It was a big night for the Missouri Comets as they set multiple records at the Independence Events Center in their 33-12 rout over the Syracuse Silver Knights. They set a team record for the largest margin of victory since the teams rebirth, with 21. They tied a league record with 3 players recording a hattrick (Byron Alvarez, Geison, and Vahid Assadpour). They set a record for the most points this season so far, the largest margin of victory this season, and with the Knights 12 points the teams set a record for the most combined points this season.
The Comets got the night started off on the right foot as Leo Gibson collected a rebound from a shot by Ryan Junge and fired a 3 pointer into the far corner that Eric Reed in the Knights net didn't see until very late. The 3 point goal put the Comets up less than a minute into the game. Just after 5 minutes into the game, the Knights got as close as they were ever going to get the rest of the night when Daniel Stevens turned in a shot past Danny Waltman to make it 3-2. From there the first quarter was all down hill for the Knights. The Comets controlled the game after the goal, but struggled to find a shot to really test Reed in net. About the midway point in the quarter the Comets restored their 3 point lead though. John Sosa fed Assadpour down the left hand side, his first shot was saved by Reed, the second shot Assadpour fired off Reed and the ball rolled into the net. Assadpour was given the credit for the goal though and the Comets were up 5-2.
Things got worse for the visitors about 20 seconds later, as Waltman collected a shot by the Knights and played a quick outlet to Bato Radoncic, who had gotten in behind the Knights defense. One v one with the goalkeeper, Radoncic fired his shot low into the corner to make it 7-2. A minute and a half later things continued to go worse for the Knights. Tiguinho got his first assist of the night as his shot was spilled by Reed right into the path of Alvarez who just had to tap the ball over the line to increase the Comets lead to 9-2. They still weren't done in the first quarter though as Tiguinho got on the board, although once again likely an own goal, as Tiguinho beat his man down the side and fired a shot off the wall that hit a Knight's defender and went into the net to make it 11-2 with less than a minute left in the first quarter.
The second quarter started much the same way the first ended, with the Comets controlling possession, and under 2 minutes into the quarter it was 13-2. Tiguinho played another ball into the box and it looked as if it was another own goal, but in the end Geison ended up getting the last touch, putting the ball away. The Knights got themselves back on the board just under 5 minutes into the quarter as the Knights finally got some good passing and Cory Elenio found Alex Megson at the back post unmarked for a tap in to make the lead 9.
The Knights continued to push to get back into the game and looked to have a good opportunity as Brian Harris went to the box just past the half way point in the quarter for holding. In the end though the power play back fired on the Knights. The Comets killed the penalty and right out of the box, Harris was fed by Assadpour. Reed came well off his line, but Harris did well to round the keeper and then walked the ball into the net to make it 15-4. Before the half ended, the Knights once again cut into the lead, as Elenio fed Andriy Budnyy on a 2v1 break and Budnyy beat Waltman. Still the Knights struggled to get back into the game, and even another penalty for too many men on the field for the Comets, the Knights struggled on the power play.
The Comets didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half either. Just over 6 minutes into the half, Tiguinho led a 3v3 break as the Comets countered. Tiguinho danced around his man and then fed the ball to Assadpour. Assadpour's initial shot was saved but once again Reed didn't hold the shot and Assadpour buried the rebound. And immediately after that goal to make it 17-6, the Comets were right back down the field and Radoncic fed Geison for his second of the game to make it 19-6 as the Comets continued to punish the Knights on the counter.
At this point you really started to almost feel sorry for the Knights. And if the next goal for the Comets just made it worse. Harris started the play with a shot from 3 point range that hit Megson in the groin area. With Megson hobbled, Harris was able to collect the rebound, cut past him and feed Alvarez who buried his shot to make it 21-6. Two minutes after Alvarez's second goal, Alvarez finished off his hattrick, and as was the theme all night it came as the Comets got in behind the Knights defense. Alvarez was played behind by Gibson. Alvarez, 1v1 with the keeper made no mistake making it 23-6. The Knights thought they salvaged a little bit of pride when Nelson Santana found net to make it 23-8, but before the 3rd quarter ended, the Comets got 1 more goal, again on the counter as Tiguinho led a 3v1 break. Tiguinho fed Geison who slotted the ball past Reed to complete his hattrick.
In the fourth quarter the Comets seemed content to sit back and continue to hit on the counter as they had started to do in the 3rd quarter. Just over a minute into the quarter, Stevens got his second goal of the game making it 23-10. A little over a minute after that goal though, the Comets had restored their lead off a restart. Tiguinho fed Geison who finished his 4th goal of the game to make it 27-10. Before 6 minutes were gone in the fourth, Assadpour completed his hattrick off an assist from Radoncic. As the Comets continued to sit back, the Knights were their own worst enemies as they missed 3 or 4 chances that should have been put away, but I think the mental factor of being down that much had thrown the Knights off their game as they just couldn't find the net. Before the quarter timeout, the Comets hit the 30 point mark, as Tiguinho beat Reed again to make it 31-10. The Comets had one more goal in them just past the 8 minute mark in the quarter as Harris bundled home his second of the night off a pass from Alvarez. The Knights continued to struggle to finish good chances, one of those actually led to their final goal as a miss on a wide open net by Megson had the ball fall to Elenio who headed in from a tight angle to give the final score of 33-12.
For those that don't want to track all there, here are the Comets stats from tonight.
Tiguinho - 2 goals 5 assists (9 points)
Geison - 4 goals (8 points)
Vahid Assadpour - 3 goals 1 assist (7 points)
Byron Alvarez - 3 goals 1 assist (7 points)
Brian Harris - 2 goals 1 assist (5 points)
Bato Radoncic - 1 goal 3 assists (5 points)
Leo Gibson - 1 goal (3 pointer) 1 assist (4 points)
Ryan Junge - 1 assist (1 point)
John Sosa - 1 assist (1 point)
Danny Waltman - 1 assist (1 point)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Comets vs Silver Knights PBP
Here's tonight's play by play for the Comets and Silver Knights game. Fair warning, I may mention tonight's US-Panama game for a moment or two as well.
No DP Likely This Window
Late last night, once again Robb Heineman brought us news via Twitter. This time pertaining to the potential designated player that KC was looking to sign. And that news doesn't appear to be good news. Heineman says that "unless something dramatic happens in the next two days, we will not be announcing a DP in this window."
It all seems pretty cut and dry right there, KC's plans for bringing in a DP seem to have fallen through. It's not incredibly surprising based on an earlier tweet where Heineman was commiserating an injury in Spain. The assumption is that the injury was to the Spanish DP that KC had on their radar and were looking to sign.
It's certainly a blow to fans, who had been anticipating this big move for much of the offseason, but unfortunately now KC has to go in another direction. I'm sure that Peter Vermes had plans to build the team in place that did not include the DP, but it's still a blow to the team, because it's fairly hard to replace a DP level talent. But then again there are no guarantees that the DP would have fit into the league, that he would produce on the level you expect from a designated player. It's still a blow though to the team's development of the roster heading into this season. The roster though right now looks pretty good as a whole, one or two depth moves right now and the team should be in good shape. And if things don't turn out well, KC could still be working towards a summer transfer window move.
It all seems pretty cut and dry right there, KC's plans for bringing in a DP seem to have fallen through. It's not incredibly surprising based on an earlier tweet where Heineman was commiserating an injury in Spain. The assumption is that the injury was to the Spanish DP that KC had on their radar and were looking to sign.
It's certainly a blow to fans, who had been anticipating this big move for much of the offseason, but unfortunately now KC has to go in another direction. I'm sure that Peter Vermes had plans to build the team in place that did not include the DP, but it's still a blow to the team, because it's fairly hard to replace a DP level talent. But then again there are no guarantees that the DP would have fit into the league, that he would produce on the level you expect from a designated player. It's still a blow though to the team's development of the roster heading into this season. The roster though right now looks pretty good as a whole, one or two depth moves right now and the team should be in good shape. And if things don't turn out well, KC could still be working towards a summer transfer window move.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Preseason Trialists
Sporting KC released the names today of their currently trialists that are in camp as the team prepares for preseason training out at the Chiefs indoor training facility. There looks to be some decent talent out there trialing right now, it'll be interesting to see who, if any, travel to Arizona, and which ones potentially make the team.
Here are the trialists.
Irving Garcia an attacking midfielder/right winger who is also a former draft pick by the New York Red Bulls in 2010. He appeared in 4 Open Cup games for the Red Bulls in the 2010 season before being waived. Since that time he's played with FC Tucson and Antigua GFC out of Guatemala.
Matt Kuhn. The DC United 4th round supplemental draft pick had been released before DC headed down to Florida. I hope in KC that my brother gets a better shake of things under Peter Vermes than he appeared to get from Ben Olsen and United. Kuhn spent time in college playing different positions in the midfielder as well as a forward when at Drake. He's also a former Junior's player, bringing the total in camp up to 4 with Kevin Ellis, Jon Kempin, and Kyle Miller.
Myron Samuel. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines international is only 19 years old and has already appeared 18 times for his country. He was found at Sporting KC's Caribbean combine last year. The forward's current club is based out of his home country, playing for Avenues United.
Cyrus Saydee. The former Michigan State midfielder is only 19, but has already finished his college eligibility. He was a first team all Big Ten honoree this past year. He is on the short side though, standing only 5'6", and that's without taking into any exaggeration.
Steve Spangler. The Oregon State grad is the only goalkeeper among the trialists. He's got decent size at 6'3", but his problem is that KC already seems set at goalkeeper with Jimmy Nielsen, Eric Kronberg, and Jon Kempin. So it would seem the odds of Spangler making the roster are probably slim.
Kevin Struck. Another recent college grad, this time from Lehigh University. Struck is a center back who was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011. While the Patriot League isn't the greatest conference in college soccer, that's still a feat to win it two years in a row.
Those trialists are currently training in a separate session from the veterans, and I'm sure there are a few other trialists the team hasn't mentioned, including the infamous Trialist 1.
Here are the trialists.
Irving Garcia an attacking midfielder/right winger who is also a former draft pick by the New York Red Bulls in 2010. He appeared in 4 Open Cup games for the Red Bulls in the 2010 season before being waived. Since that time he's played with FC Tucson and Antigua GFC out of Guatemala.
Matt Kuhn. The DC United 4th round supplemental draft pick had been released before DC headed down to Florida. I hope in KC that my brother gets a better shake of things under Peter Vermes than he appeared to get from Ben Olsen and United. Kuhn spent time in college playing different positions in the midfielder as well as a forward when at Drake. He's also a former Junior's player, bringing the total in camp up to 4 with Kevin Ellis, Jon Kempin, and Kyle Miller.
Myron Samuel. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines international is only 19 years old and has already appeared 18 times for his country. He was found at Sporting KC's Caribbean combine last year. The forward's current club is based out of his home country, playing for Avenues United.
Cyrus Saydee. The former Michigan State midfielder is only 19, but has already finished his college eligibility. He was a first team all Big Ten honoree this past year. He is on the short side though, standing only 5'6", and that's without taking into any exaggeration.
Steve Spangler. The Oregon State grad is the only goalkeeper among the trialists. He's got decent size at 6'3", but his problem is that KC already seems set at goalkeeper with Jimmy Nielsen, Eric Kronberg, and Jon Kempin. So it would seem the odds of Spangler making the roster are probably slim.
Kevin Struck. Another recent college grad, this time from Lehigh University. Struck is a center back who was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011. While the Patriot League isn't the greatest conference in college soccer, that's still a feat to win it two years in a row.
Those trialists are currently training in a separate session from the veterans, and I'm sure there are a few other trialists the team hasn't mentioned, including the infamous Trialist 1.
Monday, January 23, 2012
LIVESTRONG Missing Out on All Star Game
Rumors are running around tonight that LIVESTRONG Sporting Park will not be hosting MLS' all star game this year. Word out of Philadelphia is that the Union will be hosting the All Star game, at PPL Park. The game should be confirmed tomorrow in a press conference that Don Garber will be attending. It would be disappointing for the game not to be at LIVESTRONG, but sooner than later KC is going to be hosting the event.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
US Top Venezuela
Last night in Arizona, the US national team topped Venezuela in the first of two friendlies for the camp cupcake roster, 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Ricardo Clark. Sporting KC forward Teal Bunbury and midfielder Graham Zusi both started for the US, while forward, CJ Sapong came on as a second half sub, replacing Zusi.
Neither Bunbury or Zusi had spectacular performances, both had some difficulties at times, and both seemed to fade late in their shifts. Sapong brought a big body to assist on set pieces, and helped to pull 3 defenders with him on the corner kick that lead to Clark's goal.
Bunbury had a few chances, the best a turn and shot from about 22 yards out that was over the bar. He did a decent job of running at defenders and creating some opportunities, but the finishing shot wasn't there for Bunbury.
Zusi set up the best chance of the first half on a free kick, playing a ball right onto the head of Brek Shea who forced the keeper into a good save. In the second half he had a good chance himself, collecting a poor clearance, he drove in on goal, but his shot was wide of the net, not forcing the save. Zusi's biggest issue last night may have had more to do with his being played out of position. While Zusi spent a little time on the wing for KC last season, he really excelled when he was in the middle of the field. Last night Zusi was a little lost at times on the wing. He was almost invisible when he moved to the left wing for part of the first half.
Sapong had a strong short shift. He did exactly what I think everyone expected. He provided a strong body that would play back to goal, knock the ball down, and throw himself into defenders. He did that well throughout his shift.
For Bunbury it was his 3rd cap for the US, while Zusi and Sapong earned their first. Zusi and Sapong are the 30th and 31st players to be capped by their national team while a member of Sporting KC.
