Sporting KC picked up a point on the road last night down in Houston, in a 1-1 draw with the Dynamo. Read that statement on it's own and you'd think that was a good result for the Wizards in a location that they haven't played well in over their history. But when you explain that KC played up a man for about 20 minutes, and played up 2 men for 20 minutes, 40 minutes with a numerical advantage, then the draw loses a lot of it's luster. Still I don't know many people that were expecting a draw out of this game in the first place. Yes not getting all 3 points is a disappointment, but the one point is a point that many people didn't expect.
Once again KC allowed the first goal of the game, an 8th minute strike from Brad Davis off of a free kick. Davis fired the free kick over the four man wall and past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net. You could fault Nielsen a little bit on the play as the ball went just under Nielsen's hands, but Nielsen did a good job of making it across the goal to even have a chance at it. He had to be at least a little mindful of the cross to the back post. Graham Zusi forced a decent save out of Tally Hall shortly after Davis' goal after Zusi got in behind the defense. But while Zusi forced the save and earned the corner, he likely would have been better off firing the ball across the middle towards CJ Sapong and Omar Bravo and hope for a deflection or one of them to finish it. Houston continued to push for a second as KC struggled to go forward throughout the rest of the first half, but the KC defense was able to hold onto the lead.
In the 51st minute the game changed. Houston midfielder, Collin Clark lost the ball to Roger Espinoza, the ball made it's way to Aurelien Collin, immediately Clark came flying in for a challenge two footed, with his studs up, missed the ball and scissored Collin's leg. After some of the other challenges this season, it wasn't totally surprising that Kevin Stott immediately pulled out the red card and sent Clark off. It was a stupid challenge by the Dynamo midfielder. After the red card, KC started to take more control of the match, Sapong had an effort turned away by Hall at the near post shortly after the red card, and KC continued to attack. While KC continued to push the game, that left them susceptible to the counter and Houston tried to capitalize on that. In the 69th minute, the ball was deep in KC's end, Brian Ching tried to cut inside on Collin, but his touch was too heavy and Collin got to the ball first as Collin was sheparding the ball away from Ching and then played the ball away, Ching took kicked out at Collin, not getting the ball and taking the Frenchman down. Once again, Stott immediately went to his pocket and pulled out another red card, this one for the Dynamo captain. With the two man advantage though, KC still couldn't find an equalizer, either due to poor finishing or good goalkeeping by Hall in the Dynamo net. Even Collin stopped an effort, as he was on the ground after he had a shot saved when Sapong's rebound shot deflected off of him before being skied over by Matt Besler. In the 90th minute, KC finally broke through, with Collin silencing the boo birds in Houston who had been booing him as he'd been the player fouled on both of the Dynamo's red cards. After Roger Espinoza received a throw in from Bravo, Espinoza laid the ball off to Collin about 25 yards from Collin. His shot took a deflection on the way through, wrong footing Hall (the only time all night) and it rolled into the net for the equalizer. Unfortunately KC wasn't able to capitalize on the man advantage again to find a winner.
Definitely a mixed result for KC, the draw is nice, but the circumstances surrounding the how KC got the result are the frustrating part. Playing up at least a man for about 40 minutes and only getting one goal is incredibly frustrating, the offense continues to struggle and has averaged only a goal a game for about the last 14 games. Why Peter Vermes 1) only used one substitute was puzzling, yes other than Teal Bunbury the offensive subs were the fairly ineffective Milos Stojcev and the young Soony Saad, but getting fresh legs to run at a the tired Houston defense could have made the difference and 2) why he waited for 10 minutes after Ching's red card to make a sub. With Houston down two men, the game screamed for an immediate sub to put more offense on the field to push the game more at Houston, but Vermes didn't make the change until the 80th. I'd have had Bunbury, Stojcev or Saad up at the midfield line as soon as possible after seeing Stott produce a red for Ching.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - If it was a key moment in the game last night, Collin was involved. He caused the foul that led to Davis' goal, he drew the two red cards on Houston and scored the equalizer. A busy game for the Frenchman who is quickly developing a cult following among KC supporters.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 7, Besler 5, Harrington 5, Diop 4, Espinoza 6, Zusi 6, Bravo 5, Sapong 5, Kamara 5. Subs Bunbury 5.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sportng KC Sign Jeferson as DP
The rumors last week out of Brazil have turned out to be true, as Sporting KC's "major player announcement" was the announcement of the signing of midfielder, Jeferson as a designated player. Jeferson has been signed on loan from his current club, Vasco da Gama. Jeferson will be called upon to pull the strings in the midfield for Sporting KC, to help the team get back into more of their early season goal scoring form. Jeferson has most recently suffered from some thigh issues, but hopefully he can come through that and become a solid contributor for KC. I'm still a little skeptical about this signing with the injury issues, but after the last two games against Richmond and Houston where KC showed an inability to break down defenses.
Jeferson becomes the teams third designated player all time, and the second this season, joining Omar Bravo.
Jeferson becomes the teams third designated player all time, and the second this season, joining Omar Bravo.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Bravo Named All Star
Today during half of today's Colorado vs Seattle, commissioner, Don Garber announced the two commissioner's picks for this year's all star game against Manchester United. The two players selected by Garber were New York Red Bulls' Juan Agudelo and Sporting KC's designated player, Omar Bravo. Bravo joins teammate Matt Besler on the All Star team that will play Manchester United on July 27th at Red Bull Arena. This is the first time since 2007 that Kansas City will have 2 or more representatives on the all star team, Jimmy Conrad, Eddie Johnson, and Kevin Hartman were the Wizards' three representatives that year.
KC Confirm Cyrus Loan (Another Announcement Tomorrow)
Earlier today, Sporting KC confirmed the signing of Trinidad and Tobago international Daneil Cyrus on loan from 1st Santa Rosa FC in Trindad. Cyrus had trialed with the team all through pre-season after impressing at a combine down in the islands over the winter. The teams though had not been able to reach a deal for the player and Sporting had moved in another direction. Now Cyrus comes into a team that needs depth at center back. With Julio Cesar playing more d-mid KC only had 3 central defenders. Cyrus will fight for time with Jamaican international, Shavar Thomas.
The announcement of Cyrus means that he is not the player announcement being referred to by Robb Heineman. The speculation now switches to Jeferson, and tomorrow's "major player announcement" the team is going to be doing tomorrow. Jeferson, the Vasco da Gama attacking midfielder is the lead candidate for being that "major player" referenced in today's announcement. I'm still not sure about this potential signing as Jeferson seems to have had some thigh injury issues that have plagued him, but hopefully he has overcome them.
The announcement of Cyrus means that he is not the player announcement being referred to by Robb Heineman. The speculation now switches to Jeferson, and tomorrow's "major player announcement" the team is going to be doing tomorrow. Jeferson, the Vasco da Gama attacking midfielder is the lead candidate for being that "major player" referenced in today's announcement. I'm still not sure about this potential signing as Jeferson seems to have had some thigh injury issues that have plagued him, but hopefully he has overcome them.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Daneil Cyrus to KC?
Word out of Trinidad today is that Sporting KC has a new central defender. Long time target Daneil Cyrus is on his way to KC on a loan deal from his Trinidad club, Santa Rosa FC apparently. Cyrus had impressed during the preseason and the team had tried to work out a deal, but back in March word from Cyrus' club was that the offer was too low. Cyrus will be a boost to KC's back line which is thin at this point. With Julio Cesar moving to more of a d-mid position, KC only had 3 center backs on their roster, starters Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler, and Jamaican captain Shavar Thomas. Adding another CB had to be a priority this transfer window for this team. You do have to wonder if this is the announcement that Robb Heineman mentioned today on Twitter for tomorrow.
On the Road Again
Kansas City goes on the road tomorrow for one of their last 4 road games of the season down in Houston against the Dynamo. The Dynamo are on a 3 game unbeaten run, two ties and then a win last week over Toronto. They are led by Brad Davis, who is currently leading the league in assists. His crosses and free kicks have helped Brian Ching and Will Bruin to add to each of their goal totals.
The Wizards lost their 12 game unbeaten run in all competitions on Tuesday night, but still have their 10 game unbeaten run in league play heading into the game in Houston. But Houston hasn't exactly been a great place to play over the years for Sporting. Since winning at Robertson in their first trip ever, KC has not won since that trip. The big question will be how KC comes back from Tuesday night and the poor performance against the Kickers. Julio Cesar is out for this weekend, meaning Luke Sassano or Birahim Diop will likely move into the midfield.
Number to Remember - 4 - Four games left on the road including this game, and KC only needs 4 points in those 4 games to average a point per game on the road this season, which has been a good mark for teams wanting to make the playoffs.
Key Match Up - Chance Myers vs Brad Davis - As mentioned earlier, Davis has been a very good player for Houston, Myers shutting him down on the right hand side will be a big part of KC's game tomorrow.
PREDICTION - This game has worried me for a while, even before the Richmond game, Houston has always been a team that KC has struggled against. Hopefully they can pull themselves out of the serious scoring funk they are in, averaging a goal a game in the last 13 games and put them on the right track. I just don't feel confident in the game though.
SKC - 0
HOU - 2 (Bruin, Davis)
The Wizards lost their 12 game unbeaten run in all competitions on Tuesday night, but still have their 10 game unbeaten run in league play heading into the game in Houston. But Houston hasn't exactly been a great place to play over the years for Sporting. Since winning at Robertson in their first trip ever, KC has not won since that trip. The big question will be how KC comes back from Tuesday night and the poor performance against the Kickers. Julio Cesar is out for this weekend, meaning Luke Sassano or Birahim Diop will likely move into the midfield.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Espinoza - Sassano - Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Espinoza - Sassano - Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 4 - Four games left on the road including this game, and KC only needs 4 points in those 4 games to average a point per game on the road this season, which has been a good mark for teams wanting to make the playoffs.
Key Match Up - Chance Myers vs Brad Davis - As mentioned earlier, Davis has been a very good player for Houston, Myers shutting him down on the right hand side will be a big part of KC's game tomorrow.
PREDICTION - This game has worried me for a while, even before the Richmond game, Houston has always been a team that KC has struggled against. Hopefully they can pull themselves out of the serious scoring funk they are in, averaging a goal a game in the last 13 games and put them on the right track. I just don't feel confident in the game though.
SKC - 0
HOU - 2 (Bruin, Davis)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Practice and Press Conference Thoughts
With one of my precious days off today from my job that pays the bills, I made my way to Swope for Sporting KC's practice today and the press conference with Peter Vermes and Soony Saad. The one thing that was most surprising about practice today was that it was more laid back than I thought it was. With yesterday being more of a recovery day for the guys and tomorrow likely being a light day before departing for Houston I figured today would be more of an intense day. It was still a hard work out for the guys overall, but not as intense as I thought it would be.
Stephane Auvray is still no where to be found, and actually seeing Vermes reaction to questions about him just reinforces what I'd believed for a while and what people had told me, that Auvray is gone. While Vermes comments in the press conference were non-committal on the Guadeloupe captain, his mannerisms when asked about it just drove the point home for me.
On the Richmond game, Vermes didn't want to touch on that much more, stating again that the team did not play well and that there was a lack of effort and a lack of recognition of things that were not taken advantage of. He also talked about how players didn't do themselves favors in terms of getting more playing time after they failed to impress in the opportunity that was given to them. He also said that some players either didn't respect the Kickers, or their teammates during the game on Tuesday. Vermes said that the players now have to change that perception. It'll be interesting to see which of those players get bumped back down a little bit because of the poor performance against Richmond. Some of these comments when I think about the game would seem to be directed towards Teal Bunbury and his poor performance.
On Ryan Smith, Vermes emphasized that Smith is not a free agent, he's free to sign for teams over there, but there would have to be some sort of compensation in some form from any team that signed him to MLS and Sporting. He's not a "free agent" as reports out of England have suggested.
He talked about Matt Besler's all star selection, really talking up the local product, talking about how he's improved from year to year, saying this year he's become a "man at the position". Vermes did tip Besler for eventually being called up to the US national team, saying that if he continues the way he has he will get a call up to the US team. A lot of good things to say about Besler.
Vermes did tip his hat towards Saturday a little bit towards Saturday. After talking Soony Saad up for a little bit, including talking about how Saad has a different mentality than many guys as he is really pushing to scrape together goals. But Vermes did say that Saad is on the travel roster for this weekend in Houston. Saad was the player involved in today's press conference, and the kid looks extremely excited to be playing here. He lite up when asked about LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and talked up the crowd atmosphere in the stadium and how we was looking forward to contributing and becoming a fan favorite. He came across as a kid with a lot of drive to become a star and a kid who literally is living his dream of being a professional player.
Craig Rocastle continues his recovery from injury, running and some agility work, and is still on schedule. Vermes said some time in mid to late August Rocastle would hopefully be back.
With regards to Jeferson Vermes says that he's not going to comment on things at this time. Vermes said he loves that Robb will tip his hand, but he's not going to show his. But the team is looking to be active in the transfer window that opens tomorrow, within and outside the league.
For next week with the busy schedule of game Saturday, reserve game (that Vermes says that he is battling with the league over moving), Newcastle, and Toronto the following Saturday, Vermes said it's going to be a difficult thing to do. He expected trialists and Juniors to play a major role in the reserve game against the Fire.
Stephane Auvray is still no where to be found, and actually seeing Vermes reaction to questions about him just reinforces what I'd believed for a while and what people had told me, that Auvray is gone. While Vermes comments in the press conference were non-committal on the Guadeloupe captain, his mannerisms when asked about it just drove the point home for me.
