With their win over LA tonight, the Houston Dynamo finalized the playoff seedings. With that we have a better idea now of who the Wizards will face in the conference semifinals. Of the four wild card teams, Dallas is the 7th seed, Colorado 8th, Columbus 9th, and New York 10th. KC will play the highest of the remaining wildcard teams after the wild card round. That means that KC cannot play the Red Bulls as if they beat Dallas, as the lowest seed, they'll play LA. The Dallas-New York game is on Wednesday night, so KC will have a better idea of who they'll face after that game. Either they'll be scheduled to play FC Dallas, or they'll know they'll play the winner of Thursday's game between Colorado and Columbus.
As for when their match is, that'll likely wait until they know who they play. If they play Dallas than the game in Dallas will be on Saturday the 29th. If they play Colorado or Columbus then the away leg will be on Sunday the 30th. No matter who Sporting play, the home game at LIVESTRONG will be Wednesday 11/2.
Should KC advance, they'd host the conference finals at LIVESTRONG on Sunday 11/6.
So start planning your weekend road trip to Dallas, Colorado, or Columbus and be ready to go.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday After Stats
Sporting KC's +10 goal difference is only the second time in team history their goal difference has been in double digits positively.
Matt Besler ended the season playing 2,880 minutes in league play, tied for the 3rd most in team history for a single season with Preki in 1996 and Bo Oshoniyi in 2005.
Jimmy Nielsen finished the league season playing 2,767 minutes. That's the 14th most minutes in a single season in team history.
In goalkeeper stats Nielsen has the 3rd best goals against average for a keeper that plays over 1,500 in league play. Nielsen finished with a GAA of 1.14, behind only Tony Meola's 2000 season of .92 (2,826 minutes) and Meola's 2004 season of 1.05 (1,890) minutes.
In the 74th minute, Kei Kamara hit the 5,000 mark in league play for KC.
Matt Besler ended the season playing 2,880 minutes in league play, tied for the 3rd most in team history for a single season with Preki in 1996 and Bo Oshoniyi in 2005.
Jimmy Nielsen finished the league season playing 2,767 minutes. That's the 14th most minutes in a single season in team history.
In goalkeeper stats Nielsen has the 3rd best goals against average for a keeper that plays over 1,500 in league play. Nielsen finished with a GAA of 1.14, behind only Tony Meola's 2000 season of .92 (2,826 minutes) and Meola's 2004 season of 1.05 (1,890) minutes.
In the 74th minute, Kei Kamara hit the 5,000 mark in league play for KC.
Your Eastern Conference Champions
Sporting KC didn't have to rely on other results, KC took care of business themselves, beating DC 1-0 and earning themselves the top spot in the Eastern Conference. KC started an unchanged lineup from the one that clinched a playoff spot vs New York. KC once again had the early pressure creating some decent chances, the best of which was a cross that Omar Bravo ran onto in the fourth minute. The bounce of the ball changed the spin just enough that Bravo couldn't get over the ball and scuffed it high and wide. Graham Zusi and Kei Kamara also had some chances but didn't seriously test Bill Hamid in the DC net. DC's early game plan seemed to be trying to play the ball over the top to Dwayne De Rosario and their best chance early on came off of a long ball that was cleared for a corner. A low driven corner to the near post was met by De Rosario, but his strike was just wide of Jimmy Nielsen's net.
DC started to come into the game more after that and started to get more possession. De Rosario almost created a chance in the 26th, but a fantastic tackle by Julio Cesar disposed the MVP candidate. In the 31st it was again De Rosario almost putting DC on top. After a DC free kick was partially cleared it fell to De Rosario whose chipped effort went just over Nielsen's cross bar landing on the top of the net. The hectic pace to the game continued as KC pushed to try to find an opener as Bravo again had a decent chance but a good late tackle from DC cleared the ball out for a corner. The came continued to be back and forth as Stephen King should have probably put DC up in the 38th minute after getting played in behind the KC defense, but Nielsen came up with a big kick save to knock the ball wide. De Rosario again almost had an opener for United shortly after. Santino Quaranta fired a shot from outside the box that Nielsen didn't hold. Instead the ball landed right into the on coming path of De Rosario. But De Rosario put the ball over the net from about 5 yards out. Right at the end of the half, Aurelien Collin had a header off a corner kick that he put just wide of the net that could have allowed KC to steal a goal just before half time. KC was able to withstand the late DC pressure and get into half time with the score tied 0-0.
In the second half the pace of the game continued to be hurried and up and down the field. De Rosario again had a half chance with a back heal that went wide of the goal. KC found some chances going forward, and finally found the opening goal off of a Graham Zusi corner. Zusi found Kamara in the middle of the box, but his header hit the post. The rebound fell to Bravo but the ball got stuck under his and Austin Da Luz's feet. The ball eventually fell out to Matt Besler who took a touch, turned a fired a shot into the upper 90 of the back post. A perfect strikers goal from the center back and KC was in the drivers seat. KC continued to push the game looking for a second, but not with as much flair as earlier. DC also seemed to be resigned to the game as well as they sat back too. KC probably should have grabbed a second in the 73rd minute, again off of a corner kick. Once again Zusi found Kamara, but Kamara's header went into the ground and bounced over the bar from about 6 yards out. After that DC were the ones that looked more interested in finding a goal, De Rosario forced a corner off of Besler after a run into the box and created some half chances, but little that really threatened Nielsen. In stoppage time DC almost put got the goal they'd been searching for and it came from former Wizard, Josh Wolff. A cross from the right by Da Luz was headed into the middle by Andy Najar. Najar's header found Wolff matched up with Besler. Wolff beat the center back to the ball but his header hit the cross bar and bounced out. Before Nielsen could get the ball back in play though the final whistle blew. The road to MLS Cup for the Eastern Conference now goes through LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Besler got the winning goal and did a great job of shutting down De Rosario as much as I think anyone could expect considering he's one of the lead MVP candidates. A stand up game from the local KC product.
Player ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 7, Collin 7, Besler 8, Sinovic 7, Cesar 7, Espinoza 6, Zusi 7, Kamara 7, Bunbury 6, Bravo 6. Subs Arnaud 6, Sapong 6.
DC started to come into the game more after that and started to get more possession. De Rosario almost created a chance in the 26th, but a fantastic tackle by Julio Cesar disposed the MVP candidate. In the 31st it was again De Rosario almost putting DC on top. After a DC free kick was partially cleared it fell to De Rosario whose chipped effort went just over Nielsen's cross bar landing on the top of the net. The hectic pace to the game continued as KC pushed to try to find an opener as Bravo again had a decent chance but a good late tackle from DC cleared the ball out for a corner. The came continued to be back and forth as Stephen King should have probably put DC up in the 38th minute after getting played in behind the KC defense, but Nielsen came up with a big kick save to knock the ball wide. De Rosario again almost had an opener for United shortly after. Santino Quaranta fired a shot from outside the box that Nielsen didn't hold. Instead the ball landed right into the on coming path of De Rosario. But De Rosario put the ball over the net from about 5 yards out. Right at the end of the half, Aurelien Collin had a header off a corner kick that he put just wide of the net that could have allowed KC to steal a goal just before half time. KC was able to withstand the late DC pressure and get into half time with the score tied 0-0.
In the second half the pace of the game continued to be hurried and up and down the field. De Rosario again had a half chance with a back heal that went wide of the goal. KC found some chances going forward, and finally found the opening goal off of a Graham Zusi corner. Zusi found Kamara in the middle of the box, but his header hit the post. The rebound fell to Bravo but the ball got stuck under his and Austin Da Luz's feet. The ball eventually fell out to Matt Besler who took a touch, turned a fired a shot into the upper 90 of the back post. A perfect strikers goal from the center back and KC was in the drivers seat. KC continued to push the game looking for a second, but not with as much flair as earlier. DC also seemed to be resigned to the game as well as they sat back too. KC probably should have grabbed a second in the 73rd minute, again off of a corner kick. Once again Zusi found Kamara, but Kamara's header went into the ground and bounced over the bar from about 6 yards out. After that DC were the ones that looked more interested in finding a goal, De Rosario forced a corner off of Besler after a run into the box and created some half chances, but little that really threatened Nielsen. In stoppage time DC almost put got the goal they'd been searching for and it came from former Wizard, Josh Wolff. A cross from the right by Da Luz was headed into the middle by Andy Najar. Najar's header found Wolff matched up with Besler. Wolff beat the center back to the ball but his header hit the cross bar and bounced out. Before Nielsen could get the ball back in play though the final whistle blew. The road to MLS Cup for the Eastern Conference now goes through LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Besler got the winning goal and did a great job of shutting down De Rosario as much as I think anyone could expect considering he's one of the lead MVP candidates. A stand up game from the local KC product.
Player ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 7, Collin 7, Besler 8, Sinovic 7, Cesar 7, Espinoza 6, Zusi 7, Kamara 7, Bunbury 6, Bravo 6. Subs Arnaud 6, Sapong 6.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/23
Sporting KC has clinched the top spot in the East, but there is still some seeding to be decided, specifically 2nd in the East and the Wild Card seeding. That will be decided today when Houston host LA.
Houston - LA
What we want to happen: Houston win or draw
The reason for this is that at least a point for Houston puts them ahead of New York, putting the Red Bulls into the 10th playoff and forcing them out West if they win their wild card game. My reason for wanting this is that even with New York's dysfunctional season, they are an incredibly dangerous side and I'd rather have them on the opposite side of the bracket at this time.
Houston - LA
What we want to happen: Houston win or draw
The reason for this is that at least a point for Houston puts them ahead of New York, putting the Red Bulls into the 10th playoff and forcing them out West if they win their wild card game. My reason for wanting this is that even with New York's dysfunctional season, they are an incredibly dangerous side and I'd rather have them on the opposite side of the bracket at this time.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
What We Want to Happen Today 10/22
Outside of KC's game today, only 2 games could have an effect on Sporting KC, and that's only if KC fails to get the win against DC. If KC wins the results aren't going to matter at all to KC.
Toronto - New England
What we want to happen: Doesn't matter
Both are eliminated from the playoffs, the only thing that is really being fought for is for New England to avoid the "Wooden Spoon" for the worst record in the league.
Vancouver - Colorado
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
It'll take a string of results to go against KC for this result to matter to them (KC lose, Columbus win/draw, and Houston win), but if it does this result would affect whether KC gets the 2nd or the 3rd wild card spot. The second wild card spot would mean a game at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park likely against Colorado in the wild card round so Colorado losing allows for that potential should results go against KC.
Chicago - Columbus
What we want to happen: Chicago win
This is the other game that could affect KC. A draw for Columbus combined with a KC loss would tie Columbus on points with KC and Philadelphia. Columbus wins that tie breaker due to a better record against KC and the Union. A win for Columbus and KC needs to make sure that they win or else Columbus will jump ahead of them for first place. KC taking care of business is best, but if need be, Chicago winning would be best for KC.
Salt Lake - Portland
What we want to happen: Salt Lake win
This could possibly have some affect on KC. Salt Lake and Dallas are tied on points for the 3rd spot in the West and 1st Wild Card spot. So if KC wins the East they could possibly find themselves playing one of these two teams. So it becomes a question of who KC would possibly rather play in a home-away match up. I'd personally rather travel to Pizza Hut Park instead of traveling to Rio Tinto.
San Jose - Dallas
What we want to happen: San Jose win
Same with the Salt Lake game it becomes a question of where would KC rather go in a potential home-away match up in the playoffs. As I said above I'd rather see a trip to PHP instead of RioT.
Chivas - Seattle
What we want to happen: Chivas win
A game that really means nothing to KC, but I always like seeing Seattle lose.
Toronto - New England
What we want to happen: Doesn't matter
Both are eliminated from the playoffs, the only thing that is really being fought for is for New England to avoid the "Wooden Spoon" for the worst record in the league.
Vancouver - Colorado
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
It'll take a string of results to go against KC for this result to matter to them (KC lose, Columbus win/draw, and Houston win), but if it does this result would affect whether KC gets the 2nd or the 3rd wild card spot. The second wild card spot would mean a game at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park likely against Colorado in the wild card round so Colorado losing allows for that potential should results go against KC.
Chicago - Columbus
What we want to happen: Chicago win
This is the other game that could affect KC. A draw for Columbus combined with a KC loss would tie Columbus on points with KC and Philadelphia. Columbus wins that tie breaker due to a better record against KC and the Union. A win for Columbus and KC needs to make sure that they win or else Columbus will jump ahead of them for first place. KC taking care of business is best, but if need be, Chicago winning would be best for KC.
Salt Lake - Portland
What we want to happen: Salt Lake win
This could possibly have some affect on KC. Salt Lake and Dallas are tied on points for the 3rd spot in the West and 1st Wild Card spot. So if KC wins the East they could possibly find themselves playing one of these two teams. So it becomes a question of who KC would possibly rather play in a home-away match up. I'd personally rather travel to Pizza Hut Park instead of traveling to Rio Tinto.