Neither Bunbury or Zusi had spectacular performances, both had some difficulties at times, and both seemed to fade late in their shifts. Sapong brought a big body to assist on set pieces, and helped to pull 3 defenders with him on the corner kick that lead to Clark's goal.
Bunbury had a few chances, the best a turn and shot from about 22 yards out that was over the bar. He did a decent job of running at defenders and creating some opportunities, but the finishing shot wasn't there for Bunbury.
Zusi set up the best chance of the first half on a free kick, playing a ball right onto the head of Brek Shea who forced the keeper into a good save. In the second half he had a good chance himself, collecting a poor clearance, he drove in on goal, but his shot was wide of the net, not forcing the save. Zusi's biggest issue last night may have had more to do with his being played out of position. While Zusi spent a little time on the wing for KC last season, he really excelled when he was in the middle of the field. Last night Zusi was a little lost at times on the wing. He was almost invisible when he moved to the left wing for part of the first half.
Sapong had a strong short shift. He did exactly what I think everyone expected. He provided a strong body that would play back to goal, knock the ball down, and throw himself into defenders. He did that well throughout his shift.
For Bunbury it was his 3rd cap for the US, while Zusi and Sapong earned their first. Zusi and Sapong are the 30th and 31st players to be capped by their national team while a member of Sporting KC.
Bato Two Goals Lead Comets By Norfolk
The Comets new signing Bato Radoncic made an immediate impact for the Comets in his first game, as he scored two goals as the Comets continued their push towards a playoff spot with a 14-6 win.
Bato got his Comets career started fairly quickly, as he scored just over 4 minutes into the game to give Missouri the early lead. Tennant McVea would tie the game with under 4 minutes to go in the quarter. But with 21 seconds left, Geison was able to put the Comets back on top with another 2 point goal.
In the second quarter, the Comets continued to pressure the Sharx, but were only able to add 1 goal to their lead as Ryan Junge fired in a shot off a restart from Byron Alvarez.
The Sharx came out firing in the 3rd quarter, and pulled within a goal only 44 seconds into the second half on a goal by Gary Brooks. Around the midpoint of the quarter, the Comets restored their 2 goal lead again off a restart as Vahid Assadpour found Tiguinho who fired his shot home to make it 8-4. Once again though, the Comets fell asleep after a goal, and less than a minute later it was again a 1 goal game as Matt Clare scored for Norfolk.
In the fourth quarter though the Comets put the game away. Bato scored a goal just over 3 minutes in to restore the 2 goal lead. Throughout the quarter the Sharx tried to find a way back into the game, but were unable to break down the Comets defense. With just over a minute left, the Comets basically ended the game as Geison scored his second of the game. Things didn't end there though, as Brian Harris got on the scoring sheet as well as the Comets won the ball off the ensuing kick off and Harris finished his opportunity.
The win puts the Comets at 10-8, 2 and a half games again of Wichita, who lost last night at home to Milwaukee 9-6.
Bato got his Comets career started fairly quickly, as he scored just over 4 minutes into the game to give Missouri the early lead. Tennant McVea would tie the game with under 4 minutes to go in the quarter. But with 21 seconds left, Geison was able to put the Comets back on top with another 2 point goal.
In the second quarter, the Comets continued to pressure the Sharx, but were only able to add 1 goal to their lead as Ryan Junge fired in a shot off a restart from Byron Alvarez.
The Sharx came out firing in the 3rd quarter, and pulled within a goal only 44 seconds into the second half on a goal by Gary Brooks. Around the midpoint of the quarter, the Comets restored their 2 goal lead again off a restart as Vahid Assadpour found Tiguinho who fired his shot home to make it 8-4. Once again though, the Comets fell asleep after a goal, and less than a minute later it was again a 1 goal game as Matt Clare scored for Norfolk.
In the fourth quarter though the Comets put the game away. Bato scored a goal just over 3 minutes in to restore the 2 goal lead. Throughout the quarter the Sharx tried to find a way back into the game, but were unable to break down the Comets defense. With just over a minute left, the Comets basically ended the game as Geison scored his second of the game. Things didn't end there though, as Brian Harris got on the scoring sheet as well as the Comets won the ball off the ensuing kick off and Harris finished his opportunity.
The win puts the Comets at 10-8, 2 and a half games again of Wichita, who lost last night at home to Milwaukee 9-6.
Friday, January 20, 2012
New Byline To Back Post
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Comets Sign Bato
Sporting KC were not the only local team to announce a new signing today. The Missouri Comets also added a new player today, as they announced the signing of former Chicago Riot forward, Bato Radoncic. He's spent time in the US minor leagues and indoor games, mainly around the Milwaukee and Chicago area during his time here. Last season with the Riot, Bato was the 4th highest scorer in the league last season and was a first team all league selection. He adds more firepower to Missouri's front line and some needed size. Bato is apparently traveling with the team and will be available Saturday when they take on the Norfolk Sharx. Some highlights of Bato are below.
Sporting Announce Peterson Signing
Yesterday's rumors about KC announcing the signing of Jacob Peterson turned from rumor to fact today as Sporting KC announced the signing of the 6 year MLS veteran. Peterson had been without a team since he was allowed to entry the re-entry draft by the San Jose Earthquakes. Peterson becomes the third player with a fairly long MLS career to join Kansas City this offseason, joining Bobby Convey and Paulo Nagamura. Of the 3, this really is the most underwhelming. Peterson in his 6th season has played just around 130 or so league games. In that time he's tended to play either as a wide forward or as a wide midfielder. During his career, he's scored 9 league goals. Four of those came in his rookie year, so in the last 5 he's averaged a goal a year. That's not the type of production you want from a guy you expect to spend time as a forward.
The big worry about the Indiana University product, is how much he is getting paid by KC. Last year, Peterson made $142,000 last year while splitting time with Toronto and San Jose. As I said last night this is going to be a deal breaker for me. Really Peterson hasn't done enough in this league to really strike me as a player that deserves the salary he's earning. I would hope that Peterson's new salary is somewhere between $42,000 and the $51,000 that Luke Sassano made this year. Anything more and I'm going to feel we over paid greatly for him and he'll have a lot more to prove that he's worth it.
The big worry about the Indiana University product, is how much he is getting paid by KC. Last year, Peterson made $142,000 last year while splitting time with Toronto and San Jose. As I said last night this is going to be a deal breaker for me. Really Peterson hasn't done enough in this league to really strike me as a player that deserves the salary he's earning. I would hope that Peterson's new salary is somewhere between $42,000 and the $51,000 that Luke Sassano made this year. Anything more and I'm going to feel we over paid greatly for him and he'll have a lot more to prove that he's worth it.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's another week of former SKC Wizards updates. First, came word last week that Craig Rocastle will not be playing for the Missouri Comets. Instead he has moved to Greece where he's joined his former club, Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC, who is currently at the bottom of the second division in Greece. In other news, Ryan Smith has come out with his side of what happened when he left KC. While I'm sure that his mother's illness had plenty to do with why he left, I'm just not sure the full story is actually out there. But I'm glad he seems to be getting things squared away.
In other news, Rauwshan McKenzie and Mike Jones are going about the process of finding new clubs. McKenzie is trialing with Chivas during preseason, while Jones appears on his way to Denmark for trialing. I'm sure other players will be showing up in team camps soon as well. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Amir Lowry
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Scott Sealy
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Had an assist in Wichita's 10-9 win over Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Did not play in Kansas' 9-4 loss to Cincinnati. Did not play in Kansas' 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 17-12 loss to Norfolk.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 2 goals in Louisville's 15-4 win over Ohio. Scored 2 goals in Louisville's 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 17-12 win over Baltimore. Played in Norfolk's 12-11 win over Syracuse.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Did not play in Anaheim's 28-7 loss to Tijuana.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 81 minutes, setting up the PK and recording an assist in Cruz Azul's 2-0 win over Atlas.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Did not play in Bagan's 3-2 win over Churchill Brothers.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Santos' 2-1 win over Atlante.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Tied Alagoinhas Atletico Clube 3-3
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Started and played 84 minutes in Thrasyvoulos' 2-1 win over Panserraikos.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
In other news, Rauwshan McKenzie and Mike Jones are going about the process of finding new clubs. McKenzie is trialing with Chivas during preseason, while Jones appears on his way to Denmark for trialing. I'm sure other players will be showing up in team camps soon as well. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Amir Lowry
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Scott Sealy
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Had an assist in Wichita's 10-9 win over Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Did not play in Kansas' 9-4 loss to Cincinnati. Did not play in Kansas' 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 17-12 loss to Norfolk.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 2 goals in Louisville's 15-4 win over Ohio. Scored 2 goals in Louisville's 10-7 loss to Detroit.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 17-12 win over Baltimore. Played in Norfolk's 12-11 win over Syracuse.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Did not play in Anaheim's 28-7 loss to Tijuana.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 81 minutes, setting up the PK and recording an assist in Cruz Azul's 2-0 win over Atlas.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Did not play in Bagan's 3-2 win over Churchill Brothers.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Santos' 2-1 win over Atlante.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Tied Alagoinhas Atletico Clube 3-3
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Started and played 84 minutes in Thrasyvoulos' 2-1 win over Panserraikos.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Player Contracts and Rumors
Player news is starting to pick up a little bit for Sporting KC. The team today made two announcements on player news, and a new rumor has cropped up on another player.
First, after the announcement yesterday of the trade for Michael Thomas' rights, the team today announced that they had signed the Olathe native to a contract. Probably the least surprising of the news that came out today. With the trade yesterday for his rights you knew an announcement on his signing was going to come in the next few days. As mentioned previously, Thomas was drafted by San Jose in 2010 but instead went to Sweden, playing with Halmstads and Ljungskile.
Last night I questioned why KC had to give up a draft spot for Thomas based on MLS' rules that players are only on the "college protected list" for two years. So that should have expired on December 31st, 2011. But apparently San Jose offered Thomas a contract, thereby retaining his MLS rights permanently. Thus requiring the trade.
In other player news today, Seth Sinovic was signed to a new contract. An absolutely deserved upgrade for Sporting's starting left back. One would assume that new contract is going to come with a decent bump in salary as well since Sinovic was only making $32,604 last year. A good move by Peter Vermes and KC to lock up a key part of their defense.
Finally a new rumor from Tod Palmer with the KC Star. Apparently KC is also about to announce the signing of 6 year MLS veteran, Jacob Peterson. Peterson, has appeared in 130 or so matches in his 6 year MLS career. The majority of those from 2006 through 2009 when he was with Colorado, where he appeared 92 times. After that he spent the 2010 and part of last season with Toronto before moving on to San Jose later that year. Peterson made one appearance for the Earthquakes and at the end of the season was made available in the re-entry draft, but was not selected. In his 6 years, Peterson has scored 9 goals in MLS play.
Put me in the category of not really liking this move. I've seen plenty of Peterson over the past few years playing in this league and I'm really not impressed. Now one would assume that should Peterson actually be signed he'll take a pay cut. It should probably be pretty hefty though, as Peterson earned $142,000 last year. For this to be a move that is worth it for me, Peterson needs to have close to $100,000 cut off of that salary before I even consider this move decent. He's not proven anything to me over the last few years that he's worth anywhere near that much.
First, after the announcement yesterday of the trade for Michael Thomas' rights, the team today announced that they had signed the Olathe native to a contract. Probably the least surprising of the news that came out today. With the trade yesterday for his rights you knew an announcement on his signing was going to come in the next few days. As mentioned previously, Thomas was drafted by San Jose in 2010 but instead went to Sweden, playing with Halmstads and Ljungskile.
Last night I questioned why KC had to give up a draft spot for Thomas based on MLS' rules that players are only on the "college protected list" for two years. So that should have expired on December 31st, 2011. But apparently San Jose offered Thomas a contract, thereby retaining his MLS rights permanently. Thus requiring the trade.
In other player news today, Seth Sinovic was signed to a new contract. An absolutely deserved upgrade for Sporting's starting left back. One would assume that new contract is going to come with a decent bump in salary as well since Sinovic was only making $32,604 last year. A good move by Peter Vermes and KC to lock up a key part of their defense.
Finally a new rumor from Tod Palmer with the KC Star. Apparently KC is also about to announce the signing of 6 year MLS veteran, Jacob Peterson. Peterson, has appeared in 130 or so matches in his 6 year MLS career. The majority of those from 2006 through 2009 when he was with Colorado, where he appeared 92 times. After that he spent the 2010 and part of last season with Toronto before moving on to San Jose later that year. Peterson made one appearance for the Earthquakes and at the end of the season was made available in the re-entry draft, but was not selected. In his 6 years, Peterson has scored 9 goals in MLS play.
Put me in the category of not really liking this move. I've seen plenty of Peterson over the past few years playing in this league and I'm really not impressed. Now one would assume that should Peterson actually be signed he'll take a pay cut. It should probably be pretty hefty though, as Peterson earned $142,000 last year. For this to be a move that is worth it for me, Peterson needs to have close to $100,000 cut off of that salary before I even consider this move decent. He's not proven anything to me over the last few years that he's worth anywhere near that much.
Zusi Scores Again for US in Scrimmage
Last night the US national team once again scrimmaged the US under 23 team in Carson, California. And once again for the US, Graham Zusi got a goal as the US tied 1-1 with their U-23 counterparts.
Teal Bunbury and CJ Sapong were also involved in the game. Bunbury spent the first half on the field with the U23 team, as they continue to prepare for Olympic qualifying. In the second half Bunbury moved over to the full national team and partnered KC teammate, Sapong up top. Below are the highlights, including Zusi's goal, which is just after the 2 minute mark.
