought for me is that voters could struggle to separate the two and vote for somebody else ahead of one of Besler.
DTB vote - 1st Besler, 2 Victor Bernardez
Comeback Player of the Year - Sporting KC midfielder, Paulo Nagamura is up for the award this year, he's played in 27 games this year after being limited to only 11 games the previous season with Chivas USA. Nagamura though did not get my vote for comeback player of the year. There are just a few players who have done better this year.
DTB vote - 1st Chris Pontius, 2nd Omar Gonzalez
Goalkeeper of the Year - This is another category where Sporting KC has a player that has to be considered the favorite for the award. Nielsen led the league in minutes played, 3,060, and shutouts, 15, and finished behind only Michael Gspurning in goals against average among keepers that played over 20 games, .79. Gspurning seems to be what many would consider Nielsen's biggest competition, but cases can be made for the likes of Andy Gruenebaum and even Dan Kennedy, despite playing for Chivas.
DTB vote - 1st Nielsen, 2nd Gspurning
Newcomer of the Year - The award for players who are in their first season in the league, but have previously played professionally outside of MLS. Sporting has two players up for the award, Oriol Rosell and Michael Thomas, but neither should really get many votes as neither really played a whole lot of minutes this year. This category is one of my thoughts for another reason why Nielsen will win goalkeeper of the year, as Gspurning seems a lead candidate for this award.
DTB vote - 1st Gspurning, 2nd Bernardez
Rookie of the Year - A year after CJ Sapong won the award for rookie of the year, Sporting has no players up for the award this year. Dom Dwyer made one league appearance for KC in league play, the team's other two rookies still with the team, Cyprian Hedrick and Kyle Miller haven't made a single competitive appearance for Sporting this season.
DTB vote - 1st Austin Berry, 2nd Nick DeLeon
Humanitarian of the Year - Kei Kamara has to be considered a lead candidate for the award, he's started doing even more work with his home country of Sierra Leone, through the Schools for Salone as well as establishing the HeartShapedHands Foundation.
DTB vote - 1st Kamara, 2nd Michael Lahoud
Coach of the Year - Peter Vermes has to at least be considered a candidate for the coach of the year award, but I'm not sure he'll get it. Frank Yallop's job he's done in San Jose is extremely good. Yes he has Wondolowski, but he's helped turn the careers of Alan Gordon especially, but also Steven Lenhart.
DTB vote - 1st Yallop, 2nd Vermes
Best XI - Here's my candidates for my vote for this year's best XI. Yes there is a bit of a KC bias to it
MLS MVP - Really I don't think this is even a contest, if anyone but Chris Wondolowski wins this award I will be absolutely shocked. Tying the league record for goals in a season, and scoring more than Chivas USA did as a whole team. The surprise in this award will be who finishes in second for the award. Sporting KC's co-MVP's, Jimmy Nielsen and Graham Zusi are both among KC's nominees, along with the team's Golden Boot winner, Kei Kamara. My vote in the KC MVP voting went to Kamara, but here I actually changed up my vote.
DTB vote - 1st Wondolowski, 2nd Zusi
Defender of the Year - This is certainly a category that Sporting KC can and possibly will win. Matt Besler has had a fantastic season for Sporting KC, and certainly could/should have been in the conversation for team MVP with Nielsen, Zusi, and Kamara. Besler won the team's defender of the year award this year, but one worry that came to mind for me today was the possibility of a split vote for KC. Sporting's other nominee for the award is Aurelien Collin, and the thought for me is that voters could struggle to separate the two and vote for somebody else ahead of one of Besler.
DTB vote - 1st Besler, 2 Victor Bernardez
Comeback Player of the Year - Sporting KC midfielder, Paulo Nagamura is up for the award this year, he's played in 27 games this year after being limited to only 11 games the previous season with Chivas USA. Nagamura though did not get my vote for comeback player of the year. There are just a few players who have done better this year.