San Jose - Dallas
What we want to happen: San Jose win
Same with the Salt Lake game it becomes a question of where would KC rather go in a potential home-away match up in the playoffs. As I said above I'd rather see a trip to PHP instead of RioT.
Chivas - Seattle
What we want to happen: Chivas win
A game that really means nothing to KC, but I always like seeing Seattle lose.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Get the Win and it's Ours
Sporting KC close out the regular season tomorrow night in DC when they take on DC United at RFK Stadium. It's a huge game for Sporting KC as a win can see the Wizards clinch first place in the Eastern Conference. DC saw their playoff hopes ended on Wednesday when they drew 1-1 with Portland thanks to a goal from Dwayne De Rosario. De Rosario is expected to play tomorrow although there were some doubts due to a shin injury that he picked up in the game against Portland. The MVP candidate will be the main threat to watch out for as DC tries to play the spoiler role against KC.
Kansas City has multiple ways they can end up clinching the East tomorrow, but the simplest way is to just take care of business tomorrow night and beat DC. The win will clinch the top spot and guarantee that the route to MLS Cup for the Eastern Conference will go through Kansas City and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Something that could be a huge advantage for KC come playoff time. The team is as healthy as is possible heading into this game, so Peter Vermes should be able to change a basically unchanged lineup from the one that defeated the Red Bulls last weekend at LSP.
Number to Remember - 1 - One game left for Sporting KC, one point separates KC from 3rd place Columbus. Getting at least 1 point tomorrow guarantees KC a top 2 finish as they'll finish above Philadelphia and that would tie them with Houston's maximum points. And with KC owning the tie breaker on the Dynamo, KC would be assured a top 2 spot.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Dwayne De Rosario - Collin seems the likeliest to get the honor of matching up with the MVP candidate. DeRo always seems to find a way to score and he'll be looking to guarantee himself the Golden Boot.
PREDICTION - DC is definitely not just going to lie down for KC, this is a game that if KC is going to win they're going to have to fight for it. I think DC could put out a few bench players though which could be enough to tilt the table in KC's favor, but remember KC's win in the final game of last season with a diminished lineup against playoff bound San Jose. Still this is KC's game to win.
SKC - 2 (Kamara, Bravo)
DC - 1 (De Rosario)
Kansas City has multiple ways they can end up clinching the East tomorrow, but the simplest way is to just take care of business tomorrow night and beat DC. The win will clinch the top spot and guarantee that the route to MLS Cup for the Eastern Conference will go through Kansas City and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Something that could be a huge advantage for KC come playoff time. The team is as healthy as is possible heading into this game, so Peter Vermes should be able to change a basically unchanged lineup from the one that defeated the Red Bulls last weekend at LSP.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Kamara - Bunbury - Bravo
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Kamara - Bunbury - Bravo
Number to Remember - 1 - One game left for Sporting KC, one point separates KC from 3rd place Columbus. Getting at least 1 point tomorrow guarantees KC a top 2 finish as they'll finish above Philadelphia and that would tie them with Houston's maximum points. And with KC owning the tie breaker on the Dynamo, KC would be assured a top 2 spot.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Dwayne De Rosario - Collin seems the likeliest to get the honor of matching up with the MVP candidate. DeRo always seems to find a way to score and he'll be looking to guarantee himself the Golden Boot.
PREDICTION - DC is definitely not just going to lie down for KC, this is a game that if KC is going to win they're going to have to fight for it. I think DC could put out a few bench players though which could be enough to tilt the table in KC's favor, but remember KC's win in the final game of last season with a diminished lineup against playoff bound San Jose. Still this is KC's game to win.
SKC - 2 (Kamara, Bravo)
DC - 1 (De Rosario)
New Podcast
A new From the Byline to the Back Post is up on Posterous and iTunes. It's been a while since Thad and I had been able to get together and record a podcast, but we're back and plenty to talk about. I apologized, we discussed Sporting KC's playoff qualification, the New York game, the upcoming DC game, and also the Comets as well. Enjoy.
More Draft News
MLS is apparently in the business this week of releasing all their information for the drafts this offseason. Earlier this week they announced the rules for the upcoming expansion draft for Montreal. Now MLS has announced the rules for two more of the offseason drafts.
First the second year re-entry draft rules have been announced. Three types of players are going to be available for the draft:
1. Players 23 and older with at least three years of MLS experience whose options were not exercised by their clubs.
2. Players at least 25 years old with at least four years of MLS experience who were not signed and whose clubs did not offer them a contract at their previous salary.
3. Players at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience who do not have a contract and whose club does not want to sign them.
The first stage of the draft will take place on 12/5. Like last year, teams will then have a week to agree to a deal with the player that they draft at their current contract or raise. If players aren't selected in that stage, or teams don't agree to terms, they go into the second stage on 12/12.
The other draft is the MLS Superdraft. This one is the one to pay attention to if you're a Sporting KC fan in KC. That's because the Superdraft is going to be held in Kansas City on January 12th as part of the NSCAA convention. The Superdraft does lose a round this year, instead of being 3 the Superdraft will be 2 rounds. The draft will begin at 11am with the first round on ESPN. The whole draft though will continue to remain 6 rounds as there is a 4 round Supplemental draft on January 17th. Like previous years I will be live blogging the draft again and with it in KC I will be hoping to provide it from the draft itself.
First the second year re-entry draft rules have been announced. Three types of players are going to be available for the draft:
1. Players 23 and older with at least three years of MLS experience whose options were not exercised by their clubs.
2. Players at least 25 years old with at least four years of MLS experience who were not signed and whose clubs did not offer them a contract at their previous salary.
3. Players at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience who do not have a contract and whose club does not want to sign them.
The first stage of the draft will take place on 12/5. Like last year, teams will then have a week to agree to a deal with the player that they draft at their current contract or raise. If players aren't selected in that stage, or teams don't agree to terms, they go into the second stage on 12/12.
The other draft is the MLS Superdraft. This one is the one to pay attention to if you're a Sporting KC fan in KC. That's because the Superdraft is going to be held in Kansas City on January 12th as part of the NSCAA convention. The Superdraft does lose a round this year, instead of being 3 the Superdraft will be 2 rounds. The draft will begin at 11am with the first round on ESPN. The whole draft though will continue to remain 6 rounds as there is a 4 round Supplemental draft on January 17th. Like previous years I will be live blogging the draft again and with it in KC I will be hoping to provide it from the draft itself.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
KC Controls Their Destiny
With the loss by Philadelphia tonight, Sporting KC now control their own fate when it comes to winning the Eastern Conference. No matter by how much on Saturday, KC win and they clinch the Eastern Conference. There are still ways that KC can tie and even lose and still win the East. I think I got all the scenarios down, here's a look at where Sporting KC fan finish and how.
First place
KC Win
KC draw and Columbus draw or loss (Houston result doesn't matter as KC owns tie breaker on Dynamo)
KC loses by 1 goal and Columbus loses, and Houston does not win.
Second place
KC draws with DC and Columbus wins. (Columbus wins the East).
KC lose by 1 goal to DC and Columbus wins and Houston does not win. (Columbus wins the East)
KC lose by more than 1 goal and Columbus loses and Houston does not win. (Philadelphia wins the East).
KC lose by 1 goal and Columbus does not win and Houston wins (Houston wins the East).
Third place
KC loses by more than 1 goal, Columbus wins, and Houston does not win. (1. Columbus, 2. Philadelphia).
KC loses by more than 1 goal, Columbus loses and Houston wins. (1. Houston, 2. Philadelphia).
KC loses by 1 goal, Columbus wins, and Houston wins. (1. Columbus, 2. Houston).
KC loses by 1 goal, Columbus draws, and Houston wins. (1. Houston, 2. Columbus).
8th seed (2nd Wild Card)
KC loses by more than 1, Columbus does not lose, Houston wins, and Colorado loses.
9th seed (3rd wild card)
KC loses by more than 1, Columbus does not lose, Houston wins, and Colorado wins.
First place
KC Win
KC draw and Columbus draw or loss (Houston result doesn't matter as KC owns tie breaker on Dynamo)
KC loses by 1 goal and Columbus loses, and Houston does not win.
Second place
KC draws with DC and Columbus wins. (Columbus wins the East).
KC lose by 1 goal to DC and Columbus wins and Houston does not win. (Columbus wins the East)
KC lose by more than 1 goal and Columbus loses and Houston does not win. (Philadelphia wins the East).
KC lose by 1 goal and Columbus does not win and Houston wins (Houston wins the East).
Third place
KC loses by more than 1 goal, Columbus wins, and Houston does not win. (1. Columbus, 2. Philadelphia).
KC loses by more than 1 goal, Columbus loses and Houston wins. (1. Houston, 2. Philadelphia).
KC loses by 1 goal, Columbus wins, and Houston wins. (1. Columbus, 2. Houston).
KC loses by 1 goal, Columbus draws, and Houston wins. (1. Houston, 2. Columbus).
8th seed (2nd Wild Card)
KC loses by more than 1, Columbus does not lose, Houston wins, and Colorado loses.
9th seed (3rd wild card)
KC loses by more than 1, Columbus does not lose, Houston wins, and Colorado wins.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/20
Portland and DC tied last night, ending DC United's playoff hopes before KC comes to town this weekend. That could possibly make them even more dangerous as a team that can play without pressure (think of KC vs San Jose to close out last season). But tonight there is another game with playoff implications for KC as New York and Philadelphia play in New York. KC has to equal or better the result of the Union to make sure that they finish ahead of Philadelphia in the playoff seeding for the Eastern Conference.
New York - Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Tie
A tie may seem like a surprise when it'd be better for us to want Philadelphia to lose meaning we'd only need to draw DC, but here's why. New York clinches the final playoff spot with a win, eliminating Chicago and Portland. Chicago hosts Columbus this weekend in their home finale. And Columbus is a point behind KC right now in the East. I want Chicago to be fighting tooth and nail to get a result to keep their (very) slim playoff hopes alive. So a draw in New York tonight keeps Chicago alive long enough to make sure they have something to fight for in their finale vs the Crew. The result would require KC to win or draw with DC on Saturday to guarantee that they finish ahead of the Union, but that certainly can be done.
New York - Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Tie
A tie may seem like a surprise when it'd be better for us to want Philadelphia to lose meaning we'd only need to draw DC, but here's why. New York clinches the final playoff spot with a win, eliminating Chicago and Portland. Chicago hosts Columbus this weekend in their home finale. And Columbus is a point behind KC right now in the East. I want Chicago to be fighting tooth and nail to get a result to keep their (very) slim playoff hopes alive. So a draw in New York tonight keeps Chicago alive long enough to make sure they have something to fight for in their finale vs the Crew. The result would require KC to win or draw with DC on Saturday to guarantee that they finish ahead of the Union, but that certainly can be done.
Expansion Draft Rules Out
Once again Kansas City runs the risk of losing one of their players in this year's expansion draft to help fill the roster for the Montreal Impact. Yesterday MLS released the date as well as the basic rules for the draft.
The draft will be held on November 23, 3 days after the MLS Cup final in LA. The rules really haven't changed from the previous years when teams have entered the league. Like the 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006 expansion drafts, teams will only be losing at most 1 player to the expansion Impact. Generation Adidas and Home Grown players on the teams "off-budget" roster do not have to be protected. Outside of those, teams can protect 11 players. When it comes to teams' international players, they have to protect at least 3 of their international players, if a team has 3 or less internationals they can only expose 1 international in the draft. Designated players don't have to (but can be) be protected, unless they have a no-trade-clause.
I won't be touching on who the Wizards will protect until after they are eliminated from the playoffs, but for those that want to think about it now, here are a few things to remember. Teal Bunbury is very likely to graduate from the Generation Adidas program this year meaning that he would have to be protected should KC want to make sure they keep him. Jon Kempin and Kevin Ellis are both on the "off-budget" roster, as home-grown players they are therefore automatically protected. Finally, KC currently has 10 internationals on their roster, 3 of which will need to be protected for the draft, here are the current internationals on KC: Korede Aiyegbusi, Omar Bravo, Julio Cesar, Aurelien Collin, Daneil Cyrus, Jeferson, Peterson Joseph, Jimmy Nielsen, Craig Rocastle, and Milos Stojcev. The no-trade-clause for the DPs is an unknown for Bravo and Jeferson at this point, but if Jeferson has to be protected that throws a major wrench in KC's protection plans.
The draft will be held on November 23, 3 days after the MLS Cup final in LA. The rules really haven't changed from the previous years when teams have entered the league. Like the 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006 expansion drafts, teams will only be losing at most 1 player to the expansion Impact. Generation Adidas and Home Grown players on the teams "off-budget" roster do not have to be protected. Outside of those, teams can protect 11 players. When it comes to teams' international players, they have to protect at least 3 of their international players, if a team has 3 or less internationals they can only expose 1 international in the draft. Designated players don't have to (but can be) be protected, unless they have a no-trade-clause.