Teal Bunbury and CJ Sapong were also involved in the game. Bunbury spent the first half on the field with the U23 team, as they continue to prepare for Olympic qualifying. In the second half Bunbury moved over to the full national team and partnered KC teammate, Sapong up top. Below are the highlights, including Zusi's goal, which is just after the 2 minute mark.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
KC Select 4 in the Supplemental Draft
Today was the second MLS draft, there was no ball room in Kansas City for the draft though. The Supplemental Draft took place on a conference call and took about as long as half the first round of the SuperDraft. After trading for Michael Thomas' rights, KC only had 4 picks, 1 in the first and second, and 2 in the third. In the first round, KC grabbed Shawn Singh, a defender/midfielder from UCLA. Singh can play left back and would provide cover and compete with Seth Sinovic and potentially Bobby Convey in the left back position.
In the second round, KC looked to add some depth to their midfield by bringing in St. John's midfielder, Pablo Punyed. According to Peter Vermes, Punyed is a two way midfielder that can do well in the offensive half of the field with his passing. He'd seem to provide depth in the box-to-box position in KC's midfield.
With their two third round picks, KC went back to improving their defense. First they grab Stefan Antonijevic, a 6'6" center back from Valparaiso. Antonijevic provides a big body to compete for a spot on the back line. He also has spent some time with the Serbian U-19 team while he was in college. Never a bad thing to have a kid that has a little international experience. With their last pick, KC went with a local kid, drafting Kyle Miller from Rockhurst University. Miller, another defender, is a local kid who grew up in KC and spent time with Sporting KC's juniors team. As for why KC had to draft Miller instead of filing a youth claim on him probably is because he didn't spend 2 years in the Juniors system.
I do have to apologize to Miller straight away, because with me he's probably not going to get much of a fair shake. It's no fault of his own unfortunately, it's the situation around his selection. And it's all personal so I apologize. For those that don't know, my brother, Matt Kuhn was also available in the draft. I would have loved for him to have been selected by KC. Like Miller he spent time with Sporting KC's juniors team. Kuhn though ended up getting drafted 10 picks after Miller by DC United. Like Miller, Kuhn didn't spend enough time in the Juniors system to qualify as a home grown player. My club allegiances won't be changing, I still love Sporting, but (and I'm shocking myself saying this) I will be cheering for DC should my brother make the team (except when they play SKC). That all said, I also hope Miller proves me wrong.
In the second round, KC looked to add some depth to their midfield by bringing in St. John's midfielder, Pablo Punyed. According to Peter Vermes, Punyed is a two way midfielder that can do well in the offensive half of the field with his passing. He'd seem to provide depth in the box-to-box position in KC's midfield.
With their two third round picks, KC went back to improving their defense. First they grab Stefan Antonijevic, a 6'6" center back from Valparaiso. Antonijevic provides a big body to compete for a spot on the back line. He also has spent some time with the Serbian U-19 team while he was in college. Never a bad thing to have a kid that has a little international experience. With their last pick, KC went with a local kid, drafting Kyle Miller from Rockhurst University. Miller, another defender, is a local kid who grew up in KC and spent time with Sporting KC's juniors team. As for why KC had to draft Miller instead of filing a youth claim on him probably is because he didn't spend 2 years in the Juniors system.
I do have to apologize to Miller straight away, because with me he's probably not going to get much of a fair shake. It's no fault of his own unfortunately, it's the situation around his selection. And it's all personal so I apologize. For those that don't know, my brother, Matt Kuhn was also available in the draft. I would have loved for him to have been selected by KC. Like Miller he spent time with Sporting KC's juniors team. Kuhn though ended up getting drafted 10 picks after Miller by DC United. Like Miller, Kuhn didn't spend enough time in the Juniors system to qualify as a home grown player. My club allegiances won't be changing, I still love Sporting, but (and I'm shocking myself saying this) I will be cheering for DC should my brother make the team (except when they play SKC). That all said, I also hope Miller proves me wrong.
Sporting Acquire Rights to Michael Thomas
The process that brought him in was a little unexpected, but the end result really wasn't. Today, Sporting KC acquired the rights to former San Jose Earthquakes draft pick, Michael Thomas for a 4th round Supplemental draft pick, the 73rd overall. The fact that Sporting had to give something to San Jose for Thomas is the surprising part.
I'm not sure why KC had to give up a draft pick for Thomas. Thomas was originally drafted by the Quakes in the second round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft. According to MLS' rules, San Jose held his rights through 2 December 31st's. This means their rights to Thomas expired on December 31st, 2011. So the question becomes why Sporting had to give up anything to get the rights to Thomas?
The rule states: "Unless claimed on waivers, a player who was drafted by a particular team through the SuperDraft or supplemental draft and did not sign with the League, is placed on that team’s “College Protected List” until the second December 31 following the draft in question, after which the team loses the rights to the player."
So it doesn't make sense why a trade had to be made, unless the trade was officially made last year and just not announced until today.
The unsurprising part is that KC was looking to acquire Matt Besler's college roommate. Thomas had played for KC in the last reserve league game of the season last year against FC Dallas. And rumors out of Sweden had been linking the midfielder with a move back to the US. Thomas will very likely be in camp once preseason starts for KC.
I'm not sure why KC had to give up a draft pick for Thomas. Thomas was originally drafted by the Quakes in the second round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft. According to MLS' rules, San Jose held his rights through 2 December 31st's. This means their rights to Thomas expired on December 31st, 2011. So the question becomes why Sporting had to give up anything to get the rights to Thomas?
The rule states: "Unless claimed on waivers, a player who was drafted by a particular team through the SuperDraft or supplemental draft and did not sign with the League, is placed on that team’s “College Protected List” until the second December 31 following the draft in question, after which the team loses the rights to the player."
So it doesn't make sense why a trade had to be made, unless the trade was officially made last year and just not announced until today.
The unsurprising part is that KC was looking to acquire Matt Besler's college roommate. Thomas had played for KC in the last reserve league game of the season last year against FC Dallas. And rumors out of Sweden had been linking the midfielder with a move back to the US. Thomas will very likely be in camp once preseason starts for KC.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Busy Week for SKC
It's going to be a busy week for KC in the last week of the offseason. There's plenty of information that looks like it will be coming out this week. Let's take a look real quick chronologically.
Tomorrow, as I posted earlier today is the Supplemental Draft. KC will possibly add 5 more players that would be coming into preseason this year.
Some time this week it sounds like we will be getting more announcements as well. Last week Robb Heineman Tweeted that the team was working on 3 contracts, 1 new player and 2 renewals. Those signings were not announced last week obviously, and when questioned on when we'd possibly see those signings announced, Heineman announced that they'd "probably 2-3 announcements next week." There's plenty of speculation that not only KC, but other MLS teams will be making player announcements tomorrow, so it's possible that KC could be one of those teams, making some announcement tomorrow. Either way, I'd probably expect the announcements to be made on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
The reason for that is because on Thursday preseason for Sporting KC officially get under way. Players will have their entry physicals on that date. Most players seem to already be in town, and those that aren't should be in town probably tomorrow. After the physicals on Thursday, the team will get down to business on Friday with their first training session. And you can bet that one of the things that is likely to occur on the first day of training is the dreaded beep test. Along with all the players and draft picks I'm sure we're going to see trialists 1 through 52 in camp. Although maybe not all at the same time.
Tomorrow, as I posted earlier today is the Supplemental Draft. KC will possibly add 5 more players that would be coming into preseason this year.
Some time this week it sounds like we will be getting more announcements as well. Last week Robb Heineman Tweeted that the team was working on 3 contracts, 1 new player and 2 renewals. Those signings were not announced last week obviously, and when questioned on when we'd possibly see those signings announced, Heineman announced that they'd "probably 2-3 announcements next week." There's plenty of speculation that not only KC, but other MLS teams will be making player announcements tomorrow, so it's possible that KC could be one of those teams, making some announcement tomorrow. Either way, I'd probably expect the announcements to be made on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
The reason for that is because on Thursday preseason for Sporting KC officially get under way. Players will have their entry physicals on that date. Most players seem to already be in town, and those that aren't should be in town probably tomorrow. After the physicals on Thursday, the team will get down to business on Friday with their first training session. And you can bet that one of the things that is likely to occur on the first day of training is the dreaded beep test. Along with all the players and draft picks I'm sure we're going to see trialists 1 through 52 in camp. Although maybe not all at the same time.
Supplemental Draft Tomorrow
The second MLS draft is coming up tomorrow, the Supplemental Draft is going to take place via conference call. Sporting KC hold 5 picks in the 4 round draft. KC have the 16th, 35th, 43rd, 54th, and 73rd picks in the draft tomorrow. KC currently has 27 players on their roster, although some players will still have to earn contracts, particularly Cyprian Hedrick who has not signed a contract as yet with the team. So let's take Hedrick out of the conversation right now. If KC waives no one between now and the start of the season, there are 4 open roster spots as of this time. There's already 1 known player trying to make the roster (Hedrick), and 5 more could be joining the team come Thursday, and that's not even counting the other players coming in. And it's also not counting the likely signing of Michael Thomas.
There's some talent still out there for selection including guys like D-mids, Andy Rose and Kirk Urso, and winger/forward, Evans Frimpong. And for selfish reasons, my brother Matt Kuhn, a midfielder from Drake is also available. It'll be interesting to see who Sporting select with the picks. For historical reasons I'm reposting a portion of a post I previously did on the history around KC's picks. Here's a look at those picks for KC that would fall into the Supplemental Draft this year:
FIFTY-FOURTH PICK
2000 - Brian Waltrip - Tampa
2001 - Shaun Tsakiris - New England
2002 - Jeremy Piette - Dallas
2003 - Ryan Futagaki - Chicago
2004 - Edwin Miranda - Dallas
2005 - Jason Hernandez - New York
2006 - Christopher Joyce - Dallas
2007 - Desmond Brooks - Chivas
2008 - Austin Washington - Chicago
2009 - Raphael Cox - Salt Lake
2010 - Dane Saintus - Dallas
2011 - Alan Koger - New England
Jason Hernandez is about the only consistent MLS player on this list, he's played almost 150 league games for New York, Chivas, and San Jose. Every other player at this pick has had little more than a few token appearances in league play.
SEVENTY-THIRD PICK
2005 - Noah Palmer - Salt Lake
2006 - Lawson Vaughn - Chivas
2007 - Osei Telesford - Chicago
2008 - Tino Nuñez - Salt Lake
2009 - Joe Anderson - Vancouver
All but Anderson have made some league appearances for their club, Lawson Vaughn is probably the most well known of the 5 previous players drafted at this spot, making about 50 combined appearances with Chivas and DC.
EIGHTY-FIRST PICK
2005 - Easton Wilson - New England
2006 - Keith Cauldwell - Colorado
2007 - Chris Konopka - Kansas City
2008 - Vicente Arze - Kansas City
2011 - Yannick Salmon - Chicago
None of these players made much of any appearances, Konopka's first league appearance came this past year as a league keeper playing for New York. Overall Vicente Arze's probably been the best talent at this pick and all his success has been outside MLS with Vancouver in the USL, Bolivia, and Hungary.
NINETY-SECOND PICK
2005 - Chris Lee - Columbus
2006 - PASS - Houston
2007 - Tyler Hemming - Toronto
2008 - Ben Shuleva - Dallas
2011 - Taylor Mueller - Portland
Hemming made a handful of appearances for Toronto in their first few years in the league. He's also bounced around the lower leagues. Not much at all at this pick, evident by the fact that Houston passed on this pick in 2006.
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH PICK
2008 - PASS - New England
The only other time there's been a 111th pick in the drafts was in 2008 and the Revolution passed on that pick. So very good chances this player doesn't make the team, if KC even uses this pick. They could pass like New England.
There's some talent still out there for selection including guys like D-mids, Andy Rose and Kirk Urso, and winger/forward, Evans Frimpong. And for selfish reasons, my brother Matt Kuhn, a midfielder from Drake is also available. It'll be interesting to see who Sporting select with the picks. For historical reasons I'm reposting a portion of a post I previously did on the history around KC's picks. Here's a look at those picks for KC that would fall into the Supplemental Draft this year:
FIFTY-FOURTH PICK
2000 - Brian Waltrip - Tampa
2001 - Shaun Tsakiris - New England
2002 - Jeremy Piette - Dallas
2003 - Ryan Futagaki - Chicago
2004 - Edwin Miranda - Dallas
2005 - Jason Hernandez - New York
2006 - Christopher Joyce - Dallas
2007 - Desmond Brooks - Chivas
2008 - Austin Washington - Chicago
2009 - Raphael Cox - Salt Lake
2010 - Dane Saintus - Dallas
2011 - Alan Koger - New England
Jason Hernandez is about the only consistent MLS player on this list, he's played almost 150 league games for New York, Chivas, and San Jose. Every other player at this pick has had little more than a few token appearances in league play.
SEVENTY-THIRD PICK
2005 - Noah Palmer - Salt Lake
2006 - Lawson Vaughn - Chivas
2007 - Osei Telesford - Chicago
2008 - Tino Nuñez - Salt Lake
2009 - Joe Anderson - Vancouver
All but Anderson have made some league appearances for their club, Lawson Vaughn is probably the most well known of the 5 previous players drafted at this spot, making about 50 combined appearances with Chivas and DC.
EIGHTY-FIRST PICK
2005 - Easton Wilson - New England
2006 - Keith Cauldwell - Colorado
2007 - Chris Konopka - Kansas City
2008 - Vicente Arze - Kansas City
2011 - Yannick Salmon - Chicago
None of these players made much of any appearances, Konopka's first league appearance came this past year as a league keeper playing for New York. Overall Vicente Arze's probably been the best talent at this pick and all his success has been outside MLS with Vancouver in the USL, Bolivia, and Hungary.