DTB vote - 1st Chris Pontius, 2nd Omar Gonzalez
Goalkeeper of the Year - This is another category where Sporting KC has a player that has to be considered the favorite for the award. Nielsen led the league in minutes played, 3,060, and shutouts, 15, and finished behind only Michael Gspurning in goals against average among keepers that played over 20 games, .79. Gspurning seems to be what many would consider Nielsen's biggest competition, but cases can be made for the likes of Andy Gruenebaum and even Dan Kennedy, despite playing for Chivas.
DTB vote - 1st Nielsen, 2nd Gspurning
Newcomer of the Year - The award for players who are in their first season in the league, but have previously played professionally outside of MLS. Sporting has two players up for the award, Oriol Rosell and Michael Thomas, but neither should really get many votes as neither really played a whole lot of minutes this year. This category is one of my thoughts for another reason why Nielsen will win goalkeeper of the year, as Gspurning seems a lead candidate for this award.
DTB vote - 1st Gspurning, 2nd Bernardez
Rookie of the Year - A year after CJ Sapong won the award for rookie of the year, Sporting has no players up for the award this year. Dom Dwyer made one league appearance for KC in league play, the team's other two rookies still with the team, Cyprian Hedrick and Kyle Miller haven't made a single competitive appearance for Sporting this season.
DTB vote - 1st Austin Berry, 2nd Nick DeLeon
Humanitarian of the Year - Kei Kamara has to be considered a lead candidate for the award, he's started doing even more work with his home country of Sierra Leone, through the Schools for Salone as well as establishing the HeartShapedHands Foundation.
DTB vote - 1st Kamara, 2nd Michael Lahoud
Coach of the Year - Peter Vermes has to at least be considered a candidate for the coach of the year award, but I'm not sure he'll get it. Frank Yallop's job he's done in San Jose is extremely good. Yes he has Wondolowski, but he's helped turn the careers of Alan Gordon especially, but also Steven Lenhart.
DTB vote - 1st Yallop, 2nd Vermes
Best XI - Here's my candidates for my vote for this year's best XI. Yes there is a bit of a KC bias to it
Wondolowski - Cooper
Donovan - Zusi - Pontius
Alonso
Sinovic - Bernandez - Besler - Morrow
Nielsen
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sporting Year End Awards
Before Wednesday nights game against the Philadelphia Union, Sporting KC announced the winners of their year end awards.
The MVP award was actually a split vote between Sporting KC captain, Jimmy Nielsen and midfielder Graham Zusi. Nielsen set a team record for games started, minutes played, fewest goals conceded, lowest goals against average, and came within a PK rebound goal of tying the league record for shutouts in a season. Nielsen splits the award with Zusi, who scored 5 goals and assisted on 15 more. The 15 assists led MLS this season. Zusi was involved in almost half of Sporting's goals this year, 20 of 42.
Offensive player of the year went to Kei Kamara. Kamara led Sporting in goals this year with 11 and also added 8 assists to that total, putting him just behind the production level of Zusi as Kamara was involved in 19 of 42.
Defensive player of the year went to the anchor of the team's back 4, Matt Besler. While Aurelien Collin was the all star this year, Besler was arguably the better defender. As Steve Brisendine said, Collin can be Collin because Besler is Besler. Besler has arguably been the defender of the year for the entire league, not just the defensive player of the year for Sporting.
Kamara was back on the awards list for Humanitarian of the Year. And honestly Kamara has to be one of the favorites for the league wide award as well with all the work that he does for his home country, Sierra Leone and other charities.
Finally the team gave out the Bob Gansler Award to the top youth player in Sporting's system. Paul Dean won the award this year. The captain of the Sporting U18 team played in every game for last year's U16 team.
Check out the video below from Sporting on the awards.