I won't be touching on who the Wizards will protect until after they are eliminated from the playoffs, but for those that want to think about it now, here are a few things to remember. Teal Bunbury is very likely to graduate from the Generation Adidas program this year meaning that he would have to be protected should KC want to make sure they keep him. Jon Kempin and Kevin Ellis are both on the "off-budget" roster, as home-grown players they are therefore automatically protected. Finally, KC currently has 10 internationals on their roster, 3 of which will need to be protected for the draft, here are the current internationals on KC: Korede Aiyegbusi, Omar Bravo, Julio Cesar, Aurelien Collin, Daneil Cyrus, Jeferson, Peterson Joseph, Jimmy Nielsen, Craig Rocastle, and Milos Stojcev. The no-trade-clause for the DPs is an unknown for Bravo and Jeferson at this point, but if Jeferson has to be protected that throws a major wrench in KC's protection plans.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Active without a club or unknown
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in New York's 2-0 loss to KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Started and played 73 minutes, recording an assist in LA's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 89 minutes in RSL's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over San Jose. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 loss to Monterrey.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over Vancouver. Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-0 loss to Toronto in the CCL.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 3-0 win over New England.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 loss to Houston. Started and played 90 minutes, in Portland's 1-1 draw with DC.
Mike Jones - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-0 loss to KC.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 2-0 loss to Dallas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-1 loss to Chicago. Dressed but did not play in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over San Jose. Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 loss to Monterrey.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 79 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 4-3 loss to Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 75 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Started and played 70 minutes in Diosgyor's 4-0 win over Pecsi MFC.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Villa Mitre 1-0.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 0-0 draw with Deportivo Pereira.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes, scoring a goal in Tecos' 5-2 loss to Chivas.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 1-0 to Tivoli Gardens and drew 0-0 with Boys' Town.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Beat Solin 3-0.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 0-0 draw with Olimpia.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Melgar.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 77 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-0 win over Rostov.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Paderborn's 1-0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Beat Siam Navy 1-0.
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in New York's 2-0 loss to KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Started and played 73 minutes, recording an assist in LA's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 89 minutes in RSL's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over San Jose. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 loss to Monterrey.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over Vancouver. Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-0 loss to Toronto in the CCL.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 3-0 win over New England.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 loss to Houston. Started and played 90 minutes, in Portland's 1-1 draw with DC.
Mike Jones - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-0 loss to KC.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 2-0 loss to Dallas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-1 loss to Chicago. Dressed but did not play in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Seattle.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over San Jose. Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 loss to Monterrey.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 79 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 4-3 loss to Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 75 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Started and played 70 minutes in Diosgyor's 4-0 win over Pecsi MFC.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Villa Mitre 1-0.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 0-0 draw with Deportivo Pereira.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes, scoring a goal in Tecos' 5-2 loss to Chivas.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 1-0 to Tivoli Gardens and drew 0-0 with Boys' Town.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Beat Solin 3-0.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 0-0 draw with Olimpia.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Melgar.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 77 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-0 win over Rostov.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Paderborn's 1-0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Beat Siam Navy 1-0.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/19
One game today, no real playoff implications directly for KC, but could have an effect come Saturday when KC take the field.
DC - Portland
What we want to happen: Portland win
Anything less than a win for DC eliminates them from the playoffs before the Red Bulls even take the field on Thursday. But elimination from the playoffs could possibly put DC in the position of fielding a bit of a weakened lineup to get some guys time against KC this weekend. United currently sit on 38 points with 2 games left, giving them a maximum potential of 44 points. The Red Bulls are currently on 43, so even a DC win tonight could all be for nothing if New York defeats Philadelphia tomorrow night in New York.
DC - Portland
What we want to happen: Portland win
Anything less than a win for DC eliminates them from the playoffs before the Red Bulls even take the field on Thursday. But elimination from the playoffs could possibly put DC in the position of fielding a bit of a weakened lineup to get some guys time against KC this weekend. United currently sit on 38 points with 2 games left, giving them a maximum potential of 44 points. The Red Bulls are currently on 43, so even a DC win tonight could all be for nothing if New York defeats Philadelphia tomorrow night in New York.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Rangers Fall to Dynamo
The Swope Park Rangers fell in their reserve league game today against the Houston Dynamo 2-0 at Swope Park today. The reserves dominated the run of play but were unable to find a goal, while the Dynamo scored on their two shots during the game.
Check out the highlights below.
Check out the highlights below.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Clearing Up KC's Playoff Seeding
There's been some questions today from even some of KC's biggest fans about what is going on with KC's playoff seeding. KC's playoff spot isn't in question, the team clinched with their win on Saturday over New York, but KC could finish anywhere from 1st in the East to the 3rd wild card team depending on theirs and other results. Not even just winning is going to be enough to guarantee KC a specific seed. Even MLS' playoff scenarios can't seem to get the break down right.
The good news for KC is that they will know just what they'll have to do clinch the top spot in the East before they take the field against DC. The reason for that is because Philadelphia plays New York on Thursday night. To finish ahead of Philadelphia, KC has to equal or better the Union's result. To decide who is currently in first palce the two teams had to go to the third tie breaker, as KC and Philly split the season series 0-0-2, and both have a +9 goal difference. The third tie breaker is goals scored, which KC leads 49 to 44. So KC needs to equal Philadelphia's result, if the Union win 1-0, KC needs to win by 1 or more to finish ahead of Philadelphia. That would at least guarantee KC finishing ahead of the Union. If they don't equal Philadelphia's result, but still win, then KC will finish second behind the Union.
Should KC lose or draw with DC, then things begin to get complicated. The Columbus Crew is currently 1 point behind KC, so if KC loses and Columbus ties Chicago, then KC and Columbus would finish level on points. The two teams split their season series 1-1, which means they'd go to the second tie breaker, goal difference. KC is at +9 to Columbus' even, so DC would have to beat KC by 9 while Columbus draws for the Crew to top KC. A draw or loss by KC and a win by the Crew though put Columbus ahead of KC.
Finally, if KC draws with DC and Houston defeats LA on Sunday, KC and Houston would be level on points. The good news for KC fans is that KC wins the head to head tie breaker with the Dynamo to finish ahead of them. But again things can go really wrong for KC if they lose to DC.
That's the big thing, a loss to DC really puts a big spin on things. For simplicity sake, here is a break down of how each result for KC this weekend could put them in a seed.
Sporting KC win
- finish first if they equal or better Philadelphia's result (example Philly wins 1-0, KC wins 1-0, 2-1, 2-0)
- finish second if they do not equal Philadelphia's result (example Philly wins 2-0, KC wins 1-0)
Sporting KC draw
- finish first if Philly loses or draws (as long as it's not a draw by more than 5 clear goals than KC's, ex Philly 5-5, KC 0-0), and Columbus loses, the Houston result won't matter as a 3 way tie between KC, Philly, and Houston, Houston loses the head-to-head tie breaker against those two.
- finish second if Philly wins (or draws by 5 clear goals over KC's draw), and Columbus loses. OR if Philly loses or draws and Columbus wins.
- finish third if Philly wins (or draws by 5 clear goals over KC's draw) AND Columbus wins. Once again Houston's result won't matter as KC wins head-to-head with the Dynamo.
Sporting KC lose
- finish first if Philly loses by more than KC does, Columbus loses, and Houston does not win.
- finish second if Philly wins or draws, or loses by less than KC does and Columbus loses or draws (as long as KC's loss isn't by 9), and Houston does not win. OR if Philly loses by more than KC, Columbus draws (Columbus takes first), and Houston does not win.
- finish third if Philly wins or draws, Columbus wins, and Houston does not win. OR if Philly loses by less than KC, Columbus draws, and Houston does not win.
- finish in second wild card spot if Philly wins or draws, Columbus wins, Houston wins, and Colorado does not win
- finish in third wild card spot if Philly wins or draws, and Columbus, Houston, and Colorado win.
I think I got all the potential implications, make it as clear as mud?
The good news for KC is that they will know just what they'll have to do clinch the top spot in the East before they take the field against DC. The reason for that is because Philadelphia plays New York on Thursday night. To finish ahead of Philadelphia, KC has to equal or better the Union's result. To decide who is currently in first palce the two teams had to go to the third tie breaker, as KC and Philly split the season series 0-0-2, and both have a +9 goal difference. The third tie breaker is goals scored, which KC leads 49 to 44. So KC needs to equal Philadelphia's result, if the Union win 1-0, KC needs to win by 1 or more to finish ahead of Philadelphia. That would at least guarantee KC finishing ahead of the Union. If they don't equal Philadelphia's result, but still win, then KC will finish second behind the Union.
Should KC lose or draw with DC, then things begin to get complicated. The Columbus Crew is currently 1 point behind KC, so if KC loses and Columbus ties Chicago, then KC and Columbus would finish level on points. The two teams split their season series 1-1, which means they'd go to the second tie breaker, goal difference. KC is at +9 to Columbus' even, so DC would have to beat KC by 9 while Columbus draws for the Crew to top KC. A draw or loss by KC and a win by the Crew though put Columbus ahead of KC.
Finally, if KC draws with DC and Houston defeats LA on Sunday, KC and Houston would be level on points. The good news for KC fans is that KC wins the head to head tie breaker with the Dynamo to finish ahead of them. But again things can go really wrong for KC if they lose to DC.
That's the big thing, a loss to DC really puts a big spin on things. For simplicity sake, here is a break down of how each result for KC this weekend could put them in a seed.
Sporting KC win
- finish first if they equal or better Philadelphia's result (example Philly wins 1-0, KC wins 1-0, 2-1, 2-0)
- finish second if they do not equal Philadelphia's result (example Philly wins 2-0, KC wins 1-0)
Sporting KC draw
- finish first if Philly loses or draws (as long as it's not a draw by more than 5 clear goals than KC's, ex Philly 5-5, KC 0-0), and Columbus loses, the Houston result won't matter as a 3 way tie between KC, Philly, and Houston, Houston loses the head-to-head tie breaker against those two.
- finish second if Philly wins (or draws by 5 clear goals over KC's draw), and Columbus loses. OR if Philly loses or draws and Columbus wins.
- finish third if Philly wins (or draws by 5 clear goals over KC's draw) AND Columbus wins. Once again Houston's result won't matter as KC wins head-to-head with the Dynamo.
Sporting KC lose
- finish first if Philly loses by more than KC does, Columbus loses, and Houston does not win.
- finish second if Philly wins or draws, or loses by less than KC does and Columbus loses or draws (as long as KC's loss isn't by 9), and Houston does not win. OR if Philly loses by more than KC, Columbus draws (Columbus takes first), and Houston does not win.
- finish third if Philly wins or draws, Columbus wins, and Houston does not win. OR if Philly loses by less than KC, Columbus draws, and Houston does not win.
- finish in second wild card spot if Philly wins or draws, Columbus wins, Houston wins, and Colorado does not win
- finish in third wild card spot if Philly wins or draws, and Columbus, Houston, and Colorado win.
I think I got all the potential implications, make it as clear as mud?
Waltman Called Up to US Futsal Team
The new Missouri Comets season is less than a month away at this point. The team is preparing for the season, and one thing that has changed is the number of teams. The Chicago team is no longer looking like it'll be in the league. The team's schedule has no reference to the Chicago team that was mentioned in previous releases by the league. Which turns the Midwestern conference into a 3 team conference with Wichita, Milwaukee, and Missouri remaining. Certainly not a good thing for the league that they're losing a team after the league put the schedule out.
In happier news, Comets goalkeeper, Danny Waltman has been called up to for the US national futsal team. The team is in Brazil for the Grand Prix of Futsal this week. The US team opened the competition yesterday against Uruguay. They take on Iran tonight and then tomorrow play Belgium. Good luck to Waltman and the US team.
In happier news, Comets goalkeeper, Danny Waltman has been called up to for the US national futsal team. The team is in Brazil for the Grand Prix of Futsal this week. The US team opened the competition yesterday against Uruguay. They take on Iran tonight and then tomorrow play Belgium. Good luck to Waltman and the US team.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday After Stats
Playoffs feel so good.
Last night was the 12th league win, and 15th in all competitions this year, the most since 2004 when the team had 14 league wins and 20 in all competitions.
Teal Bunbury scored his 14th league goal, breaking his tie with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez and moving into a tie with Jack Jewsbury for 13th on that list.
Bunbury's goal was his 16th in all competitions, breaking his tie with Burciaga, Victorine, Lopez, and Jewsbury, and moving him into a tie for 16th with Francisco Gomez.
Thierry Henry's red card was the 13th this season in a Sporting KC game (8 for KC 5 for opponents), that's the second most in a single season in team history after the 2009 season (6 for KC, 10 for opponents).
It's also the 13th in all competitions in Sporting KC games, behind the 21 in the 2009 season (9 for KC, 12 for opponents).
Matt Besler has played 2,790 minutes this season in league play, that's the 10th most in a single season for a player for KC.
Last night was the 12th league win, and 15th in all competitions this year, the most since 2004 when the team had 14 league wins and 20 in all competitions.