On the Richmond game, Vermes didn't want to touch on that much more, stating again that the team did not play well and that there was a lack of effort and a lack of recognition of things that were not taken advantage of. He also talked about how players didn't do themselves favors in terms of getting more playing time after they failed to impress in the opportunity that was given to them. He also said that some players either didn't respect the Kickers, or their teammates during the game on Tuesday. Vermes said that the players now have to change that perception. It'll be interesting to see which of those players get bumped back down a little bit because of the poor performance against Richmond. Some of these comments when I think about the game would seem to be directed towards Teal Bunbury and his poor performance.
On Ryan Smith, Vermes emphasized that Smith is not a free agent, he's free to sign for teams over there, but there would have to be some sort of compensation in some form from any team that signed him to MLS and Sporting. He's not a "free agent" as reports out of England have suggested.
He talked about Matt Besler's all star selection, really talking up the local product, talking about how he's improved from year to year, saying this year he's become a "man at the position". Vermes did tip Besler for eventually being called up to the US national team, saying that if he continues the way he has he will get a call up to the US team. A lot of good things to say about Besler.
Vermes did tip his hat towards Saturday a little bit towards Saturday. After talking Soony Saad up for a little bit, including talking about how Saad has a different mentality than many guys as he is really pushing to scrape together goals. But Vermes did say that Saad is on the travel roster for this weekend in Houston. Saad was the player involved in today's press conference, and the kid looks extremely excited to be playing here. He lite up when asked about LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and talked up the crowd atmosphere in the stadium and how we was looking forward to contributing and becoming a fan favorite. He came across as a kid with a lot of drive to become a star and a kid who literally is living his dream of being a professional player.
Craig Rocastle continues his recovery from injury, running and some agility work, and is still on schedule. Vermes said some time in mid to late August Rocastle would hopefully be back.
With regards to Jeferson Vermes says that he's not going to comment on things at this time. Vermes said he loves that Robb will tip his hand, but he's not going to show his. But the team is looking to be active in the transfer window that opens tomorrow, within and outside the league.
For next week with the busy schedule of game Saturday, reserve game (that Vermes says that he is battling with the league over moving), Newcastle, and Toronto the following Saturday, Vermes said it's going to be a difficult thing to do. He expected trialists and Juniors to play a major role in the reserve game against the Fire.
Kempin Named to US U18 Team
Yesterday, US Soccer named the US U18 roster that will be going to Northern Ireland to compete in this year's Milk Cup. Kempin was one of two keepers called up, along with Cody Cropper from Ipswich Town. The team will play Israel on the 25th, Mexico on the 27th, and then a "placement" game on the 29th depending on how the first two games go. The sad thing in one regard for Kempin is that he will now miss the Newcastle friendly on the 20th most likely. Good luck to Kempin at the tournament.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here is this week's former Wizards updates. Sunil Chhetri is back on the list, scoring a goal in a friendly against Maldives as they prepare for their World Cup qualifier against UAE.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Came off the bench and played 13 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in LA's 3-1 loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 loss to Dallas in the US Open Cup.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 3-2 win over Portland. Did not play in Seattle's 3-1 win over LA in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-0 loss to RSL. Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over RSL in the US Open Cup.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 2-1 win over Chicago. Did not play in LA's 3-1 loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not have a game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 loss to Seattle.
Mike Jones - New York - Dressed but did not play in New York's 1-0 loss to DC. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 4-0 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to Colorado.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 2-0 win over Dallas. Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 loss to Dallas in the US Open Cup.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 loss to Seattle.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 3-2 win over Portland. Did not play in Seattle's 3-1 win over LA in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 74 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 loss to Atlanta. Dressed but did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 loss to Atlanta. Started and played 89 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 79 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte. Came off the bench and played 25 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 76 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over New York.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 3-1 win over New York.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Did not dress in Ocean City's 4-1 loss to Reading. Tied New Jersey 2-2 tonight.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Did not dress in Jax's 5-1 loss to Bradenton. Did not dress in Jax's 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 1-1 draw with Maldives.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game until 8/23
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Off until 7/16
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Came off the bench and played 13 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in LA's 3-1 loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 loss to Dallas in the US Open Cup.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 3-2 win over Portland. Did not play in Seattle's 3-1 win over LA in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-0 loss to RSL. Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over RSL in the US Open Cup.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 2-1 win over Chicago. Did not play in LA's 3-1 loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not have a game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 loss to Seattle.
Mike Jones - New York - Dressed but did not play in New York's 1-0 loss to DC. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 4-0 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to Colorado.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 2-0 win over Dallas. Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 loss to Dallas in the US Open Cup.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 loss to Seattle.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 3-2 win over Portland. Did not play in Seattle's 3-1 win over LA in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 74 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 loss to Atlanta. Dressed but did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 loss to Atlanta. Started and played 89 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 79 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte. Came off the bench and played 25 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 76 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over New York.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 3-1 win over New York.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 win over KC in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-0 win over Orlando.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Did not dress in Ocean City's 4-1 loss to Reading. Tied New Jersey 2-2 tonight.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Did not dress in Jax's 5-1 loss to Bradenton. Did not dress in Jax's 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 1-1 draw with Maldives.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game until 8/23
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Off until 7/16
Sporting KC After Brazilian Midfielder Jeferson?
Sounds like one of the two players coming in on trial, mentioned by Robb Heineman has been made known. Word out of Brazil is that Vasco da Gama midfielder, Jeferson is on his way to Kansas City. The article out of Brazil loosely says that Jeferson would be on loan to Kansas City with the team and league having the option to buy the midfielder if he impresses. Looking at his history with his clubs throughout his career and the first thing that comes to my head is Carlos Marinelli. Seems like Jeferson has a long history of nagging injuries that have kept him out of many games. And while KC could use an attacking midfielder, I can't say that the thought of bringing in another injury prone midfielder to a physical league like MLS fills me with excitement over this potential signing. Things will start to heat up rumor wise though as the transfer window reopens for MLS teams on Friday.
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
Here are your Thursday After Stats for last night's Open Cup game.
Michael Harrington made his 148th appearance for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 13th place on that list.
Harrington also made his 11th appearance in all Open Cup competitions, moving him into a tie with Preki for 4th on that list.
Eric Kronberg made his 8th Open Cup appearance in all USOC competitions, tying him with Matt McKeon for 10th on that list.
Harrington and Kronberg also made their 8th start in USOC competitions, tying with with Davy Arnaud, Chris Klein and McKeon for 4th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 6th USOC appearance, tying him with 7 players for 13th on that list.
Myers also made his 5th start in USOC competitions, tying him with 6 players for 15th place on that list.
Michael Harrington made his 148th appearance for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 13th place on that list.
Harrington also made his 11th appearance in all Open Cup competitions, moving him into a tie with Preki for 4th on that list.
Eric Kronberg made his 8th Open Cup appearance in all USOC competitions, tying him with Matt McKeon for 10th on that list.
Harrington and Kronberg also made their 8th start in USOC competitions, tying with with Davy Arnaud, Chris Klein and McKeon for 4th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 6th USOC appearance, tying him with 7 players for 13th on that list.
Myers also made his 5th start in USOC competitions, tying him with 6 players for 15th place on that list.
Dissapointing and a little Embarassing
Last night Peter Vermes selected a squad well capable of defeating the Richmond Kickers and advancing in the US Open Cup. The team's starting back line for the past few games was starting, the midfield had 3 players that have all gotten plenty of first team minutes in league play, and the forward line had 2 players that have represented their national team. A lineup like that should be able to top a 3rd division side. Unfortunately the guys on the field didn't seem like they were really there to play, and after an 80 minute lightning delay while Richmond came out ready to play KC looked like they were still in the locker room as Richmond scored twice to win 2-0.
While KC didn't play up to their ability, credit has to be given to Richmond, they came in with a smart game plan for this game and played it to perfection. They sat behind the ball, let KC have all the possession they wanted 40 yards out from goal but then swarmed the ball defensively when the Wizards got into the offensive third. After the lightning delay, the rain slicked field played right into their attempts to counter as well.
KC controlled the game entirely, possession was probably something like 80 to 20 for long stretches of the game, but the shooting, a problem that has haunted KC for a while now, still lacked. KC had 25 shots, only 6 on goal, and never really tested Ronnie Pascale in the Kickers net until late. In the first half each of the forwards for KC had some chances that were close but only one was actually on goal. Scott Lorenz, who looked pretty good for much of the night in the forward position, put a back heal off the post after some good work on the wing by Kei Kamara. Teal Bunbury forced Pascale to make a save on a blast from 30 yards out that Pascale didn't hold, but no one followed the shot. Then in stoppage time, Kamara tried a bike from the top of the penalty area, and didn't miss by much. After the first half KC had to fell confident that the ball would come, on the opposite side of the field, Eric Kronberg hadn't even had to make a save.
In the second half KC continued to control the game, but Richmond did a little better offensively, forcing Kronberg into one save. KC took control from there, with multiple crosses and attacks into the box, but came away with nothing, a lack of creativity from Sporting left them with little but hopefully crosses. The best chance came to Teal Bunbury who had got played in 1v1 with the keeper, but skied his effort over the bar. Then in the 65th minute the storms that hit KC last night were close enough to postpone the game for 81 minutes.
After the restart, KC looked like they were still in the locker room as I'm not sure KC got more than 5 touches on the ball before Richmond grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top was misjudged by Matt Besler and the ball went over his head. Substitute David Bulow raced onto the ball and squared it into the middle to an open Shaka Bangura. Kronberg seemed like he'd collect the ball right off of Bangura's foot, but on the slick surface Bangura's shot deflected over Kronberg and looped into the net for the 1-0 lead for Richmond. KC threw more caution to the wind sending more numbers forward looking for an equalizer, but with the lead Richmond sat a little deeper and again KC was forced to hope for a header on a long ball or off a set piece and they weren't coming. Then in the 82nd minute KC's high line cost them, as Jamel Wallace got played in behind the KC back line. Aurelien Collin was able to run him down but fouled Wallace in the box giving the Kickers a PK. It's surprising Collin wasn't sent off for the challenge since he was already on a yellow. Bulow stepped up and fired the shot just out of the reach of Kronberg.
The game was basically over at that point but KC tried to find a consolation. Omar Bravo probably came the closest with a diving header that forced Pascale into a low diving save to catch it. The Open Cup run for KC is over, for the 6th time in the team's history it comes at the hands of a lower division side.
Wizards Man of the Match - Chance Myers - This is being awarded to basically who I thought sucked the least last night. Myers had another decent game at the back in a game where the majority of the guys didn't have decent games.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Harrington 4, Besler 4, Collin 4, Myers 5, Sassano 5, Diop 3, Stojcev 4, Lorenz 5, Bunbury 3, Kamara 3. Subs Espinoza 5, Bravo 5, Sapong 4.
While KC didn't play up to their ability, credit has to be given to Richmond, they came in with a smart game plan for this game and played it to perfection. They sat behind the ball, let KC have all the possession they wanted 40 yards out from goal but then swarmed the ball defensively when the Wizards got into the offensive third. After the lightning delay, the rain slicked field played right into their attempts to counter as well.
KC controlled the game entirely, possession was probably something like 80 to 20 for long stretches of the game, but the shooting, a problem that has haunted KC for a while now, still lacked. KC had 25 shots, only 6 on goal, and never really tested Ronnie Pascale in the Kickers net until late. In the first half each of the forwards for KC had some chances that were close but only one was actually on goal. Scott Lorenz, who looked pretty good for much of the night in the forward position, put a back heal off the post after some good work on the wing by Kei Kamara. Teal Bunbury forced Pascale to make a save on a blast from 30 yards out that Pascale didn't hold, but no one followed the shot. Then in stoppage time, Kamara tried a bike from the top of the penalty area, and didn't miss by much. After the first half KC had to fell confident that the ball would come, on the opposite side of the field, Eric Kronberg hadn't even had to make a save.
In the second half KC continued to control the game, but Richmond did a little better offensively, forcing Kronberg into one save. KC took control from there, with multiple crosses and attacks into the box, but came away with nothing, a lack of creativity from Sporting left them with little but hopefully crosses. The best chance came to Teal Bunbury who had got played in 1v1 with the keeper, but skied his effort over the bar. Then in the 65th minute the storms that hit KC last night were close enough to postpone the game for 81 minutes.
After the restart, KC looked like they were still in the locker room as I'm not sure KC got more than 5 touches on the ball before Richmond grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top was misjudged by Matt Besler and the ball went over his head. Substitute David Bulow raced onto the ball and squared it into the middle to an open Shaka Bangura. Kronberg seemed like he'd collect the ball right off of Bangura's foot, but on the slick surface Bangura's shot deflected over Kronberg and looped into the net for the 1-0 lead for Richmond. KC threw more caution to the wind sending more numbers forward looking for an equalizer, but with the lead Richmond sat a little deeper and again KC was forced to hope for a header on a long ball or off a set piece and they weren't coming. Then in the 82nd minute KC's high line cost them, as Jamel Wallace got played in behind the KC back line. Aurelien Collin was able to run him down but fouled Wallace in the box giving the Kickers a PK. It's surprising Collin wasn't sent off for the challenge since he was already on a yellow. Bulow stepped up and fired the shot just out of the reach of Kronberg.
The game was basically over at that point but KC tried to find a consolation. Omar Bravo probably came the closest with a diving header that forced Pascale into a low diving save to catch it. The Open Cup run for KC is over, for the 6th time in the team's history it comes at the hands of a lower division side.
Wizards Man of the Match - Chance Myers - This is being awarded to basically who I thought sucked the least last night. Myers had another decent game at the back in a game where the majority of the guys didn't have decent games.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Harrington 4, Besler 4, Collin 4, Myers 5, Sassano 5, Diop 3, Stojcev 4, Lorenz 5, Bunbury 3, Kamara 3. Subs Espinoza 5, Bravo 5, Sapong 4.
Smith to Real Zaragoza?
