Attendance Through 10 Home Games

photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson

Another over capacity crowd at Livestrong Sporting Park saw Sporting KC's 0-0 draw with the New England Revolution.  Just over 19,000 were at LSP last night for the game, keeping Sporting KC's average attendance this year over the announced capacity of the stadium.  Here's a look at the average attendance through the seasons for the 10th game of the season.

1996 - Arrowhead
12,362
Sunday August 11th, 1996 vs LA 2-2(3-1) shootout win.
Average - 13,740

1997 - Arrowhead
9,205
Sunday July 6th, 1997 vs Dallas 1-3 loss
Average - 8,661

1998 - Arrowhead
5,458
Saturday July 19th, 1998 vs Colorado 4-1 win
Average - 7,658

1999 - Arrowhead
9,014
Thursday July 22nd, 1999 vs Tampa 4-3 win
Average - 8,335

2000 - Arrowhead
5,458
Saturday July 8th, 2000 vs New York 0-1 loss
Average - 10,120

2001 - Arrowhead
9,292
Saturday August 4th, 2001 vs Columbus 1-3 loss
Average - 10,441

2002 - Arrowhead
6,721
Wednesday July 24th, 2002 vs New York 1-3 loss
Average - 11,268

2003 - Arrowhead
12,778
Friday August 22nd, 2003 vs Colorado 2-2 draw
Average - 14,878

2004 - Arrowhead
8,138
Wednesday July 28th, 2004 vs New York 1-2 loss
Average - 15,088

2005 - Arrowhead
7,560
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 vs DC 1-1 draw
Average - 10,129

2006 - Arrowhead
7,710
Saturday July 29th, 2006 vs New England 1-1 draw
Average - 11,225

2007 -Arrowhead
11,649
Sunday July 29th, 2007 vs Chivas 3-2 win
Average - 9,484

2008 - Community America Ballpark
9,825
Saturday August 23rd, 2008 vs Dallas 1-1 draw
Jimmy Conrad scores a late equalizer to tie it.
Average - 9,619

2009 - Community America Ballpark
9,974
Sunday August 16th, 2009 vs Chicago 0-2 loss
Zoltan Hercegfalvi picks up a red card minutes after coming in.
Average - 10,019

2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Saturday August 7th, 2010 vs Salt Lake 1-1 draw
Average - 10,081

2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
15,271
Wednesday August 17th, 2011 vs Portland 3-1 win
Average - 17,557

2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,080
Saturday July 21st, 2012 vs New England 0-0 draw
Average - 19,321

Here's a look at the years ranked by their average attendance.

1. 2012 - 19,321 (-)
2. 2011 - 17,557 (-)
3. 2004 - 15,088 (-)
4. 2003 - 14,878 (-)
5. 1996 - 13,740 (-)
6. 2002 - 11268 (-)
7. 2006 - 11,225 (-)
8. 2001 - 10,441 (+1)
9. 2005 - 10,129 (+1)
10. 2000 - 10,120 (-2)
11. 2010 - 10,081 (-)
12. 2009 - 10019 (-)
13. 2008 - 9,619 (-)
14. 2007 - 9,484 (-)
15. 1997 - 8,661 (-)
16. 1999 - 8,335 (-)
17. 1998 - 7,658 (-)

Sunday After Stats

Sporting KC has gone 325 minutes without a goal at home, the second longest streak in team history behind 367 from the end of the 1998 season through the start of the 1999 season.

Peter Vermes coached his 110th game in all competitions for KC, tying Ron Newman for the second most games coached for KC.

Michael Harrington made his 165th appearance in all competitions, tying him with Josh Wolff for 10th on that list.

It was Harrington's 145th in league play, breaking his tie with Wolff and Matt McKeon for 9th on that list.

More Points Dropped

KC's offense continues to struggle at home, as for the third straight game last night, KC couldn't find the back of the net at Livestrong Sporting Park as the New England Revolution came in and earned a point in a 0-0 draw.  Sporting has now gone 325 minutes since Julio Cesar's goal against Toronto, the last one scored at home by KC.  The team record for home goals appears to be 367 minutes, set from the end of the 1998 season through the beginning of the 1999 season.  From a team with so much offensive firepower, this is quite disturbing.

It was actually the Revolution that came out with the smarter play from the start.  In the fourth minute, Ryan Guy got played in by Benny Feilhaber, but Jimmy Nielsen came up with the save as Guy was forced to shoot from long range with Aurelien Collin closing him down.  The Revs continued to have the better of the early play and thought they'd taken the lead in the 15th minute off a corner.  Lee Nguyen played in a driven corner to the back post where Guy laid out on a diving header.  Nielsen got his fists and punched the ball away, but the Revolution players argued that the ball had crossed the line.  The replays appear in conclusive, but it is extremely close on whether the whole ball crossed the line or not.  As the half wore on, KC started to get more possession of the ball, and in the 21st minute had their first decent opportunity of the match, when New England couldn't clear their end and Jacob Peterson let fly with a shot from just outside the box that curled wide of the post.

KC picked up the pressure in the second half, and in the 52nd minute had their best opportunity of the game.  Michael Harrington played a low cross into the box for Peterson, who did a great job of flicking the ball on towards the back post, but New England goalkeeper Matt Reis did a good job of laying out to palm the shot away for a corner.  The game started to open up a little more as KC pushed forward more leaving themselves open at the back and New England tried to take advantage of that.  New England was the team that looked more likely to take advantage of it though, Saer Sene knocked a Chris Tierney free kick back across the face of goal but no Revolution player was able to follow the shot.  Matt Besler was called into action as well to block another effort from Guy as the game looked destined for 0-0. 

In stoppage time, KC had a half chance off a Besler throw in.  On the play, Kei Kamara went up with Reis to try and win the header.  Reis got a hand on it, but got an elbow from Kamara in the forehead in the process.  Paulo Nagamura skied the rebound as Reis went to ground.  It wasn't an intentional elbow from Kamara on the play, and he immediately checked on Reis when he went down.  It wouldn't surprise me though if the disciplinary committee at least took a second look at the play because Kamara led with the elbow and it was reckless as Reis got busted open.  Even with the extra stoppage time added on to the initial 5 minutes, KC was unable to find the net and had to settle for only a point as the offense continues to struggle to find net at home.  It's not often a team scores more on the road, but KC is doing that right now, in 11 road games, KC has scored 15 goals (1.36 GPG) while in their 10 home games, KC has only scored 11 (1.1 GPG) and only 8 since the home opening 3-0 win over the Revs earlier this season.  Less than a goal a game in the 9 home games since the opener.

Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - Shut down the Revs attack after their early start, did a great job of keeping Guy and then Sene in check for the majority of the game before he heads off for the All Star game.

Honorable Mention - Matt Besler

Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Harrington 6, Collin 8, Besler 8, Sinovic 7, Nagamura 6, Zusi 5, Peterson 6, Convey 5, Sapong 4, Kamara 5.  Subs Thomas 6, Saad NR, Olum NR

Back Home

Sporting KC are back at Livestrong Sporting Park after the 3 game road trip to take on  the New England Revolution in a rematch of the home opener for Sporting KC.  Unlike the home opener on St. Patrick's Day, this game is going to be brutal, temperatures are going to be well into the triple digits.  The heat wave in Kansas City continues and tomorrow's going to be a rough with the weather.

New England comes into the game after traveling to Montreal where they lost 2-1 to the Impact.  They will be without their new designated player, Jerry Bengtson, who is with Roger Espinoza and Honduras for the Olympics.  They still have Saer Sene up top though, and he's had quite a successful first season so far in Kansas City.  They're lost their last two league games, both to Canadian clubs, 1-0 to Toronto and 2-1 to the Impact.

Sporting KC is fighting a bit of an issue with squad selection, especially in the midfield.  Roger Espinoza is away on Olympic duty, Graham Zusi has missed the last two games with injury (although it appears that he could return tomorrow), and Peterson Joseph is suspended for his red card against Houston.  Bobby Convey could very well return to the starting lineup for the first time since May as well.  It does appear that Chance Myers will miss his first game of the season due to injury, and Seth Sinovic also looks like he could potentially miss the game as he is questionable.  If both can't go, it'll be the first game in over a year that neither will have started for Sporting KC.  Michael Harrington would take one of those spots, the other could be Korede Aiyegbusi, or possibly new signing Neven Markovic.  The selection issues for KC are no easy task.

Nielsen

Harrington - Collin - Besler - Sinovic

Nagamura - Thomas

Zusi

Kamara - Bunbury - Convey

Number to Remember - 8 - Not counting the season opener against New England, that's the number of goals that Sporting KC has scored at Livestrong Sporting Park this summer in league play.  That's a fairly low amount, no where near enough if KC wants to really compete in league play.  Goals need to start coming at home.  Whether the team gets over hyped from the energy of the crowd or what, this HAS to improve.

Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Saer Sene - The two Frenchmen going up against each other could be a good match up to watch.  Sene has 8 goals on the season for the Revs, their leading scorer.  Collin shutting him down will be his main priority.

PREDICTION - The potential changes in the lineup that KC could throw out tomorrow could cause some concern for KC's offense especially.  The Revolution are currently tied for 7th in the Eastern Conference and have only won twice on the road this season.  If KC wants to be taken seriously as contenders, this is a game that you win, going away.

SKC - 2 (Sapong, Kamara)
NE - 0

Another SKC All Star, and Local TV in Trouble?

Two questions that could loom large over Sporting KC in the coming days.  First is a rumor that has come up only today.  LA Galaxy midfielder, David Beckham had been named to the MLS all star team that will be taking on Chelsea at PPL Park this coming Wednesday.  But the opening ceremonies for the London Olympics are on Friday, and Beckham is possibly going to play a role or want to attend those ceremonies.  Should Beckham go to London, DC United head coach Ben Olsen, who is also coaching the All Star team, will have to name a replacement. The rumor, according to Steven Goff, is that a Sporting KC player will be named to replace Beckham should he not go to the all star game.

The safe bet on the player to replace Beckham, should it be a Sporting KC player, would be Kei Kamara.  Kamara can play the wing position that Beckham likely would have been playing.  He's had a good season so far, scoring 7 goals this season for KC.

Conspiracy theorist could look at it differently though.  If Olsen were to name Kamara, or another Sporting player to the roster, that would make 4 KC players on the all star list, joining Aurelien Collin, Jimmy Nielsen, and Graham Zusi in traveling to Philadelphia for the game.  With Olsen's United team currently 3 points back, with a game in hand on KC, those that are wearing the tin foil hat could say that Olsen is looking to tire out some of KC's best players by having them travel to Philadelphia for the game.

Time Warner and KCTV-5 Contract

Time Warner cable recently had KMBC-TV and KCWE go black due to a dispute over the contract.  Now it appears that Time Warner and KCTV-5 are in the same boat.  Their contract runs through July 25th, at which time KCTV-5 and it's sister station, KSMO.  That's big news for Sporting KC fans as KSMO is Sporting KC's TV partner.  If no deal is reached and KSMO goes black, Sporting's games would not be on television in the KC metro area for those that have Time Warner cable.  The first game that it would affect would be a home game on July 28th at home vs Columbus.

Both sides are obviously blaming each other for the potential loss of the channel.  The thing that could work in Sporting's favor is the fact that KCTV-5 also broadcasts Chiefs games.  And with the Chiefs season getting closer, a prolonged dispute between the two will cause great animosity among many in the KC area, and that will likely fall mainly on Time Warner.  So it's probably in their best interest to get a deal done.  But we shall certainly see.

Rosell Signing and Espinoza/Honduras Warm Up

The rumors have been around for a little while now that former Barcelona B defender, Oriol Rosell was signing with Sporting Kansas City.  He'd trialed with the team earlier this year, then was released from his contract with Barca B with a deal in MLS being on the table.  That led to the news in Spain that Sporting was the MLS target.  Today, things got cleared up it would seem.  First, Rosell himself posted on Twitter that he'd signed with Sporting Kansas City.  A little bit later in the day, Robb Heineman posted that Rosell had been signed by Kansas City. Coming from the president of the club, no reason to not believe that Rosell is signed and on the way soon.  KC's beat writer for the Star, Tod Palmer though says the deal IS in place, but not finalized yet.  I don't doubt that both Heineman and Palmer is write.  Rosell has probably signed his deal with Sporting KC, but everything probably has to be finalized completely with the league at this point.  Once that's complete, then KC will "officially" announce the deal.