Teal Bunbury scored his 14th league goal, breaking his tie with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez and moving into a tie with Jack Jewsbury for 13th on that list.
Bunbury's goal was his 16th in all competitions, breaking his tie with Burciaga, Victorine, Lopez, and Jewsbury, and moving him into a tie for 16th with Francisco Gomez.
Thierry Henry's red card was the 13th this season in a Sporting KC game (8 for KC 5 for opponents), that's the second most in a single season in team history after the 2009 season (6 for KC, 10 for opponents).
It's also the 13th in all competitions in Sporting KC games, behind the 21 in the 2009 season (9 for KC, 12 for opponents).
Matt Besler has played 2,790 minutes this season in league play, that's the 10th most in a single season for a player for KC.
We're In
With a week to spare, Sporting Kansas City clinched a spot in the 2011 MLS Cup playoffs thanks to a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls yesterday at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. KC's early pressure nearly paid off inside the first minute off a corner kick. Graham Zusi's corner went through to the back side. The ball got played back into the middle for an unmarked Aurelien Collin. Collin's header was off target from about 6 yards out that would have given KC a very early lead. The early pressure continued shortly after with Kei Kamara getting played in behind by Chance Myers. Kamara played a cross through the box but Omar Bravo's sliding attempt was a little too late and the ball slid by. New York created a great chance shortly after as Joel Lindpere beat Myers down the line. Lindpere squared the ball into the middle for Luke Rodgers. Rodgers though whiffed on his attempt and the ball fell to Dane Richards. Richards lined up and fired a shot that Jimmy Nielsen had to palm away. In the 27th minute the game took a big turn in Kansas City's favor. Thierry Henry after having a few tussles with KC players lost the ball to Roger Espinoza. Espinoza then slid the ball to Zusi who started making his way up field. With Espinoza on the ground Henry started running towards the ball and kneed Espinoza in the back. Referee Kevin Stott immediately reached for his red card, sending off the former French international. Watching the replays it certainly seems like there's enough intent from Henry on the play to warrant the red card.
With KC up a man they started to control the game more and should have probably opened the score. Teal Bunbury had multiple chances after the red card to put KC up, but was unable to put any of those chances away. Early in the second half though, Bunbury finally put one away giving KC the lead. Again off a set piece from Zusi was headed back into the middle of the box from the back post, the Red Bulls partially cleared the ball to Julio Cesar who touched the ball down for Bunbury who hit it on the side volley. The strike flew past Frank Rost and KC went up 1-0. KC continued to control the game after the goal and a second was always coming for KC. Only a few minutes after entering the game CJ Sapong doubled the lead. Again off a corner, Zusi played the ball to the back side of the box where Matt Besler headed the ball back in the middle of the box. Sapong laid out, getting his foot on the ball ahead of Roy Miller, knocking the ball into the net, effectively ending the game. Sapong almost had a second a little later. After receiving the ball, he turned Tim Ream, got around him and fired a shot that while powerful was right at Rost and the German was able to palm the ball away. New York wasn't able to get any real sustainable pressure late in the game, Nielsen had a few minor saves to make, but nothing too bad as KC shutout the Red Bulls, clinched a playoff spot, and moved back into a tie with Philadelphia for the top spot in the East (and ahead of the Union on goals scored at this point).
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - Zusi had a fantastic game, KC seemed to have a plan of going to the far post and heading back into the middle on each corner and he did it to perfection, Both of KC's goals came from those situations and KC easily could have had another 1 or 2 goals from those corners. Also if Bunbury had finished better he could have had another assist or two. A great day by the midfielder.
Honorable Mention - Teal Bunbury
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Cesar 6, Espinoza 6, Zusi 8, Kamara 7, Bunbury 8, Bravo 6. Subs Arnaud 6, Sapong 7, Saad NR.
With KC up a man they started to control the game more and should have probably opened the score. Teal Bunbury had multiple chances after the red card to put KC up, but was unable to put any of those chances away. Early in the second half though, Bunbury finally put one away giving KC the lead. Again off a set piece from Zusi was headed back into the middle of the box from the back post, the Red Bulls partially cleared the ball to Julio Cesar who touched the ball down for Bunbury who hit it on the side volley. The strike flew past Frank Rost and KC went up 1-0. KC continued to control the game after the goal and a second was always coming for KC. Only a few minutes after entering the game CJ Sapong doubled the lead. Again off a corner, Zusi played the ball to the back side of the box where Matt Besler headed the ball back in the middle of the box. Sapong laid out, getting his foot on the ball ahead of Roy Miller, knocking the ball into the net, effectively ending the game. Sapong almost had a second a little later. After receiving the ball, he turned Tim Ream, got around him and fired a shot that while powerful was right at Rost and the German was able to palm the ball away. New York wasn't able to get any real sustainable pressure late in the game, Nielsen had a few minor saves to make, but nothing too bad as KC shutout the Red Bulls, clinched a playoff spot, and moved back into a tie with Philadelphia for the top spot in the East (and ahead of the Union on goals scored at this point).
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - Zusi had a fantastic game, KC seemed to have a plan of going to the far post and heading back into the middle on each corner and he did it to perfection, Both of KC's goals came from those situations and KC easily could have had another 1 or 2 goals from those corners. Also if Bunbury had finished better he could have had another assist or two. A great day by the midfielder.
Honorable Mention - Teal Bunbury
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Cesar 6, Espinoza 6, Zusi 8, Kamara 7, Bunbury 8, Bravo 6. Subs Arnaud 6, Sapong 7, Saad NR.
Rocastle, Grenada Elminiated from World Cup Qualifying
While Sporting KC was busy qualifying for the playoffs, another Sporting KC player was busy with his national team trying to keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive. Craig Rocastle and Grenada were playing St. Vincent and Grenadines in a must win game for both countries to keep alive in Group E. Rocastle went 90 minutes for the Spice Boyz, but unfortunately the two teams drew 1-1 with Grenada grabbing an equalizer in second half stoppage time. The result puts Guatemala through to the next round. Meanwhile Grenada have two more qualifiers coming up in November before their qualifying cycle comes to an end.
What We Want to Happen Today 10//16
So Sporting KC clinched their playoff birth last night, but there is still plenty to be decided heading into the final weekend for KC, specifically seeding. They are still trying to lock up a top 3 spot in the East and avoid the wild card round. They'll have their chance to lock the spot up next weekend against DC. Today there is one more MLS game, although it means little to Sporting KC at this point.
LA - Chivas
What we want to happen: doesn't matter
Chivas are eliminated from the playoffs, and LA has clinched the Supporters' Shield. But there is something in this game that could play out next week. LA closes the season against the Dynamo in Houston, so LA coming into that game wanting a good result could be very big in KC's hopes of clinching a top 3 spot. So if LA is looking towards their CCL game this week, they may play a depleted lineup today, and possibly look for a stronger lineup next weekend against the Dynamo.
LA - Chivas
What we want to happen: doesn't matter
Chivas are eliminated from the playoffs, and LA has clinched the Supporters' Shield. But there is something in this game that could play out next week. LA closes the season against the Dynamo in Houston, so LA coming into that game wanting a good result could be very big in KC's hopes of clinching a top 3 spot. So if LA is looking towards their CCL game this week, they may play a depleted lineup today, and possibly look for a stronger lineup next weekend against the Dynamo.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
17th Home Game Attendance Look
photo courtesy of Jarred DonalsonSporting Kansas City closed out their regular season home schedule today with a 2-0 win over the Red Bulls, a standing room only crowd of just under 20,000 helped KC to make the new record for average attendance in a season that much higher for KC. Here's a look at the rankings after 16 games. And here is after 17.
1996 - Arrowhead Season over
Average - 12,878
1997 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 9,367
1998 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 8,574
1999 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 8,183
2000 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 9,656
2001 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 10,954
2002 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 12,255
2003 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 15,573
2004 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 14,816
2005 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 9,691
2006 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 11,083
2007 - Arrowhead
Season over
Average - 11,586
2008 - Community America Ballpark
Season over
Average - 10,716
2009 - Community America Ballpark
Season over
Average - 10,053
2010 - Community America Ballpark
Season over
Average - 10,286
2011 - LIVESTRONG Sporting Park
19,921
Average - 17,810
All the other seasons ended, so the 2011 season was the only one that gained or lost anything after the 17th home game. Here's how the final standings sit for each season.
1. 2011 - 17,810 - (-)(+132)
2. 2003 - 15,573 - (-)(-)
3. 2004 - 14,816 - (-)(-)
4. 1996 - 12,878 - (-)(-)
5. 2002 - 12,255 - (-)(-)
6. 2007 - 11,586 - (-)(-)
7. 2006 - 11,083 - (-)(-)
8. 2001 - 10,954 - (-)(-)
9. 2008 - 10,716 - (-)(-)
10. 2010 - 10,286 - (-)(-)
11. 2009 - 10,053 - (-)(-)
12. 2005 - 9,691 - (-)(-)
13. 2000 - 9,656 - (-)(-)
14. 1997 - 9,367 - (-)(-)
15. 1998 - 8,574 - (-)(-)
16. 1999 - 8,183 - (-)(-)
What We Want to Happen Today 10/15
Well last night didn't exactly go the way that KC wanted it to go. The big result that went the wrong way was the Houston Dynamo pulling off only their second away win of the season, beating Portland at Jeld-Wen field 2-0. The win put Houston into second place in the Eastern Conference, ahead of Kansas City. That result makes today even a bigger must win for KC today against New York. But other than KC needing a win today, what else does KC want to happen in the games today? See below.
Toronto - Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Toronto win
A Toronto win keeps the Eastern Conference tight and keeps Philadelphia within striking distance of Kansas City for them to try to get the top spot in the East. A win by Philly doesn't eliminate KC from winning the East, but it does make it a more difficult task for Kansas City.
DC - Chicago
What we want to happen: Chicago win
The Fire can no longer catch Kansas City, but DC can still move past KC if they win out and KC doesn't pick up more than a point. So we actually don't want to win subs today. It'll be a tough ask for the Fire though with 3 first team players (including two defenders) out due to suspensions, along with the return of Dwayne De Rosario.
New England - Columbus
What we want to happen: New England win
A win by New England keeps the Crew in KC's rear view mirror, in fact, it'll guarantee that KC finishes ahead of the Crew if KC can also pull off a win against New York. A draw could possibly be enough as well based off of the goal difference between KC (at least +8 with a win today) and Columbus (-3 with a draw today). A loss by the Crew here with a win by KC guarantees a top 3 spot for the Wizards so we want the Revs to win in their home finale.
Dallas - Vancouver
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
Really this game doesn't matter much to KC. To pass Dallas to become the top wild card team this year would require KC to win out. But should KC win out they'll be guaranteed a top 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. So there's nothing that can be done for KC to finish above Dallas should the Wizards fall into a wild card spot. But let's go with the underdog Whitecaps in this one.
Seattle - San Jose
What we want to happen: San Jose win
This game means absolutely nothing to KC, Seattle clinched second in the West, San Jose is eliminated. But no one will bitch to me because I want Seattle to lose I don't think.
Toronto - Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Toronto win
A Toronto win keeps the Eastern Conference tight and keeps Philadelphia within striking distance of Kansas City for them to try to get the top spot in the East. A win by Philly doesn't eliminate KC from winning the East, but it does make it a more difficult task for Kansas City.
DC - Chicago
What we want to happen: Chicago win
The Fire can no longer catch Kansas City, but DC can still move past KC if they win out and KC doesn't pick up more than a point. So we actually don't want to win subs today. It'll be a tough ask for the Fire though with 3 first team players (including two defenders) out due to suspensions, along with the return of Dwayne De Rosario.
New England - Columbus
What we want to happen: New England win
A win by New England keeps the Crew in KC's rear view mirror, in fact, it'll guarantee that KC finishes ahead of the Crew if KC can also pull off a win against New York. A draw could possibly be enough as well based off of the goal difference between KC (at least +8 with a win today) and Columbus (-3 with a draw today). A loss by the Crew here with a win by KC guarantees a top 3 spot for the Wizards so we want the Revs to win in their home finale.
Dallas - Vancouver
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
Really this game doesn't matter much to KC. To pass Dallas to become the top wild card team this year would require KC to win out. But should KC win out they'll be guaranteed a top 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. So there's nothing that can be done for KC to finish above Dallas should the Wizards fall into a wild card spot. But let's go with the underdog Whitecaps in this one.
Seattle - San Jose
What we want to happen: San Jose win
This game means absolutely nothing to KC, Seattle clinched second in the West, San Jose is eliminated. But no one will bitch to me because I want Seattle to lose I don't think.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Win and We're In
A win tomorrow and KC will qualify for the playoffs, to do so they are going to have to go through the New York Red Bulls at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, where a sold out crowd will look to influence the result, giving KC a home advantage. The Red Bulls are on a decent run of form, they've only lost one game since their 3-0 loss to Salt Lake on 8/6. That other loss was also against Salt Lake. Since that 3-0 loss New York is 3-1-4. Since Rafe Marquez's comments bashing his teammates, New York has won two games and draw once. The Red Bulls form is certainly something to worry about as is big name forward, Thierry Henry. But the majority of the games in this stretch have been home games for the Red Bulls, so hopefully a hostile environment will work to KC's advantage.