Ryan Smith is saying he's a free agent, Sporting KC is saying otherwise, but that hasn't stopped Smith from trying to find a team closer to his family in England. Word out of Spain is that Smith is headed to Real Zaragoza for a trial. The Spanish club finished only 2 points clear of the relegation zone in Spain last year, but in 13th place. The question is whether Smith is really a free agent. Everything I've heard from the team is no he's not, but I doubt they'd stand in the way of him moving to a club in Europe. Still I wouldn't be surprised if there's some sort of minor compensation if and when Smith moves.
Monday, July 11, 2011
We Want the Cup
Tomorrow KC continues their busy schedule with their Open Cup quarterfinal against the Richmond Kickers at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Once again KC is playing their 3rd game in the span of a week when the USL-Pro team (US third division) comes into town. The Kickers will also be playing their 3rd game in a week, as they played a home and home series with the Charlotte Eagles on Friday and Saturday night this past week, and now travel to KC. The Kickers have two of the top goalscorers in this year's competition in David Bulow and Matthew Delicate have 5 and 3 goals respectively. The Kickers also feature two former Wizards on their team, Edson Elcock a 2007 second round pick, and Yomby William a 2008 second round pick. To get to this point, the Kickers defeated two other USL-Pro teams, Dayton and Pittsburgh, before beating the Crew in the third round a few weeks ago.
KC's busy schedule will begin to catch up with them eventually and the team's current unbeaten run will end sooner than later, but it shouldn't end tomorrow night. Even with more of a reserve lineup starting the game, this game should be KC's. I say should be, because KC hasn't always had a stellar history in the Open Cup. While they have more wins than losses in the tournament, they don't always perform well, especially against lower division sides. This is only the second time KC has played a team from the USA's third division, last time they lost to the San Francisco Bay Seals in 1997. Still I expect a reserve lineup, Shavar Thomas, Teal Bunbury, Luke Sassano I all expect to be starting.
Number to Remember - 3 - Three wins away from winning silverware and it starts tomorrow. Just keep winning and KC has the chance at silverware.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Richmond back line - Bunbury looked better his last time out, but still has struggled to break out of his slump. Hopefully another game against a lower division side will give Bunbury a chance to do this.
PREDICTION - The higher division side should be able to win match ups against teams two divisions below them. But that's not always the case as previous trips into the Open Cup have shown for KC. Both teams will likely have a few tired legs due to their schedules, but KC not having to travel will be a big point, and KC should just have the talent to be able to get this result.
SKC - 2 (Bunbury, Kamara)
RICH - 1 (Delicate)
KC's busy schedule will begin to catch up with them eventually and the team's current unbeaten run will end sooner than later, but it shouldn't end tomorrow night. Even with more of a reserve lineup starting the game, this game should be KC's. I say should be, because KC hasn't always had a stellar history in the Open Cup. While they have more wins than losses in the tournament, they don't always perform well, especially against lower division sides. This is only the second time KC has played a team from the USA's third division, last time they lost to the San Francisco Bay Seals in 1997. Still I expect a reserve lineup, Shavar Thomas, Teal Bunbury, Luke Sassano I all expect to be starting.
Kronberg
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Lorenz
Sassano - Diop - Stojcev
Kamara - Bunbury - Aiyegbusi
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Lorenz
Sassano - Diop - Stojcev
Kamara - Bunbury - Aiyegbusi
Number to Remember - 3 - Three wins away from winning silverware and it starts tomorrow. Just keep winning and KC has the chance at silverware.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Richmond back line - Bunbury looked better his last time out, but still has struggled to break out of his slump. Hopefully another game against a lower division side will give Bunbury a chance to do this.
PREDICTION - The higher division side should be able to win match ups against teams two divisions below them. But that's not always the case as previous trips into the Open Cup have shown for KC. Both teams will likely have a few tired legs due to their schedules, but KC not having to travel will be a big point, and KC should just have the talent to be able to get this result.
SKC - 2 (Bunbury, Kamara)
RICH - 1 (Delicate)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Besler an AllStar
Today MLS announced the Starting XI for this year's All Star game against Manchester United on July 27th in New York. The Starting XI was dominated by New York and LA players. But there will be at least one Sporting KC player in New York for the game. Sporting KC defender, Matt Besler has been selected to the All Star team as the winner of of the AT&T Text Voting Winner. It is Besler's first appearance in the all star game, and the first Sporting KC player since Davy Arnaud made the team in 2009.
5th Home Game Attendance Comparison
Another home game to look at and compare to KC's historic attendance. The 2011 season extended it's "lead" with another sell out last night out a LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. That is also the largest attendance for the 5th game, topping the 17,808 that showed up for the game in 96. Here is the one from the 4th home game. Here's a look at the 5th game attendance for all the years and the average attendance for each year through 5 games.
1996 - Arrowhead
17,808
Average - 14,884
1997 - Arrowhead
11,152
Average - 9,036
1998 - Arrowhead
10,333
Average - 8,134
1999 - Arrowhead
8,287
Average - 8,599
2000 - Arrowhead
9,705
Average - 7,986
2001 - Arrowhead
11,083
Average - 10,188
2002 - Arrowhead
7,266
Average - 12,170
2003 - Arrowhead
15,944
Average - 15,607
2004 - Arrowhead
10,013
Average - 15,797
2005 - Arrowhead
8,526
Average - 10,231
2006 - Arrowhead
11,020
Average - 11,336
2007 - Arrowhead
8,091
Average - 9,394
2008 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,445
2009 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,431
2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,840
2011 - LiveSTRONG Sporting Park
18,467
Average - 18,107
And here are how the years match up in order, with their movement from last time.
1. 2011 - 18,107 (-)
2. 2004 - 15,797 (-)
3. 2003 - 15,607 (-)
4. 1996 - 14,884 (-)
5. 2002 - 12,170 (-)
6. 2006 - 11,336 (-)
7. 2005 - 10,231 (-)
8. 2001 - 10,188 (-)
9. 2010 - 9,840 (+1)
10. 2008 - 9,445 (+1)
11. 2009 - 9,431 (+1)
12. 2007 - 9,394 (-3)
13. 1997 - 9,036 (+1)
14. 1999 - 8,599 (-1)
15. 1998 - 8,134 (-)
16. 2000 - 7,986 (-)
1996 - Arrowhead
17,808
Average - 14,884
1997 - Arrowhead
11,152
Average - 9,036
1998 - Arrowhead
10,333
Average - 8,134
1999 - Arrowhead
8,287
Average - 8,599
2000 - Arrowhead
9,705
Average - 7,986
2001 - Arrowhead
11,083
Average - 10,188
2002 - Arrowhead
7,266
Average - 12,170
2003 - Arrowhead
15,944
Average - 15,607
2004 - Arrowhead
10,013
Average - 15,797
2005 - Arrowhead
8,526
Average - 10,231
2006 - Arrowhead
11,020
Average - 11,336
2007 - Arrowhead
8,091
Average - 9,394
2008 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,445
2009 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,431
2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,840
2011 - LiveSTRONG Sporting Park
18,467
Average - 18,107
And here are how the years match up in order, with their movement from last time.
1. 2011 - 18,107 (-)
2. 2004 - 15,797 (-)
3. 2003 - 15,607 (-)
4. 1996 - 14,884 (-)
5. 2002 - 12,170 (-)
6. 2006 - 11,336 (-)
7. 2005 - 10,231 (-)
8. 2001 - 10,188 (-)
9. 2010 - 9,840 (+1)
10. 2008 - 9,445 (+1)
11. 2009 - 9,431 (+1)
12. 2007 - 9,394 (-3)
13. 1997 - 9,036 (+1)
14. 1999 - 8,599 (-1)
15. 1998 - 8,134 (-)
16. 2000 - 7,986 (-)
Sunday After Stats
Here's stats for last night's game.
Omar Bravo's goal was his 3rd against Chivas USA, that ties him for the most goals in league play against Chivas with Davy Arnaud and Jose Burciaga.
Michael Harrington made his 147th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 14th place on that list.
Chance Myers made his 50th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 48th player to hit that mark.
Kei Kamara made his 50th appearance for KC in league play, he's the 39th player to hit that mark.
Omar Bravo's goal was his 3rd against Chivas USA, that ties him for the most goals in league play against Chivas with Davy Arnaud and Jose Burciaga.
Michael Harrington made his 147th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 14th place on that list.
Chance Myers made his 50th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 48th player to hit that mark.
Kei Kamara made his 50th appearance for KC in league play, he's the 39th player to hit that mark.
The Streak Stays Alive
It took a late equalizer, but KC moved their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games, tying a team record last night with their 1-1 draw with Chivas USA. At times KC didn't look like they were going to get the result, either due to the offense not really clicking early on, or late saves by Chivas keeper, Dan Kennedy, it looked like the streak would end. But Omar Bravo's header in stoppage time gave KC a share of the points last night.
Chivas seemed to control the early parts of the game, pressuring early and earning a half chance that Matt Besler blocked in front of goal. Then in the 12th minute, Nick LaBrocca struck a chipped effort off the cross bar after he'd done a good job to turn with the ball. Jimmy Nielsen though did extremely well to smother the rebound so as to now give the Goats another chance. After absorbing the early pressure, KC started to come alive and in the 26th minute, over half the stadium thought KC had taken the lead through CJ Sapong. Sapong's curling effort from outside the box though went just over the bar and landed on the roof of the net. Some of KC's issues offensively early on though seemed to come in the form of Milos Stojcev who had a horrible game and was subbed out after only 38th minute. Before that happened though, Chivas re-established their control of the game and in the 30th, LaBrocca found the opener (and 10,000th goal in MLS history). Chivas USA cut up the center of KC's team through Blair Gaven and Justin Braun, before Braun slid a ball through to LaBrocca, who had totally lost his marker, Julio Cesar. LaBrocca easily slid his shot past the onrushing Jimmy Nielsen to give Chivas the lead. Chivas pushed right after the goal and Nielsen had to come up with two decent saves on Braun to keep the score at 1-0.
In the second half, KC came out with more attack offensively and within the first 15 minutes it seemed that Omar Bravo could have had two PKs called in his favor for fouls in the box, but like the home opener against Chicago, the referee was not interested in calling the fouls. KC though continued to push the game while Chivas tried to absorb the pressure. Kennedy made a good save on a volley from Chance Myers in the 64th minute, the first in a string of good saves for the Chivas keeper. Chivas tried to hit on the counter, but really didn't test Nielsen much in the second half. As the game wore on KC continued to try to find an equalizer, but their best chances came as the game was winding down. Kei Kamara, who subbed in for the ineffective Stojcev forced a diving save from Kennedy in the 85th, and only minutes later, Bravo forced a diving save as well. Finally they found their goal in stoppage time. Besler played a long ball over the top that Birahim Diop did well to head on towards Kamara. His marker beat the Sierra Leone man to the ball, but the clearance attempt went right into the middle of the box, where Bravo had made his run. Bravo powered his header past Kennedy, giving him no chance.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Omar Bravo - Bravo had a strong game, probably could have had a couple PKs called in his favor on other days. Some good goalkeeping by Kennedy kept Bravo from more than just his equalizer.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 5, Harrington 5, Cesar 4, Espinoza 5, Zusi 5, Stojcev 3, Sapong 5, Bravo 6. Subs Kamara 5, Sassano 5, Diop 5.
Chivas seemed to control the early parts of the game, pressuring early and earning a half chance that Matt Besler blocked in front of goal. Then in the 12th minute, Nick LaBrocca struck a chipped effort off the cross bar after he'd done a good job to turn with the ball. Jimmy Nielsen though did extremely well to smother the rebound so as to now give the Goats another chance. After absorbing the early pressure, KC started to come alive and in the 26th minute, over half the stadium thought KC had taken the lead through CJ Sapong. Sapong's curling effort from outside the box though went just over the bar and landed on the roof of the net. Some of KC's issues offensively early on though seemed to come in the form of Milos Stojcev who had a horrible game and was subbed out after only 38th minute. Before that happened though, Chivas re-established their control of the game and in the 30th, LaBrocca found the opener (and 10,000th goal in MLS history). Chivas USA cut up the center of KC's team through Blair Gaven and Justin Braun, before Braun slid a ball through to LaBrocca, who had totally lost his marker, Julio Cesar. LaBrocca easily slid his shot past the onrushing Jimmy Nielsen to give Chivas the lead. Chivas pushed right after the goal and Nielsen had to come up with two decent saves on Braun to keep the score at 1-0.
In the second half, KC came out with more attack offensively and within the first 15 minutes it seemed that Omar Bravo could have had two PKs called in his favor for fouls in the box, but like the home opener against Chicago, the referee was not interested in calling the fouls. KC though continued to push the game while Chivas tried to absorb the pressure. Kennedy made a good save on a volley from Chance Myers in the 64th minute, the first in a string of good saves for the Chivas keeper. Chivas tried to hit on the counter, but really didn't test Nielsen much in the second half. As the game wore on KC continued to try to find an equalizer, but their best chances came as the game was winding down. Kei Kamara, who subbed in for the ineffective Stojcev forced a diving save from Kennedy in the 85th, and only minutes later, Bravo forced a diving save as well. Finally they found their goal in stoppage time. Besler played a long ball over the top that Birahim Diop did well to head on towards Kamara. His marker beat the Sierra Leone man to the ball, but the clearance attempt went right into the middle of the box, where Bravo had made his run. Bravo powered his header past Kennedy, giving him no chance.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Omar Bravo - Bravo had a strong game, probably could have had a couple PKs called in his favor on other days. Some good goalkeeping by Kennedy kept Bravo from more than just his equalizer.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 5, Harrington 5, Cesar 4, Espinoza 5, Zusi 5, Stojcev 3, Sapong 5, Bravo 6. Subs Kamara 5, Sassano 5, Diop 5.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Midseason Grades
Wednesday against Colorado was Kansas City's 17th game of the season, the midway point of the season. KC played 13 of the 17 games on the road in the first half of the season, leaving them with 13 at home in the second half. Here are the midseason grades for Sporting KC players.