The MVP award was actually a split vote between Sporting KC captain, Jimmy Nielsen and midfielder Graham Zusi. Nielsen set a team record for games started, minutes played, fewest goals conceded, lowest goals against average, and came within a PK rebound goal of tying the league record for shutouts in a season. Nielsen splits the award with Zusi, who scored 5 goals and assisted on 15 more. The 15 assists led MLS this season. Zusi was involved in almost half of Sporting's goals this year, 20 of 42.
Offensive player of the year went to Kei Kamara. Kamara led Sporting in goals this year with 11 and also added 8 assists to that total, putting him just behind the production level of Zusi as Kamara was involved in 19 of 42.
Defensive player of the year went to the anchor of the team's back 4, Matt Besler. While Aurelien Collin was the all star this year, Besler was arguably the better defender. As Steve Brisendine said, Collin can be Collin because Besler is Besler. Besler has arguably been the defender of the year for the entire league, not just the defensive player of the year for Sporting.
Kamara was back on the awards list for Humanitarian of the Year. And honestly Kamara has to be one of the favorites for the league wide award as well with all the work that he does for his home country, Sierra Leone and other charities.
Finally the team gave out the Bob Gansler Award to the top youth player in Sporting's system. Paul Dean won the award this year. The captain of the Sporting U18 team played in every game for last year's U16 team.
Check out the video below from Sporting on the awards.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Post Season Awards for Comets
Three Missouri Comets players were named to the all league team today. The same 3 players are up for other awards later this week. Geison, Danny Waltman, Leo Gibson and Byron Alvarez were all named to the all league team. Geison was named to the first team, while Waltman, Gibson, and Alvarez were named to the second team.
Geison is also up for the MVP award that will be announced soon. Waltman is up for goalkeeper of the year while Gibson is up for defender of the year. The fact that Waltman and Gibson are on the second team very likely means that neither of them is going to win their individual award. The Comets coach, Kim Rontved is up for coach of the year as well. Congrats to the 5.
Geison is also up for the MVP award that will be announced soon. Waltman is up for goalkeeper of the year while Gibson is up for defender of the year. The fact that Waltman and Gibson are on the second team very likely means that neither of them is going to win their individual award. The Comets coach, Kim Rontved is up for coach of the year as well. Congrats to the 5.
Friday, November 11, 2011
End of Season Awards
With the season now over, it's time to take a look at my year end awards for Sporting KC. As last year, members of the media got to vote on MVP, Defensive player of the year, and Humanitarian of the year. The team awards saw Jimmy Nielsen bring home MVP, Matt Besler bring home defensive player of the year , and Kei Kamara bring home Humanitarian of the Year for the second year in a row. In awards that weren't voted on by the media, there was the Juniors player of the year won by Nate Opperman and the Golden Boot, which went to Kamara because he had more assists than Teal Bunbury and Omar Bravo who both tied with Kamra for goals at 9. When it came to MVP voting, I actually had Nielsen third in my voting behind Graham Zusi (2) and my MVP below. Besler was my selection for defensive player of the year followed by Nielsen and then Aurelien Collin. Kamara topped my humanitarian of the year vote.
I've switched this award up a bit from the past few years. It'd been the Rookie of the Yea award, but with only 1 rookie getting any time this year and only one getting much time the year before, I've decided to switch this award up and make it an award for the best newcomer to the team. This year I still have to give the award to the rookie, though, Sapong. Sapong scored 5 goals and added 5 assists in league play this year. He added another 3 goals in the US Open Cup and another goal in the playoffs. A fantastic season from the rookie.
Defender of the Year - Matt Besler
Goal of the Year - Graham Zusi @ Dallas 6/12
I debated this goal vs Kei Kamara's scissor kick vs Toronto, but in the end went with Zusi's blast. Yes it's a dead ball, but the pace and distance of the shot does it for me. The fact that it hit the post holding the back of the net up and bounced all the way to the bench area on the sideline. Just incredible.