In the mid-week friendly against Chivas, the majority of the players that you'd expect to play tomorrow didn't play much more than 45 minutes. The one big question is Aurelien Collin, who played the entire game against Chivas. There are a couple ways that Peter Vermes could choose to go. He could start Collin next to Matt Besler and have the rested Julio Cesar start in the midfield. The question there is if Davy Arnaud retains his place in the lineup or if Roger Espinoza slots back in as a starter. The other option is to put Arnaud into the midfield and possibly drop Collin to the bench with Cesar partnering Besler in the center of defense. With the line of Henry and Luke Rodgers likely starting for New York, I'd almost rather see Collin to deal with Rodgers.
Number to Remember - 3 - Get the 3 points, clinch the playoff spot. Plain and simple.
Key Match Up - Seth Sinovic vs Dane Richards - Richards is a handful of speed and skill, it's going to be tough for Sinovic to really push forward having to watch Richards on the defensive side of the ball. Hopefully he'll get support from the midfield and center backs to assist with dealing with the Jamaican.
PREDICTION - This game is going to be tight, both teams are going to want the 3 points, but neither team is going to want to make that early mistake that could put them in a hole. That's a recipe for a tight game throughout. Surprisingly, Hans Backe apparently said today that he'd be content with a draw from the game. that doesn't seem like the type of comment that you want your coach making heading into a game. Maybe post game you say that you're happy with the point, but to say before the game even starts that you'll be happy for the draw just doesn't sit right with me. I hope we lay 5 down on them because of those comments. In reality it'll be tight and nail biting like most of our games are.
SKC - 2 (Bravo, Kamara)
NYRB - 1 (Rodgers)
In the mid-week friendly against Chivas, the majority of the players that you'd expect to play tomorrow didn't play much more than 45 minutes. The one big question is Aurelien Collin, who played the entire game against Chivas. There are a couple ways that Peter Vermes could choose to go. He could start Collin next to Matt Besler and have the rested Julio Cesar start in the midfield. The question there is if Davy Arnaud retains his place in the lineup or if Roger Espinoza slots back in as a starter. The other option is to put Arnaud into the midfield and possibly drop Collin to the bench with Cesar partnering Besler in the center of defense. With the line of Henry and Luke Rodgers likely starting for New York, I'd almost rather see Collin to deal with Rodgers.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Zusi - Cesar - Espinoza
Kamara - Sapong - Bravo
Number to Remember - 3 - Get the 3 points, clinch the playoff spot. Plain and simple.
Key Match Up - Seth Sinovic vs Dane Richards - Richards is a handful of speed and skill, it's going to be tough for Sinovic to really push forward having to watch Richards on the defensive side of the ball. Hopefully he'll get support from the midfield and center backs to assist with dealing with the Jamaican.
PREDICTION - This game is going to be tight, both teams are going to want the 3 points, but neither team is going to want to make that early mistake that could put them in a hole. That's a recipe for a tight game throughout. Surprisingly, Hans Backe apparently said today that he'd be content with a draw from the game. that doesn't seem like the type of comment that you want your coach making heading into a game. Maybe post game you say that you're happy with the point, but to say before the game even starts that you'll be happy for the draw just doesn't sit right with me. I hope we lay 5 down on them because of those comments. In reality it'll be tight and nail biting like most of our games are.
SKC - 2 (Bravo, Kamara)
NYRB - 1 (Rodgers)
What We Want to Happen 10/14
Sporting KC got the results that they wanted out of the games on Wednesday. Hopefully that string continues tonight when there are two more MLS games. One has more importance on KC's standing than the other but they both still have some significance to KC's potential playoff seeding.
Colorado vs Real Salt Lake
What we want to happen: RSL win.
KC can technically still catch RSL on points, but with RSL currently in the 3rd West spot, it's not that big of a deal for KC. Should KC fall into a wild card spot they'll likely end up competing with the Rapids, who they are currently tied with points with at 45. So the Rapids not picking up points can help KC's potential seeding if they should stumble and fall out of the top 3 in the East.
Portland vs Houston
What we want to happen: Tie
Arguments on this game could easily go with any of the 3 potential results. A Portland loss would make it harder for them to catch KC for a playoff spot with them only having 2 games left and 5 points back of KC. But that would also push Houston up past KC and into second place in the Eastern Conference, knocking KC to 3rd. A Houston loss would give KC some potential breathing room on the Dynamo, but would allow Portland to creep closer to KC's point total and again if KC stumbles out of a top 3 spot that could be trouble. So I'm going with the draw, it doesn't really allow either team to gain too much ground. It's also still fulfills the second domino that could see KC clinch a top 3 spot this weekend with a win over New York.
Colorado vs Real Salt Lake
What we want to happen: RSL win.
KC can technically still catch RSL on points, but with RSL currently in the 3rd West spot, it's not that big of a deal for KC. Should KC fall into a wild card spot they'll likely end up competing with the Rapids, who they are currently tied with points with at 45. So the Rapids not picking up points can help KC's potential seeding if they should stumble and fall out of the top 3 in the East.
Portland vs Houston
What we want to happen: Tie
Arguments on this game could easily go with any of the 3 potential results. A Portland loss would make it harder for them to catch KC for a playoff spot with them only having 2 games left and 5 points back of KC. But that would also push Houston up past KC and into second place in the Eastern Conference, knocking KC to 3rd. A Houston loss would give KC some potential breathing room on the Dynamo, but would allow Portland to creep closer to KC's point total and again if KC stumbles out of a top 3 spot that could be trouble. So I'm going with the draw, it doesn't really allow either team to gain too much ground. It's also still fulfills the second domino that could see KC clinch a top 3 spot this weekend with a win over New York.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
A week of very little action for former SKC Wizards due to the international break this week, but there were some games this past week involving former players. Here is this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - No game this week.
Adam Cristman - LA - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Chicago.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Mike Jones - New York - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 3-0 win over RSL. Did not dress in Vancouver's 2-1 win over DC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 2-1 loss to Vancouver.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 win over New England.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 win over New England.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Vancouver.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 45 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Comets - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - No game this week.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Liniers Bahia Blanca 1-0.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes, scoring a goal in Tecos' 3-2 loss to Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 1-0 to Imotski.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, recording 2 assists in Armenia's 4-1 win over Macedonia. Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 2-1 loss to Ireland.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - No game this week.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - No game this week.
Adam Cristman - LA - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in RSL's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Chicago.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Mike Jones - New York - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 3-0 win over RSL. Did not dress in Vancouver's 2-1 win over DC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 2-1 loss to Vancouver.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 win over New England.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 win over New England.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Vancouver.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 45 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Comets - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - No game this week.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Liniers Bahia Blanca 1-0.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes, scoring a goal in Tecos' 3-2 loss to Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 1-0 to Imotski.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, recording 2 assists in Armenia's 4-1 win over Macedonia. Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 2-1 loss to Ireland.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - No game this week.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Win, Win, Win Day Yesterday
No KC didn't win their friendly with Chivas de Guadalajara last night, the two ended up drawing 2-2, but the bigger thing to take from the game last night was that no one picked up an injury and most of the projected starters that played last night didn't play more than 45 minutes. Last night also turned into a better night in league play yesterday for KC, as two teams chasing KC in the playoff race dropped points. The Chicago Fire can no longer catch the Wizards after their 2-1 home loss to FC Dallas last night the Fire's maximum points are 43, and KC is already on 45. The other big result for KC, was DC's 2-1 loss in Vancouver to the Whitecaps. That puts DC in the position that they'd have to win out while KC loses out for them to pass KC. So last night couldn't have gotten much better for KC.
At LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, KC's draw with the real Chivas served it's purpose, it got first teamers a run out to get some game play while giving reserves a chance to play. In the first half KC had some good possession and created some good half chances, but it was Chivas that had the better chances, early on as Marco Fabian got in behind KC's defense and had rounded Eric Kronberg. A nice challenge by Aurelien Collin did enough to throw off Fabian and he pushed his effort wide of Kronberg's post. Fabian though did get on the scoring sheet later in the half from the penalty spot after Collin fouled Carlos Fierro in the box. Fabian sent Kronberg the wrong way and the Goats went up 1-0. KC continued to create some good chances but didn't really test Luis Ernesto Michel in the Chivas net. KC's best chance of the half came in the 30th minute when Kei Kamara beat his defender with pace and fired a shot that beat Michel but not the post. The rebound fell to Graham Zusi, whose goal bound shot was headed away before it got to Michel. The last good chance of the half for KC fell to the man who'd played for both teams, Omar Bravo. Bravo had been played in with a nice chip from Jeferson, but Michel was quick off his line and Bravo couldn't get his shot past the keeper.
Five half time changes for KC saw the majority of the guys that might start Saturday leave the game they'd gotten their legs warm and active after half a week and a half with no games for the majority of them. Early on in the second half, Omar Bravo was played in on goal and this time beat Michel, but Bravo was ruled to have been offside on the play and the score remained 1-0 Chivas. KC finally grabbed their deserved equalizer in the 75th minute through 19 year old Soony Saad. Another substitute, Milos Stojcev played Saad in alone on goal with a nice through ball. Saad dribbled in on Victor Hugo Hernandez in the Chivas net and five-holed the keeper tying the game at 1-1. KC kept pushing and in the 86th looked like they might have found a winner. After Kevin Ellis had done well to keep the ball in and beat his defender, he was brought down just outside the box to the right of the goal. Stojcev played in a good free kick that took a deflection to the back post where Ellis was there to bundle the ball over the line to give KC a 2-1 lead. The lead didn't last long for KC though, as Chivas came down the field and in the 88th minute, all too easily it seemed, found an equalizer through Erik Torres. Torres got a poor back pass, turned Collin one or two times and then fired a shot that got under Kronberg and rolled into the net to tie the game at 2-2. The drama wasn't over though, late in stoppage time after a string of hard challenges by both teams along the sideline, Craig Rocastle picked up a red after he connected on his hard challenge. The red didn't matter though, the ensuing free kick was headed away by Ellis and then came the final whistle with the game ended 2-2.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Ellis had a good game tonight in the minutes he had, he seemed to be one of the bench guys that was really trying to use this opportunity as a chance to show Peter Vermes that they deserved more playing time, Saad and Stojcev being the other two that really seemed intent on improving their position last night.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 4, Sinovic 5, Olum 5, Collin 5, Myers 5, Arnaud 5, Zusi 6, Jeferson 5, Bravo 6, Sapong 6, Kamara 6. Subs Aiyegbusi 5, Harrington 5, Diop 4, Saad 7, Rocastle 5, Stojcev 7, Ellis 7, Lorenz NR.
At LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, KC's draw with the real Chivas served it's purpose, it got first teamers a run out to get some game play while giving reserves a chance to play. In the first half KC had some good possession and created some good half chances, but it was Chivas that had the better chances, early on as Marco Fabian got in behind KC's defense and had rounded Eric Kronberg. A nice challenge by Aurelien Collin did enough to throw off Fabian and he pushed his effort wide of Kronberg's post. Fabian though did get on the scoring sheet later in the half from the penalty spot after Collin fouled Carlos Fierro in the box. Fabian sent Kronberg the wrong way and the Goats went up 1-0. KC continued to create some good chances but didn't really test Luis Ernesto Michel in the Chivas net. KC's best chance of the half came in the 30th minute when Kei Kamara beat his defender with pace and fired a shot that beat Michel but not the post. The rebound fell to Graham Zusi, whose goal bound shot was headed away before it got to Michel. The last good chance of the half for KC fell to the man who'd played for both teams, Omar Bravo. Bravo had been played in with a nice chip from Jeferson, but Michel was quick off his line and Bravo couldn't get his shot past the keeper.