Korede Aiyegbusi - INC - Aiyegbusi has only played 93 minutes in league play for KC. He's competed a bit more in the US Open Cup competitions, but not enough to warrant a grade so far this season.
Davy Arnaud - C+ - Has moved back a bit in the midfield playing a bit more defensively for KC this season. He'd had to step back to help cover for the defensive issues. In the role he hasn't been as visible on the field. Since he went out with injury KC hasn't suffered but his experience in MLS could be a big factor down the stretch.
Stephane Auvray - D - The Gaudeloupe international missed time while at the Gold Cup, but even before then didn't appear to be getting a lot of playing time. Since returning from the Gold Cup he's fell further down the depth chart even with the injury to Craig Rocastle. Auvray is now behind at least Julio Cesar, Roger Espinoza, and Luke Sassano and looks to be on his way out of KC in the coming transfer window. A bit disappointing as he'd been solid for KC last year.
Matt Besler - A- - Besler has proven himself to be a starter in this league and has formed a strong partnership with Aurelien Collin. The defenses early season struggles are what has kept Besler from a straight A for the first half of the season as the past 11 games him and Collin have been extremely solid in the back.
Omar Bravo - B- - Maybe it's the fact that I've expected more out of Bravo, but so far I haven't been extremely impressed with the Mexican. He looked great in the opener, but since then has only scored one goal (from the penalty spot). Hopefully as he gets further away from his sports hernia surgery he'll continue to improve and start to put the ball into the back of the net.
Teal Bunbury - D+ - His play early in the season after coming back from his elbow injury is what has kept him from a failing grade. Bunbury's form has hit rock bottom it seems, he has struggled with everything from his touch to his shot. Hopefully he comes out of it quick as the schedule congestion continues for KC.
Julio Cesar - C- - I was ready to write Cesar off a month or so ago, he'd looked incredibly poor for KC in the center of defense no matter if his partner was Besler or Aurelien Collin. But he has started to bring his grab up since he has moved into the defensive midfield position with Craig Rocastle and Arnaud out.
Aurelien Collin - A - One of the favorites for team MVP at the mid-point of the season, and should be a favorite for MLS Newcomer of the Year. Once he got his feet under him in the league he's formed a solid partnership with Besler and has helped to stop the leaking of goals.
Birahim Diop - C+ - Diop has racked up 541 minutes so far this season for KC, and has moved back more into the midfield position than as a forward. As a replacement for Rocastle he struggled before making way for other players to play there. It's funny that fans have suggested that he needs to be moved back to forward, when we were saying the same thing about him moving to forward last season.
Kevin Ellis - INC - Has only played 27 minutes in all competitions for KC, a substitute appearance in the US Open Cup. He has apparently impressed in practice though according to reports.
Roger Espinoza - C+ - Espinoza struggled early in the season along with the rest of the back line, his form from last year just wasn't there. Since his return though he's found himself in the midfield where he has improved his grade greatly since moving there.
Michael Harrington - C - Harrington like Espinoza struggled early on in the season, then lost his starting spot to a combination of Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic. Lately he's returned back to the lineup, but hasn't regained the form from last year when he looked like he could potentially work his way onto the national team.
Kei Kamara - C- - Kamara's form hasn't been as bad as Bunbury's has been for KC, but the Wizards leading scorer last season is struggling almost as much as Bunbury. Kamara hasn't scored since his brace against New England and has fallen out of the starting XI for KC as well.
Jon Kempin - INC - Sporting's original home grown player has still yet to make his first team debut for Kempin. But that's not really surprising with Jimmy Nielsen and Eric Kronberg in front of him.
Eric Kronberg - B - Kronberg has appeared in 4 games for KC in league play, 3 starts, and outside the LA game has held up well. He's also recorded 3 shutouts in KC's run in the Open Cup so far.
Scott Lorenz - INC - Lorenz has only made one league appearance for KC, a start in Chicago. He's also made an appearance in the Open Cup, but not enough for a grade.
Chance Myers - B+ - Myers started the season looking again like a poor first round pick ealry in the season, but has since come on and replaced Harrington as the first choice right back for KC. His crosses have been some of the best on the team and he's helping to create chances from his wing.
Jimmy Nielsen - B+ - Really there's been maybe one game all season where Nielsen has really been at fault for giving up goals, other than that he's been as solid as he always seems to be for KC this season. And with a solid defense in front of him now he's showing that.
Craig Rocastle - B- - Rocastle had started to help with the turnaround for KC before going to the Gold Cup and getting injured. Now the question will become whether he'll be able to earn his spot back once he returns to the team.
Soony Saad - INC - The newest Wizards player, there's only been one game since he joined the team.
CJ Sapong - A - I wasn't ecstatic about the pick of Sapong in the first round, but he has proven me wrong, especially as Bunbury and Kamara have struggled. Sapong plays the center forward position the way that Vermes needs it played in this season. He's currently the leading scorer in all competitions with 6 and is tied for the team lead in league play with 3. A solid rookie performance so far, hopefully he doesn't hit a burn out period.
Luke Sassano - B - Sassano struggled with match fitness early in the season, but has become a solid contributor for KC. Mainly as a reserve midfielder, but has been a calming influence when on the field.
Seth Sinovic - B - The early season pick up off waivers from New England, Sinovic had staked a claim at the starting left back spot when Espinoza left for the Gold Cup and Harrington struggling for form. Sinovic has had a good run in the starting XI before injury forced him out. When he's ready to return will be interesting if he can beat out Harrington for the left back spot.
Ryan Smith - INC - Smith's departure from the team has been disappointing, but so far hasn't come back to bite KC. He struggled with recovery from offseason surgery during his time here this year and was able to only play 294 minutes.
Milos Stojcev - C+ - Stojcev has had his moments of brilliance on the field, but he has also looked poor, showing a lack of a right foot, and making stupid challenges, like the one against Dallas that saw him pick up a second yellow.
Shavar Thomas - INC - The Jamaican international has only played 35 minutes for KC this season, although some of those were in stoppage time against Vancouver when KC gave up two goals.
Konrad Warzycha - INC - Has spent the entire season on IR so far.
Graham Zusi - A - Zusi is having a break out season for KC, scoring 3 goals and assisting on 3 more. He's been providing great service on free kicks. He's come into his own this year.
Korede Aiyegbusi - INC - Aiyegbusi has only played 93 minutes in league play for KC. He's competed a bit more in the US Open Cup competitions, but not enough to warrant a grade so far this season.
Davy Arnaud - C+ - Has moved back a bit in the midfield playing a bit more defensively for KC this season. He'd had to step back to help cover for the defensive issues. In the role he hasn't been as visible on the field. Since he went out with injury KC hasn't suffered but his experience in MLS could be a big factor down the stretch.
Stephane Auvray - D - The Gaudeloupe international missed time while at the Gold Cup, but even before then didn't appear to be getting a lot of playing time. Since returning from the Gold Cup he's fell further down the depth chart even with the injury to Craig Rocastle. Auvray is now behind at least Julio Cesar, Roger Espinoza, and Luke Sassano and looks to be on his way out of KC in the coming transfer window. A bit disappointing as he'd been solid for KC last year.
Matt Besler - A- - Besler has proven himself to be a starter in this league and has formed a strong partnership with Aurelien Collin. The defenses early season struggles are what has kept Besler from a straight A for the first half of the season as the past 11 games him and Collin have been extremely solid in the back.
Omar Bravo - B- - Maybe it's the fact that I've expected more out of Bravo, but so far I haven't been extremely impressed with the Mexican. He looked great in the opener, but since then has only scored one goal (from the penalty spot). Hopefully as he gets further away from his sports hernia surgery he'll continue to improve and start to put the ball into the back of the net.
Teal Bunbury - D+ - His play early in the season after coming back from his elbow injury is what has kept him from a failing grade. Bunbury's form has hit rock bottom it seems, he has struggled with everything from his touch to his shot. Hopefully he comes out of it quick as the schedule congestion continues for KC.
Julio Cesar - C- - I was ready to write Cesar off a month or so ago, he'd looked incredibly poor for KC in the center of defense no matter if his partner was Besler or Aurelien Collin. But he has started to bring his grab up since he has moved into the defensive midfield position with Craig Rocastle and Arnaud out.
Aurelien Collin - A - One of the favorites for team MVP at the mid-point of the season, and should be a favorite for MLS Newcomer of the Year. Once he got his feet under him in the league he's formed a solid partnership with Besler and has helped to stop the leaking of goals.
Birahim Diop - C+ - Diop has racked up 541 minutes so far this season for KC, and has moved back more into the midfield position than as a forward. As a replacement for Rocastle he struggled before making way for other players to play there. It's funny that fans have suggested that he needs to be moved back to forward, when we were saying the same thing about him moving to forward last season.
Kevin Ellis - INC - Has only played 27 minutes in all competitions for KC, a substitute appearance in the US Open Cup. He has apparently impressed in practice though according to reports.
Roger Espinoza - C+ - Espinoza struggled early in the season along with the rest of the back line, his form from last year just wasn't there. Since his return though he's found himself in the midfield where he has improved his grade greatly since moving there.
Michael Harrington - C - Harrington like Espinoza struggled early on in the season, then lost his starting spot to a combination of Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic. Lately he's returned back to the lineup, but hasn't regained the form from last year when he looked like he could potentially work his way onto the national team.
Kei Kamara - C- - Kamara's form hasn't been as bad as Bunbury's has been for KC, but the Wizards leading scorer last season is struggling almost as much as Bunbury. Kamara hasn't scored since his brace against New England and has fallen out of the starting XI for KC as well.
Jon Kempin - INC - Sporting's original home grown player has still yet to make his first team debut for Kempin. But that's not really surprising with Jimmy Nielsen and Eric Kronberg in front of him.
Eric Kronberg - B - Kronberg has appeared in 4 games for KC in league play, 3 starts, and outside the LA game has held up well. He's also recorded 3 shutouts in KC's run in the Open Cup so far.
Scott Lorenz - INC - Lorenz has only made one league appearance for KC, a start in Chicago. He's also made an appearance in the Open Cup, but not enough for a grade.
Chance Myers - B+ - Myers started the season looking again like a poor first round pick ealry in the season, but has since come on and replaced Harrington as the first choice right back for KC. His crosses have been some of the best on the team and he's helping to create chances from his wing.
Jimmy Nielsen - B+ - Really there's been maybe one game all season where Nielsen has really been at fault for giving up goals, other than that he's been as solid as he always seems to be for KC this season. And with a solid defense in front of him now he's showing that.
Craig Rocastle - B- - Rocastle had started to help with the turnaround for KC before going to the Gold Cup and getting injured. Now the question will become whether he'll be able to earn his spot back once he returns to the team.
Soony Saad - INC - The newest Wizards player, there's only been one game since he joined the team.
CJ Sapong - A - I wasn't ecstatic about the pick of Sapong in the first round, but he has proven me wrong, especially as Bunbury and Kamara have struggled. Sapong plays the center forward position the way that Vermes needs it played in this season. He's currently the leading scorer in all competitions with 6 and is tied for the team lead in league play with 3. A solid rookie performance so far, hopefully he doesn't hit a burn out period.
Luke Sassano - B - Sassano struggled with match fitness early in the season, but has become a solid contributor for KC. Mainly as a reserve midfielder, but has been a calming influence when on the field.
Seth Sinovic - B - The early season pick up off waivers from New England, Sinovic had staked a claim at the starting left back spot when Espinoza left for the Gold Cup and Harrington struggling for form. Sinovic has had a good run in the starting XI before injury forced him out. When he's ready to return will be interesting if he can beat out Harrington for the left back spot.
Ryan Smith - INC - Smith's departure from the team has been disappointing, but so far hasn't come back to bite KC. He struggled with recovery from offseason surgery during his time here this year and was able to only play 294 minutes.
Milos Stojcev - C+ - Stojcev has had his moments of brilliance on the field, but he has also looked poor, showing a lack of a right foot, and making stupid challenges, like the one against Dallas that saw him pick up a second yellow.
Shavar Thomas - INC - The Jamaican international has only played 35 minutes for KC this season, although some of those were in stoppage time against Vancouver when KC gave up two goals.
Konrad Warzycha - INC - Has spent the entire season on IR so far.
Graham Zusi - A - Zusi is having a break out season for KC, scoring 3 goals and assisting on 3 more. He's been providing great service on free kicks. He's come into his own this year.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Busy Schedule Continues
Sporting KC continues their busy schedule tomorrow at 6:30 (notice the time) against Chivas USA. Chivas USA comes into the game on the backs of a 2-0 win on Wednesday night at the Home Depot Center against San Jose. The Goats got goals from Ben Zemanski and Nick LaBrocca to help them to the win. They have a win and a draw in their last two games. Former Wizard, Jimmy Conrad, who has missed much of the season with concussion related issues did travel to Kansas City and did help Chivas with training for the game. Conrad is still listed as doubtful on the injury report for the Goats but I know the guy is itching to get back on the field, not just in general but against KC. I know plenty of fans are excited to see Conrad return and disappointed that the former captain did not get an opportunity to be a Wizard when the stadium opened.
KC extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, the second longest in team history after their 1-1 draw with Colorado on Wednesday and will now look to tie the longest run in team history with a result against Chivas. KC will try to sweep the season series against Chivas having won the season opener 3-2 at the HDC. KC has another game this coming week in the US Open Cup so the question becomes whether there will be more squad rotation for KC. I'd expect CJ Sapong to return to the starting lineup and possibly also see Milos Stojcev return to the lineup.