Espinoza and Honduras win warm up

After playing for Kansas City in Columbus, Roger Espinoza took off for Europe to join the Honduran national team.  Today Honduras played Egypt in a friendly in France ahead of the Olympics in London.  Honduras topped the Egyptians 1-0 thanks to a goal from Maynor Figueroa off a free kick.  Espinoza started and played 90 minutes for Honduras in their warm up match.

S.A.S. Thursday After Stats

Jimmy Nielsen tonight became the 9th oldest player to appear in and start a game for Sporting KC at 34 years, 347 days, moving past Bo Oshoniyi.

Paulo Nagamura made his 150th MLS start in his career tonight.

Kei Kamara's goal was his 8th away from home for KC in league play, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 9th on that list.

It was also his 8th in all competitions away from home for KC, tying him with Victorine, Francisco Gomez, and Mark Chung for 11th on that list.

Michael Harrington made his 144th league appearance for KC, tying him with Matt McKeon and Josh Wolff for 9th on that list.

Aurelien Collin made his 50th start for KC, he's the 45th player to hit that mark.

Sporting End Road Trip on a Low

After winning the first 2 games of their 3 game road trip, Sporting KC had to be pretty confident heading into their first game of the road trip in Houston against the Dynamo, even though the Dynamo were unbeaten at their new stadium.  The long trip, the tired/injured legs, and some stupidity though all conspired against Sporting as they fell 2-1 to the Dynamo to close out the road trip.

From the start, KC's midfield seemed to be a step behind that of the Dynamo.  Michael Thomas and Paulo Nagamura seemed to struggle really enforce their will on the game.  Peterson Joseph on the other hand seemed to be doing ok when he could get the ball, but was making some questionable decisions on the defensive side of the ball.  In the 16th minute, when Teal Bunbury was played in behind the Houston defense, but got pushed wide of the goal, the play started as Joseph appeared to foul Warren Creavalle to win the ball.  The Dynamo though were controlling the game, and in the 25th minute, took a deserved lead.  In a stretch where the Dynamo completed 23 passes, in the end, Will Bruin found Calen Carr in the box unmarked and Carr made no mistake, turning and shooting all in one motion as the ball slid past Jimmy Nielsen and into the far corner giving the Dynamo the lead.  The Dynamo passing cut through KC's defense, leaving KC with only Aurelien Collin and Michael Harrington in the box to cover and Harrington didn't get over in time to mark Carr as Collin went to defend Bruin.

KC didn't look to really be into the game for much of the half, but in the 41st minute were handed a life line.  Kei Kamara got played down the right wing where he played a great cross into the box towards Jacob Peterson.  Peterson though was dragged down by Andre Hainault in the box and to the penalty spot we went.  It looked like Bunbury was wanting to take the PK, but Kamara seemed to win out and stepped up to take the PK.  Kamara froze Tally Hall on the ensuing PK as the Dynamo keeper didn't even move as Kamara blasted the PK into the net.  KC was level going into the half, which had to be a big boost after some of the poor play in the first half.  Unfortunately the entire mindset of half time changed in stoppage time.  Carr received the ball down the left side, barely in KC's half of the field, Joseph came in with a sliding tackle, going through Carr, not getting the ball.  Immediately the referee blew the whistle and after a minute produced a red card for the Haitian international.  On replays it was clearly a stupid and reckless challenge, as Joseph slid completely through Carr to get to the ball.

The second half became strictly about survival, and getting out of Houston with a point.  Peter Vermes subbed in CJ Sapong for Teal Bunbury at the half.  A move that surprised me a bit considering how the midfield had been overrun before KC had one sent off.  I would have thought the insertion of Julio Cesar would have been a good move to help slow the game down for KC.  The Dynamo in the second half, attacked in waves.  Luckily for KC they struggled getting the final ball and putting a shot on goal.  Carr couldn't get the ball out from under his feet after Bruin played him the ball from the end line.  Their best chance came off the foot of one of KC's players, as Seth Sinovic deflected a Brad Davis free kick.  The deflection forced Nielsen to push the ball onto the post to keep it out of the net.  In the 79th, all of the Dynamo's pressure paid off, as Carr continued to play like an all star against KC's back line.  Carr played the ball out wide to Davis who crossed into the middle.  Carr had continued his run and made just enough contact with the ball as he fell over to push the ball towards net.  Nielsen couldn't get across his goal fast enough and the ball rolled in giving the Dynamo a 2-1 lead.  After the goal KC tried to push the game more, looking for the equalizer and had some dangerous half chances off the head of Peterson and through Kamara, but KC couldn't find an equalizer, and to be honest it wasn't really deserved as Houston out played KC for much of the game.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jacob Peterson - Peterson continues to be in extremely good form in the last month.  He set up KC's PK by getting fouled in the box and was a threat on the rare instances that KC was able to get forward.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 4, Harrington 5, Collin 5, Besler 4, Sinovic 5, Nagamura 3, Thomas, 4, Joseph 2, Kamara 5, Bunbury 5, Peterson 5.  Subs Sapong 4, Myers 4, Convey NR.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Here is this week's former Wizards update.  All of Wednesday's games will appear on next week's update.  

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
luke Sassano
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Philadelphia.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 52 minutes in Salt Lake's 5-0 loss to San Jose.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Colorado.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 5-3 loss to LA.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 2-2 draw with New York.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 2-1 win over Montreal.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - No gmae this week.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-0 loss to Houston.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Colorado.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 13 minutes in San Jose's 5-0 win over Salt Lake.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Philadelphia.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Did not play in Colorado's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-0 loss to Houston.

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist Atlanta's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Tampa Bay.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - No game this week.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 79 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio.

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Did not dress in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 78 minutes in Dayton's 0-0 draw with Harrisburg.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-1 win over Wilmington.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Did not play in Tucson's 6-0 loss to Orange County.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Loss to Sonoma 2-2 (4-2 on PKs).

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Season is over.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Season is over.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Lisbon B - Portugal - Season is over.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season is over.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Season is over.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Season is over.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Lost 2-1 to Flamengo.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Season is over.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Season has not started.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Season is over.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Season is over.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Season is over.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fjolnir's 3-3 draw with Throttur Reykjavik.  Beat Haukar 4-0.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Did not play in Akzhayik's 0-0 draw wtih Kaisar.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Season is over.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.