Five half time changes for KC saw the majority of the guys that might start Saturday leave the game they'd gotten their legs warm and active after half a week and a half with no games for the majority of them. Early on in the second half, Omar Bravo was played in on goal and this time beat Michel, but Bravo was ruled to have been offside on the play and the score remained 1-0 Chivas. KC finally grabbed their deserved equalizer in the 75th minute through 19 year old Soony Saad. Another substitute, Milos Stojcev played Saad in alone on goal with a nice through ball. Saad dribbled in on Victor Hugo Hernandez in the Chivas net and five-holed the keeper tying the game at 1-1. KC kept pushing and in the 86th looked like they might have found a winner. After Kevin Ellis had done well to keep the ball in and beat his defender, he was brought down just outside the box to the right of the goal. Stojcev played in a good free kick that took a deflection to the back post where Ellis was there to bundle the ball over the line to give KC a 2-1 lead. The lead didn't last long for KC though, as Chivas came down the field and in the 88th minute, all too easily it seemed, found an equalizer through Erik Torres. Torres got a poor back pass, turned Collin one or two times and then fired a shot that got under Kronberg and rolled into the net to tie the game at 2-2. The drama wasn't over though, late in stoppage time after a string of hard challenges by both teams along the sideline, Craig Rocastle picked up a red after he connected on his hard challenge. The red didn't matter though, the ensuing free kick was headed away by Ellis and then came the final whistle with the game ended 2-2.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Ellis had a good game tonight in the minutes he had, he seemed to be one of the bench guys that was really trying to use this opportunity as a chance to show Peter Vermes that they deserved more playing time, Saad and Stojcev being the other two that really seemed intent on improving their position last night.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 4, Sinovic 5, Olum 5, Collin 5, Myers 5, Arnaud 5, Zusi 6, Jeferson 5, Bravo 6, Sapong 6, Kamara 6. Subs Aiyegbusi 5, Harrington 5, Diop 4, Saad 7, Rocastle 5, Stojcev 7, Ellis 7, Lorenz NR.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What We Want to Happen Today 10/12
MLS action kicks back up today with 2 games, both of which could have big implications on Kansas City and qualifying for the playoffs. There's a way this weekend that KC could clinch a top 3 spot in the East, so shooting for that seems a good place to start.
Chicago vs Dallas
What we want to happen: Dallas win or draw.
Either of those two results will keep Chicago from being able to catch us and put KC one step closer to qualification. Seems pretty straight forward enough, but with Chicago being at home and Dallas being without Brek Shea, things could be a little tough for them. But with Chicago seeming to get a ton of draws this season that doesn't seem out of the question tonight.
Vancouver vs DC
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
A draw here doesn't hurt KC too much either, but a win by Vancouver would be better for the "clinch top 3 spot" scenario. A Vancouver win combined with a KC win on Saturday will keep DC from being able to catch KC on points. A draw combined with a KC win would put DC's max points on 48, the same number KC would have heading into their match up in the final week. With KC already holding a lead in the head-to-head, goal difference could come into play if DC were to win on the weekend and again in midweek vs Portland, and KC currently is +7 compared to DC's 0.
Chicago vs Dallas
What we want to happen: Dallas win or draw.
Either of those two results will keep Chicago from being able to catch us and put KC one step closer to qualification. Seems pretty straight forward enough, but with Chicago being at home and Dallas being without Brek Shea, things could be a little tough for them. But with Chicago seeming to get a ton of draws this season that doesn't seem out of the question tonight.
Vancouver vs DC
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
A draw here doesn't hurt KC too much either, but a win by Vancouver would be better for the "clinch top 3 spot" scenario. A Vancouver win combined with a KC win on Saturday will keep DC from being able to catch KC on points. A draw combined with a KC win would put DC's max points on 48, the same number KC would have heading into their match up in the final week. With KC already holding a lead in the head-to-head, goal difference could come into play if DC were to win on the weekend and again in midweek vs Portland, and KC currently is +7 compared to DC's 0.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
International Duty for KC Players
Another day of international duty for Sporting KC players today. Four players had national team duty today, three of them started. The one to not start, didn't even appear for his country, as Teal Bunbury didn't make the bench again for the United States in their 1-0 loss to Ecuador tonight in New York. The United States had some bright moments, Brek Shea and Tim Chandler impressed again, and Oguchi Onyewu appears to be returning to form. Onyewu returning to form is a good thing for the United States as neither Michael Orozco Fiscal or Tim Ream have endeared themselves to the position. Tonight it was Ream's turn as he lost Jaime Ayovi way too easily and the Ecuadorian headed the ball past Tim Howard.
In other friendlies, Roger Espinoza and Honduras faced off against Shavar Thomas and Jamaica today as well in Honduras. Both SKC players started for their respective teams in Honduras' 2-1 win over the Reggae Boyz.
Finally in World Cup qualifiers, Peterson Joseph and Haiti took on Curacao. Haiti fell behind 2-0 at home before coming back to tie 2-2. The draw, combined with Antigua and Barbuda's win over the US Virgin Islands puts Haiti into second place in the group. While the draw hurts their chances it doesn't destroy them, because Haiti's next two games are against Antigua, so Haiti can still get by if they can take care of business vs Antigua.
In other friendlies, Roger Espinoza and Honduras faced off against Shavar Thomas and Jamaica today as well in Honduras. Both SKC players started for their respective teams in Honduras' 2-1 win over the Reggae Boyz.
Finally in World Cup qualifiers, Peterson Joseph and Haiti took on Curacao. Haiti fell behind 2-0 at home before coming back to tie 2-2. The draw, combined with Antigua and Barbuda's win over the US Virgin Islands puts Haiti into second place in the group. While the draw hurts their chances it doesn't destroy them, because Haiti's next two games are against Antigua, so Haiti can still get by if they can take care of business vs Antigua.
Midweek Friendly Fun
Tomorrow Sporting KC have their second friendly of the season when they host Chivas Guadalajara at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. The game was part off the deal that brought Omar Bravo to Kansas City this year. Guadalajara's roster is full of plenty of first teamers with them on the trip including captain Hector Reynoso and vice-captain Luis Ernesto Michel. The game comes between two league games against Toluca last weekend and Tecos this coming weekend. The Goats are currently in 6th place in the overall table for the Mexican league table heading into this weekend's action. It's the 3rd separate trip they've made to the US this year, earlier participating in the World Football Challenge, then coming back in September to play Chicago before this trip to play KC.
I'd originally been extremely against this friendly right before what has become an absolute must win for Kansas City against New York on Saturday. But with what would have been a two week layoff for the majority of the roster without this game, I think it's a good chance to get a run out against an opponent. A chance to stretch the legs and prepare for this coming weekend's game. As long as no one goes out and picks up an injury, like Zoltan Hercegfalvi did against St. Louis last year, this game I think will actually help KC heading into the weekend. The other thing that I'm wanting out of this game has to do with Kansas City's expected starters over the weekend. I don't want Kansas City to have the expected starters making more than a cameo appearance. I expect Omar Bravo will get more than that, considering the opponent, but guys like Matt Besler, Aurelein Collin, Chance Myers, Graham Zusi, etc, I don't want them playing more than a half. With guys on international duty I realize that's going to be a little tough, but hopefully trialists are still in came and can contribute.
Here's the lineup I'd like to see play the majority of the game.
PREDICTION - NO INJURIES PLEASE.
I'd originally been extremely against this friendly right before what has become an absolute must win for Kansas City against New York on Saturday. But with what would have been a two week layoff for the majority of the roster without this game, I think it's a good chance to get a run out against an opponent. A chance to stretch the legs and prepare for this coming weekend's game. As long as no one goes out and picks up an injury, like Zoltan Hercegfalvi did against St. Louis last year, this game I think will actually help KC heading into the weekend. The other thing that I'm wanting out of this game has to do with Kansas City's expected starters over the weekend. I don't want Kansas City to have the expected starters making more than a cameo appearance. I expect Omar Bravo will get more than that, considering the opponent, but guys like Matt Besler, Aurelein Collin, Chance Myers, Graham Zusi, etc, I don't want them playing more than a half. With guys on international duty I realize that's going to be a little tough, but hopefully trialists are still in came and can contribute.
Here's the lineup I'd like to see play the majority of the game.
Kronberg
Harrington - Olum - Cardenas - Aiyegbusi
Stojcev - Diop - Lorenz
Bravo - Saad - Ellis
Harrington - Olum - Cardenas - Aiyegbusi
Stojcev - Diop - Lorenz
Bravo - Saad - Ellis
PREDICTION - NO INJURIES PLEASE.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
If You Want Something Done Right
You need to do it yourself. Basically everyone has heard this phrase before, but it's starting to ring especially true for Sporting KC at this point of the season. KC could have gotten some help in qualification the past few days Los Angeles vs New York and Seattle vs Philadelphia. Instead though New York and Philadelphia both got wins putting more pressure on KC when it comes to their playoff qualification. But while it's easy to bitch about LA and Seattle losing games that they probably shouldn't, the bigger issue needs to go back to Kansas City. If you want to make the playoffs you have to do it yourself.
So far this season, KC have dropped 16 points from winning positions (0-4-2). In comparison they've picked up 10 points from losing positions (1-0-7), The extra 6 points that KC have dropped from winning positions would have KC firmly in the playoffs and on the verge of clinching the Eastern Conference. The other thing that has put KC into this situation has been their inability to close games out late. Of the 16 points that they've lost from winning positions, KC has lost half of them in the 88th minute on, a draw with Vancouver (when up 3-0), a loss to Seattle after being up 1-0, and a loss to Dallas after being up 2-0. To be fair, the team has picked up 4 points from losing positions after the 88th minute getting draws vs Chivas, Houston, New England, and LA. But that four point difference between those lost and won would be enough to have KC clinched a playoff spot and be a win away from clinching the East. Getting things done yourself and we're not in a position of needing LA or Seattle to beat New York or Philadelphia to keep KC in first place in the East or help to clinch a playoff spot.
While waiting for someone else to help KC out, they've now lost the ability to win the East on their own and will require assistance by either Toronto or New York to take points off of Philly, while KC wins out to win the Eastern Conference. That said, KC is still a win away from qualifying for the playoffs. But both of those games are against teams challenging for playoff spots in New York and DC.
KC could still qualify for the playoffs without winning another game, but they'd once again have to rely on other teams to help them out. And we've seen how that has helped KC so far this season in the playoff push.
So far this season, KC have dropped 16 points from winning positions (0-4-2). In comparison they've picked up 10 points from losing positions (1-0-7), The extra 6 points that KC have dropped from winning positions would have KC firmly in the playoffs and on the verge of clinching the Eastern Conference. The other thing that has put KC into this situation has been their inability to close games out late. Of the 16 points that they've lost from winning positions, KC has lost half of them in the 88th minute on, a draw with Vancouver (when up 3-0), a loss to Seattle after being up 1-0, and a loss to Dallas after being up 2-0. To be fair, the team has picked up 4 points from losing positions after the 88th minute getting draws vs Chivas, Houston, New England, and LA. But that four point difference between those lost and won would be enough to have KC clinched a playoff spot and be a win away from clinching the East. Getting things done yourself and we're not in a position of needing LA or Seattle to beat New York or Philadelphia to keep KC in first place in the East or help to clinch a playoff spot.
While waiting for someone else to help KC out, they've now lost the ability to win the East on their own and will require assistance by either Toronto or New York to take points off of Philly, while KC wins out to win the Eastern Conference. That said, KC is still a win away from qualifying for the playoffs. But both of those games are against teams challenging for playoff spots in New York and DC.
KC could still qualify for the playoffs without winning another game, but they'd once again have to rely on other teams to help them out. And we've seen how that has helped KC so far this season in the playoff push.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Espinoza and Honduras Fall to US
Roger Espinoza put in another solid performance for Honduras going 74 minutes, but Honduras fell to the US 1-0 tonight down in Miami on a nice finish by Clint Dempsey. Sporting KC's other player involved in this game, Teal Bunbury, did not make the 18 man US roster for the game tonight. Espinoza played the role that he's made his own for Honduras as of late. Starting out on the wing but sliding more centrally at times as well. He mixed it up with his friend Kyle Beckerman a few times in the first half, getting the better of the Real Salt Lake midfielder on a few occasions. A very strong performance by the Honduran after he'd missed KC's last two league games due to a leg injury. Honduras takes on Jamaica this coming week in Honduras while Bunbury and the US head to New York to take on Ecuador.
Leone Stars Draw but Fail to Qualify
Kei Kamara and the Leone Stars pulled out a draw in South Africa against the Bafana Bafana, but the point was not enough to see them through to the African Cup of Nations. Sierra Leone needed a win and a Niger loss to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1996, but couldn't find the net. Niger did their part, falling 3-0 to Egypt in their last qualifier, but the draw in South Africa saw the Mena qualify for their first ACN due to their head to head record against South Africa and Sierra Leone. The 3 teams tied atop Group G, but Niger's 2-2-0 (W-L-D) record against the other two gave them top spot as Sierra Leone and South Africa finished 1-2-1. Due to goal difference Sierra Leone finished 3rd in the group. Kamara went the full 90 minutes in the draw, only 2 days after arriving on the continent.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/8
A light Saturday for MLS games with the international games going on, but there are two games in league play today. Only one though will have any effect on KC's season, but it could be a big effect.
New England vs San Jose
What we want to happen: We don't care.
Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, so really this match means absolutely nothing for Sporting KC and their qualification process. It only really affects KC if key players end up missing later games where they play teams battling for a playoff spot (New England have Columbus and Toronto to end the season, San Jose have Seattle and Dallas).
Seattle vs Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Seattle win.
Yes I know everyone just cringed a little bit at the thought of cheering for the Sounders, it hurt me just as much to write that, but this is Philadelphia's game in hand. We don't want the Union catching or passing us with two games left in the season. They're only one point back of Kansas City right now in the log jam that is the top of the Eastern Conference right now. So we unfortunately have to cheer for the Rave Green tonight. Or if that makes you feel too dirty you could just cheer against the Union. It's going to be a tough night though, Seattle will be missing Fredy Montero due to suspension and Mauro Rosales and Alvaro Fernandez are likely to miss out due to injury.