Number to Remember - 10,000 - In all competitions in the entire history of MLS there have been 9,999 goals. Tomorrow KC and Chivas kickoff at the same time as DC vs New York. Whoever scores the first goal in those games will go down as the man that scored goal 10,000. KC does have a bit of history in this, as Teal Bunbury's father, Alex scored goal number 2,000 in league history. See the goal below.
Key Match Up - Roger Espinoza vs Nick LaBrocca - LaBrocca plays as a box to box midfielder mainly for Chivas and is currently their leading scorer. Espinoza has been playing well since coming back from Honduras and going up against LaBrocca will be a good match up for Espinoza.
PREDICTION - On paper this is a game that KC should be able to win, but it's also a game that could really sneak up on KC. With all the schedule congestion, I hope that KC can keep focused on this game and not look past it. And while I think Tuesday is the more important game at this point, it's still important to keep the good run of form. KC has the talent that they should be able to get the result tomorrow. Could this finally be the league game where KC actually wins a game by more than a goal? I'm not sure but if KC wants to really get into the playoffs they're going to have to score more goals at home (currently 4 goals in 4 league games).
SKC - 2 (Sapong, Bravo)
CUSA - 1 (Braun)
KC extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, the second longest in team history after their 1-1 draw with Colorado on Wednesday and will now look to tie the longest run in team history with a result against Chivas. KC will try to sweep the season series against Chivas having won the season opener 3-2 at the HDC. KC has another game this coming week in the US Open Cup so the question becomes whether there will be more squad rotation for KC. I'd expect CJ Sapong to return to the starting lineup and possibly also see Milos Stojcev return to the lineup.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Zusi - Espinoza
Stojcev - Sapong - Bravo
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Zusi - Espinoza
Stojcev - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 10,000 - In all competitions in the entire history of MLS there have been 9,999 goals. Tomorrow KC and Chivas kickoff at the same time as DC vs New York. Whoever scores the first goal in those games will go down as the man that scored goal 10,000. KC does have a bit of history in this, as Teal Bunbury's father, Alex scored goal number 2,000 in league history. See the goal below.
Key Match Up - Roger Espinoza vs Nick LaBrocca - LaBrocca plays as a box to box midfielder mainly for Chivas and is currently their leading scorer. Espinoza has been playing well since coming back from Honduras and going up against LaBrocca will be a good match up for Espinoza.
PREDICTION - On paper this is a game that KC should be able to win, but it's also a game that could really sneak up on KC. With all the schedule congestion, I hope that KC can keep focused on this game and not look past it. And while I think Tuesday is the more important game at this point, it's still important to keep the good run of form. KC has the talent that they should be able to get the result tomorrow. Could this finally be the league game where KC actually wins a game by more than a goal? I'm not sure but if KC wants to really get into the playoffs they're going to have to score more goals at home (currently 4 goals in 4 league games).
SKC - 2 (Sapong, Bravo)
CUSA - 1 (Braun)
Thursday, July 07, 2011
S.A.S. Thursday Edition
New S.A.S. Thursday edition. Not many stats this week, but more milestones are coming in the next few games.
Graham Zusi's goal was the 99th in all competitions against the Rapids for KC.
Graham Zusi's goal was the 99th in all competitions against the Rapids for KC.
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates, here you go.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Chicago. Did not dress in Chivas' 2-0 win over San Jose.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with Seattle.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 63 minutes in RSL's 3-3 draw with New England.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 0-0 draw with LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over Columbus.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with Seattle.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 1-0 win over Vancouver.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to KC.
Mike Jones - New York - Dressed but did not play in New York's 2-2 draw with San Jose. Dressed but did not play in New York's 5-0 win over Toronto.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to Toronto in the NCC. Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 3-3 draw with New England.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 2-1 loss to KC.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York. Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-0 loss to Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York. Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-0 loss to Chivas.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 68 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with FC Edmonton.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 loss to Tampa.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-0 loss to Carolina.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 loss to Tampa.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 23 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 3-1 win over Dayton.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Orlando. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Antigua.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 win over Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 1-0 loss to Orlando.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in LA's 0-0 draw with Charleston. Came off the bench and played 24 minutes, scoring a goal in LA's 4-2 loss to Willmington.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Dayton.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 90 minutes in Ocean City's 1-0 loss to Bermuda.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Did not have a game this week.
International
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Off until 7/16
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Chicago. Did not dress in Chivas' 2-0 win over San Jose.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with Seattle.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 63 minutes in RSL's 3-3 draw with New England.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 0-0 draw with LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over Columbus.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with Seattle.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 1-0 win over Vancouver.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to KC.
Mike Jones - New York - Dressed but did not play in New York's 2-2 draw with San Jose. Dressed but did not play in New York's 5-0 win over Toronto.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to Toronto in the NCC. Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 3-3 draw with New England.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 2-1 loss to KC.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York. Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-0 loss to Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York. Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 2-0 loss to Chivas.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 68 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with FC Edmonton.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 loss to Tampa.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-0 loss to Carolina.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 loss to Tampa.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 23 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 3-1 win over Dayton.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Orlando. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Antigua.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 win over Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 1-0 loss to Orlando.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in LA's 0-0 draw with Charleston. Came off the bench and played 24 minutes, scoring a goal in LA's 4-2 loss to Willmington.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Dayton.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with LA.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 90 minutes in Ocean City's 1-0 loss to Bermuda.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Did not have a game this week.
International
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Off until 7/16
KC Could Host Open Cup Semifinal
Sporting KC have to get past the Richmond Kickers next Tuesday in their US Open Cup quarterfinal, but should they get past them then KC will be hosting the semifinals. Today US Soccer announced the potential semifinal pairings. KC will take on the winner of the Chicago Fire vs New York Red Bulls game in Chicago next Tuesday. The game will take place at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park on August 30th. KC continues their fixture congestion on Tuesday when they take on the only remaining minor league side in the tournament, the Kickers. KC is currently 3 wins away from silverware and at least 2 of those games will now be at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. Certainly KC has to look at this as a good chance for the team.
KC Extends Unbeaten Run
Kansas City extended their unbeaten run on the season to 11 games, the second longest in team history as they came from behind again to tie the Rapids 1-1 at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. With all the schedule congestion, Peter Vermes made two changes to his lineup that took on Portland on the weekend. Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara stepped back into the starting lineup for CJ Sapong and Milos Stojcev. For the Rapids they had Conor Casey and Omar Cummings starting together for the first time since early in the season.
The move to start Bunbury almost paid off early for KC as in the 12th minute, Bunbury cut between two defenders with the ball and let loose with a shot from just outside the box that beat Matt Pickens in goal, but didn't beat the post as it bounced back into play and was cleared. A positive sign from Bunbury given his poor form lately. Unfortunately that was the highlight of the night for Bunbury who struggled it seemed much of the rest of the way. After the goal, Colorado seemed to get more of the play, but really didn't do much with, while KC was only really creating half chances themselves at the other end of the field. Just after the half hour mark, Colorado was able to grab the lead through Conor Casey. Tyrone Marshall played a long free kick towards Casey, Aurelien Collin came in to try to head the ball away but missed, and while that happened, Matt Besler backed off Casey assuming Collin would get to the ball. With Collin's miss, Casey brought the ball down with his chest, turned, and fired a shot past Nielsen for the 1-0 lead.
Other than Bunbury's chance off the bar, KC's offense really looked anemic for much of the first half and into the second half, until the 61st minute, when Sapong entered the game for Bunbury. Sapong almost immediately added more offense to the line up as 30 seconds after he'd come on he'd helped earn a corner. After a little over a minute on the field Sapong had helped set up the tying goal. Graham Zusi had received the ball in the middle of the field and slid a through ball for Sapong who raced onto it and then fired a shot from the top of the box, Pickens saved the shot, but didn't hold on, and Zusi following the play passed the ball into the empty net to tie the game at 1-1. KC continued to press and Sapong was doing well to hold the ball up and help to create opportunities, but it was Colorado that almost grabbed a second through Sanna Nyassi in the 74th off a free kick. Nyassi fired just wide of Nielsen's near post. And the second half's hectic nature continued as KC basically came right back down the field and almost found a second goal themselves. Michael Harrington dribbled deep into Colorado's end before finding Omar Bravo who forced a good save out of Pickens, the rebound fell to Harrington who had Pickens right at his feet by the time he got to the ball and it deflected back to Bravo. But with an open net Bravo couldn't turn the deflection into the goal, firing it off the post and back into play. KC continued to look for a winner into 6 minutes of stoppage time and almost had good luck shine on them. In the 5th minute of stoppage time, Sapong what looked to be a short cross to the back post, but deflected off a Rapids defender and was headed towards the net. Pickens though did a fantastic job of coming back to his left after committing to his right and tipping the ball onto the post again to keep the score level. KC just couldn't find anything with their chances late in the game and had to settle for the draw and moving their unbeaten run to 11. They'll continue their busy schedule against Chivas on the weekend.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Roger Espinoza - Espinoza had a solid game in the center of midfield for KC. While most of Colorado's attacks came down the wings or through long balls over the top, Espinoza did a good job of cutting down angles in the middle and keeping Colorado from the odd chance coming through the middle. He also did a good job of linking with the forwards up top.
Honorable Mention - Graham Zusi, CJ Sapong
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 5, Besler 5, Harrington 6, Cesar 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 7, Bravo 5, Bunbury 4, Kamara 4. Subs Sapong 7, Diop NR.
The move to start Bunbury almost paid off early for KC as in the 12th minute, Bunbury cut between two defenders with the ball and let loose with a shot from just outside the box that beat Matt Pickens in goal, but didn't beat the post as it bounced back into play and was cleared. A positive sign from Bunbury given his poor form lately. Unfortunately that was the highlight of the night for Bunbury who struggled it seemed much of the rest of the way. After the goal, Colorado seemed to get more of the play, but really didn't do much with, while KC was only really creating half chances themselves at the other end of the field. Just after the half hour mark, Colorado was able to grab the lead through Conor Casey. Tyrone Marshall played a long free kick towards Casey, Aurelien Collin came in to try to head the ball away but missed, and while that happened, Matt Besler backed off Casey assuming Collin would get to the ball. With Collin's miss, Casey brought the ball down with his chest, turned, and fired a shot past Nielsen for the 1-0 lead.
Other than Bunbury's chance off the bar, KC's offense really looked anemic for much of the first half and into the second half, until the 61st minute, when Sapong entered the game for Bunbury. Sapong almost immediately added more offense to the line up as 30 seconds after he'd come on he'd helped earn a corner. After a little over a minute on the field Sapong had helped set up the tying goal. Graham Zusi had received the ball in the middle of the field and slid a through ball for Sapong who raced onto it and then fired a shot from the top of the box, Pickens saved the shot, but didn't hold on, and Zusi following the play passed the ball into the empty net to tie the game at 1-1. KC continued to press and Sapong was doing well to hold the ball up and help to create opportunities, but it was Colorado that almost grabbed a second through Sanna Nyassi in the 74th off a free kick. Nyassi fired just wide of Nielsen's near post. And the second half's hectic nature continued as KC basically came right back down the field and almost found a second goal themselves. Michael Harrington dribbled deep into Colorado's end before finding Omar Bravo who forced a good save out of Pickens, the rebound fell to Harrington who had Pickens right at his feet by the time he got to the ball and it deflected back to Bravo. But with an open net Bravo couldn't turn the deflection into the goal, firing it off the post and back into play. KC continued to look for a winner into 6 minutes of stoppage time and almost had good luck shine on them. In the 5th minute of stoppage time, Sapong what looked to be a short cross to the back post, but deflected off a Rapids defender and was headed towards the net. Pickens though did a fantastic job of coming back to his left after committing to his right and tipping the ball onto the post again to keep the score level. KC just couldn't find anything with their chances late in the game and had to settle for the draw and moving their unbeaten run to 11. They'll continue their busy schedule against Chivas on the weekend.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Roger Espinoza - Espinoza had a solid game in the center of midfield for KC. While most of Colorado's attacks came down the wings or through long balls over the top, Espinoza did a good job of cutting down angles in the middle and keeping Colorado from the odd chance coming through the middle. He also did a good job of linking with the forwards up top.
Honorable Mention - Graham Zusi, CJ Sapong
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 5, Besler 5, Harrington 6, Cesar 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 7, Bravo 5, Bunbury 4, Kamara 4. Subs Sapong 7, Diop NR.
Fourth Home Game Attendance
photo courtesy of Jarred DonalsonThe attendance for tonight's game against Colorado was the first non-sellout at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park, an announced attendance of 15,209 for the game against the Rapids. Here is a look at the home attendance after four games through Sporting KC's history. For week 3 check here.
1996 - Arrowhead
8,916
Average - 12,153
1997 - Arrowhead
9,154
Average - 8,508
1998 - Arrowhead
4406 (second lowest in team history)
Average - 7584
1999 - Arrowhead
6,069
Average - 8,677
2000 - Arrowhead
10,053
Average - 7,556
2001 - Arrowhead
7,873
Average - 9,964
2002 - Arrowhead
9,877
Average - 13,396
2003 - Arrowhead
9,096
Average - 15,523
2004 - Arrowhead
11,094
Average - 17,244
2005 - Arrowhead
7,129
Average - 10,657
2006 - Arrowhead
10,945
Average - 11,416
2007 - Arrowhead
13,875
Average - 9,720
2008 - Community America Ballpark
9,627
Average - 9,210
2009 - Community America Ballpark
9,077
Average - 9,1,92
2010 - Community America Ballpark
8,155
Average - 9,703
2011 - LiveSTRONG Sporting Park
15,209
Average - 18,017
Here are the rankings for the years with their movement up or down from last week in parenthesis.