NINETY-SECOND PICK
2005 - Chris Lee - Columbus
2006 - PASS - Houston
2007 - Tyler Hemming - Toronto
2008 - Ben Shuleva - Dallas
2011 - Taylor Mueller - Portland
Hemming made a handful of appearances for Toronto in their first few years in the league. He's also bounced around the lower leagues. Not much at all at this pick, evident by the fact that Houston passed on this pick in 2006.
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH PICK
2008 - PASS - New England
The only other time there's been a 111th pick in the drafts was in 2008 and the Revolution passed on that pick. So very good chances this player doesn't make the team, if KC even uses this pick. They could pass like New England.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Comets Lose Back and Forth Game with Wings
Last night in the Missouri Comets' game against the Wichita Wings was the epitome of a back and forth game. Neither team scored 2 goals in a row all night, and there was only one lead the entire game that was more than 1 point. Unfortunately for the Comets though, the Wings ended up getting the last goal and getting the 10-9 win in front of over 8,000 fans at the Sprint Center in downtown KC.
The first part of the first half was a fairly uneventful affair as the teams seemed to be feeling each other out. Neither team really created any chances. Just over 7 minutes into the first quarter though, the Comets ended up having to play a man down as Brian Harris got a blue card for a tripping penalty on a 2v1 break. The result of the play also gave the Wings a penalty shootout. Danny Waltman though came up with a big save on Victor Quiroz in the shootout. The good vibes though didn't last long though, as the Wings took advantage of the power play, as Frederico Moojen scored. Moojen had 3 chances at it, firing two shots right at Waltman before his third attempt he turned into the far corner to give the Wings the 2-0 lead. That lead would be the largest either team would have all night. The Comets controlled much of the run of play after the goal, but struggled to get good shots off. Late on in the half though, the Wings tried to clear their end. Geison cut off the clearance with a chest trap, he took one touch and then let loose with a blast from outside the yellow line that wrong footed Sanaldo with it's movement, and the Comets were up 3-2.
Early in the second quarter, the Wings would retake the lead. Less than 2 minutes into the quarter, Fausto fired in a shot past Waltman to reestablish the Wings advantage 4-3. The Comets continued their pressure again but couldn't find a goal. Midway through the half, the Comets got their first power play of the game as Quiroz was sent to the box for tripping. The Comets pressured throughout the penalty but as time wore on, it looked like the Comets wouldn't be able to take advantage of the man advantage. But with only 2 minutes left, the Comets got their goal. Some good ball movement saw the ball go from one side of the field to the other through Leo Gibson to Lucas Rodriguez, who fed Byron Alvarez. Alvarez's first shot was blocked, but he fired his rebound across the middle of the goal. The ball took a deflection past Sanaldo and into the net, putting the Comets back on top.
That lead though would last a grab total of 6 seconds as directly off the kick off, the Wings came right back down the field and scored, with Brian Cushing getting the goal. It's a problem that has plagued the Comets all season, defensive lapses after they've just scored, and again it cost them a goal as the Wings went up 6-5. The Comets though would retake the lead before the end of the half, with some nice build up again. John Sosa played a ball in to Alvarez who had posted up on his defender. Sosa continued his run and received the ball back from Alvarez. Sosa got Sanaldo to commit to him and passed up a good shot for a better one, as he laid the ball off to Vahid Assadpour who passed the ball into the net to go up 7-6 at the break.
Into the third quarter both teams found good chances hard to come by. The Comets though had the better of the chances, forcing some good saves out of Sanaldo. It was the Wings though that grabbed the lead on some poor defense from the Comets. Bryan Perez played a ball over the top to Daniel Villegas. Villegas and a teammate were both back in behind the Comets defense. Villegas collected the ball and slotted it past Waltman to restore the Wings 1 point lead at 8-7.
The fourth quarter saw the Comets pushing for a goal to put them back in front. Early on they were back on the power play as Sanaldo was given a blue card for punching the ball outside the box. Sanaldo tried to argue that he was still inside the box, but the goalkeeper was easily a good foot or two outside his box when he punched it. The Comets though couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Soon enough though, the Comets did find themselves back on top. Once again it was some nice build up from the Comets as Alvarez was played in behind with Rodriguez in a 2v1 situation. Alvarez slid the ball across to Rodriguez who buried his shot and once again put the Comets on top 9-8. As the half wore down it looked like the Comets might just hand on. But with just under 3 minutes left, right when the Wings were looking to pull their goalkeeper, the Wings found another goal. Kevin Ten Eyck with his back to goal was able to turn and hit a volley that beat Waltman to his far post. So instead of the Wings going with a 6th attacker, it would end up being the Comets that pulled their goalkeeper. With the extra man, the Comets had quite a few chances to retake the lead as Alvarez, Geison, and Rodriguez all had good opportunities blocked on the line. In the end though the Comets couldn't find another goal and the Wings pulled off a big win, 10-9.
The loss dropped the Comets to 9-8, with the Wings are now 5-8. With 4 games in hand on the Comets, the Wings would seem to have a very good chance to try to catch their I-35 rival for the other Central Division playoff spot.
The first part of the first half was a fairly uneventful affair as the teams seemed to be feeling each other out. Neither team really created any chances. Just over 7 minutes into the first quarter though, the Comets ended up having to play a man down as Brian Harris got a blue card for a tripping penalty on a 2v1 break. The result of the play also gave the Wings a penalty shootout. Danny Waltman though came up with a big save on Victor Quiroz in the shootout. The good vibes though didn't last long though, as the Wings took advantage of the power play, as Frederico Moojen scored. Moojen had 3 chances at it, firing two shots right at Waltman before his third attempt he turned into the far corner to give the Wings the 2-0 lead. That lead would be the largest either team would have all night. The Comets controlled much of the run of play after the goal, but struggled to get good shots off. Late on in the half though, the Wings tried to clear their end. Geison cut off the clearance with a chest trap, he took one touch and then let loose with a blast from outside the yellow line that wrong footed Sanaldo with it's movement, and the Comets were up 3-2.
Early in the second quarter, the Wings would retake the lead. Less than 2 minutes into the quarter, Fausto fired in a shot past Waltman to reestablish the Wings advantage 4-3. The Comets continued their pressure again but couldn't find a goal. Midway through the half, the Comets got their first power play of the game as Quiroz was sent to the box for tripping. The Comets pressured throughout the penalty but as time wore on, it looked like the Comets wouldn't be able to take advantage of the man advantage. But with only 2 minutes left, the Comets got their goal. Some good ball movement saw the ball go from one side of the field to the other through Leo Gibson to Lucas Rodriguez, who fed Byron Alvarez. Alvarez's first shot was blocked, but he fired his rebound across the middle of the goal. The ball took a deflection past Sanaldo and into the net, putting the Comets back on top.
That lead though would last a grab total of 6 seconds as directly off the kick off, the Wings came right back down the field and scored, with Brian Cushing getting the goal. It's a problem that has plagued the Comets all season, defensive lapses after they've just scored, and again it cost them a goal as the Wings went up 6-5. The Comets though would retake the lead before the end of the half, with some nice build up again. John Sosa played a ball in to Alvarez who had posted up on his defender. Sosa continued his run and received the ball back from Alvarez. Sosa got Sanaldo to commit to him and passed up a good shot for a better one, as he laid the ball off to Vahid Assadpour who passed the ball into the net to go up 7-6 at the break.
Into the third quarter both teams found good chances hard to come by. The Comets though had the better of the chances, forcing some good saves out of Sanaldo. It was the Wings though that grabbed the lead on some poor defense from the Comets. Bryan Perez played a ball over the top to Daniel Villegas. Villegas and a teammate were both back in behind the Comets defense. Villegas collected the ball and slotted it past Waltman to restore the Wings 1 point lead at 8-7.
The fourth quarter saw the Comets pushing for a goal to put them back in front. Early on they were back on the power play as Sanaldo was given a blue card for punching the ball outside the box. Sanaldo tried to argue that he was still inside the box, but the goalkeeper was easily a good foot or two outside his box when he punched it. The Comets though couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Soon enough though, the Comets did find themselves back on top. Once again it was some nice build up from the Comets as Alvarez was played in behind with Rodriguez in a 2v1 situation. Alvarez slid the ball across to Rodriguez who buried his shot and once again put the Comets on top 9-8. As the half wore down it looked like the Comets might just hand on. But with just under 3 minutes left, right when the Wings were looking to pull their goalkeeper, the Wings found another goal. Kevin Ten Eyck with his back to goal was able to turn and hit a volley that beat Waltman to his far post. So instead of the Wings going with a 6th attacker, it would end up being the Comets that pulled their goalkeeper. With the extra man, the Comets had quite a few chances to retake the lead as Alvarez, Geison, and Rodriguez all had good opportunities blocked on the line. In the end though the Comets couldn't find another goal and the Wings pulled off a big win, 10-9.
The loss dropped the Comets to 9-8, with the Wings are now 5-8. With 4 games in hand on the Comets, the Wings would seem to have a very good chance to try to catch their I-35 rival for the other Central Division playoff spot.
New From the Byline to the Back Post
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Bunbury and Zusi Score for the US in Scrimmage
Last night, the US men's national team took on the US under 23 team in a scrimmage in LA. Both teams are currently involved in camps. The US team for their upcoming games against Venezuela and Panama, and the U23's as they continue to prepare for their upcoming Olympic qualifying. Three Sporting KC players appeared for the full national team last night. Graham Zusi started for the US team. Teal Bunbury came in around the 30th minute for an injured Juan Agudelo. CJ Sapong was a half time substitution, coming on for Chris Wondolowski. All the scoring for the US team came in the first half as they cruised to a 4-0 win. Wondolowski opened the scoring, followed by Benny Feilhaber. Then the KC players got themselves involved. Bunbury grabbed the USA's 3rd goal before Zusi finished off the scoring off an assist from Brek Shea. The US will continue to train before heading to take on Venezuela in Arizona a week from today. Then they'll be in Panama next Wednesday the 25th.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Sporting KC Select Two in SuperDraft
Today at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Sporting KC added two new players to their roster ahead of the start of preseason next week. Not needing to draft a specific player that would be required to come in and fill a need, KC was able to look a few different directions with their pick at number 16 and even at pick number 30. There were a few positions that could use some depth. KC seemed to address their depth needs with the two picks.
With the 16th overall draft, KC appeared to get a very good steal that late in the draft. KC was able to grab 21 year old, Generation Adidas forward, Dom Dwyer from South Florida. Dwyer was a late signing to this year's Generation Adidas class, signing only a few days before the combine actually started. The Englishmen scored 16 goals in 20 appearances in his junior year at South Florida. the 5'9" forward has the strength to play with his back to goal, but would seem more destined to play a bit more wide in KC's system. But could see himself playing centrally as well, as Peter Vermes likes to have his forwards rotate positioning.
Some people are asking why Vermes went with a forward in the first round for the 3rd straight year, when KC could look to fill other spots on their roster. With Dwyer added to the forward line with Teal Bunbury, CJ Sapong, Soony Saad, Kei Kamara, possibly Bobby Convey and Birahim Diop, and any other potential signings, and the forward line is getting pretty crowded. But there are a few reasons why the Dwyer pick makes sense for KC. First, Dwyer is going to be cap exempt, he's not going to count against KC's senior roster and his salary isn't going to count against the cap either. Second, with Bunbury is likely to miss time this summer with the US Olympic team in London and Sapong on the USMNT radar now, there's the possibility of one or both being gone at any one time. Without one of them, you're depth is wearing thing. Remember KC plays with 3 forwards, if one is gone, or injured, your forward depth goes down pretty quickly, so having another forward isn't a bad thing. As has been said a few times about the 4-3-3, you can never have too many forwards.
The other worry in regards to Dwyer was his international status. The question was whether he was going to take up a precious international spot on KC's roster. Currently KC is utilizing 6 of their 7 international spots after trading one to San Jose in the Bobby Convey trade. Dwyer IS going to take up an international spot. What that means is that KC is at this time utilizing all 7 of their available international spots. Korede Aiyegbusi, Julio Cesar, Aurelien Collin, Daneil Cyrus, Peterson Joseph, and Jimmy Nielsen are the other 6. This, though, shouldn't bother you as much when it comes to the potential DP signing. A few of these guys are closing in on green cards. Particularly Aiyegbusi and Nielsen should be close to getting their GC's. Aiyegbusi in particular should really be trying to get his green card, if he doesn't then he would seem a prime candidate to be on his way out.
In the second round, KC grabbed a player that will hopefully fill the depth at center back need. KC grabbed Costal Carolina defender, Cyprian Hedrick. Hedrick was listed as a midfielder when in college, but Vermes sees him as more of a center back at the professional level. Hedrick hadn't been invited to the MLS combine, but does seem to fit some of the things that Vermes likes in a defender, having the ability to control and pass the ball well. The below video shows some of those things. The other things that some fans have said in regards to the video is that Hedrick reminds some people of Julio Cesar's composure and poise on the ball. He's a fairly unknown for most people and like a few of Vermes' previous draft picks. At this point for me, he's earned the benefit of doubt of with a few of his picks when he's been able to do fairly well in the draft.
With the 16th overall draft, KC appeared to get a very good steal that late in the draft. KC was able to grab 21 year old, Generation Adidas forward, Dom Dwyer from South Florida. Dwyer was a late signing to this year's Generation Adidas class, signing only a few days before the combine actually started. The Englishmen scored 16 goals in 20 appearances in his junior year at South Florida. the 5'9" forward has the strength to play with his back to goal, but would seem more destined to play a bit more wide in KC's system. But could see himself playing centrally as well, as Peter Vermes likes to have his forwards rotate positioning.