Road Trip Ends

Sporting Kansas City's 3 game road trip is coming to an end tomorrow in Houston.  Sporting KC make their first trip to BBVA Compass Stadium to take on the Dynamo.  KC comes in having won their last two games on this road trip, both by a 2-0 score line, over Philadelphia and Columbus.  Houston on the other hand had the midweek off last week, but beat DC at home on Sunday, 4-0.

The Dynamo win over 10 man DC United on Sunday, pushing their unbeaten run to 4 games (2-0-2), they also extended their shutout run to over 300 minutes now.  The team has had what's been the minor distraction of the upcoming transfer of Geoff Cameron to EPL side Stoke City, but that ordeal looks to be close to an end, and Houston already looked to be moving on without the player.  Will Bruin has pushed past CJ Sapong for goals in the class of 2011 draft class.  Bruin hit double digits for goals on the season with his goal against DC on Sunday.

After Sporting's big win in the Open Cup last Wednesday, they rested a few starters a little bit against the Crew on the weekend, giving a guy like Graham Zusi a much needed rest and cutting down on the minutes a bit for Sapong and Teal Bunbury.  Per the Sporting Twitter account today, Bobby Convey is back in training and could play a role tomorrow.  This could be big, especially if Jacob Peterson is still out due to his injury he picked up against the Crew.  Peterson is questionable currently with an ankle sprain that he picked up against the Crew.  It's a blow to KC as Peterson has been in some extremely fine form, scoring goals in 3 of KC's last 4 games, all 4 of which KC has won.  His loss could be offset if Convey can play.  If not, expect Bunbury, Sapong, and Kei Kamara to start again up top.  The other loss is that KC will be without midfielder, Roger Espinoza who has now left to join Honduras for the Olympics in London.  This could see Julio Cesar, who seems to have been in the dog house lately, return to the starting lineup, or it could be Michael Thomas starting with Paulo Nagamura.

Nielsen

Myers - Collini - Besler - Sinovic

Nagamura - Cesar

Zusi

Kamara - Bunbury - Sapong

Number to Remember - 5 - KC is unbeaten in their last 5 games they've played for the first time in one location.  Since losing their first game at Red Bull Arena, Sporting has drawn in Vancouver at Frontier Field, won at Jeld-Wen in Portland, drawn at Livestrong Sporting Park, won at BC Place in Vancouver, and at Saputo Stadium, in their first game at each of those sites.  They'll look to make it 6 and give Houston their first loss at their new stadium.

Key Match Up - Chance Myers vs Mac Kandji - The two were an entertaining match up to watch when the two teams met a week and a half ago in KC.  I'm sure the two will be quite entertaining to watch again tomorrow.

PREDICTION - Kansas City's road trip has taken them from Philadelphia, to Columbus, to Houston.  While Houston is on their 2nd of 3 games in 7 days.  In the heat and humidity down in Houston these things would seem to point to a rather dull, drab game.  Both teams could be a little tired, KC from the travel, and Houston from the one day less of rest compared to KC.  I'm not expecting a ton from tomorrow's game.

SKC - 0
HOU - 0

Renteria Suspended by Disciplinary Committee

The MLS disciplinary committee came out with one announcement today regarding a retroactive suspension from this past weekend's games.  The one suspension announced is from KC's game against Columbus.  Columbus Crew forward, Emilio Renteria has gotten himself a 1 game suspension for his head butt on KC midfielder, Paulo Nagamura.

On the play, Nagamura fouled Renteria, earning himself a yellow card.  Renteria got up and got in the face of Nagamura, heading butting him.  Credit to Nagamura, he didn't take a dive on the play staying on his feet after Renteria head butted him.  At the time, the referee only gave Renteria a yellow card, but the disciplinary committee saw it differently.  See the play below.

Open Cup Ticket Update

Today, Sporting KC season ticket holders had the opportunity to purchase even more tickets to August 8th's US Open Cup final against Seattle.  This was the second release phase of tickets for the finals.  The first had allowed season ticket holders to purchase their existing ticket(s) for the game.  Today, KC season ticket holders were able to purchase ones in addition to their existing tickets.  And it certainly looks like there aren't going to be a ton of tickets available when they go on sale to the general public tomorrow.

The Cauldron and the South Stand both appear to be sold out (although tickets seem to be occasionally still cropping up to by on Ticket Master, and word is a number of South Stand tickets will come available tomorrow).  Other sections around the stadium are starting to really fill up as well. 

The selling of the Cauldron caused a few problems today, because people couldn't get onto the Account Manager to buy the extra tickets.  Personally I can't get on the account manager at work so I placed a call in to the front office almost exactly at 10am and purchased a few extra tickets for some friends that are currently not season ticket holders.  I got them purchased without a problem and continued on with my day.  Checking Twitter and online later, I realized issues had come up, people couldn't purchase through the account manager, and apparently the Cauldron sold out very quickly from people that called in to the front office. 

Turns out that wasn't totally true.  Many of the extra tickets for the members stand had already been allotted to the Cauldron to sell to the general public.  According to Sean Dane on the Cauldron Facebook page, there was nothing the KC front office staff that dealt with ticket sales directly could do about it because Ticket Master had allocated those tickets, so in the eyes of the people selling tickets, the section was sold out.  Dane worked with the front office to get those tickets back to the team so that they could sell them in the presale, and even those tickets sold out as well, leaving very few, if any, available for the general public tomorrow.

That is, unless you want to pay well above market price for the ticket.  Checking some third party ticket sites this evening, I saw tickets in the members stand available for between $95 and $124 for just a single ticket in the section.  It appears that some people bought quite a few extra tickets, looking to sell them for a nice profit.  The easiest way to resolve this would have been something that the Cauldron currently does when they sell tickets, limit the number of tickets that can be sold to one person.  The Cauldron limits this to 2, something like that probably would have helped a little bit.

The enormous ticket prices are shocking, years ago I never would have figured that a ticket in the Cauldron would be priced at over $100.  These prices will only stay this way if people actually pay those ticket prices, if people don't buy those tickets at that price, tickets will go down.

At this rate though it looks like KC will do a nice job of filling the stadium for the Open Cup final.  The question remains of Sounders fans buying tickets around the stadium in other sections outside their supporters' section.  The Sounders have apparently already sold their allotment of tickets that have been provided by KC, and with the way sales have gone the past few days, I'm not sure if they'll get any more in their allocation.