Performance of the Year - Graham Zusi @ Dallas 6/12
The game that is considered Zusi's coming out party. He played a roll in all 4 goals that KC scored that day. He scored the first and the third goal. Played in the corner kick that Aurelien Collin eventually knocked in, and he played the pass to Birahim Diop that Diop played to Luke Sassano for the fourth goal.
From Goat to Hero Award - Chance Myers
I decided to create an award this year to honor the great season that Chance Myers had this year. He went from being considered one of the biggest number one pick busts in history to being a stalwart in defense for KC. Him along with Seth Sinovic made Michael Harrington expendable it seems after a great season by the former number one pick.
MVP - Matt Besler
Besler's performance this season has been exceptional. He solidified the back line with Aurelien Collin and Julio Cesar. His ability on the back line wasn't the only contribution though. Besler added the long throw to his repertoire this year and it's been a huge advantage to the team. The long throw led to 5 goals this season for KC, a big weapon for KC.
Newcomer of the Year - CJ Sapong
photo courtesy Jarred Donalson
I've switched this award up a bit from the past few years. It'd been the Rookie of the Yea award, but with only 1 rookie getting any time this year and only one getting much time the year before, I've decided to switch this award up and make it an award for the best newcomer to the team. This year I still have to give the award to the rookie, though, Sapong. Sapong scored 5 goals and added 5 assists in league play this year. He added another 3 goals in the US Open Cup and another goal in the playoffs. A fantastic season from the rookie.
Defender of the Year - Matt Besler
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Besler, deservedly, won the team's defender of the year award. One year after struggling to get into the team and get games, Besler proved himself to be the cornerstone of KC's defense as it improved as the season went on. Besler helped to shut down offenses for much of the season, and even did well enough that he has worked his way into being considered a potential national teamer.Goal of the Year - Graham Zusi @ Dallas 6/12
I debated this goal vs Kei Kamara's scissor kick vs Toronto, but in the end went with Zusi's blast. Yes it's a dead ball, but the pace and distance of the shot does it for me. The fact that it hit the post holding the back of the net up and bounced all the way to the bench area on the sideline. Just incredible.
Performance of the Year - Graham Zusi @ Dallas 6/12
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
The game that is considered Zusi's coming out party. He played a roll in all 4 goals that KC scored that day. He scored the first and the third goal. Played in the corner kick that Aurelien Collin eventually knocked in, and he played the pass to Birahim Diop that Diop played to Luke Sassano for the fourth goal.
From Goat to Hero Award - Chance Myers
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
I decided to create an award this year to honor the great season that Chance Myers had this year. He went from being considered one of the biggest number one pick busts in history to being a stalwart in defense for KC. Him along with Seth Sinovic made Michael Harrington expendable it seems after a great season by the former number one pick.
MVP - Matt Besler
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Besler's performance this season has been exceptional. He solidified the back line with Aurelien Collin and Julio Cesar. His ability on the back line wasn't the only contribution though. Besler added the long throw to his repertoire this year and it's been a huge advantage to the team. The long throw led to 5 goals this season for KC, a big weapon for KC.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Sapong Named Rookie of the Year
photo courtesy Jarred DonalsonThe first year end award has been named today, the rookie of the year, and no surprise to anyone, CJ Sapong brought home the rookie of the year award. Most people I think expected the forward to bring home the award, the surprise was going to be in by how much Sapong won by. And in each category of voters, Sapong finished well ahead of the next closest person in each section. The vote by club, Sapong finished with 34.04%, while second place Perry Kitchen finished with 13.83%. In the media vote Sapong finished with 41.99% of the vote compared to second place Kitchen who had 12.71%. In the player vote, Sapong finished with 30.25% ahead of second place Darlington Nagbe. Congrats to Sapong on a fantastic season and look forward to another big season next year.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Sapong, Vermes Finalists for MLS Awards
Today MLS named their finalists for all of their awards and two members of the Sporting KC team have been nominated for year end awards. The least surprising of the two, CJ Sapong has been named a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award. Sapong has to be considered the front runner and probably odds on favorite to win the award. Sapong is up against Perry Kitchen from DC and Michael Farfan from Philadelphia. Sapong finished the regular season with 5 goals, good for a tie for 4th on the team, and 5 assists, good for second. A great season for a player who many thought was a stretch to take at the 10 spot in the draft. In comparison, Kitchen finished the season with 1 goal, but did lead all rookies in minutes played this year with 2,726. Farfan for Philadelphia finished with 2 goals and 3 assists in 1,460 minutes. The Rookie of the Year award will be handed out tomorrow November 8th.