1. 2011 - 18,017 (+1)
2. 2004 - 17,244 (-1)
3. 2003 - 15,523 (-)
4. 1996 - 14,153 (-)
5. 2002 - 13,396 (-)
6. 2006 - 11,416 (+1)
7. 2005 - 10,657 (-1)
8. 2001 - 9,964 (-)
9. 2007 - 9,720 (+5)
10. 2010 - 9,703 (-1)
11. 2008 - 9,210 (+1)
12. 2009 - 9,192 (-1)
13. 1999 - 8,677 (-3)
14. 1997 - 8,508 (+1)
15. 1998 - 7,584 (-2)
16. 2000 - 7,556 (-)
The 2007 season jumps up 5 place into 9th place after 4 home games. The 2011 season retakes the top spot with the highest attendance of the fourth game of any season tonight. The quick turn around in games could certainly affect KC's attendance, but they should actually see the gap grow a bit of the next few games.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Back at Home
KC is almost half way done with the season, after tomorrow's game against Colorado, KC will officially hit the half way point of the season, playing 17 games. The second half of the season will see KC play 13 of 17 games at home as the team only has 4 road games left. First though they have to get through Colorado. The defending champs come into the game with one less day off than KC, having played to a 0-0 draw with Houston on Sunday at home. They will have Conor Casey back from his red card suspension. They'll also have Omar Cummings available, as he's returned from injury. This will be the first time since early this season that Casey and Cummings could potentially start together. But with Colorado also having a second game this weekend, they could possibly rest a starter or two in preparation for their game against Vancouver this weekend.
Sporting KC continues their busy stretch of games as they continue to have 2 games a week. They'll host Chivas on Saturday before an Open cup game next Tuesday. So I'm sure we'll begin to see a little rotation here. I think we could see more on the weekend though. I think tomorrow KC is going to put out a similar lineup to the one that took the field against Portland as Colorado is likely seen as a more challenging opponent than Chivas USA. KC should have the same guys available tomorrow as they did on the weekend. The only big question may be if Seth Sinovic is ready to go and if he's going to get his starting spot back from Michael Harrington.
Number to Remember - 1 - The number of winning streaks that are longer than KC's current 10 game unbeaten run. That run occurred in 2000 when KC had a 12 game unbeaten run.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler vs Conor Casey and Omar Cummings - Between the two last year, Casey and Cummings scored 27 goals, they haven't gotten a ton of time together this season due to injury mainly. Meanwhile the defensive pairing of Collin and Besler has done extremely well for KC, basically since the two became the number 1 centerback pairing after the LA game, they've allowed a total of 5 goals in 9 league games.
PREDICTION - KC is busy right now, they've played 2 games a week 3 of the last 4 weeks, and counting this week have 3 more weeks of two games (one of those is the Newcastle friendly). So the team has to be starting to get a little tired, how much longer can guys like CJ Sapong continue to play at the level he has been? Hopefully they can, but this will be a big test for KC. They still should be able to pull out a win against a Rapids side that has not scored more than one goal in a game since May 25th. That said they've also only been shutout once since May 22nd. It'll be tough for KC but I think they can pull it out.
SKC - 2 (Zusi, Bravo)
COL - 1 (Casey)
Sporting KC continues their busy stretch of games as they continue to have 2 games a week. They'll host Chivas on Saturday before an Open cup game next Tuesday. So I'm sure we'll begin to see a little rotation here. I think we could see more on the weekend though. I think tomorrow KC is going to put out a similar lineup to the one that took the field against Portland as Colorado is likely seen as a more challenging opponent than Chivas USA. KC should have the same guys available tomorrow as they did on the weekend. The only big question may be if Seth Sinovic is ready to go and if he's going to get his starting spot back from Michael Harrington.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Stojcev - Sapong - Bravo
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Stojcev - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 1 - The number of winning streaks that are longer than KC's current 10 game unbeaten run. That run occurred in 2000 when KC had a 12 game unbeaten run.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler vs Conor Casey and Omar Cummings - Between the two last year, Casey and Cummings scored 27 goals, they haven't gotten a ton of time together this season due to injury mainly. Meanwhile the defensive pairing of Collin and Besler has done extremely well for KC, basically since the two became the number 1 centerback pairing after the LA game, they've allowed a total of 5 goals in 9 league games.
PREDICTION - KC is busy right now, they've played 2 games a week 3 of the last 4 weeks, and counting this week have 3 more weeks of two games (one of those is the Newcastle friendly). So the team has to be starting to get a little tired, how much longer can guys like CJ Sapong continue to play at the level he has been? Hopefully they can, but this will be a big test for KC. They still should be able to pull out a win against a Rapids side that has not scored more than one goal in a game since May 25th. That said they've also only been shutout once since May 22nd. It'll be tough for KC but I think they can pull it out.
SKC - 2 (Zusi, Bravo)
COL - 1 (Casey)
Sporting Win Saad Lottery
Today MLS held a weighted lottery after the league signed Michigan University standout, Soony Saad to a contract. Sporting KC was one of only 4 teams available for the draft that chose to participate. Along with KC, Chicago, Chivas, and Portland participated in the draft. Real Salt Lake, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Columbus were unable to participate due to winning previous lotteries. The other 10 teams chose not to participate in the draft. KC had the third best chance in the draft after Chivas and Chicago.
KC with it's 21.2% chance though ended up winning the lottery for the forward, Saad. And unlike the previous lottery that KC won, for Luis Gil, Saad will actually come to KC and play here. Based off comments from both Peter Vermes and Saad today, both sound extremely encouraged about the results of the lottery. Last season at Michigan, Saad as a freshman started 24 of Michigan's 25 games as the Wolverines made the NCAA College Cup, losing to eventual champion Akron. He set a team record scoring 19 goals in the season. After the season, Saad tried to find a spot abroad, having trials in a few countries before coming back to the United States and signing with MLS.
KC with it's 21.2% chance though ended up winning the lottery for the forward, Saad. And unlike the previous lottery that KC won, for Luis Gil, Saad will actually come to KC and play here. Based off comments from both Peter Vermes and Saad today, both sound extremely encouraged about the results of the lottery. Last season at Michigan, Saad as a freshman started 24 of Michigan's 25 games as the Wolverines made the NCAA College Cup, losing to eventual champion Akron. He set a team record scoring 19 goals in the season. After the season, Saad tried to find a spot abroad, having trials in a few countries before coming back to the United States and signing with MLS.
This is actually a good fit for the Wizards and for Saad. KC is currently deep at the forward position before they even signed Saad. Currently with Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, Kei Kamara, CJ Sapong, Milos Stojcev, Graham Zusi, Birahim Diop, and others that can play forward, KC has depth at the position. This means that Saad will not be asked to play immediately. He'll likely get some minutes during the upcoming busy schedule, but he won't be put under immense pressure to produce immediately. Vermes and KC will be able to let Saad develop without that pressure, which in the long run could be better for Saad's development.
Monday, July 04, 2011
S.A.S. Monday Edition
Due to being out of town I'm a day late, but here are some stats for you.
Matt Besler made his 50th league start for KC. He's the 35th player to hit that mark for KC.
Kei Kamara made the 150th appearance of his MLS career in all competitions.
Graham Zusi made his 50th appearance for KC in all competitions, he's the 47th player to hit that land mark.
Matt Besler made his 50th league start for KC. He's the 35th player to hit that mark for KC.
Kei Kamara made the 150th appearance of his MLS career in all competitions.
Graham Zusi made his 50th appearance for KC in all competitions, he's the 47th player to hit that land mark.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
The Streak Continues
Sporting Kansas City extended their unbeaten run to 8 league games, 10 in all competitions as they scored two early goals against the Portland Timbers, saw a wonder goal from Darlington Nagbe, and then held on late to win 2-1 to move into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Early on Portland had some of the better possession, but it was Aurelien Collin who almost found the opener in the 8th minute off a free kick from Graham Zusi, his header going just wide of the post. In the 15th minute though KC grabbed the lead. After some tight work along the sideline near midfield by Graham Zusi, Chance Myers, and Omar Bravo, Bravo slid a pass through to CJ Sapong. Timber defender, Eric Brunner tried to slide in to knock the ball away. Sapong held off defender, Mamadou "Futty" Danso and fired a shot that Troy Perkins was late to react to as it went by him and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead. Shortly after the first goal, KC doubled the lead. A long throw from Matt Besler into the box was flicked on by Sapong to Collin whose header directed into the far corner and doubled Kansas City's lead inside the first 20 minutes of the game. As the half continued KC possibly could have made it 3-0 as Milos Stojcev missed a decent chance to put the game further out of reach.
Instead it was Portland that found a way back into the game just before stoppage time. A free kick by Jack Jewsbury was punched clear by Jimmy Nielsen. the ball fell to Nagbe, who juggled the ball twice on his right foot before firing a rocket past Nielsen and into the far corner. An absolutely wonderful goal by the Timbers' rookie. You could make small arguments about Futty being in an offside position and trying to play the ball, but that would take away from the blast by Nagbe as Portland deservedly found a way back into the game.
As the second half got started, the teams both seemed to be interested in bringing the game at the other. Half chances from both sides started the second half. In the 50th though, KC should have made it 3-0. Myers did a great job combining with Stojcev down the right and played a great ball into the middle to Bravo, whose one time effort was saved off the line by Perkins keeping the Timbers in the game. The hectic start to the second half continued in the 56th, when Jorge Perlaza got played in on goal against Nielsen, but the Dane got his hand up to knock away the near post shot, keeping KC out in front. The Timbers continued to threaten and try to find an equalizer, Kenny Cooper had an open header but headed right at Nielsen who made the easy save. KC found themselves trying to strike on the counter more as the half went on, a shot by Zusi in the 81st was just tipped over by Perkins. Portland's last great chance fell to the former Wizard, Jack Jewsbury in the 84th after KC had trouble clearing a cross into the box. Jewsbury was about 25 yards out and fired a shot that ended up going just wide of Nielsen's post. Nielsen looked to be a little out of position on the play and had no chance of getting back across the goal for that if it'd been on frame. KC was able to hold on and took all 3 points and continue to move themeselves up the East standings.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - CJ Sapong - The rookie continues to impress greatly and make Peter Vermes look extremely smart for drafting him at the 10 spot. Another goal and an assist for the rookie last night now ties him with Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, and Kei Kamara for the team lead in league goals, the weatlh is definitely getting spread around right now, but Sapong is also doing the little things you want from your center forward, he's holding the ball up, he's winning arial battles and doing well to connect with the other forwards.
Honorable Mention - Chance Myers
Player ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 7, Collin 7, Besler 6, Harrington 6, cesar 6, Espinoza 6, Zusi 6, Bravo 5, Sapong 8, Stojcev 5. Subs Kamara 5, Diop 5, Bunbury NR.
Instead it was Portland that found a way back into the game just before stoppage time. A free kick by Jack Jewsbury was punched clear by Jimmy Nielsen. the ball fell to Nagbe, who juggled the ball twice on his right foot before firing a rocket past Nielsen and into the far corner. An absolutely wonderful goal by the Timbers' rookie. You could make small arguments about Futty being in an offside position and trying to play the ball, but that would take away from the blast by Nagbe as Portland deservedly found a way back into the game.
As the second half got started, the teams both seemed to be interested in bringing the game at the other. Half chances from both sides started the second half. In the 50th though, KC should have made it 3-0. Myers did a great job combining with Stojcev down the right and played a great ball into the middle to Bravo, whose one time effort was saved off the line by Perkins keeping the Timbers in the game. The hectic start to the second half continued in the 56th, when Jorge Perlaza got played in on goal against Nielsen, but the Dane got his hand up to knock away the near post shot, keeping KC out in front. The Timbers continued to threaten and try to find an equalizer, Kenny Cooper had an open header but headed right at Nielsen who made the easy save. KC found themselves trying to strike on the counter more as the half went on, a shot by Zusi in the 81st was just tipped over by Perkins. Portland's last great chance fell to the former Wizard, Jack Jewsbury in the 84th after KC had trouble clearing a cross into the box. Jewsbury was about 25 yards out and fired a shot that ended up going just wide of Nielsen's post. Nielsen looked to be a little out of position on the play and had no chance of getting back across the goal for that if it'd been on frame. KC was able to hold on and took all 3 points and continue to move themeselves up the East standings.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - CJ Sapong - The rookie continues to impress greatly and make Peter Vermes look extremely smart for drafting him at the 10 spot. Another goal and an assist for the rookie last night now ties him with Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, and Kei Kamara for the team lead in league goals, the weatlh is definitely getting spread around right now, but Sapong is also doing the little things you want from your center forward, he's holding the ball up, he's winning arial battles and doing well to connect with the other forwards.
Honorable Mention - Chance Myers
Player ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 7, Collin 7, Besler 6, Harrington 6, cesar 6, Espinoza 6, Zusi 6, Bravo 5, Sapong 8, Stojcev 5. Subs Kamara 5, Diop 5, Bunbury NR.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Back to the Northwest
Sporting Kansas City make their final trip out to the Pacific Northwest this weekend to take on another expansion side, the Portland Timbers. Portland comes into this game week in a disappointing run. Since they were defeated by Ajax in a friendly, Portland has gone 0-4-1, including 2 losses and a draw at Jeld-Wen Field. In their latest match they fell 4-0 to FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. With the loss, Timbers coach, John Spencer, has seemed to make it clear that there will be some lineup changes coming up for the Timbers. I'd still expect Timbers' captain and former Wizard, Jack Jewsbury to be starting and ready to play against his former club.
For Kansas City the one known that they'll be without is Davy Arnaud, which I'm sure is a major disappointment to the KC captain as it would have been his first chance to go up against Jewsbury. Other than that, KC is fairly healthy currently, and I'd expect a similar lineup to the one that took the field against Vancouver last weekend. Kansas City certainly has the form factor heading into the weekend's game in comparison with a 9 game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Cesar - Zusi - Espinoza
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 3 - This is only the third time that KC has had an unbeaten run in all competitions of 9 games, the other two game in 2000 (12) and 2004 (9), both years finished up with KC winning silverware. Just something to think about.