Some people are asking why Vermes went with a forward in the first round for the 3rd straight year, when KC could look to fill other spots on their roster. With Dwyer added to the forward line with Teal Bunbury, CJ Sapong, Soony Saad, Kei Kamara, possibly Bobby Convey and Birahim Diop, and any other potential signings, and the forward line is getting pretty crowded. But there are a few reasons why the Dwyer pick makes sense for KC. First, Dwyer is going to be cap exempt, he's not going to count against KC's senior roster and his salary isn't going to count against the cap either. Second, with Bunbury is likely to miss time this summer with the US Olympic team in London and Sapong on the USMNT radar now, there's the possibility of one or both being gone at any one time. Without one of them, you're depth is wearing thing. Remember KC plays with 3 forwards, if one is gone, or injured, your forward depth goes down pretty quickly, so having another forward isn't a bad thing. As has been said a few times about the 4-3-3, you can never have too many forwards.
The other worry in regards to Dwyer was his international status. The question was whether he was going to take up a precious international spot on KC's roster. Currently KC is utilizing 6 of their 7 international spots after trading one to San Jose in the Bobby Convey trade. Dwyer IS going to take up an international spot. What that means is that KC is at this time utilizing all 7 of their available international spots. Korede Aiyegbusi, Julio Cesar, Aurelien Collin, Daneil Cyrus, Peterson Joseph, and Jimmy Nielsen are the other 6. This, though, shouldn't bother you as much when it comes to the potential DP signing. A few of these guys are closing in on green cards. Particularly Aiyegbusi and Nielsen should be close to getting their GC's. Aiyegbusi in particular should really be trying to get his green card, if he doesn't then he would seem a prime candidate to be on his way out.
In the second round, KC grabbed a player that will hopefully fill the depth at center back need. KC grabbed Costal Carolina defender, Cyprian Hedrick. Hedrick was listed as a midfielder when in college, but Vermes sees him as more of a center back at the professional level. Hedrick hadn't been invited to the MLS combine, but does seem to fit some of the things that Vermes likes in a defender, having the ability to control and pass the ball well. The below video shows some of those things. The other things that some fans have said in regards to the video is that Hedrick reminds some people of Julio Cesar's composure and poise on the ball. He's a fairly unknown for most people and like a few of Vermes' previous draft picks. At this point for me, he's earned the benefit of doubt of with a few of his picks when he's been able to do fairly well in the draft.
With 30th Pick KC Select
With the 30th pick, KC selected defender, Cyprian Hedrick. Hedrick is a 6 foot center back from Costal Carolina University. Like Dom Dwyer, he is a junior college transfer to CCU. He is the CB depth that I thought we needed.
Sporting KC Select Dwyer
For the 3rd year in a row in the first round of the MLS draft, KC selected a forward. This year KC selected Generation Adidas forward from South Florida, Dom Dwyer. The native of Lonodon, England is smaller than KC's last two forward, Dwyer is 5'9", but another good addition to the team. Will have more, including quotes, later tonight.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
New US Open Cup Format
Today, US Soccer has announced changes to the US Open Cup that had been rumored for a few months. Plenty of changes have been made to the format and the design of the tournament. As a whole, all the moves that were made I would say were for the better.
First, all 32 professional teams in the United States will be competing in the tournament. That means all 16 MLS teams qualify for the tournament proper, no more qualifying for MLS teams. Not that it totally matters for KC this year as they would have been in the tournament proper automatically, but I like the fact that there are no longer qualifying games for the teams in the countries top division.
The second, and possibly the biggest change is the bidding process. US Soccer has changed the bidding process for the first round through the quarterfinals. Instead of teams bidding to host the game, the first round through the quarterfinals, teams will apply to host, and if both teams meet the USSF qualifications, there will be a blind draw. The semifinals and finals though will still use the same bidding process that had been used in the past.
The tournament will start on May 15th with the 32 amateur teams. The second round is on the 22nd, when the 16 NASL and USL Pro teams enter the tournament. Sporting KC and the rest of the US based MLS teams will enter the tournament in the third round on May 29th. That will be two days after Sporting host San Jose in a game on NBC Sports. The next round should KC advance would be on June 4th. The good news for KC is that KC's next league game after the 27th against San Jose is on the 16th. The quarterfinals would be on 6/26, the semifinals 7/10, and the finals would be on 8/7 or 8/8. A very condensed schedule this year for the cup.
Read the post from TheCup.us, the unofficial home for the US Open Cup for lots more information on the new format.
First, all 32 professional teams in the United States will be competing in the tournament. That means all 16 MLS teams qualify for the tournament proper, no more qualifying for MLS teams. Not that it totally matters for KC this year as they would have been in the tournament proper automatically, but I like the fact that there are no longer qualifying games for the teams in the countries top division.
The second, and possibly the biggest change is the bidding process. US Soccer has changed the bidding process for the first round through the quarterfinals. Instead of teams bidding to host the game, the first round through the quarterfinals, teams will apply to host, and if both teams meet the USSF qualifications, there will be a blind draw. The semifinals and finals though will still use the same bidding process that had been used in the past.
The tournament will start on May 15th with the 32 amateur teams. The second round is on the 22nd, when the 16 NASL and USL Pro teams enter the tournament. Sporting KC and the rest of the US based MLS teams will enter the tournament in the third round on May 29th. That will be two days after Sporting host San Jose in a game on NBC Sports. The next round should KC advance would be on June 4th. The good news for KC is that KC's next league game after the 27th against San Jose is on the 16th. The quarterfinals would be on 6/26, the semifinals 7/10, and the finals would be on 8/7 or 8/8. A very condensed schedule this year for the cup.
Read the post from TheCup.us, the unofficial home for the US Open Cup for lots more information on the new format.
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's this week's former SKC Wizards update for you.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Amir Lowry
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Played in Wichita's 13-10 loss to Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 21-6 win over Syracuse. Played in Baltimore's 8-5 win over Rochester.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 3 goals and 1 assist in Louisville's 15-5 win over Illinois.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Did not play in either of Missouri's games.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Did not have a game this week.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Had a goal and 3 assists in Anaheim's 14-13 loss to Tijuana. Had 2 assists in Anaheim's 13-6 loss to San Diego.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 82 minutes in Cruz Azul's 1-1 draw with Tigres.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Santos' 0-0 draw with Pachuca.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Tied Police United 1-1.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Amir Lowry
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Played in Wichita's 13-10 loss to Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 21-6 win over Syracuse. Played in Baltimore's 8-5 win over Rochester.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 3 goals and 1 assist in Louisville's 15-5 win over Illinois.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Did not play in either of Missouri's games.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Did not have a game this week.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Had a goal and 3 assists in Anaheim's 14-13 loss to Tijuana. Had 2 assists in Anaheim's 13-6 loss to San Diego.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 82 minutes in Cruz Azul's 1-1 draw with Tigres.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Santos' 0-0 draw with Pachuca.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Tied Police United 1-1.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
LIVESTRONG Finalist for All Star Game?
Photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Reports out of Philadelphia today are that the bidding to host the 2012 all star game is down to the final two. Union blog, The Brotherly Game is reporting that PPL Park and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park are the two finalists, beating out BC Place of Vancouver and Saputo Stadium in Montreal. Some reports out of Philadelphia are that PPL Park has already won the bid to host the game, but the Brotherly Game article indicates that nothing has been decided.
It'd be cool to have the All Star game in KC. KC is only original city in MLS to not host either MLS Cup or the All Star game so it'd be nice for KC to finally host one of the marquee events of the league.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Most Starts for KC
More stats updates for you on Sporting KC. This time it's the most starts for KC in league play and in all competitions.
League
Kerry Zavagnin - 228
Nick Garcia - 224
Davy Arnaud - 213
Jimmy Conrad - 203
Preki - 199
Chris Klein - 183
Jack Jewsbury - 142
Mo Johnston - 142
Josh Wolff - 128
Matt McKeon - 126
Tony Meola - 125
Michael Harrington - 119
Jose Burciaga - 110
Diego Gutierrez - 108
Uche Okafor - 107
Sean Bowers - 104
Matt Besler - 68
Roger Espinoza - 67
Jimmy Nielsen - 60
Kei Kamara - 55
Chance Myers - 37
Graham Zusi - 34
Teal Bunbury - 33
Julio Cesar - 25
CJ Sapong - 22
Aurelien Collin - 21
Seth Sinovic - 20
Birahim Diop - 15
Luke Sassano - 5
Eric Kronberg - 4
Korede Aiyegbusi - 3
Daneil Cyrus - 1
Matt Besler and Roger Espinoza have a chance to make it to the 100 starts club next season, but they need to start almost every single game for Sporting this coming season.
All Competitions
Kerry Zavagnin - 281
Nick Garcia - 272
Davy Arnaud - 234
Preki - 229
Jimmy Conrad - 228
Chris Klein - 216
Jack Jewsbury - 162
Matt McKeon - 159
Mo Johnston - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Josh Wolff - 144
Diego Gutierrez - 135
Michael Harrington - 133
Jose Burciaga - 123
Uche Okafor - 116
Sean Bowers - 113
Bo Oshoniyi - 105
Mark Chung - 103
Sasha Victorine - 102
Kevin Hartman - 100
Matt Besler - 78
Roger Espinoza - 76
Jimmy Nielsen - 63
Kei Kamara - 61
Chance Myers - 45
Graham Zusi - 40
Teal Bunbury - 40
Julio Cesar - 28
Aurelien Collin - 27
CJ Sapong - 26
Seth Sinovic - 24
Birahim Diop - 17
Eric Kronberg - 12
Luke Sassano - 9
Korede Aiyegbusi - 4
Daneil Cyrus - 1
An easier task for Besler and Espinoza to make the 100 start list. As with the above list, Michael Harrington is the only active player on the list that has hit 100 starts in all competitions for KC.
League
Kerry Zavagnin - 228
Nick Garcia - 224
Davy Arnaud - 213
Jimmy Conrad - 203
Preki - 199
Chris Klein - 183
Jack Jewsbury - 142
Mo Johnston - 142
Josh Wolff - 128
Matt McKeon - 126
Tony Meola - 125
Michael Harrington - 119
Jose Burciaga - 110
Diego Gutierrez - 108
Uche Okafor - 107
Sean Bowers - 104
Matt Besler - 68
Roger Espinoza - 67
Jimmy Nielsen - 60
Kei Kamara - 55
Chance Myers - 37
Graham Zusi - 34
Teal Bunbury - 33
Julio Cesar - 25
CJ Sapong - 22
Aurelien Collin - 21
Seth Sinovic - 20
Birahim Diop - 15
Luke Sassano - 5
Eric Kronberg - 4
Korede Aiyegbusi - 3
Daneil Cyrus - 1
Matt Besler and Roger Espinoza have a chance to make it to the 100 starts club next season, but they need to start almost every single game for Sporting this coming season.
All Competitions
Kerry Zavagnin - 281
Nick Garcia - 272
Davy Arnaud - 234
Preki - 229
Jimmy Conrad - 228
Chris Klein - 216
Jack Jewsbury - 162
Matt McKeon - 159
Mo Johnston - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Josh Wolff - 144
Diego Gutierrez - 135
Michael Harrington - 133
Jose Burciaga - 123
Uche Okafor - 116
Sean Bowers - 113
Bo Oshoniyi - 105
Mark Chung - 103
Sasha Victorine - 102
Kevin Hartman - 100
Matt Besler - 78
Roger Espinoza - 76
Jimmy Nielsen - 63
Kei Kamara - 61
Chance Myers - 45
Graham Zusi - 40
Teal Bunbury - 40
Julio Cesar - 28
Aurelien Collin - 27
CJ Sapong - 26
Seth Sinovic - 24
Birahim Diop - 17
Eric Kronberg - 12
Luke Sassano - 9
Korede Aiyegbusi - 4
Daneil Cyrus - 1
An easier task for Besler and Espinoza to make the 100 start list. As with the above list, Michael Harrington is the only active player on the list that has hit 100 starts in all competitions for KC.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Michael Thomas in Final Contract Negotiations?
A few weeks ago, comments were made publicly about Michael Thomas coming to Kansas City. As mentioned previously, the Notre Dame grad has played with multiple members of Sporting KC, including Matt Besler and Seth Sinovic. Word out of Sweden is that Thomas will definitely not be returning to club, Ljungskile SK. Reports also say that Thomas is in the final stages of negotiations with the Wizards. He'd become the 5th KC player on the roster with the previously mentioned Besler and Sinovic, and home grown players Kevin Ellis and Jon Kempin.
Thomas was drafted in the second round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft by San Jose. Instead of signing with the Earthquakes though, Thomas went abroad to Sweden. When a team drafts a player in MLS, that club holds his MLS rights for 2 seasons. When the calender switched over to 2012, San Jose's claim to Thomas expired, meaning that KC was free to work on signing the midfielder. As it stands right now, Thomas would become the 3rd new player this offseason (I'm not totally counting the re-acquisition of Sinovic from Montreal).
Thomas was drafted in the second round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft by San Jose. Instead of signing with the Earthquakes though, Thomas went abroad to Sweden. When a team drafts a player in MLS, that club holds his MLS rights for 2 seasons. When the calender switched over to 2012, San Jose's claim to Thomas expired, meaning that KC was free to work on signing the midfielder. As it stands right now, Thomas would become the 3rd new player this offseason (I'm not totally counting the re-acquisition of Sinovic from Montreal).
Most Appearances
More updating of stats for you, here is an updated list of players with over 100 appearances for Kansas City in league play and in all competitions. Also included in on this list is where the rest of the current roster stands in terms of appearances.