Open Cup Final Start Time, Rosell, and All Stars

Just a little bit ago, Sporting KC and the Seattle Sounders announced the start time of the US Open Cup final on August 8th.  The game will kick off at 8pm Central Time on that Wednesday, 6pm on the West coast.  There's still no announcement of any TV for the final, but the assumption on the start time is that it hopefully was done 30 minutes later than usual Sporting home games to help facilitate a potential TV deal.

Rosell One Step Closer to KC

Last week, I mentioned how Oriol Rosell, a trialist earlier this season had been granted his release from his contract with the Barcelona B side.  At the time it was mentioned that Rosell had a deal with an MLS side on the table.  At the time I assumed that it was KC that had offered the deal, as KC had been the only club mentioned that Rosell had trialed with.  The Spanish media has now picked up on this and is saying that Rosell has a 2 year contract offer on the table from Sporting.

Based on the article, it appears that Rosell looks set to turn down offers to play with the B sides of Valencia and Villarreal to sign with Kansas City.  It appears that part of the reason for this decision is Rosell's interest in completing his degree at the same time.

All Star Game Day Roster

Aurelien Collin, Jimmy Nielsen, and Graham Zusi were all named to the MLS First XI for the all star game against Chelsea last week, but that was no guarantee that the 3 would be named to the game day roster for the game next week.  Yesterday on the ESPN broadcast, the roster for the game was announced.  Collin, Nielsen, and Zusi were all named to the roster that will be taking on Chelsea.  No other KC players were added to the roster that will take on the European champions at PPL Park. Chelsea have also named their roster ahead of their tour that includes stops in Seattle and New York before the all star game in Philadelphia, and the trip ends with a game in Florida.

Sunday After Stats

Last night's win was Sporting's 5th on the road this season, tying a team record for wins in a non-shootout season, tying the 2000, 2004, and 2005 for the record.  It's also the 3rd most including the shoot out years, behind the 1997 (9 wins) and 1996 (6 wins) seasons.

Teal Bunbury's goal was his 10th away from home in league play, tying Scott Sealy and Mo Johnston for 6th on that list.

Bunbury's goal was also his 17th in league play, tying him with Eddie Johnson and Jimmy Conrad for 10th on that list.

It was also Bunbury's 22nd in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 9th on that list.

Kei Kamara's assist was his 14th league assist for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez, Diego Gutierrez, and Michael Harrington for 16th on that list.

It was also Kamara's 14th in all competitions, breaking his tie with Paul Wright and Chris Brown for 19th on that list.

The win was Jimmy Nielsen's 14th in all competitions this year, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi for 2nd place on that list.

It was his 33rd in league play, tying him with Mike Ammann for 3rd on that list. 

The 14th win is the 3rd most in a single season for a goalkeeper, and second most in the non-shootout era.  Only Tony Meola (15) in 2000 and Mike Ammann (21) in 1997 (shootout era) have more.  He's tied with his season last year and Garth Lagerwey in 1996.

Role Reversal

It seems like the M.O. for Sporting KC this year has been to employ the high pressure on their opponents, create giveaways and create a number of chances in the game, while limiting the chances that their opponents get.  Last night though, Sporting KC reversed that role a little bit.  KC still employed some high pressure, but an early goal for Jacob Peterson allowed Sporting KC to sit back a little bit and basically told the Crew "OK come and beat us."  The Crew created plenty of chances, but couldn't find the net, and KC grabbed a second on the counter to seal a 2-0 win as they seemed to relax a little bit more in this one after the high on Wednesday.

In typical fashion for KC, they came out with the high pressure against the Crew and forced a number of early giveaways.  In only the 3rd minute off a Crew throw in, KC almost grabbed the lead as Peterson Joseph found Soony Saad in the box.  Saad couldn't control the first effort, but off a sliding tackle the ball came back to him.  He played the ball wide to Kei Kamara who blasted his shot wide of the net.  KC continued to pressure and in the 6th minute grabbed the lead.  Kamara started the play by intercepting a pass and racing down the right.  He laid the ball back to Joseph who took a few dribbles and then with the outside of his foot, dinked a pass through to Peterson who put his shot past Andy Gruenebaum to give KC the early 1-0 lead.

Shortly after the 1-0 lead, KC almost doubled it on another mistake by the Crew.  On an errant back pass to Gruenebaum, Kamara gave chase and when Gruenebaum tried to clear, it deflected off Kamara and went just wide of the net, as Gruenebaum avoided pulling a Kasey Keller.  Columbus though started to control the game at that point, as KC seemed content to let Columbus come at them and try to beat them.  Columbus definitely did that, and should have equalized or then taken the lead on a few occasions.  The first of those good chances came in the 24th minute, when KC failed to deal with a free kick from the Crew.  Josh Williams chased the ball down and flicked it back into the path of Emilio Renteria at the corner of the 6.  But Renteria fired the ball wide of the post from close range and KC remained in the lead.  A few minutes later, it was Justin Meram's turn to test Jimmy Nielsen.  Played in on Nielsen by Tony Tchani, Meram's shot was right at Nielsen who knocked the ball away.  The ball was only partially cleared, but KC was able to clear the rebound without another dangerous opportunity for Columbus.

Into the second half, Columbus continued to push for an equalizer and almost had it inside the first few minutes.  Eddie Gaven beat Seth Sinovic on the by line and cross into the middle for Meram.  Meram beat Chance Myers in the air and beat Nielsen, but couldn't be the cross bar, as his header went off the underside of the cross bar to Aurelien Collin who headed the ball back into the hands of Nielsen.  Things started to get quite chippy, as Peterson Joseph and Paulo Nagamura both picked up yellows for bad tackles, but Renteria was probably lucky to stay on the field.  After Nagamura fouled Renteria, Renteria stood up got in Nagamura's face and made a headbutting motion, making contact with Nagamura's forehead.  It didn't look like much contact, and Nagamura didn't try to sell it like he'd been shot, but Renteria did pick up a yellow for his efforts.  That play could very well be reviewed by the disciplinary committee and it wouldn't surprise me if Renteria is given a fine/suspension for that play.

Renteria in the 75th almost got Columbus back in the game again as he got a chance behind KC's defense but Nielsen again came up big.  The rebound fell to Tchani, who with the open net put his effort wide of the goal.  In the 82nd minute, KC made Columbus pay for the misses.  Once again it was Kamara starting the play by picking off a poor pass out of the back.  Kamara led a 2v3 break with Teal Bunbury.  After Kamara got the second defender to commit to him, Kamara squared the ball to Bunbury. Bunbury took a touch and then slotted the ball into the corner, sealing the game for KC and another 3 points for Sporting.

Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara - Started both of KC's goals last night with some heads up play and interrupting Columbus' passing out of their defense.  A strong performance out of the Sierra Leone international.

Honorable Mention - Jimmy Nielsen

Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 6, Collin 7, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Nagamura 6, Espinoza 6, Joseph 6, Kamara 8, Saad 5, Peterson 6.  Subs Sapong 5, Bunbury 7, Thomas 6.

In for a Bit of a Let Down?

Wednesday, Sporting KC advanced to their first final since 2004, now tomorrow, Sporting KC will be back on the field again taking on the Columbus Crew in Columbus.  With the team having qualified for the final, this game appears ripe for a let down by the team.  Mainly because they have the high of the cup final still in their minds.  It's up to Peter Vermes to keep KC's players heads in the game if they want to walk out of Columbus with 3 points.

If Columbus was higher in the table, I'd say they were flying under the radar.  You've heard very little about them in the league season so far.  But they aren't really that high in the table.  Currently they sit in 7th in the East with 22 points, 3 points out of the fifth and final playoff spot.  The other reason why we really haven't heard a lot lately is that they've only played 4 games since June 16th.  In the same time frame, Kansas City has played double the amount of competitive games, 6 league and 2 Open Cup.  Columbus will be a bit more rested than Sporting is without those games, but Kansas City is getting healthier, while the Crew are continuing to struggle with some injury issues.

To help to avoid the potential let down, Vermes could look to switch up his side a little bit in a similar manner that he did in Seattle earlier this year.  Maybe Vermes gives a break to players like Kei Kamara, Graham Zusi, Paulo Nagamura, and one of Chance Myers or Seth Sinovic in place of guys like Soony Saad, Peterson Joseph, Julio Cesar, and Michael Harrington.  With the win on Wednesday, KC play two games a week all the way through the 11th of August, a brutal stretch for Sporting KC.  KC will need to use some of it's depth a bit and making those changes after the big game on Wednesday would seem to make a lot of sense.

Nielsen

Myers - Collin - Besler - Harrington

Cesar - Espinoza

Joseph

Saad - Bunbury - Peterson

Number to Remember - 8 of 10 - Sporting KC have not scored in 8 of the last 10 halves in MLS play.  They've scored 4 goals in those two halves, but KC's scoring woes as a whole as they struggle to consistently find the net.

Key Match Up - Roger Espinoza vs Eddie Gaven - Gaven continues to be one of the Crew's most consistent players and is their leading scorer as well.  Keeping him in check is going to be a key to KC's success.

PREDICTION - I don't expect or need a lot from this game, the win on Wednesday has put us in the final and I was willing to give up a game to get to that point.  This game would be one I'd be ok with. This is a game that would be perfect for KC to take a bit of a slower approach to and to conserve their legs a bit.  Columbus' offense hasn't set the world on fire, which could work in KC's favor as well.

SKC - 1 (Saad)
CLB - 1 (Meram)

Tickets for the Open Cup

It's been about 24 hours since Sporting KC clinched their spot in the US Open Cup final this year.  And this morning tickets went on sale for Sporting KC season ticket holders for the game at 10am.  By noon, only 2 hours after tickets had gone on sale, Robb Heineman announced on Twitter that 8,186 tickets had been sold for the game already.  That was only 300 less than the announced attendance for yesterday's semifinal in Philadelphia at PPL Park.  That is also only 703 less than came to the 2004 US Open Cup final when KC drew 8,819 against the Chicago Fire.  That's only through KC's current season ticket base buying their seats.  Starting Monday, season ticket holders will be able to purchase extra tickets starting at 10am.  Tuesday at 10am the remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public.

For the visiting team in the finals, the Seattle Sounders, they were originally allocated 100 tickets like most visiting teams to Livestrong Sporting Park.  That amount was expand to 220 fairly quickly.  From a quick check of the Emerald City Supporters website, there are only 90 left in their allocation.  At this time there is no word on whether that amount will be expanded, but I'd expect Seattle fans to buy some tickets once they go on sale to the general public on Tuesday.  Rumors on Twitter today were that the Sounders were trying to get 1,000 tickets allocated for the finals.  Personally I can't really see Seattle getting 1,000 tickets at Livestrong, even if it is for a cup final.  Mainly because of the fact that with the number of season ticket holders KC has and where they're located, unless Sporting moves some of their existing season ticket holders, annoying and potentially pissing off some of the people that regularly put money into the team, there isn't really a way to put 1,000 away supporters in one location. 

Both sides have come up with the same idea to try to get more of their fans in.  Some KC fans have suggested buying up the rest of the Seattle allocation and donating them.  On the other side, ESC members are saying they should buy up the general ticket allocation to "show KC how real fans support their team away!"  Both sound like overly ambitious plans.  Either way, just under a month away, this will be a very well attended game and should be a big party as Seattle chances a historic 4th straight USOC title, while KC looks for their first trophy since 2004.

Comets Sign Two Danes

The Missouri Comets are preparing for their 2012-2013 season and today announced the signing of two Danish players to their roster. They signed forwards Mads Larsen and Kevin Jorgensen.  The 22 year Larsen has plenty much of his career in the Danish second division and has also played futsal in his home country.  Jorgensen has been a member of the Danish national futsal team as well.  They'll give Missouri some more offensive weapons to take the pressure off of Byron Alvarez.

S.A.S. Thursday After Stats

Sporting KC tied a team record for goals in a USOC campaign with 10, tying the record set in 2004.

Aurelien Collin made his 50th appearance in all competitions for KC.

Teal Bunbury made his 50th start in all competitions for KC.

The win was Jimmy Nielsen's 37th in all competitions, tying him with Bo Oshoniyi for the second most wins in team history.

Nielsen became the first keeper in KC's history to record double digit shutouts in 2 years (2010 and 2012).

Graham Zusi scored his 10th goal in all competitions for KC.

Zusi's assist was his 20th in all competitions for KC.  He's the 10th player to hit that mark, tying him with Digital Takawira for 9th on that list.

Jacob Peterson made his 100th start in all competitions in his MLS career.