Key Match Up - Graham Zusi vs Diego Chara - The reigning player of the month vs a player that was rumored at one time to be joining KC. Zusi could possibly be turning into the attacking midfielder that KC is looking for, but Chara has done a decent job for Portland in the midfield and it'll be a challenge for Zusi.
PREDICTION - This is going to be a difficult game for KC, unlike previous game it's going to be hard to get the exact lineup that Portland is going to put out. And it's not like overall Jeld-Wen isn't a tough place to play for away teams. Despite their recent form, Portland is going to be a difficult team to play. And with KC's traditional history on the road they never make things easy, but I hope the form factor continues to stay on KC's side in some regard.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
POR - 1 (Jewsbury)
For Kansas City the one known that they'll be without is Davy Arnaud, which I'm sure is a major disappointment to the KC captain as it would have been his first chance to go up against Jewsbury. Other than that, KC is fairly healthy currently, and I'd expect a similar lineup to the one that took the field against Vancouver last weekend. Kansas City certainly has the form factor heading into the weekend's game in comparison with a 9 game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington
Cesar - Zusi - Espinoza
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 3 - This is only the third time that KC has had an unbeaten run in all competitions of 9 games, the other two game in 2000 (12) and 2004 (9), both years finished up with KC winning silverware. Just something to think about.
Key Match Up - Graham Zusi vs Diego Chara - The reigning player of the month vs a player that was rumored at one time to be joining KC. Zusi could possibly be turning into the attacking midfielder that KC is looking for, but Chara has done a decent job for Portland in the midfield and it'll be a challenge for Zusi.
PREDICTION - This is going to be a difficult game for KC, unlike previous game it's going to be hard to get the exact lineup that Portland is going to put out. And it's not like overall Jeld-Wen isn't a tough place to play for away teams. Despite their recent form, Portland is going to be a difficult team to play. And with KC's traditional history on the road they never make things easy, but I hope the form factor continues to stay on KC's side in some regard.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
POR - 1 (Jewsbury)
June Player of the Month
A banner month for Sporting KC as they went 3-0-3 in league player, with another win in the US Open Cup. All three draws for KC were 0-0 results, with a win in Dallas and three home wins vs San Jose, Vancouver, and Chicago PDL. When it comes to the player of the month for June, you could make arguments for a few players, including Aurelien Collin, Matt Besler, CJ Sapong, and Graham Zusi.
And while three of those guys also had great months, it's hard to argue when the league gives their MLS player of the month to one of the players on your team. The league announced today that Zusi had been named the league's player of the month for June. In June Zusi had 2 goals and 3 assists while playing in 5 of KC's league games. He also picked up a fourth assist in the month in KC's Open Cup win over Chicago. His 3 league assists were all game winners for KC, as Zusi appears to be having a break out season.
And let's not forget this goal...
And while three of those guys also had great months, it's hard to argue when the league gives their MLS player of the month to one of the players on your team. The league announced today that Zusi had been named the league's player of the month for June. In June Zusi had 2 goals and 3 assists while playing in 5 of KC's league games. He also picked up a fourth assist in the month in KC's Open Cup win over Chicago. His 3 league assists were all game winners for KC, as Zusi appears to be having a break out season.
And let's not forget this goal...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Lots of game activity this week for former SKC Wizards, with domestic former SKC Wizards getting time in the US Open Cup.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 3-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Adam Cristman - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 0-0 draw with San Jose. Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over the LA Blues in the US Open Cup.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 3-1 win over Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 4-2 win over New York. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over Kitsap in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 4-0 win over Portland. Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-2 win over Orlando in the US Open Cup.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with San Jose. Did not play in LA's 2-1 win over the LA Blues in the US Open Cup.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 4-1 win over Colorado. Did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-0 loss to Dallas.
Mike Jones - New York - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in New York's 1-1 draw with Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over FC New York in the US Open Cup.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to KC. Dressed but did not play in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Toronto.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 3-1 win over Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-2 draw with Houston.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-0 loss to Dallas.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 0-0 draw with LA.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 45 minutes in San Jose's 0-0 draw with LA.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play for Seattle in their 4-2 win over New York. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Did not play in Seattle's 2-1 win over Kitsap in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 69 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 2-2 draw with Houston.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not have a game this week.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-0 loss to FC Edmonton. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 0-0 draw with Puerto Rico.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 81 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Started and played 64 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 89 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw with FC New York. Came off the bench and played 36 minutes, recording an assist in Richmond's 2-1 win over Columbus in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 loss to Charlotte. Started and played 89 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Charleston.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout and getting an assist in Rochester's 1-0 win over Dayton. Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 1-0 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in LA's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in LA's 2-1 loss to Harrisburg. Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in LA's 2-1 loss to the LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw wtih FC New York. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Columbus.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Ocean City's 2-0 win over Brooklyn. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Ocean City's 2-2 draw with Jersey. Started and played 90 minutes in Ocean City's 1-1 draw with Westchester.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Started and played 54 minutes, recording an assist in Jax's 4-1 loss to IMG Bradenton. Did not dress in Jax' 2-2 draw with Central Florida.
International
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Lost 2-1 to Pacifico.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 79 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-2 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 3-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Adam Cristman - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 0-0 draw with San Jose. Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over the LA Blues in the US Open Cup.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 3-1 win over Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 4-2 win over New York. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over Kitsap in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 4-0 win over Portland. Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-2 win over Orlando in the US Open Cup.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 0-0 draw with San Jose. Did not play in LA's 2-1 win over the LA Blues in the US Open Cup.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 4-1 win over Colorado. Did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-0 loss to Dallas.
Mike Jones - New York - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in New York's 1-1 draw with Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over FC New York in the US Open Cup.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 2-1 loss to KC. Dressed but did not play in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Toronto.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 3-1 win over Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-2 draw with Houston.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-0 loss to Dallas.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Dressed but did not play in San Jose's 0-0 draw with LA.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 45 minutes in San Jose's 0-0 draw with LA.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play for Seattle in their 4-2 win over New York. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Did not play in Seattle's 2-1 win over Kitsap in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 69 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 2-2 draw with Houston.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not have a game this week.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-0 loss to FC Edmonton. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 0-0 draw with Puerto Rico.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 81 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Started and played 64 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 89 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw with FC New York. Came off the bench and played 36 minutes, recording an assist in Richmond's 2-1 win over Columbus in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 loss to Charlotte. Started and played 89 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Charleston.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout and getting an assist in Rochester's 1-0 win over Dayton. Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 1-0 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in LA's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in LA's 2-1 loss to Harrisburg. Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in LA's 2-1 loss to the LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup.
Diego Walsh - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw wtih FC New York. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Columbus.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 win over Wilmington. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Ocean City's 2-0 win over Brooklyn. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Ocean City's 2-2 draw with Jersey. Started and played 90 minutes in Ocean City's 1-1 draw with Westchester.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Started and played 54 minutes, recording an assist in Jax's 4-1 loss to IMG Bradenton. Did not dress in Jax' 2-2 draw with Central Florida.
International
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Lost 2-1 to Pacifico.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Off until late July.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 79 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-2 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Arnaud to Miss Up to 6 Weeks
KC announced today that another player will miss time due to surgery. Davy Arnaud will miss 4-6 weeks as he is having sports hernia surgery. Arnaud is the second Sporting KC player to have the surgery this year, as Omar Bravo had the surgery earlier this year. Due to the schedule congestion, Arnaud could possibly miss 10 games while out recovering. The sad thing for him is that he'll miss this weekend's game against former teammate Jack Jewsbury and the Portland Timbers.
S.A.S. Wednesday After
Here are some stats from last night's US Open Cup game.
Kevin Ellis became the first player from the Wizards Juniors program to make an appearance for KC's first team.
Kei Kamara's goal was his 15th in all competitions for KC, he's the 20th player to score that many goals in his KC career.
Kamara's goal also ties him with Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 16th place on the list for most goals in all competitions for KC.
Teal Bunbury's goal was his 10th in all competitions for KC, he's the 24th player to score that many goals in their KC career.
Counting qualifiers, Michael Harrington has competed in 10 US Open Cup games for KC. That's every Open Cup based game KC has played in his 5 year career. He's tied for 5th on that list with Jimmy Conrad and Chris Klein.
Eric Kronberg made his 7th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 11th.
Harrington and Kronberg also started their 7th US Open Cup competition game, tying them with Josh Wolff, Jack Jewsbury, and Preki for 7th on that list.
Kronberg recorded his 4th shutout in all US Open Cup competitions, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi for the most shutouts.
Kronberg also recorded his 4th US Open Cup win, tying him with Meola for the most wins in the competition for KC.
Shavar Thomas made his 6th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions tying him with 6 other players for 13th on that list.
Thomas started his 6th game in US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Jonathan Leathers and Diego Gutierrez for 12th on that list.
Kevin Ellis became the first player from the Wizards Juniors program to make an appearance for KC's first team.
Kei Kamara's goal was his 15th in all competitions for KC, he's the 20th player to score that many goals in his KC career.
Kamara's goal also ties him with Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 16th place on the list for most goals in all competitions for KC.
Teal Bunbury's goal was his 10th in all competitions for KC, he's the 24th player to score that many goals in their KC career.
Counting qualifiers, Michael Harrington has competed in 10 US Open Cup games for KC. That's every Open Cup based game KC has played in his 5 year career. He's tied for 5th on that list with Jimmy Conrad and Chris Klein.
Eric Kronberg made his 7th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Diego Gutierrez for 11th.
Harrington and Kronberg also started their 7th US Open Cup competition game, tying them with Josh Wolff, Jack Jewsbury, and Preki for 7th on that list.
Kronberg recorded his 4th shutout in all US Open Cup competitions, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi for the most shutouts.
Kronberg also recorded his 4th US Open Cup win, tying him with Meola for the most wins in the competition for KC.
Shavar Thomas made his 6th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions tying him with 6 other players for 13th on that list.
Thomas started his 6th game in US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Jonathan Leathers and Diego Gutierrez for 12th on that list.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cruise Control
Basically for the entire game tonight, it seemed that Sporting KC never took it out of first gear as they took care of the Chicago Fire PDL 3-0 tonight out at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. From the start KC came out and dictated the early tempo. In the 3rd minute, Teal Bunbury gave KC the only goal they'd need and to an extent killed the game. Off a free kick at the top of the box, Luke Sassano slide the ball to Bunbury who fired his shot into the corner giving KC the 1-0 lead. KC still attacked after that, but the level of intensity just did not seem to be there, KC's best chance after that came when Milos Stojcev struck the bar after a cross from Michael Harrington. Other than that KC seemed content to possess the ball around midfield or let Chicago have possession that led to very little. Although late it the half Chicago looked like they'd equalized, but the goal was called back due to the scorer, Paulo Vaz being offside. Overall, though, the first half was fairly dull, really killed off due to the early goal by KC that forced Chicago to chance the game and allowed KC to sit back and relax a little bit.
To start the second half, Graham Zusi entered for Sassano and immediately seemed to provide a little more spark to the team on the field, but still the team seemed to just coasting through the game. In the 58th minute, KC got the insurance goal that they'd kind of been searching for since Bunbury's opener. It was a superb piece of individual effort by Milos Stojcev as he got the ball close to the right side of the field, dribbled at his defender while cutting inside and fired a shot that went into the lower corner giving KC a 2-0 lead. A minute later, KC put the game completely to bed as Zusi found Kei Kamara on a free kick, with Kamara knocking the ball home to give KC the 3-0 lead. The Fire had some half chances, but didn't really threaten Eric Kronberg's goal as he earned his 4th solo shutout of the season (1 in league, 2 Open Cup qualifier shutouts). KC spent plenty of time in the second half just passing the ball along the back line killing time and late in the game the Fire were resigned to their fate as well. The only other important part of the match came in the 63rd minute when Wizards Juniors player, Kevin Ellis game into the game. Ellis became the first Juniors player to appear in a competitive match for Sporting KC. Ellis was the team's second home group player after Jon Kempin who was on the bench as a back up keeper tonight.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Milos Stojcev - A wonderful goal by Stojcev to ice the game for KC and a solid performance overall from the Montenegrin that included hitting the bar in the first half.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Harrington 6, Thomas 6, Collin 6, Lorenz 5, Sassano 5, Diop 6, Stojcev 7, Aiyegbusi 6, Bunbury 5, Kamara 5. Subs Zusi 6, Ellis 6, Besler NR.
To start the second half, Graham Zusi entered for Sassano and immediately seemed to provide a little more spark to the team on the field, but still the team seemed to just coasting through the game. In the 58th minute, KC got the insurance goal that they'd kind of been searching for since Bunbury's opener. It was a superb piece of individual effort by Milos Stojcev as he got the ball close to the right side of the field, dribbled at his defender while cutting inside and fired a shot that went into the lower corner giving KC a 2-0 lead. A minute later, KC put the game completely to bed as Zusi found Kei Kamara on a free kick, with Kamara knocking the ball home to give KC the 3-0 lead. The Fire had some half chances, but didn't really threaten Eric Kronberg's goal as he earned his 4th solo shutout of the season (1 in league, 2 Open Cup qualifier shutouts). KC spent plenty of time in the second half just passing the ball along the back line killing time and late in the game the Fire were resigned to their fate as well. The only other important part of the match came in the 63rd minute when Wizards Juniors player, Kevin Ellis game into the game. Ellis became the first Juniors player to appear in a competitive match for Sporting KC. Ellis was the team's second home group player after Jon Kempin who was on the bench as a back up keeper tonight.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Milos Stojcev - A wonderful goal by Stojcev to ice the game for KC and a solid performance overall from the Montenegrin that included hitting the bar in the first half.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Harrington 6, Thomas 6, Collin 6, Lorenz 5, Sassano 5, Diop 6, Stojcev 7, Aiyegbusi 6, Bunbury 5, Kamara 5. Subs Zusi 6, Ellis 6, Besler NR.