New England vs San Jose
What we want to happen: We don't care.
Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, so really this match means absolutely nothing for Sporting KC and their qualification process. It only really affects KC if key players end up missing later games where they play teams battling for a playoff spot (New England have Columbus and Toronto to end the season, San Jose have Seattle and Dallas).
Seattle vs Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Seattle win.
Yes I know everyone just cringed a little bit at the thought of cheering for the Sounders, it hurt me just as much to write that, but this is Philadelphia's game in hand. We don't want the Union catching or passing us with two games left in the season. They're only one point back of Kansas City right now in the log jam that is the top of the Eastern Conference right now. So we unfortunately have to cheer for the Rave Green tonight. Or if that makes you feel too dirty you could just cheer against the Union. It's going to be a tough night though, Seattle will be missing Fredy Montero due to suspension and Mauro Rosales and Alvaro Fernandez are likely to miss out due to injury.
Good Day for Sporting KC Internationals
Yesterday was a good day for the two Sporting KC internationals involved in World Cup qualifying during this international window. Peterson Joseph an Haiti got things started off well with a 7-0 win over the US Virgin Islands. After being up 2-0 at the half, Haiti made all 3 substitutions, including sending on Joseph. Haiti exploded for 5 second half goals to cruise to victory. The win keeps Haiti undefeated in Group F, even with Antigua and Barbuda at 3-0. Qualification for the next round will come down to their two matches vs Antigua and Barbuda during the November international date. Before that, Haiti will play Curaçao at home on Tuesday.
Craig Rocastle and Grenada also got a win yesterday, defeating Belize 4-1 in Belize. I've been unable so far to find reports on the match giving lineups for the teams but I would assume that Rocastle played in the game. The win throws Grenada a life line for qualifying in the next round, but just barely. Guatemala is still undefeated in Group E and can clinch advancement with a win over Belize at home on the match day on Tuesday. Meanwhile Grenada will take on St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Craig Rocastle and Grenada also got a win yesterday, defeating Belize 4-1 in Belize. I've been unable so far to find reports on the match giving lineups for the teams but I would assume that Rocastle played in the game. The win throws Grenada a life line for qualifying in the next round, but just barely. Guatemala is still undefeated in Group E and can clinch advancement with a win over Belize at home on the match day on Tuesday. Meanwhile Grenada will take on St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
What We Want to Happen Today 10/6
So New York pulled out a win over LA on Tuesday night closing the gap on KC to only 2 points with two games to play. The game next weekend in KC is going to be huge. It's an absolute must win for KC if they want a top 3 spot. And while losing won't crush KC's playoff chances it certainly will not help. A win by KC would also clinch a playoff spot for Sporting KC.
Vancouver vs Real Salt Lake
What we want to happen today: Does not matter
Really this result doesn't matter much at all for KC, Vancouver is eliminated from the playoffs, and Real Salt Lake is firmly in 3rd place in the West. There's the possibility that Dallas could catch RSL, who is currently on 51 points. But that seems extremely unlikely. KC could catch RSL on points, but it would require KC winning out and RSL losing out, and if KC wins out they'll be guaranteed at least second place in the East depending on how Philly's game in hand plays out.
Vancouver vs Real Salt Lake
What we want to happen today: Does not matter
Really this result doesn't matter much at all for KC, Vancouver is eliminated from the playoffs, and Real Salt Lake is firmly in 3rd place in the West. There's the possibility that Dallas could catch RSL, who is currently on 51 points. But that seems extremely unlikely. KC could catch RSL on points, but it would require KC winning out and RSL losing out, and if KC wins out they'll be guaranteed at least second place in the East depending on how Philly's game in hand plays out.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates. Nick Cardenas is still getting looks from the Sporting KC coaching staff and I'd expect him to be invited to preseason this coming year. Two other former Wizards have taken coaching jobs under Jesse Marsch with the Montreal Impact. Preston Burpo has been named the team's goalkeeper coach, while Mike Sorber has joined as an assistant coach. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Dressed but did not play in New York's 2-0 win over LA.
Adam Cristman - LA - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over RSL. Came off the bench and played 19 minutes in LA's 2-0 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play play in RSL's 2-1 loss to LA.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-0 win over Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 2-1 win over RSL. Started and played 45 minutes in LA's 2-0 loss to New York.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 win over DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 win over Vancouver.
Mike Jones - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Did not dress in New York's 2-0 win over LA.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Portland.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 2-1 loss to LA.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Dressed but did not play in DC's 2-1 loss to Columbus.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-1 draw with KC.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 72 minutes in San Jose's 1-1 draw with KC.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 2-0 win over Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Columbus.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Tampa.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 5-0 win over Edmonton.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a hattrick in Fort Lauderdale's 5-0 win over Edmonton.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Comets - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in Diosgyor's 5-0 loss to Debrecen.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Grupo Universidad 1-0
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 1-0 win over Quindio.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Did not dress in Tecos' 2-0 win over Morelia.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in either of Honved's games.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Montego Bay United 2-0.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Beat Radnik Sesvete 4-0.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Lost 1-0 to Iskra-Stal.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not have a game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-1 loss to Dinamo Moscow.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 1-0 win over MSV Duisburg.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Lost 1-0 to Army United.
Active without a club or unknown
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Nikos Kounenakis
Michael Kraus
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ryan Smith
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Stephane Auvray - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Dressed but did not play in New York's 2-0 win over LA.
Adam Cristman - LA - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in LA's 2-1 win over RSL. Came off the bench and played 19 minutes in LA's 2-0 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play play in RSL's 2-1 loss to LA.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Did not dress in Seattle's 2-0 win over Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 2-1 win over RSL. Started and played 45 minutes in LA's 2-0 loss to New York.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 win over DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 win over Vancouver.
Mike Jones - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Did not dress in New York's 2-0 win over LA.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Did not have a game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Did not dress in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Portland.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 2-1 loss to LA.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Dressed but did not play in DC's 2-1 loss to Columbus.
Ryan Pore - Portland - On loan to Montreal.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-1 draw with KC.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 72 minutes in San Jose's 1-1 draw with KC.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-1 win over New England. Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 2-0 win over Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to Columbus.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Tampa.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 5-0 win over Edmonton.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Ryan Pore - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a hattrick in Fort Lauderdale's 5-0 win over Edmonton.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Comets - Out of season.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Out of season.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Out of season.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Out of Season
Boris Pardo - Comets - Out of season.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Out of season.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in Diosgyor's 5-0 loss to Debrecen.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season starts again 10/22
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Beat Grupo Universidad 1-0
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 1-0 win over Quindio.
Herculez Gomez - Tecos - Mexico - Did not dress in Tecos' 2-0 win over Morelia.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in either of Honved's games.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Montego Bay United 2-0.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Beat Radnik Sesvete 4-0.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Lost 1-0 to Iskra-Stal.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not have a game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-1 loss to Dinamo Moscow.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 1-0 win over MSV Duisburg.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Lost 1-0 to Army United.
Rangers Fall to Dallas
The Sporting KC reserves, the Swope Park Rangers, fell to FC Dallas in reserve team action today 2-1 down in Dallas. From reports KC had a good run of play today controlling large portions of the game, but couldn't capitalize on the chances. Dallas grabbed two goals in the first 16 minutes through Ruben Luna and Bobby Warshaw. KC pulled one back through trialist, Nick Cardenas off a Milos Stojcev corner kick. The team traveled very few players, only 11 players under contract traveled and only 3 more trialists made the trip for the game. The reserves now sit at 3-3-2 in the Central/Mountain conference.
Kamara Heading to South Africa
photo courtesy of Jarred DonalsonEarlier today I posted about Kei Kamara's international situation, his suspension by the Sierra Leone FA and subsequently being invited to the game in South Africa even though he was suspended. Well Kamara is headed to South Africa to job his national team for their African Cup of Nations qualifier. Kamara left immediately after practice today headed for the airport to fly to Atlanta and then on to Johannesburg, South Africa for the game on Saturday. Kamara has not had too many kind words about the Sierra Leone FA lately, but today posted that he was "doing it for Sierra Leone and all the people that believe in us." Kamara's call up could be in part due to the words of Sierra Leone national team coach, Lars Olof Mattsson, who said that Kamara is vital to Sierra Leone's qualification hopes. Sierra Leone can qualify for the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, they first need to defeat South Africa. They'll also need either Egypt to beat or tie Niger at home, or they need help from other groups to try and become one of the top two second place teams.
Kamara's International Situation
photo courtesy of Jarred DonalsonLast week when Sporting KC announced that 5 players would be representing their respective national teams in games this coming weekend, one name was absent from the list of players, Sierra Leone striker, Kei Kamara. Sierra Leone play a must win qualifier in South Africa against the Bafana Bafana on Saturday. With Kamara having starting the last few games it was an interesting omission from the team. At the time of the announcements Kamara posted this on Twitter saying he had received an invitation from the FA to come join the team for the game but he said that it also meant he's suspended.
According to this article, Kamara had been suspended by the SLFA for misbehavior during the Leone Stars last game when they defeated Egypt 2-1. Apparently Kamara was suspended because he asked for the money that he was supposed to receive. The news was broken by J.S. Kelfala, the VP of the SLFA, but Kamara said in the story that he has never received any official confirmation of the suspension from the FA. In fact, last night on Twitter, Kamara posted that now apparently the Sierra Leone FA want Kamara to fly to South Africa, arriving on Friday to play in the game on Saturday. Previously Kamara had said how poorly run the SLFA was, that got him suspended last year from the team. From reading about this situation I'm not sure many people can disagree that the SLFA seems to be a very poorly run FA, not able to decide if a player is suspended, never sending the suspension in writing or informing them directly, and then trying desperately to get the suspended player to the game.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
What We Want to Happen Today
Results on Sunday were mixed for Sporting KC's playoff help as Columbus and Portland both pulled out wins, but KC got a little help from Chivas USA as they pulled out a late draw vs Philadelphia to keep the Union from passing KC. Another league game today to keep an eye on.
New York vs Los Angeles
What we want to happen: LA win
This is New York's game in hand on KC, they are currently 5 points behind the Wizards and currently reside in the last playoff spot. The Red Bulls would need to win their final two games (one at LSP) while KC couldn't pick up another point for the Red Bulls to finish ahead of KC. A loss would mean that KC could clinch their playoff spot next weekend when they host New York at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
New York vs Los Angeles
What we want to happen: LA win
This is New York's game in hand on KC, they are currently 5 points behind the Wizards and currently reside in the last playoff spot. The Red Bulls would need to win their final two games (one at LSP) while KC couldn't pick up another point for the Red Bulls to finish ahead of KC. A loss would mean that KC could clinch their playoff spot next weekend when they host New York at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Sunday After Stats
Davy Arnaud made his 238th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Kerry Zavagnin for the most appearances in team history in league play.
Peterson Joseph was the 13th player to make their league debut for KC this year, the most debuts in a season since 21 in the team's inagural season in 1996.
Joseph was the 14th player in all competitions to make their debut this season, again the most debuts since the team's inagural season in 1996.
The draw was the 100th league draw for KC in their history.
Teal Bunbury's goal was his 13th goal in league play, breaking his tie with Igor Simutenkov, Miklos Molnar, and Chris Henderson, and moving him into a tie with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez for 14th place on that list.
It was Bunbury's 15th goal in all competitions, tying him with Burciaga, Victorine, Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 17th place on that list.
The game last night was KC's 50th in all competitions against the Earthquakes they're the fourth team that KC has played 50 times in all competitions, the team is 21-22-7.
Peterson Joseph was the 13th player to make their league debut for KC this year, the most debuts in a season since 21 in the team's inagural season in 1996.
Joseph was the 14th player in all competitions to make their debut this season, again the most debuts since the team's inagural season in 1996.
The draw was the 100th league draw for KC in their history.
Teal Bunbury's goal was his 13th goal in league play, breaking his tie with Igor Simutenkov, Miklos Molnar, and Chris Henderson, and moving him into a tie with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez for 14th place on that list.
It was Bunbury's 15th goal in all competitions, tying him with Burciaga, Victorine, Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 17th place on that list.
The game last night was KC's 50th in all competitions against the Earthquakes they're the fourth team that KC has played 50 times in all competitions, the team is 21-22-7.
Chances Wasted
Sporting KC had a chance to really move away from some of the teams in the Eastern Conference, but some poor finishing on the few chances created against the San Jose Earthquakes kept them from taking all 3 points. In a game that was fairly unexciting for much of the game turned wild in the 85th minute as San Jose grabbed the lead only for Teal Bunbury to equalize 30 seconds later to give the teams a share of the points.