Bound for the Finals

Sporting KC punched their ticket to their first cup final since the 2004 season when they made both the US Open Cup and MLS Cup final.  KC topped the Philadelphia Union 2-0, on the road to advance to the final in the 99th running of the competition.  Goals by Jacob Peterson and Graham Zusi helped Sporting KC grab the win over the Union in a bit of "revenge" from the last time the two clubs met and Philadelphia won 4-0.

The first half saw little action in terms of goal chances as both teams looked to avoid an early mistake that would put them in the hole.  KC started the game with the better play, controlling the game, but could produce little when it came to the final third as they struggled to even put a shot on goal on Zac MacMath.  Slowly the Union started to get into the game and control more of the possession.  They too though struggled to really create chances, but their troubles were with the finishing side of things.  Freddy Adu did a good job on the end line creating space, beating both Paulo Nagamura and Chance Myers before laying a ball back to Lionard Pajoy, but Pajoy couldn't get a shot off before the ball was knocked away.  Jack McInerney, who scored 2 goals in the teams' last meeting put an effort wide of Jimmy Nielsen's net as well.  Aurelien Collin did a good job late in the half on Pajoy as he was played in on goal, but took an opportunity to cut back as Collin came sliding in.  The slide was enough to knock Pajoy off his cut and the ball was cleared.  KC's best chance came on a counter after Philadelphia had started to get more of the play.  A ball was crossed into the box for Peterson who knocked the ball back across goal.  Teal Bunbury was there to knock the ball home but the ball was cleared before it got to Bunbury and the teams went into the half 0-0, and most people watching started to settle themselves in for a game that seemed destined to go to penalty kicks by the end of the night.

The game started to get very chippy in the second half with both teams committing numerous fouls, many of Philadelphia's being on Roger Espinoza as he continues to be one of the more frustrating players in the league to play against.  KC continued to win free kicks in Philadelphia's half of the field, as they had at times in the first half as well.  In the 65th minute, after another foul by the Union on Zusi, KC finally got themselves on the board.  From a free kick about 35 yards out right on the sideline, Zusi played the free kick into the box.  Peterson was the first player to the ball and got his header on goal and past MacMath.  On first viewing of the goal it took a few seconds for anyone watching on TV to realize it'd gone into the back of the net.  My first reaction based on the way that MacMath was acting on getting to the shot was that it had gone into the side netting outside the goal.  But after a second realized it had gone in and KC was up 1-0.  A poor play by MacMath that he'll want to have back as he got a finger to it, but not enough to keep it out. 

After the goal, Sporting almost made it 2-0 very shortly after as Kei Kamara and CJ Sapong played a great 1-2 into the box, Sapong beat MacMath, but couldn't beat the post as his ball hit off the post and rolled out of play.  The Union started to get more of the game, but still struggled to really create chances even with their possession down the stretch.  KC looked the more likely to score a second, particularly on the counter.  Zusi just missed after a nicely worked ball between Kamara and Peterson found Zusi in the box, but his effort was just wide of the net.  Philadelphia's super sub, Antoine Hoppenot almost brought the Union level later in the half as he was played in on goal by Adu.  Nielsen was quick off his line though and deflected the shot with his feet.  The rebound was headed in, but Seth Sinovic did well to clear the ball off the line and out for a corner.  The Union continued to push numbers forward, Adu skied an effort well over the goal, and it kept looking likely that the Union wouldn't find a goal.  Philadelphia had a penalty shout as Besler seemed to bring down a player in the box, but the referee judged that Besler had played the ball and that it wasn't a foul and play continued.  The Union looked down to their last chance on a long throw by Sheanon Williams, who ended up taking the throw short and receiving the ball back.  His cross was knocked away, but the Union tried to play the ball out wide again, but was right to Sinovic who just looked to clear the lines for KC, booting the ball down field.  MacMath who was up near the midfield line, beat Kamara to the ball, heading it back into Sporting's end.  Zusi had made his way up the field though and from just inside his own half struck the ball on the bounce over MacMath's head and the ball bounced into the empty net icing the game for KC and guaranteeing them their hosting of the US Open Cup final against 3 time defending champion, the Seattle Sounders, who beat Chivas USA 4-1 last night in Seattle.

Wizards Man of the Match - Matt Besler - This was a hard one to choose, Besler, Sinovic, and Zusi all had very good games, but Besler helped to completely lock down the middle of the defense.  A huge effort and showed how much he was missed in the team's 4-0 loss to the Union earlier this year.

Honorable Mention - Seth Sinovic, Graham Zusi

Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Myers 7, Collin 8, Besler 9, Sinovic 9, Nagamura 6, Espinoza 8, Zusi 8, Kamara 6, Bunbury 5, Peterson 8.  Subs Sapong 6.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Here is this week's former Wizards update for you.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
luke Sassano
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-1 loss to KC.  Did not dress in Montreal's 2-1 win over Columbus.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 62 minutes in Salt Lake's 0-0 draw with Seattle.  Came off the bench and played 66 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over Portland.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Toronto.  Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 0-0 draw with San Jose.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with Salt Lake.  Started and played 72 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 2-1 win over Colorado.  Started and played 86 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 4-1 win over Chivas USA.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 2-1 win over LA.  Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-0 win over Toronto.  Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 2-0 loss to KC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 0-0 draw with Vancouver. Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas 4-1 loss to Seattle.
Kurt Morsink - DC - No game this week.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Toronto.  Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 0-0 draw with San Jose.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Chivas' 0-0 draw with Vancouver.  Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Chivas' 4-1 loss to Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Dallas.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-1 loss to KC.  Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Columbus.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 3-1 loss to KC.  Did not play in Montreal's 2-1 win over Columbus.
Josh Wolff - DC - No game this week.

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 2-0 win over Minnesota.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 4-0 win over Puerto Rico.  Did not play in Minnesota's 2-0 loss to Atlanta.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 85 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Tampa.  Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-3 draw with Carolina.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 3-3 draw with Fort Lauderdale.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Tampa.  Started and played 90 minutes, recording 2 assists in Fort Lauderdale's 3-3 draw with Carolina.

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 11 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 loss to Wilmington.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Dayton's 1-0 win over Pittsburgh. Started and played 90 minutes in Dayton's 2-0 loss to Rochester.
Yomby William - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Richmond's 1-0 loss to Wilmington.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 71 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Charlotte.  Did not play in Charleston's 1-0 loss to Charlotte.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Did not play in either of Tucson's games.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Lost 4-3 to Santa Clara.