Monday, June 27, 2011
We Want the Cup
Tomorrow night at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park KC will continue another quest for silverware, in the US Open Cup proper. The Cup is entering it's third round this Tuesday, and all 8 MLS teams that qualified for the tournament are entering at this stage. Kansas City's opponents, the Chicago Fire PDL came into the tournament in round 1. In the first round they took out the Iowa Menace, who qualified as a Region II representative, 1-0. In the second round, it took two days after weather delays, but the Fire took out the Madison 56ers of the NPSL 2-0 with two goals in the span of a couple minutes. Chicago gets to move their league game against Forest City London that was to take place tomorrow as well to come to Kansas City for this game.
Even with KC's current run of form, this may be the Wizards best chance at silverware this season. Mainly because they only have to win 4 games to get the cup and into next seasons CONCACAF Champion's Cup. Most fans seem to want KC to go for the cup as well. In my informal poll this afternoon on Twitter, it was unanimously in favor of going for the cup. KC fans certainly want to get some more silverware, and as stated above, this is possibly the best way to go about getting it. Expect to see quite a few changes to the lineup that took the field against Vancouver on the weekend. Having already played 2 games in the past 7 days, I expect we'll see quite a few starters rested and bench players get on the field. Hopefully this is a chance for a guy like Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara to get back some of their goalscoring form heading into a very congested part of the season. As for the lineup, this is a complete and total guess from me.
Number to Remember - 4 - This is the fourth time that KC has played a PDL team in the Open Cup. KC is 2-0-1 against the PDL teams in the tournament. The two wins came against the Des Moines Menace in 2005 and 2006 winning 6-1 and 2-1 respectively. The other was a 0-0 draw with the Chicago Sockers that KC lost on penalty kicks back in 2000.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Chicago's defenders - Bunbury's slump has gotten to the point where it's really starting to hurt KC. It's time for him to step up and put the ball in the net. Getting at least 1 tomorrow will do wonders, getting more would be fantastic.
PREDICTION - Winning may not be the best thing schedule congestion wise for KC, but I want KC to win the trophy, we're four wins away from getting the trophy. Chicago is a good PDL side, but even with a group of mainly reserves KC should be able to defeat the PDL side. Of course you would have said the same thing about KC's chances in 2000.
KC - 3 (Bunbury, Kamara, Diop)
CHI - 0
Even with KC's current run of form, this may be the Wizards best chance at silverware this season. Mainly because they only have to win 4 games to get the cup and into next seasons CONCACAF Champion's Cup. Most fans seem to want KC to go for the cup as well. In my informal poll this afternoon on Twitter, it was unanimously in favor of going for the cup. KC fans certainly want to get some more silverware, and as stated above, this is possibly the best way to go about getting it. Expect to see quite a few changes to the lineup that took the field against Vancouver on the weekend. Having already played 2 games in the past 7 days, I expect we'll see quite a few starters rested and bench players get on the field. Hopefully this is a chance for a guy like Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara to get back some of their goalscoring form heading into a very congested part of the season. As for the lineup, this is a complete and total guess from me.
Kronberg
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Aiyegbusi
Auvray - Sassano - Diop
Kamara - Bunbury - Stojcev
Harrington - Thomas - Collin - Aiyegbusi
Auvray - Sassano - Diop
Kamara - Bunbury - Stojcev
Number to Remember - 4 - This is the fourth time that KC has played a PDL team in the Open Cup. KC is 2-0-1 against the PDL teams in the tournament. The two wins came against the Des Moines Menace in 2005 and 2006 winning 6-1 and 2-1 respectively. The other was a 0-0 draw with the Chicago Sockers that KC lost on penalty kicks back in 2000.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Chicago's defenders - Bunbury's slump has gotten to the point where it's really starting to hurt KC. It's time for him to step up and put the ball in the net. Getting at least 1 tomorrow will do wonders, getting more would be fantastic.
PREDICTION - Winning may not be the best thing schedule congestion wise for KC, but I want KC to win the trophy, we're four wins away from getting the trophy. Chicago is a good PDL side, but even with a group of mainly reserves KC should be able to defeat the PDL side. Of course you would have said the same thing about KC's chances in 2000.
KC - 3 (Bunbury, Kamara, Diop)
CHI - 0
KC Interested in Panamanian Forward?
This rumor appears to be a little late, but it appears that KC was interested in trying to acquire Panamanian forward Orlando Rodriguez. Rodriguez was recently let go from his contract with Leon de Huanuco in Peru and appears set to rejoin his former club Arabe Unido for the 4th time in his career. Rodriguez was on the 2009 Panamanian Gold Cup team and apparently during this year's Gold Cup was on the radar for Sporting KC, along with Chivas and the Red Bulls before apparently making the decision to return to Arabe. It may not be much, but it's closing in on the start of silly season for Sporting KC and I'm sure there will be more rumored player acquisitions for KC in the next month plus.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Week 3 Attendance Comparison
photo courtesy of Jarred DonalsonContinuing with another attendance comparison after Kansas City's 3rd game of the season. The game last night was announced as a sell out, 18,467, that means through 3 games so far this season, KC is averaging 18,953. As I said in the original write up on this, I'm going to compare the attendance as the season goes on. The attendances are pulled from the press releases or the media guide for the team.
Here is the 3rd home game attendance for Kansas City, for the first two weeks, check out the previous entry here.
1996 - Arrowhead
17,706
Average - 15,898
1997 - Arrowhead
6,272
Average - 8,292
1998 - Arrowhead
11,500
Average - 8,643
1999 - Arrowhead
4,815
Average - 9,546
2000 - Arrowhead
7,380
Average - 6,723
2001 - Arrowhead
14,521
Average - 10,661
2002 - Arrowhead
21,301
Average - 14,569
2003 - Arrowhead
16,006
Average - 17,665
2004 - Arrowhead
27,969 - third highest in team history
Average - 19,293
2005 - Arrowhead
10,007
Average - 11,833
2006 - Arrowhead
8,138
Average - 11,572
2007 - Arrowhead
10,141
Average - 8,335
2008 - Community America Ballpark
8,096
Average - 9,071
2009 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Average - 9,231
2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,045
Average - 10,219
2011 - LiveSTRONG Sporting Park
18,467
Average - 18,953
Below are the rankings of the average attendances per season. The number in parenthesis is the amount the year has moved up or down compared to their rankings after two home games.
1. 2004 - 19,293 (+3)
2. 2011 - 18,953 (-1)
3. 2003 - 17,665 (-1)
4. 1996 - 15,898 (-1)
5. 2002 - 14,569 (+3)
6. 2005 - 11,833 (-)
7. 2006 - 11,572 (-2)
8. 2001 - 10,661 (+4)
9. 2010 - 10,219 (-)
10. 1999 - 9,546 (-3)
11. 2009 - 9,231 (+2)
12. 2008 - 9,071 (-2)
13. 1998 - 8,643 (+2)
14. 2007 - 8,335 (-)
15. 1997 - 8,292 (-4)
16. 2000 - 6,723 (-)
The biggest movers between the years was 2001 which moved up 4 spots with over 14,000 in attendance for the third game of the season, and the 1997 season which fell 4 spots after only 6,272 showed up. The 2011 season falls to second currently thanks to almost 28,000 showing up for KC's third game of the season in 2004, the third highest attendance in team history.
Sunday After Stats
Some stats from last night's game.
Kei Kamara made his 50th appearance in all competitions for Kansas City. He's the 46th player to hit that mark for KC.
Michael Harrington made his 126th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for 11th place on that list.
The win was Jimmy Nielsen's 13th in league play for KC, breaking his tie wtih Garth Lagerwey for 5th on that list for KC.
Kei Kamara made his 50th appearance in all competitions for Kansas City. He's the 46th player to hit that mark for KC.
Michael Harrington made his 126th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for 11th place on that list.
The win was Jimmy Nielsen's 13th in league play for KC, breaking his tie wtih Garth Lagerwey for 5th on that list for KC.
KC Takes All 3
Camilo gets his head on the free kick for Vancouver's goal.photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Sporting KC fell behind early against the Vancouver Whitecaps last night at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park, but were able to fight back and win all three with goals by Omar Bravo and Julio Cesar to give KC a 2-1 win over the Canadian side. It's only the second time all season so far that KC has grabbed points from a losing position, the previous was the 1-1 draw in Colorado. It's the first time they've earned all three when coming back from a losing position.
The Wizards started the game trying to go right at the Whitecaps. A lot of the attack ended up coming from KC's right side through Omar Bravo, Milos Stojcev, and Chance Myers, helped to create some good attacks for KC. CJ Sapong almost gave KC the lead inside the first 10 minutes after receiving a ball in the middle, but Joe Cannon had cut the angle and Sapong's shot went off Cannon's chest. Shortly after that, it was Vancouver who grabbed a surprising 1-0 lead. A free kick from Davide Chiumiento found Camilo in the box. Camilo's flick on header made it past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net. His mark Cesar seemed to give up totally on following Camilo's run right after the ball was delivered. Some poor defending by the Brazilian.
KC continued to be the more dominate side as the half wore on, but were struggling to find that final ball. The got a chance from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after Jay DeMerit fouled Bravo in the box. The play leading up to the PK was very well done, after a cleared free kick, Matt Besler found himself with the ball on the left. He played the ball to Bravo, who ran over the ball allowing it to go to Sapong. Bravo continued his run and Sapong played him through. Bravo shrugged off one challenge, but then when he cut back on DeMerit, the US national team defender went for a sliding challenged, but missed and Bravo got the deserved penalty. Cannon went to his right and Bravo put the ball just to his left and tied the game at 1-1.
After the goal, KC continued to push, looking for a second and if not for Cannon, Stojcev would have made it 2-1 in the 35th. A long switch by Seth Sinovic found Stojcev racing into the box, but his effort was blocked by Cannon and no one was close enough to get the rebound. In the 40th though, KC found their deserved second goal. A corner by Graham Zusi to the back post was headed back across the middle by Bravo. Cesar laid out getting enough on the ball to fire it on net and between Cannon's legs to give KC the lead.
In the second half, KC sat back a little more trying to hit on the counter while allowing Vancouver a little more possession. In the 53rd minute though, Eric Hassli almost made KC pay, Hassli got behind Besler and cut across goal, but Nielsen made a kick save to preserve the lead. Really, that was the only really threatening chance of the second half for Vancouver. KC had more chances on the counter, Roger Espinoza on his first start back with the team after the Gold Cup, had a blast from about 30 yards out that Cannon either saw late or didn't realize it was going to be on goal until late as he had to make a late diving save to keep the ball out. Kei Kamara came on as a sub for Sapong late in the game and had a few chances himself, once firing wide after getting in behind Vancouver's defense. KC did well to try to strike on the counter, but couldn't find a third. Still, KC held out and picked up another win, and moved themselves off the foot of the Eastern Conference.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - CJ Sapong - The rookie is having a fantastic rookie year and last night was a great example of that, he did great holding up the ball, laying it off and doing all the things that are expected of a center forward. Sapong didn't get a goal last night, but he did well in basically every part of the game that was expected of him last night. With Teal Bunbury slumping, Sapong's role has increased dramatically.
Honorable Mention - Aurelien Collin, Omar Bravo
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 6, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Espinoza 5, Zusi 5, Stojcev 5, Sapong 8, Bravo 7. Subs Arnaud 5, Kamara NR, Harrington NR.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
LA Game Now September 5th
Sporting KC has officially announced the rescheduled date of their game against the LA Galaxy. The game was supposed to take place on August 13th and be broadcasted on FSC. But with the announcement of Farm Aid coming to LiveSTRONG Sporting Park, KC had to move their game against David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and the rest of the Galaxy to September 5th. The game will now take place at 5pm on Labor Day, it will still be broadcasted on FSC.
This weekend had been an off weekend for the Wizards, one of the few weekends that MLS decided to observe FIFA's international dates. It's kind of funny that they chose to observe FIFA's dates at this time, but are making many fans choose between club and country today. Of course if the US hadn't made the finals, which earlier in the tournament looked a little likely, the league would have had a fairly dead day. Still MLS likely should have taken today off to allow US fans to watch their country (this is coming from someone that has club ranked much higher than country in this debate).
Currently the US has no game scheduled for that weekend, but the game would likely not be Monday anyway. The one bad thing already likely for KC is that Sierra Leone has an African Cup of Nations qualifier on the 2nd against Egypt, so KC could be missing Kei Kamara for this match. Other national teams that could affect KC have not announced schedules for that date either.
The good news for Sporting KC though is that this gives the team a longer break during that brutal home stretch coming up. Now KC has 11 days off between playing the Sounders on the 6th and the Timbers on the 17th. It'll be a nice break for KC after they'll have basically played twice a week up to that point for a few weeks.
This weekend had been an off weekend for the Wizards, one of the few weekends that MLS decided to observe FIFA's international dates. It's kind of funny that they chose to observe FIFA's dates at this time, but are making many fans choose between club and country today. Of course if the US hadn't made the finals, which earlier in the tournament looked a little likely, the league would have had a fairly dead day. Still MLS likely should have taken today off to allow US fans to watch their country (this is coming from someone that has club ranked much higher than country in this debate).
Currently the US has no game scheduled for that weekend, but the game would likely not be Monday anyway. The one bad thing already likely for KC is that Sierra Leone has an African Cup of Nations qualifier on the 2nd against Egypt, so KC could be missing Kei Kamara for this match. Other national teams that could affect KC have not announced schedules for that date either.
The good news for Sporting KC though is that this gives the team a longer break during that brutal home stretch coming up. Now KC has 11 days off between playing the Sounders on the 6th and the Timbers on the 17th. It'll be a nice break for KC after they'll have basically played twice a week up to that point for a few weeks.
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