The game started off very quickly from the opening kick off, Kei Kamara got played in down the line and then fired a cross to the back post for Omar Bravo who headed over the bar. The Quakes came back down the field and Ramiro Corrales fired a shot just wide of Jimmy Nielsen's post as both teams came out quickly from the start. The play though calmed down fairly quickly. The Quakes got the majority of the possession but really didn't do a whole lot with the possession. The best chance of the half fell to KC in the 30th minute. Jeferson played a nicely chipped ball over the top for Bravo. Bravo successfully chipped Jon Busch, but there was not enough power on the chip and Steven Beitashour was able to recover and knock the ball away before it crossed the line.
In the second half, KC picked up the play more and started to get the better of the play. Bunbury was played in by Kamara down the line. Bunbury outraced his defender and forced a fine save from Busch to knock it away at the near post. Kc continued the pressure and in the 57th should have grabbed the lead. Bravo had an initial shot blocked. Bunbury raced and collected the ball laid it back to Jeferson, whose shot went into the path of Bravo again after some miscommunication between the San Jose defenders. Bravo turned and fired but put his shot wide of the post when he only had Busch to beat. KC continued to get good looks, in the 62nd Bunbury had a chance that he should have put away. A goal kick by Nielsen was headed on to Bunbury by Kamara. Bunbury cut back inside causing Bobby Burling to fall, giving Bunbury the space to shoot. He tried to fire inside the near post like he did against Vancouver with the same move earlier this year, but Busch came up with a good kick save to keep the ball out. Bunbury likely would have scored if he'd fired it low to the far post, but Busch still came up with a good save.
Once again in the 69th and 70th minute, KC had two good chances to find the first goal, both off of corners. On the first one, Jeferson's corner went right to the middle of the box but Aurelien Collin could not quite get to it in time and the ball got knocked away fro another corner. On the next corner Kamara fired a shot wide of the post.
In the 85th KC was made to pay for their missed chances. Beitashour played a nice cross into the box for Wondolowski. Collin missed on his attempt to clear the ball and Wondolowski hit it first time, burying it past Nielsen to make it 1-0 San Jose. KC thought immediately came back and equalized 30 seconds later. Jeferson played the kickoff out wide to CJ Sapong. Sapong held off the first defender and dribbled at 3 more, cut inside and played a ball through for Bunbury. Bunbury one timed his shot past Busch tying the game. All credit on that play to Sapong who absolutely made that play, beating numerous San Jose defenders and draw others in before playing Bunbury through. KC almost got one real good opportunity to win the game. Graham Zusi and Bunbury broke on a counter. As Bunbury raced down the far side, Jason Hernandez fell down leaving Bunbury all alone. Zusi tried to play a ball over Hernandez but Hernandez got his legs up and blocked the ball or else Bunbury was in all alone on Busch. The result stings and could haunt KC if they end up not finishing in the top two due to their poor finishing, but they still hold their own destiny in their hands with 2 games to play.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Matt Besler - San Jose really only got one good look on goal all game. Unfortunately for KC, San Jose took that chance. But the rest of the game Besler and the rest of the KC defense really shut down San Jose from doing much with their possession that they had.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Cesar 6, Arnaud 5, Jeferson 4, Kamara 5, Bunbury 6, Bravo 5. Sapong 7, Joseph NR, Zusi NR.
The game started off very quickly from the opening kick off, Kei Kamara got played in down the line and then fired a cross to the back post for Omar Bravo who headed over the bar. The Quakes came back down the field and Ramiro Corrales fired a shot just wide of Jimmy Nielsen's post as both teams came out quickly from the start. The play though calmed down fairly quickly. The Quakes got the majority of the possession but really didn't do a whole lot with the possession. The best chance of the half fell to KC in the 30th minute. Jeferson played a nicely chipped ball over the top for Bravo. Bravo successfully chipped Jon Busch, but there was not enough power on the chip and Steven Beitashour was able to recover and knock the ball away before it crossed the line.
In the second half, KC picked up the play more and started to get the better of the play. Bunbury was played in by Kamara down the line. Bunbury outraced his defender and forced a fine save from Busch to knock it away at the near post. Kc continued the pressure and in the 57th should have grabbed the lead. Bravo had an initial shot blocked. Bunbury raced and collected the ball laid it back to Jeferson, whose shot went into the path of Bravo again after some miscommunication between the San Jose defenders. Bravo turned and fired but put his shot wide of the post when he only had Busch to beat. KC continued to get good looks, in the 62nd Bunbury had a chance that he should have put away. A goal kick by Nielsen was headed on to Bunbury by Kamara. Bunbury cut back inside causing Bobby Burling to fall, giving Bunbury the space to shoot. He tried to fire inside the near post like he did against Vancouver with the same move earlier this year, but Busch came up with a good kick save to keep the ball out. Bunbury likely would have scored if he'd fired it low to the far post, but Busch still came up with a good save.
Once again in the 69th and 70th minute, KC had two good chances to find the first goal, both off of corners. On the first one, Jeferson's corner went right to the middle of the box but Aurelien Collin could not quite get to it in time and the ball got knocked away fro another corner. On the next corner Kamara fired a shot wide of the post.
In the 85th KC was made to pay for their missed chances. Beitashour played a nice cross into the box for Wondolowski. Collin missed on his attempt to clear the ball and Wondolowski hit it first time, burying it past Nielsen to make it 1-0 San Jose. KC thought immediately came back and equalized 30 seconds later. Jeferson played the kickoff out wide to CJ Sapong. Sapong held off the first defender and dribbled at 3 more, cut inside and played a ball through for Bunbury. Bunbury one timed his shot past Busch tying the game. All credit on that play to Sapong who absolutely made that play, beating numerous San Jose defenders and draw others in before playing Bunbury through. KC almost got one real good opportunity to win the game. Graham Zusi and Bunbury broke on a counter. As Bunbury raced down the far side, Jason Hernandez fell down leaving Bunbury all alone. Zusi tried to play a ball over Hernandez but Hernandez got his legs up and blocked the ball or else Bunbury was in all alone on Busch. The result stings and could haunt KC if they end up not finishing in the top two due to their poor finishing, but they still hold their own destiny in their hands with 2 games to play.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Matt Besler - San Jose really only got one good look on goal all game. Unfortunately for KC, San Jose took that chance. But the rest of the game Besler and the rest of the KC defense really shut down San Jose from doing much with their possession that they had.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Cesar 6, Arnaud 5, Jeferson 4, Kamara 5, Bunbury 6, Bravo 5. Sapong 7, Joseph NR, Zusi NR.
What We Want to Happen Today
Well Sporting KC got some help that they needed yesterday. The Houston-Chicago draw meant that KC would end the day atop the Eastern Conference. That result combined with KC's draw also means that Chicago will have to win their final 3 games while KC doesn't gain another point for the Fire to pass KC. Toronto almost helped KC out as well nearly getting a win over New York, but they kept New York to a tie which still helps KC out a bit.
Here's a look at what KC wants out of the games today.
Columbus vs DC
What we want to happen: Tie
Since KC didn't win last night they can't clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Even if they had I'd still want a draw out of this game. Qualifying for the playoffs is fine but we didn't want DC pulling even closer to us. Keeping a top 3 spot (especially a top 2 spot) is extremely important come playoff time. So a draw in this game that doesn't allow either team to really close the gap is big, especially with DC having 3 games in hand at this time.
Vancouver vs Portland
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
As with the Columbus-DC game, this game can't get KC into the playoffs any more. But a win by Vancouver puts the Timbers in the same category as Chicago, needing to win out while KC loses out for them to pass KC. Really the Timbers are going to need a lot of results to get past KC, but instead of worrying about it, just hope Vancouver wins in their first game at their permanent home.
Chivas USA vs Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Chivas win
A win by Chivas USA keeps KC in first place in the East through the end of the weekend. The Union currently have 2 games in hand on KC so them dropping points on the road would be big for KC in keeping a top 3 spot. A win by the Union puts them past KC and into first place in the East. Philadelphia's last 3 games see them travel to Seattle, host Toronto, and then play in New York. KC needs some help from Chivas to take points off the Union.
Here's a look at what KC wants out of the games today.
Columbus vs DC
What we want to happen: Tie
Since KC didn't win last night they can't clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Even if they had I'd still want a draw out of this game. Qualifying for the playoffs is fine but we didn't want DC pulling even closer to us. Keeping a top 3 spot (especially a top 2 spot) is extremely important come playoff time. So a draw in this game that doesn't allow either team to really close the gap is big, especially with DC having 3 games in hand at this time.
Vancouver vs Portland
What we want to happen: Vancouver win
As with the Columbus-DC game, this game can't get KC into the playoffs any more. But a win by Vancouver puts the Timbers in the same category as Chicago, needing to win out while KC loses out for them to pass KC. Really the Timbers are going to need a lot of results to get past KC, but instead of worrying about it, just hope Vancouver wins in their first game at their permanent home.
Chivas USA vs Philadelphia
What we want to happen: Chivas win
A win by Chivas USA keeps KC in first place in the East through the end of the weekend. The Union currently have 2 games in hand on KC so them dropping points on the road would be big for KC in keeping a top 3 spot. A win by the Union puts them past KC and into first place in the East. Philadelphia's last 3 games see them travel to Seattle, host Toronto, and then play in New York. KC needs some help from Chivas to take points off the Union.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
What We Want to Happen Today
A Saturday full of MLS matches today as there are 6 games today. Not counting KC's game tonight against San Jose, 3 of those games are ones to really watch when it comes to KC's playoff qualification attempts. Houston host Chicago, Toronto host New York, New England host Seattle, Colorado host Dallas, and LA host RSL along with KC's game tonight. Here's how KC would probably like to see these games play out.
Houston vs Chicago
What we want to happen: Tie
This is part one of what KC needs to qualify for the playoffs this weekend. Other than the KC game that's the only one today. But in those other games I likely won't be going for the result that gets KC in. But here I will. A tie is the best for KC, it for the time keeps KC atop the Eastern Conference and will guarantee that Chicago cannot catch KC on points, which is one step to qualification.
Toronto vs New York
What we want to happen: Toronto win.
New York is currently in the 10th and final playoff spot, and is only 5 points back of KC. While Toronto isn't eliminated from the playoffs they can't catch KC, so Toronto getting the win against New York who has a game in hand on KC would give KC the chance to extend their lead over the Red Bulls before they come to LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in KC's next league game.
New England vs Seattle
What we want to happen: New England win
Really there's not much in this game for KC, Seattle is comfortably in a top 3 spot in the West, KC is unable to catch them on points. And New England can't catch KC on points. But I'd rather see New England win than see Seattle pick up points.
Colorado vs Dallas
What we want to happen: Tie
This game has potential wild card implications for KC both if KC takes first in the East of if they fall to a wild card spot. I almost wanted to go with a Colorado win because if KC takes first in the East I'd prefer a match up with the Rapids over a match up with Dallas if either holds on to the top wild card spot. But I also almost picked Dallas to win because if KC falls into a wild card spot I'd rather that KC get that wild card game at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and to do that Colorado can't pass KC on points. So I'll go with the draw so neither one comes too close
LA vs RSL
What we want to happen: RSL win
LA still has two games against East teams that are fighting for playoff spots (New York and Houston) and while they should have the Supporters' Shield wrapped up by the time they play either team I'd rather have even the illusion that LA could still be fighting for it at that time and possibly help KC.
Houston vs Chicago
What we want to happen: Tie
This is part one of what KC needs to qualify for the playoffs this weekend. Other than the KC game that's the only one today. But in those other games I likely won't be going for the result that gets KC in. But here I will. A tie is the best for KC, it for the time keeps KC atop the Eastern Conference and will guarantee that Chicago cannot catch KC on points, which is one step to qualification.
Toronto vs New York
What we want to happen: Toronto win.
New York is currently in the 10th and final playoff spot, and is only 5 points back of KC. While Toronto isn't eliminated from the playoffs they can't catch KC, so Toronto getting the win against New York who has a game in hand on KC would give KC the chance to extend their lead over the Red Bulls before they come to LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in KC's next league game.
New England vs Seattle
What we want to happen: New England win
Really there's not much in this game for KC, Seattle is comfortably in a top 3 spot in the West, KC is unable to catch them on points. And New England can't catch KC on points. But I'd rather see New England win than see Seattle pick up points.
Colorado vs Dallas
What we want to happen: Tie
This game has potential wild card implications for KC both if KC takes first in the East of if they fall to a wild card spot. I almost wanted to go with a Colorado win because if KC takes first in the East I'd prefer a match up with the Rapids over a match up with Dallas if either holds on to the top wild card spot. But I also almost picked Dallas to win because if KC falls into a wild card spot I'd rather that KC get that wild card game at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and to do that Colorado can't pass KC on points. So I'll go with the draw so neither one comes too close
LA vs RSL
What we want to happen: RSL win
LA still has two games against East teams that are fighting for playoff spots (New York and Houston) and while they should have the Supporters' Shield wrapped up by the time they play either team I'd rather have even the illusion that LA could still be fighting for it at that time and possibly help KC.
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