League
Davy Arnaud - 240
Kerry Zavagnin - 237
Nick Garcia - 224
Preki - 218
Jimmy Conrad - 204
Chris Klein - 200
Jack Jewsbury - 195
Mo Johnston - 149
Josh Wolff - 144
Matt McKeon - 144
Michael Harrington - 138
Tony Meola - 125
Chris Brown - 123
Diego Gutierrez - 119
Uche Okafor - 119
Jose Burciaga - 115
Francisco Gomez - 114
Sean Bowers - 111
Sasha Victorine - 106
Digital Takawira - 103
Roger Espinoza - 87
Matt Besler - 72
Kei Kamara - 65
Graham Zusi - 64
Jimmy Nielsen - 60
Chance Myers - 59
Teal Bunbury - 55
CJ Sapong - 34
Birahim Diop - 33
Julio Cesar - 27
Aurelien Collin - 23
Seth Sinovic - 20
Luke Sassano - 9
Korede Aiyegbusi - 8
Eric Kronberg - 5
Soony Saad - 4
Daneil Cyrus - 2
Lawrence Olum - 1
Peterson Joseph - 1
Davy Arnaud took over the number one spot on the list this season, but with his departure, Michael Harrington is the only player on the roster to appear in 100 games for KC. Roger Espinoza and Matt Besler both have good shots at hitting that mark this season though.
Now for the list in all competitions.
Kerry Zavagnin - 291
Davy Arnaud - 273
Nick Garcia - 273
Preki - 254
Chris Klein - 235
Jimmy Conrad - 230
Jack Jewsbury - 218
Matt McKeon - 183
Mo Johnston - 169
Josh Wolff - 165
Michael Harrington - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Chris Brown - 150
Diego Gutierrez - 147
Francisco Gomez - 141
Jose Burciaga - 130
Uche Okafor - 130
Sean Bowers - 120
Sasha Victorine - 114
Digital Takawira - 111
Bo Oshoniyi - 110
Mark Chung - 104
Shavar Thomas - 101
Kevin Hartman - 100
Roger Espinoza - 99
Matt Besler - 83
Kei Kamara - 73
Graham Zusi - 71
Chance Myers - 68
Jimmy Nielsen - 63
Teal Bunbury - 62
CJ Sapong - 40
Birahim Diop - 39
Julio Cesar - 30
Aurelien Collin - 29
Seth Sinovic - 24
Luke Sassano - 13
Eric Kronberg - 13
Korede Aiyegbusi - 10
Soony Saad - 6
Daneil Cyrus - 2
Kevin Ellis - 1
Lawrence Olum - 1
Peterson Joseph - 1
Shavar Thomas joined the list this year, but his and Arnaud's departure once again sees Harrington as the only player currently on the team with over 100 appearances. That will definitely change next season. In fact, 4-5 players could be joining the list next year, as Espinoza is only 1 appearance away. Besler is also very likely going to hit the mark. Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi are less than 30 games away, while Chance Myers is currently 32 away from the 100 mark.
League
Davy Arnaud - 240
Kerry Zavagnin - 237
Nick Garcia - 224
Preki - 218
Jimmy Conrad - 204
Chris Klein - 200
Jack Jewsbury - 195
Mo Johnston - 149
Josh Wolff - 144
Matt McKeon - 144
Michael Harrington - 138
Tony Meola - 125
Chris Brown - 123
Diego Gutierrez - 119
Uche Okafor - 119
Jose Burciaga - 115
Francisco Gomez - 114
Sean Bowers - 111
Sasha Victorine - 106
Digital Takawira - 103
Roger Espinoza - 87
Matt Besler - 72
Kei Kamara - 65
Graham Zusi - 64
Jimmy Nielsen - 60
Chance Myers - 59
Teal Bunbury - 55
CJ Sapong - 34
Birahim Diop - 33
Julio Cesar - 27
Aurelien Collin - 23
Seth Sinovic - 20
Luke Sassano - 9
Korede Aiyegbusi - 8
Eric Kronberg - 5
Soony Saad - 4
Daneil Cyrus - 2
Lawrence Olum - 1
Peterson Joseph - 1
Davy Arnaud took over the number one spot on the list this season, but with his departure, Michael Harrington is the only player on the roster to appear in 100 games for KC. Roger Espinoza and Matt Besler both have good shots at hitting that mark this season though.
Now for the list in all competitions.
Kerry Zavagnin - 291
Davy Arnaud - 273
Nick Garcia - 273
Preki - 254
Chris Klein - 235
Jimmy Conrad - 230
Jack Jewsbury - 218
Matt McKeon - 183
Mo Johnston - 169
Josh Wolff - 165
Michael Harrington - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Chris Brown - 150
Diego Gutierrez - 147
Francisco Gomez - 141
Jose Burciaga - 130
Uche Okafor - 130
Sean Bowers - 120
Sasha Victorine - 114
Digital Takawira - 111
Bo Oshoniyi - 110
Mark Chung - 104
Shavar Thomas - 101
Kevin Hartman - 100
Roger Espinoza - 99
Matt Besler - 83
Kei Kamara - 73
Graham Zusi - 71
Chance Myers - 68
Jimmy Nielsen - 63
Teal Bunbury - 62
CJ Sapong - 40
Birahim Diop - 39
Julio Cesar - 30
Aurelien Collin - 29
Seth Sinovic - 24
Luke Sassano - 13
Eric Kronberg - 13
Korede Aiyegbusi - 10
Soony Saad - 6
Daneil Cyrus - 2
Kevin Ellis - 1
Lawrence Olum - 1
Peterson Joseph - 1
Shavar Thomas joined the list this year, but his and Arnaud's departure once again sees Harrington as the only player currently on the team with over 100 appearances. That will definitely change next season. In fact, 4-5 players could be joining the list next year, as Espinoza is only 1 appearance away. Besler is also very likely going to hit the mark. Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi are less than 30 games away, while Chance Myers is currently 32 away from the 100 mark.
Comets Win Turnpike Trophy
The Missouri Comets wrapped up the Turnpike Trophy last night in Wichita taking out the Wings 13-10 to take the season series with a game remaining. KC now has 4 wins to Wichita's 1. Missouri opened the game quickly, as Brian Harris blasted a 3 point goal only 2 minutes into the game to give the Comets the lead. The Comets continued to push the game in the first quarter, but Harris' goal was the only goal in the quarter.
Into the second quarter, the two teams traded goals back and forth, but the 3 pointer from Harris remained the difference. Tijani Ayegbusi opened the scoring in the second quarter under 3 minutes in, cutting the lead to 3-2. The Comets restored their 3 point lead through Neto off an assist from Vahid Assadpour. Only about 30 seconds later, Frederico Moojen had the lead back to 1, 5-4. With less than 5 minutes left in the quarter, Byron Alvarez made it 7-4. Once again though, the Comets couldn't hold the lead for a long period of time as only 20 seconds later the Comets were only up by 1, as Alargie Jobe finished an opportunity.
In the second half, the Comets tried to hold onto their 1 point lead, but with under5 minutes left, Moojen got his second of the game. to give the Wings the lead 8-7.
It didn't take long in the fourth quarter for the Comets to jump back in front, just over 30 seconds into the half, Geison got a goal to put the Comets back on top. Just over half way through the half, the Wings once again jumped back in front as once again Moojen struck to make it 10-9 and complete his hattrick. The Comets pushed the game trying to find another goal to put them back on top. Finally with under 5 minutes left, Tiguinho found net putting the Comets back on top 11-10. As the game was winding down, the physicality continued and Jamar Beasley picked up a blue card, and before that penalty expired the Wings picked up another blue card to Edvin Worley that made it 5 on 3. The second penalty meant that MO would end the game on the power play. Before the first penalty expired, Geison fired in a shot that made it 13-10. With Missouri still on the power play though, it was hard for the Wings to get the 6th attacker out there and only finally did for the last few seconds when the Wings had a restart. The Comets though held off the opportunity and left Wichita with the trophy.
Into the second quarter, the two teams traded goals back and forth, but the 3 pointer from Harris remained the difference. Tijani Ayegbusi opened the scoring in the second quarter under 3 minutes in, cutting the lead to 3-2. The Comets restored their 3 point lead through Neto off an assist from Vahid Assadpour. Only about 30 seconds later, Frederico Moojen had the lead back to 1, 5-4. With less than 5 minutes left in the quarter, Byron Alvarez made it 7-4. Once again though, the Comets couldn't hold the lead for a long period of time as only 20 seconds later the Comets were only up by 1, as Alargie Jobe finished an opportunity.
In the second half, the Comets tried to hold onto their 1 point lead, but with under5 minutes left, Moojen got his second of the game. to give the Wings the lead 8-7.
It didn't take long in the fourth quarter for the Comets to jump back in front, just over 30 seconds into the half, Geison got a goal to put the Comets back on top. Just over half way through the half, the Wings once again jumped back in front as once again Moojen struck to make it 10-9 and complete his hattrick. The Comets pushed the game trying to find another goal to put them back on top. Finally with under 5 minutes left, Tiguinho found net putting the Comets back on top 11-10. As the game was winding down, the physicality continued and Jamar Beasley picked up a blue card, and before that penalty expired the Wings picked up another blue card to Edvin Worley that made it 5 on 3. The second penalty meant that MO would end the game on the power play. Before the first penalty expired, Geison fired in a shot that made it 13-10. With Missouri still on the power play though, it was hard for the Wings to get the 6th attacker out there and only finally did for the last few seconds when the Wings had a restart. The Comets though held off the opportunity and left Wichita with the trophy.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Comets Fall to Wave
The Missouri Comets found themselves in a position they've been in quite a few times this season, trailing by a few goals with little time left in the game. Last night in Milwaukee it was the 9 points as the Wave took an 11-2 lead early in the 4th quarter before the Comets made a comeback to cut the lead to 11-7 by the final whistle.
In the first couple minutes it looked like the Comets had come to play as the Wave were saved by an early shot off the bar. Things changed though quickly. Inside the last five minutes the Wave go two goals though that made it 4-0. The Comets pushed the game more, now trailing, but couldn't find a way to beat Nick Vorberg.
In the second, Missouri continued to push the game trying to get on the board as Milwaukee seemed a little content to kill the game off and strike on the counter. Finally late on in the half, Brian Harris finished off a chance on a pass from Bryon Alvarez to get the Comets on the board heading into the half down only 4-2.
In the third quarter the Wave started to pull away, a three pointer by Ian Bennett under 3 minutes into the half, and a 2 point goal by Pablo made it 9-2 through 3 quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Comets continued to press while the Wave still looked to hit on the counter. Nine minutes into the 4th Greg Howes made it 11-2. At that time the Comets pulled Danny Waltman, going with the 6th attacker. Lucas Rodriguez made the score closer, hitting a 3 pointer with 12:50 gone in the 4th. Less than a minute later, Alvarez found the net from 2 point range to make it 11-7. The Comets though would get no closer, falling to the Wave 11-7. The team now flies home and will head to Wichita for a game tonight.
In the first couple minutes it looked like the Comets had come to play as the Wave were saved by an early shot off the bar. Things changed though quickly. Inside the last five minutes the Wave go two goals though that made it 4-0. The Comets pushed the game more, now trailing, but couldn't find a way to beat Nick Vorberg.
In the second, Missouri continued to push the game trying to get on the board as Milwaukee seemed a little content to kill the game off and strike on the counter. Finally late on in the half, Brian Harris finished off a chance on a pass from Bryon Alvarez to get the Comets on the board heading into the half down only 4-2.
In the third quarter the Wave started to pull away, a three pointer by Ian Bennett under 3 minutes into the half, and a 2 point goal by Pablo made it 9-2 through 3 quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Comets continued to press while the Wave still looked to hit on the counter. Nine minutes into the 4th Greg Howes made it 11-2. At that time the Comets pulled Danny Waltman, going with the 6th attacker. Lucas Rodriguez made the score closer, hitting a 3 pointer with 12:50 gone in the 4th. Less than a minute later, Alvarez found the net from 2 point range to make it 11-7. The Comets though would get no closer, falling to the Wave 11-7. The team now flies home and will head to Wichita for a game tonight.
New From the Byline to the Back Post
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Sporting KC Schedule Out
Today MLS released the 2012 MLS schedule with the new unbalanced format. The full schedule is at the end of the post, but here are some thoughts and information on the schedule.
KC opens the season on the 10th of March against DC, it's the 7th time in KC's history that they've opened against DC. KC's record in those games is 4-2, including KC's 4-0 win in the season opener in 2010. It's also the second time that KC's last regular season game of the previous season and first game of the new season is against DC, it also happened in 2009-2010.
KC's home opener is on St. Patrick's Day against the New England Revolution.
KC plays 3 teams, New England, Chicago, and Toronto twice at home and once away.
KC plays 3 teams, Montreal, Columbus, and New York once at home and twice away.
KC plays DC and Philadelphia once at home and once away.
KC plays Dallas, LA, Salt Lake, and San Jose at home. KC plays Chivas, Portland, Vancouver, Colorado, and Seattle away. KC definitely got the better of this schedule, getting 3 of the top four teams in the West at home this year.
KC's last game against the Western Conference is June 20th at Seattle. That's 14 games into the season, the final 20 games of Sporting KC's season is against the Eastern Conference. KC will have no one to blame but themselves if they don't make the playoffs with that many games in a row against direct opponents.
KC has 7 games on national television. All 7 are at home. KC hosts the Galaxy on 4/7 and New York on 8/26 on ESPN 2. KC hosts San Jose on 5/27, Chicago on 6/29, Houston on 9/14, and Chicago on 9/28 on NBC Sports, they also host Dallas on 3/25 on Galavision. Quite a few more than last year's regular season.
KC only has one week night game, the season finale against Philadelphia.