Peter Vermes is also up for a year end award, being named a finalist for the coach of the year. Vermes turned KC around from their 10 road trip where they went 1-6-3 and bottom of the East to top of the conference, going 12-3-9 after the home opener of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Vermes is up against LA Galaxy coach, and Supporters' Shield winner, Bruce Arena. Also up for the award is Sigi Schmid, coach of the Seattle Sounders who finished second behind Arena's Galaxy. The coach of the year award will be handed out a week from today on November 14th.
Peter Vermes is also up for a year end award, being named a finalist for the coach of the year. Vermes turned KC around from their 10 road trip where they went 1-6-3 and bottom of the East to top of the conference, going 12-3-9 after the home opener of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Vermes is up against LA Galaxy coach, and Supporters' Shield winner, Bruce Arena. Also up for the award is Sigi Schmid, coach of the Seattle Sounders who finished second behind Arena's Galaxy. The coach of the year award will be handed out a week from today on November 14th.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
More Year End Awards
Two more Wizards are up for year end awards. Kei Kamara's goal against the Philadelphia Union is up for goal of the year. And goalkeeper, Jimmy Nielsen is up for save of the year, with 6 nominees. I'd stopped posting when players were up for the weekly award due to the nature of the voting. It became an exercise in futility as fans of New York, Seattle, and others set up voting bots that flood the system. But for those that want to vote they can. All the goals and saves are below.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Conrad Misses Out on Year End Award
Today MLS handed out more of their year end awards, including their Humanitarian of the Year. Wizards defender, Jimmy Conrad was nominated for the award along with Seth Stammler and Brian Ching. Unfortunately Conrad did not win the award today. Instead the award went to Stammler of the New York Red Bulls. Stammler won the award for his work after founding the Sporting Chance Foundation, and working to help out in Haiti. Congratulations to Stammler on the award.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Conrad Up for Year End Award
Wizards defender, Jimmy Conrad is up for one of MLS' year end awards this year. Conrad was named one of the 3 finalists for the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year. Conrad is up against Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching and New York midfielder, Seth Stammler. Conrad's accomplishments this year include continuing his work with the Autism Speaks organization, he's also a player ambassador for the Child Protection Center, he's also served on the KC Zoo Board, the Boys and Girls Club, and finally he was the Wizards player representative for the Pepsi Refresh Project to improve Belvidere Park which took second place in the voting and won $25,000 for the project.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Down the Byline Wizards Team Awards
The Wizards season is over and it's time to look at the year end awards. First let's look at the team's year end awards. This year the team handed out 5 awards, Golden Boot, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year, and Bob Gansler KCW Juniors Player of the Year.
MVP and Golden Boot both went to Kei Kamara for his 10 goals and 6 assists this season. Defensive player of the year went to goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, Humanitarian went to Jimmy Conrad, and the Juniors player of the year went to defender Konner Knoll. The media got to vote on 3 of those awards, MVP, defensive player of the year, and humanitarian. So as a voting media member, who got my vote? MVP and humanitarian were the same person on my ballot, Kamara. My defensive player of the year went to Michael Harrington who had himself a very big season for the Wizards. In fact, award winner Nielsen finished 3rd on my ballot behind Harrington and Roger Espinoza. Here are my awards, the same as last year.