MLS Cup is now in December. the MLS Cup final will be on December 1st. Could be interesting weather if a "cold weather" city team is the highest ranked team.
Here's KC's full schedule
Sat., March 10 - at D.C. United - 6:30pm
Sat., March 17 - NEW ENGLAND - 7:30pm
Sun., March 25 - FC DALLAS - 6:00pm - Galavision
Sun., April 1 - at Chivas USA - 8:00pm
Sat., April 7 - LA GALAXY - 4:00pm - ESPN2
Sat., April 14 - REAL SALT LAKE - 7:30pm
Wed., April 18 - at Vancouver - 9:00pm
Sat., April 21 - at Portland - 9:30pm
Sat., May 5 - MONTREAL - 7:30pm
Sat., May 12 - at Chicago - 7:30pm
Sat., May 19 - at Colorado - 8:00pm
Sun., May 27 - SAN JOSE - 3:30pm - NBCSN
Sat., June 16 - TORONTO FC - 7:30pm
Wed., June 20 - at Seattle - 9:00pm
Sat., June 23 - at Philadelphia - 6:00pm
Fri., June 29 - CHICAGO - 7:00pm - NBCSN
Wed., July 4 - at Montreal - 6:30pm
Sat., July 7 - HOUSTON - 7:30pm
Sat., July 14 - at Columbus - 6:30pm
Wed., July 18 - at Houston - 7:30pm
Sat., July 21 - NEW ENGLAND - 7:30pm
Sat., July 28 - COLUMBUS - 7:30pm
Sat., August 4 - at New England - 6:30pm
Sat., August 11 - D.C. UNITED - 7:30pm
Sat., August 18 - at Toronto FC - 3:30pm
Sun., August 26 - NEW YORK - 8:00pm - ESPN2
Sat., Sept. 1 - TORONTO FC - 7:30pm
Fri., Sept. 14 - HOUSTON - 7:30pm - NBCSN
Wed., Sept. 19 - at New York - 6:00pm
Sat., Sept. 22 - at Montreal - 12:00pm
Fri., Sept. 28 - CHICAGO - 7:30apm - NBCSN
Sun., Oct. 7 - at Columbus - 3:00pm
Sat., Oct. 20 - at New York - 6:00pm
Wed., Oct. 24 - PHILADELPHIA - 7:30pm
KC opens the season on the 10th of March against DC, it's the 7th time in KC's history that they've opened against DC. KC's record in those games is 4-2, including KC's 4-0 win in the season opener in 2010. It's also the second time that KC's last regular season game of the previous season and first game of the new season is against DC, it also happened in 2009-2010.
KC's home opener is on St. Patrick's Day against the New England Revolution.
KC plays 3 teams, New England, Chicago, and Toronto twice at home and once away.
KC plays 3 teams, Montreal, Columbus, and New York once at home and twice away.
KC plays DC and Philadelphia once at home and once away.
KC plays Dallas, LA, Salt Lake, and San Jose at home. KC plays Chivas, Portland, Vancouver, Colorado, and Seattle away. KC definitely got the better of this schedule, getting 3 of the top four teams in the West at home this year.
KC's last game against the Western Conference is June 20th at Seattle. That's 14 games into the season, the final 20 games of Sporting KC's season is against the Eastern Conference. KC will have no one to blame but themselves if they don't make the playoffs with that many games in a row against direct opponents.
KC has 7 games on national television. All 7 are at home. KC hosts the Galaxy on 4/7 and New York on 8/26 on ESPN 2. KC hosts San Jose on 5/27, Chicago on 6/29, Houston on 9/14, and Chicago on 9/28 on NBC Sports, they also host Dallas on 3/25 on Galavision. Quite a few more than last year's regular season.
KC only has one week night game, the season finale against Philadelphia.
MLS Cup is now in December. the MLS Cup final will be on December 1st. Could be interesting weather if a "cold weather" city team is the highest ranked team.
Here's KC's full schedule
Sat., March 10 - at D.C. United - 6:30pm
Sat., March 17 - NEW ENGLAND - 7:30pm
Sun., March 25 - FC DALLAS - 6:00pm - Galavision
Sun., April 1 - at Chivas USA - 8:00pm
Sat., April 7 - LA GALAXY - 4:00pm - ESPN2
Sat., April 14 - REAL SALT LAKE - 7:30pm
Wed., April 18 - at Vancouver - 9:00pm
Sat., April 21 - at Portland - 9:30pm
Sat., May 5 - MONTREAL - 7:30pm
Sat., May 12 - at Chicago - 7:30pm
Sat., May 19 - at Colorado - 8:00pm
Sun., May 27 - SAN JOSE - 3:30pm - NBCSN
Sat., June 16 - TORONTO FC - 7:30pm
Wed., June 20 - at Seattle - 9:00pm
Sat., June 23 - at Philadelphia - 6:00pm
Fri., June 29 - CHICAGO - 7:00pm - NBCSN
Wed., July 4 - at Montreal - 6:30pm
Sat., July 7 - HOUSTON - 7:30pm
Sat., July 14 - at Columbus - 6:30pm
Wed., July 18 - at Houston - 7:30pm
Sat., July 21 - NEW ENGLAND - 7:30pm
Sat., July 28 - COLUMBUS - 7:30pm
Sat., August 4 - at New England - 6:30pm
Sat., August 11 - D.C. UNITED - 7:30pm
Sat., August 18 - at Toronto FC - 3:30pm
Sun., August 26 - NEW YORK - 8:00pm - ESPN2
Sat., Sept. 1 - TORONTO FC - 7:30pm
Fri., Sept. 14 - HOUSTON - 7:30pm - NBCSN
Wed., Sept. 19 - at New York - 6:00pm
Sat., Sept. 22 - at Montreal - 12:00pm
Fri., Sept. 28 - CHICAGO - 7:30apm - NBCSN
Sun., Oct. 7 - at Columbus - 3:00pm
Sat., Oct. 20 - at New York - 6:00pm
Wed., Oct. 24 - PHILADELPHIA - 7:30pm
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates, some extra news this week as well. By now you've heard about Craig Rocastle signing with the Missouri Comets, but there's other news as well. Eddie Johnson's club career continues to spiral down for him, as he's already out at Puebla in Mexico. Apparently the forward failed his physical and was not fit and was released basically 2 days after showing up in Mexico. Not the direction you want your club career to be going in. Another former Wizard though moving in the other way, is Yura Movsisyan could be moving on again. The latest rumor has Movsisyan linked with a move to England and 3rd place side Tottenham. Finally, former player and interim head coach, Brian Bliss has picked up a second job along with being Crew GM. Bliss has also been named as an assistant coach on the US U-20 team. He will server as an assistant under Tab Ramos. There aren't a lot of other players playing right now, mainly it's those that are playing indoor. Here's the update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Scored a goal in Wichita's 12-10 win over Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 9-4 win over Milwaukee.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Scored 2 goals in Louisville's 9-3 loss to Cincinnati.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Just signed with the team.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Scored a goal in Norfolk's 18-16 win over Rochster. Played in Norfolk's 23-13 loss to Syracuse. Played in Norfolk's 24-11 loss to Rochester.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - No game this week.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Did not play in Bagan's 2-1 loss to Pune FC.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - On break.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
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 Wings - Scored a goal in Wichita's 12-10 win over Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 9-4 win over Milwaukee.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Scored 2 goals in Louisville's 9-3 loss to Cincinnati.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Just signed with the team.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Scored a goal in Norfolk's 18-16 win over Rochster. Played in Norfolk's 23-13 loss to Syracuse. Played in Norfolk's 24-11 loss to Rochester.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - No game this week.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Did not play in Bagan's 2-1 loss to Pune FC.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - On break.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Comets Sign Former SKC Player Rocastle
News started to leak out last night on through Thad, and today it was officially announced that the Missouri Comets have added to their roster by signing former Sporting KC midfielder, Craig Rocastle. Rocastle had been waived by Sporting at the end of this past season after two years with the club. Rocastle should be available for Friday's match up against Milwaukee and then in Wichita to take on the Wings on Saturday.
Rocastle certainly gives the Comets an interesting addition. Rocastle gives the Comets a calm and composed midfielder. But indoor isn't always a calm and composed game, it's a very fast paced game. It'll be interesting to see how Rocastle adjusts to the change in style the indoor game provides. The other question would probably have to do with Rocastle's knees, but the big thing he does provide is a large amount of experience and a big imposing body to help man up on some of the bigger players in the league.
Rocastle certainly gives the Comets an interesting addition. Rocastle gives the Comets a calm and composed midfielder. But indoor isn't always a calm and composed game, it's a very fast paced game. It'll be interesting to see how Rocastle adjusts to the change in style the indoor game provides. The other question would probably have to do with Rocastle's knees, but the big thing he does provide is a large amount of experience and a big imposing body to help man up on some of the bigger players in the league.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Daneil Cyrus in Trinidad Training Squad for Olympic Qualifying
H/T to The Front Men
Trinidad and Tobago has named their training squad in preparations for the Olympic qualifying coming up in March. Sporting KC defender, Daneil Cyrus has been named to the TnT squad that is currently training in Port of Spain in Trinidad. The team is preparing to be in Group B of Olympic qualifying with Honduras, Panama, and Mexico in Los Angeles which begins on March 22nd. Should Trinidad finishing as one of the top two teams, they'll qualifying for the semifinals in Kansas City with a chance to qualify for the 2012 London games. Before going to LA though, Trinidad ends this camp with a friendly against the Finland national team.
Trinidad and Tobago has named their training squad in preparations for the Olympic qualifying coming up in March. Sporting KC defender, Daneil Cyrus has been named to the TnT squad that is currently training in Port of Spain in Trinidad. The team is preparing to be in Group B of Olympic qualifying with Honduras, Panama, and Mexico in Los Angeles which begins on March 22nd. Should Trinidad finishing as one of the top two teams, they'll qualifying for the semifinals in Kansas City with a chance to qualify for the 2012 London games. Before going to LA though, Trinidad ends this camp with a friendly against the Finland national team.
MLS Schedule Coming Soon
It sounds like we won't have to wait much longer for the 2012 MLS schedule to come out. It seems that the league has the schedule finalized and will be putting it out hopefully later this week. KC is set to have their home opener on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, other than that, the schedule isn't really known.
Today though, a little has been cleared up it seems. Canadian Soccer News has gotten a leaked copy of Toronto FC's schedule. The leak does give a little information into Sporting KC's schedule. If the schedule is true, KC will play Toronto two times this year on August 18th and September 1st. The schedule though lists both games as being at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, which appears to be a mistake because Toronto has 18 away games listed on that schedule and only 16 home games. One of those games will be at BMO Field, but it would fill 2 dates though on KC's schedule.
The other thing the leaked TFC schedule would point out is that KC is definitely playing on March 10th in the season opener. Since Toronto is not listed as having a game, it would mean that they're the lone team to get a bye in the first weekend of the season. What that means is that KC will definitely be playing at one of Colorado, DC, LA, San Jose, or Seattle on the 10th. KC, Chicago, Columbus, New England, and Salt Lake will each play one of those teams in the first weekend of the season. Hopefully later this week we'll have this all straightened out.
Today though, a little has been cleared up it seems. Canadian Soccer News has gotten a leaked copy of Toronto FC's schedule. The leak does give a little information into Sporting KC's schedule. If the schedule is true, KC will play Toronto two times this year on August 18th and September 1st. The schedule though lists both games as being at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, which appears to be a mistake because Toronto has 18 away games listed on that schedule and only 16 home games. One of those games will be at BMO Field, but it would fill 2 dates though on KC's schedule.
The other thing the leaked TFC schedule would point out is that KC is definitely playing on March 10th in the season opener. Since Toronto is not listed as having a game, it would mean that they're the lone team to get a bye in the first weekend of the season. What that means is that KC will definitely be playing at one of Colorado, DC, LA, San Jose, or Seattle on the 10th. KC, Chicago, Columbus, New England, and Salt Lake will each play one of those teams in the first weekend of the season. Hopefully later this week we'll have this all straightened out.
Pricing for Olympic Qualifiers Out
US Supporter's Section tickets went on sale right before Christmas, now today, Sporting KC announced the rest of the pricing structure for the tournament at LIVESTRONG Sporting KC. There are 3 levels of ticket buying, you can buy the series, single game advanced, and at the gate. The pricing is also pretty competitive, good pricing, anywhere from $28 a game to $220 a game. There are a few interesting aspects to the pricing though. There is one section around 3/4ths of the stadium for front row access in each section except on the West side of the stadium. The series tickets look to be especially great value, getting you in to both matches on Saturday and the final Monday will cost you $56 in the Member's Stand. Not bad for 3 games of soccer. The other interesting aspect is that the member's club has been divided some more on the East side of the stadium. The sections match up with the section in the group above members stand in the stadium. It's interesting the way that CONCACAF has Sporting laying out the stadium for the games. Tickets go on sale to season ticket holders on the 9th, they go on sale to the general public two days later.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Looking at the 16th Pick
There is so much that can change the draft and the way that teams select that it's really hard to look at KC's first round pick, the 16th overall, let alone the rest of KC's draft. So we're going to just look at the 16th draft pick at this point and go through the rest of the picks as they come up during the draft.
Last year with the 10th pick I had said that KC needed to grab either a defender, either AJ Soares or Jalil Anibaba. Neither player was available at the 10 spot, and KC didn't even go defensive. Instead, KC went with a forward, and drafted the rookie of the year, CJ Sapong. This year I still think that KC needs to go with a center back. Although unlike last year, I don't think that KC needs to find a starter in this year's draft. They need a guy who could start if need be, but isn't expected to be a starter right out of the gate. Based on what it seems KC could get out of the 16th pick, I think that's probably a better expectation.
KC currently has Matt Besler, Aurelien Collin, Julio Cesar, and likely Daneil Cyrus, whose official return hasn't been announced yet. But with Cesar playing more in the midfield, getting some depth in the center of defense would be a good thing. So who could be available at the 16 spot when it comes to KC? Andrew Wenger is probably the top prospect that can play center back, but it'll be surprising if the Generation Adidas signing falls out of the top 3 or 4. Matt Hedges, of national champion, UNC is another center back that likely isn't going to be around at the 16 spot.
The rest of the depth at center back in the first round is likely going to be played out depending on where other teams choose to go with their pick. Aaron Maund of Notre Dame could potentially be on the board still and could provide center back coverage. Also available could be the player that Ives has us taking in his latest mock draft, Austin Berry of Louisville.
If KC doesn't go with a center back, they could look to improve their depth on the forward position, specifically the wing forwards. Bobby Convey could be the starter on the left wing and Kei Kamara is likely to start on the right, but getting depth could be something Peter Vermes is looking at. Maybe going after a guy like Brian Ownby, Ethan Finlay, Lucky Mkosana, or even maybe reach a little more with a guy like Arthur Ivo.
One thing I've learned with Vermes as coach is that it's incredibly hard to figure out which way he's going to go with his picks.
Last year with the 10th pick I had said that KC needed to grab either a defender, either AJ Soares or Jalil Anibaba. Neither player was available at the 10 spot, and KC didn't even go defensive. Instead, KC went with a forward, and drafted the rookie of the year, CJ Sapong. This year I still think that KC needs to go with a center back. Although unlike last year, I don't think that KC needs to find a starter in this year's draft. They need a guy who could start if need be, but isn't expected to be a starter right out of the gate. Based on what it seems KC could get out of the 16th pick, I think that's probably a better expectation.
KC currently has Matt Besler, Aurelien Collin, Julio Cesar, and likely Daneil Cyrus, whose official return hasn't been announced yet. But with Cesar playing more in the midfield, getting some depth in the center of defense would be a good thing. So who could be available at the 16 spot when it comes to KC? Andrew Wenger is probably the top prospect that can play center back, but it'll be surprising if the Generation Adidas signing falls out of the top 3 or 4. Matt Hedges, of national champion, UNC is another center back that likely isn't going to be around at the 16 spot.
The rest of the depth at center back in the first round is likely going to be played out depending on where other teams choose to go with their pick. Aaron Maund of Notre Dame could potentially be on the board still and could provide center back coverage. Also available could be the player that Ives has us taking in his latest mock draft, Austin Berry of Louisville.
If KC doesn't go with a center back, they could look to improve their depth on the forward position, specifically the wing forwards. Bobby Convey could be the starter on the left wing and Kei Kamara is likely to start on the right, but getting depth could be something Peter Vermes is looking at. Maybe going after a guy like Brian Ownby, Ethan Finlay, Lucky Mkosana, or even maybe reach a little more with a guy like Arthur Ivo.
One thing I've learned with Vermes as coach is that it's incredibly hard to figure out which way he's going to go with his picks.
A Historical Look at KC's Draft Spots
We're about a week and a half away from the MLS Superdraft in Kansas City. It's the first of two drafts for the league, with a supplemental draft following a week later. KC have their natural 16th pick in the 1st round of the Superdraft, and then have the 30th selection in the second round. That selection came from FC Dallas in the trade that sent Kevin Hartman to Dallas. KC's natural selection, the 35th pick, went to Philadelphia as part of the trade that brought Shavar Thomas to KC.
In the Supplemental draft, KC have 5 picks, the 16th (54th overall), 35th (73rd), 43rd (81st) (that was received from Chivas as part of the Ryan Smith trade), 54th (92nd), and 73rd (111th).
That's one pick in every round of the two drafts, except for 2 picks in the third round of the supplemental draft. But really at this point, when looking at the history of the draft, the rounds are meaningless, specifically because this is going to be only the third MLS draft where the 16th pick has even been considered a first round pick, or the 30th pick, which in 1996 was the last pick of the 3rd round is now a mid-second round pick, so it's better to look at the draft from the pick number instead of the round. For a look at what type of talent KC can get in each spot, let's take a historical look at who has been drafted at each spot throughout the league's history.
SIXTEENTH PICK
1996 - Imad Baba - New England
1997 - Alan Branigan - Dallas
1998 - Billy Walsh - New York
1999 - Kevin Knight - New York
2000 - Justin Evans - San Jose
2001 - Brian Ching - Los Angeles
2002 - Danny Jackson - Colorado
2003 - Scot Thompson - Los Angeles
2004 - Adrian Cann - Colorado
2005 - Ryan Pore - Kansas City
2006 - Lance Watson - Kansas City
2007 - Robbie Findley - Los Angeles
2008 - Eric Brunner - New York
2009 - Evan Brown - Seattle
2010 - Michael Stephens - Los Angeles
2011 - Paolo Cardozo - Los Angeles
Not exactly a who's who of talent, but there is some out there in the history of the draft. Brian Ching and Robbie Findley both had pretty successful MLS careers, Findley used it and a World Cup to get a move to England. The rest is fairly uninspiring, although there are a few decent starters and depth players in this spot, including Adrian Cann and Eric Brunner. KC has even picked twice at this spot before, drafting GA player Ryan Pore in 2005 and Lance Watson in 2006. Combined the two made 94 league appearances for KC.
THIRTIETH PICK
1996 - Todd Miller - Columbus
1997 - Brandon Leib - DC
1998 - Joe Franchino - Los Angeles
1999 - Andrew Parrish - Dallas
2000 - Kerry Zavagnin - Kansas City
2001 - Kevin Adams - Columbus
2002 - Sam Forko - New York
2003 - Tim Glowienka - New York
2004 - Lindon Pecorelli - San Jose
2005 - Victor Arbelaez - San Jose
2006 - Ray Burse - Dallas
2007 - Steven Curfman - Salt Lake
2008 - Mike Zaher - Toronto
2009 - Paul Gerstenberger - Columbus
2010 - Steven Beitashour - San Jose
2011 - Tyler Lassiter - New York
Slimmer pickings here, Kerry Zavagnin is the cream of this pick, although Joe Franchino had a decent MLS career. Steven Beitashour has been a solid contributor recently for San Jose, and Ray Burse is a starter in the NASL. Other than that there's not a lot of sustainable talent in this pick.
FIFTY-FOURTH PICK
2000 - Brian Waltrip - Tampa
2001 - Shaun Tsakiris - New England
2002 - Jeremy Piette - Dallas
2003 - Ryan Futagaki - Chicago
2004 - Edwin Miranda - Dallas
2005 - Jason Hernandez - New York
2006 - Christopher Joyce - Dallas
2007 - Desmond Brooks - Chivas
2008 - Austin Washington - Chicago
2009 - Raphael Cox - Salt Lake
2010 - Dane Saintus - Dallas
2011 - Alan Koger - New England
Jason Hernandez is about the only consistent MLS player on this list, he's played almost 150 league games for New York, Chivas, and San Jose. Every other player at this pick has had little more than a few token appearances in league play.
SEVENTY-THIRD PICK
2005 - Noah Palmer - Salt Lake
2006 - Lawson Vaughn - Chivas
2007 - Osei Telesford - Chicago
2008 - Tino Nuñez - Salt Lake
2009 - Joe Anderson - Vancouver
All but Anderson have made some league appearances for their club, Lawson Vaughn is probably the most well known of the 5 previous players drafted at this spot, making about 50 combined appearances with Chivas and DC.
EIGHTY-FIRST PICK
2005 - Easton Wilson - New England
2006 - Keith Cauldwell - Colorado
2007 - Chris Konopka - Kansas City
2008 - Vicente Arze - Kansas City
2011 - Yannick Salmon - Chicago
None of these players made much of any appearances, Konopka's first league appearance came this past year as a league keeper playing for New York. Overall Vicente Arze's probably been the best talent at this pick and all his success has been outside MLS with Vancouver in the USL, Bolivia, and Hungary.
NINETY-SECOND PICK
2005 - Chris Lee - Columbus
2006 - PASS - Houston
2007 - Tyler Hemming - Toronto
2008 - Ben Shuleva - Dallas
2011 - Taylor Mueller - Portland
Hemming made a handful of appearances for Toronto in their first few years in the league. He's also bounced around the lower leagues. Not much at all at this pick, evident by the fact that Houston passed on this pick in 2006.
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH PICK
2008 - PASS - New England
The only other time there's been a 111th pick in the drafts was in 2008 and the Revolution passed on that pick. So very good chances this player doesn't make the team, if KC even uses this pick. They could pass like New England.
In the Supplemental draft, KC have 5 picks, the 16th (54th overall), 35th (73rd), 43rd (81st) (that was received from Chivas as part of the Ryan Smith trade), 54th (92nd), and 73rd (111th).
That's one pick in every round of the two drafts, except for 2 picks in the third round of the supplemental draft. But really at this point, when looking at the history of the draft, the rounds are meaningless, specifically because this is going to be only the third MLS draft where the 16th pick has even been considered a first round pick, or the 30th pick, which in 1996 was the last pick of the 3rd round is now a mid-second round pick, so it's better to look at the draft from the pick number instead of the round. For a look at what type of talent KC can get in each spot, let's take a historical look at who has been drafted at each spot throughout the league's history.
SIXTEENTH PICK
1996 - Imad Baba - New England
1997 - Alan Branigan - Dallas
1998 - Billy Walsh - New York
1999 - Kevin Knight - New York
2000 - Justin Evans - San Jose
2001 - Brian Ching - Los Angeles
2002 - Danny Jackson - Colorado
2003 - Scot Thompson - Los Angeles
2004 - Adrian Cann - Colorado
2005 - Ryan Pore - Kansas City
2006 - Lance Watson - Kansas City
2007 - Robbie Findley - Los Angeles
2008 - Eric Brunner - New York
2009 - Evan Brown - Seattle
2010 - Michael Stephens - Los Angeles
2011 - Paolo Cardozo - Los Angeles
Not exactly a who's who of talent, but there is some out there in the history of the draft. Brian Ching and Robbie Findley both had pretty successful MLS careers, Findley used it and a World Cup to get a move to England. The rest is fairly uninspiring, although there are a few decent starters and depth players in this spot, including Adrian Cann and Eric Brunner. KC has even picked twice at this spot before, drafting GA player Ryan Pore in 2005 and Lance Watson in 2006. Combined the two made 94 league appearances for KC.
THIRTIETH PICK
1996 - Todd Miller - Columbus
1997 - Brandon Leib - DC
1998 - Joe Franchino - Los Angeles
1999 - Andrew Parrish - Dallas
2000 - Kerry Zavagnin - Kansas City
2001 - Kevin Adams - Columbus
2002 - Sam Forko - New York
2003 - Tim Glowienka - New York
2004 - Lindon Pecorelli - San Jose
2005 - Victor Arbelaez - San Jose
2006 - Ray Burse - Dallas
2007 - Steven Curfman - Salt Lake
2008 - Mike Zaher - Toronto
2009 - Paul Gerstenberger - Columbus
2010 - Steven Beitashour - San Jose
2011 - Tyler Lassiter - New York
Slimmer pickings here, Kerry Zavagnin is the cream of this pick, although Joe Franchino had a decent MLS career. Steven Beitashour has been a solid contributor recently for San Jose, and Ray Burse is a starter in the NASL. Other than that there's not a lot of sustainable talent in this pick.
FIFTY-FOURTH PICK
2000 - Brian Waltrip - Tampa
2001 - Shaun Tsakiris - New England
2002 - Jeremy Piette - Dallas
2003 - Ryan Futagaki - Chicago
2004 - Edwin Miranda - Dallas
2005 - Jason Hernandez - New York
2006 - Christopher Joyce - Dallas
2007 - Desmond Brooks - Chivas
2008 - Austin Washington - Chicago
2009 - Raphael Cox - Salt Lake
2010 - Dane Saintus - Dallas
2011 - Alan Koger - New England
Jason Hernandez is about the only consistent MLS player on this list, he's played almost 150 league games for New York, Chivas, and San Jose. Every other player at this pick has had little more than a few token appearances in league play.
SEVENTY-THIRD PICK
2005 - Noah Palmer - Salt Lake
2006 - Lawson Vaughn - Chivas
2007 - Osei Telesford - Chicago
2008 - Tino Nuñez - Salt Lake
2009 - Joe Anderson - Vancouver
All but Anderson have made some league appearances for their club, Lawson Vaughn is probably the most well known of the 5 previous players drafted at this spot, making about 50 combined appearances with Chivas and DC.
EIGHTY-FIRST PICK
2005 - Easton Wilson - New England
2006 - Keith Cauldwell - Colorado
2007 - Chris Konopka - Kansas City
2008 - Vicente Arze - Kansas City
2011 - Yannick Salmon - Chicago
None of these players made much of any appearances, Konopka's first league appearance came this past year as a league keeper playing for New York. Overall Vicente Arze's probably been the best talent at this pick and all his success has been outside MLS with Vancouver in the USL, Bolivia, and Hungary.
NINETY-SECOND PICK
2005 - Chris Lee - Columbus
2006 - PASS - Houston
2007 - Tyler Hemming - Toronto
2008 - Ben Shuleva - Dallas
2011 - Taylor Mueller - Portland
Hemming made a handful of appearances for Toronto in their first few years in the league. He's also bounced around the lower leagues. Not much at all at this pick, evident by the fact that Houston passed on this pick in 2006.
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH PICK
2008 - PASS - New England
The only other time there's been a 111th pick in the drafts was in 2008 and the Revolution passed on that pick. So very good chances this player doesn't make the team, if KC even uses this pick. They could pass like New England.
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