Rookie of the Year
Teal Bunbury
Probably the easiest selection this year, mainly because the only competition for Bunbury was Korede Aiyegbusi who played in a little over 100 minutes this season. Still Bunbury finished his rookie season with 5 league goals and 2 assists along with a goal in the US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado.
Defender of the Year
Michael Harrington
As I stated above, Harrington finished at the top of my official ballot. Harrington had a season that brought back memories of his rookie season where he looked like a potential option for the US at the outside back position, if he's healthy enough I'd hope he'd get a look in the January camp, if not a surprise call up for the upcoming South Africa friendly.
Goal of the Year
Josh Wolff vs Houston
While Birahim Diop's strike against San Jose was a thing of beauty, Kamara's goal where he channeled Roger Milla was fantastically taken, and Davy Arnaud's curling goal against Chicago was world class, I have to agree with Gooch on this one and give the goal to Josh Wolff for his winner against Houston. It was a beautiful ball by Harrington and a very nice finish by Wolff. Combine that with the timing of the goal and how huge it was at the time this goal takes it. Check the goal out again below.
Performance of the Year
Birahim Diop vs San Jose 10/23
It was the final game of the season, but Diop's performance against San Jose was great. There were 3 very good finishes and that last one was world class. Diop may not have done a lot in some of his other performances, but this one was the top performance of the season.
MVP
Kei Kamara
As I started above, Kamara was the Wizards MVP this season, he played a roll in many of the Wizards goals this season, even ones that he didn't get an assist on. Jimmy Nielsen was an early favorite, but he faded a bit down the stretch and while Harrington was solid defensively, he wasn't flashy enough to be a big MVP candidate.
MVP and Golden Boot both went to Kei Kamara for his 10 goals and 6 assists this season. Defensive player of the year went to goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, Humanitarian went to Jimmy Conrad, and the Juniors player of the year went to defender Konner Knoll. The media got to vote on 3 of those awards, MVP, defensive player of the year, and humanitarian. So as a voting media member, who got my vote? MVP and humanitarian were the same person on my ballot, Kamara. My defensive player of the year went to Michael Harrington who had himself a very big season for the Wizards. In fact, award winner Nielsen finished 3rd on my ballot behind Harrington and Roger Espinoza. Here are my awards, the same as last year.
Rookie of the Year
Teal Bunbury
Probably the easiest selection this year, mainly because the only competition for Bunbury was Korede Aiyegbusi who played in a little over 100 minutes this season. Still Bunbury finished his rookie season with 5 league goals and 2 assists along with a goal in the US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado.
Defender of the Year
Michael Harrington
As I stated above, Harrington finished at the top of my official ballot. Harrington had a season that brought back memories of his rookie season where he looked like a potential option for the US at the outside back position, if he's healthy enough I'd hope he'd get a look in the January camp, if not a surprise call up for the upcoming South Africa friendly.
Goal of the Year
Josh Wolff vs Houston
While Birahim Diop's strike against San Jose was a thing of beauty, Kamara's goal where he channeled Roger Milla was fantastically taken, and Davy Arnaud's curling goal against Chicago was world class, I have to agree with Gooch on this one and give the goal to Josh Wolff for his winner against Houston. It was a beautiful ball by Harrington and a very nice finish by Wolff. Combine that with the timing of the goal and how huge it was at the time this goal takes it. Check the goal out again below.
Performance of the Year
Birahim Diop vs San Jose 10/23
It was the final game of the season, but Diop's performance against San Jose was great. There were 3 very good finishes and that last one was world class. Diop may not have done a lot in some of his other performances, but this one was the top performance of the season.
MVP
Kei Kamara
As I started above, Kamara was the Wizards MVP this season, he played a roll in many of the Wizards goals this season, even ones that he didn't get an assist on. Jimmy Nielsen was an early favorite, but he faded a bit down the stretch and while Harrington was solid defensively, he wasn't flashy enough to be a big MVP candidate.
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