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Season is over.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Season is over.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season is over.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season is over.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Season is over.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Season is over.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 3-0 loss to Botafogo.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Season is over.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Season has not started.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Season is over.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Season is over.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Season is over.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Played 90 minutes in Fjolnir's 0-0 draw with Thor.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Came off the bench and played 23 minutes in Akzhayik's 1-0 loss to Sunkar.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Season is over.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.

Another Chance for Revenge

For the third straight game, Sporting KC has a chance at revenge on a team that has recently beat them.  First it was a trip to Montreal where KC was able to avenge their first home loss of the season, beating the Impact 3-1 at Saputo Stadium.  Then this past weekend, KC got the opportunity for revenge on the Houston Dynamo for the loss in the Eastern Conference final last year. KC didn't get revenge on that one, drawing with the Dynamo 0-0.  Now KC gets their third opportunity, this time against the Philadelphia Union.  In KC's last trip to Philadelphia earlier this year, KC got beat handily by the Union, losing 4-0 to Philadelphia at PPL Park.

Philadelphia have played 5 games in league play and one Open Cup game since John Hackworth took over for Peter Nowak, they are 4-2 in that stretch, including a 4-0 win over Sporting KC.  Since Hackworth took over for Peter Nowak, the offense has come alive as they've scored more goals in league play in 5 games than they had in the previous 12 under Nowak.  Freddy Adu has become extremely important to their offense in this stretch as well.

Sporting KC has been the opposite way offensively lately, as KC has scored just 3 goals in the last 4 league games.  All 3 of those came in one game, in the other three games, KC has been shut out.  The defense looked much improved against Houston after a poor performance against Montreal, and with Matt Besler starting to return to form along with Aurelien Collin and Sporting are getting back to the defensive form that helped them to a 7-0 start.  The question is whether the offense can come back alive.  Jacob Peterson has found a good vein of form, and pushed Teal Bunbury back to the bench.  While KC has a league game this weekend in Columbus, but with KC only 90 minutes from a cup final, sacrificing the game in Columbus isn't even a question at this point.  You start the starters tomorrow night in Philadelphia, and if need be start reserves in Columbus.

Nielsen

Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic

Espinoza - Cesar

Zusi

Kamara - Sapong - Peterson

Number to Remember - 180 - Minutes from a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League.

Key Match Up - Roger Espinoza vs Freddy Adu - In one of Espinoza's last performances before heading to London to join the Honduran national team Espinoza will likely have the task of keeping Adu in check.  With his better performance lately for Philadelphia, Espinoza is likely going to have his hands full dealing with the former teenage phenom.

PREDICTION - "The Terror" has returned in full force ahead of this game for me.  Part of me just doesn't even want to watch out of fear of the disappointment.  This game is just as big as last year's Eastern Conference final, because while that game guaranteed a trip to the CCL, this game guarantees a final at Livestrong Sporting Park.  Philadelphia has been playing extremely well while KC really hasn't.  Plenty of things are just going against them at this point.  I want to be confident in this one, but I just can't.

SKC - 0
PHI - 1 (McInerney)

Rosell Released by Barcelona B, KC Next Stop?

Today in Spain, word came out that Barcelona B player, Oriol Rosell, has requested and received his release from his contract with the club.  Some of the articles have mentioned that Rosell has offers from other clubs, including MLS.  Sporting KC would seem a favorite for Rosell, mainly because of the fact that earlier this summer, Rosell trialed with Sporting KC along with Johan Ramirez Neesken.  The fact that Rosell was here on trial would lead people (myself included) that Kansas City could be the location for Rosell should he choose to come to KC. 

It is a little questionable in the fact that KC just signed center back/left back Neven Markovic, but with Rosell being only 20 he is a guy that could develop for the future.

9th Home Game Attendance Comparison

photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson

Another over capacity crowd at Livestrong Sporting Park last night saw KC have their 7th straight sellout and 8 of 9 this season at LSP.  KC continues to have an above capacity average attendance for the 2012 season.  Here's a look at the attendance through 9 home games for Sporting KC.

1996 - Arrowhead
11,555
Wednesday July 10, 1996 vs Colorado 2-0 win.
Average - 13,893

1997 - Arrowhead
6,521
Wednesday June 25, 1997 vs Tamp 2-2 (3-1) shootout win
Average - 8,601

1998 - Arrowhead
10,053
Saturday July 11, 1998 vs Dallas 2-0 win
Average - 7,902

1999 - Arrowhead
4,631
Wednesday July 7, 1999 vs Colorado 1-2 loss
Average - 8,260

2000 - Arrowhead
18,004
Saturday June 24, 2000 vs LA 2-0 win
Average - 10,638

2001 - Arrowhead
6,071
Sunday July 29, 2001 vs New England 2-0 win
Average - 10,569

2002 - Arrowhead
7,461
Saturday July 6, 2002 vs Dallas 1-1 draw.
Average - 11,773

2003 - Arrowhead
13,819
Friday August 8, 2003 vs San Jose 0-1 loss
Average - 15,112

2004 - Arrowhead
9,505
Saturday July 24, 2004 vs Los Angeles 2-2 draw
Average - 15,860

2005 - Arrowhead
16,816
Saturday July 16, 2005 vs Salt Lake 3-2 win
Average - 10,415

2006 - Arrowhead
8,196
Saturday July 15, 2006 vs Houston 2-3 loss
Average - 11,615

2007 - Arrowhead
7,101
Sunday July 22, 2007 vs Colorado 2-2 draw
Average - 9,244

2008 - Community America Ballpark
9,597
Saturday August 9, 2008 vs Chivas 3-2 win
Average - 9,596

2009 - Community America Ballpark
11,906
Saturday July 25, 2009 vs Los Angeles 1-1 draw
David Beckham's first trip to CAB
Average - 10,024

2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Saturday July 31, 2010 vs Toronto 1-0 win
Average - 10,047

2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
17,493
Saturday August 6, 2011 vs Seattle 1-2 loss
The first MLS loss at Livestrong Sporting Park
Average - 17,811

2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,307
Saturday July 7, 2012 vs Houston 0-0 draw
Average - 19,348

Here's a list of the attendance for the different seasons in order.

1. 2012 - 19,348 (-)
2. 2011 - 17,811 (-)
3. 2004 - 15,860 (-)
4. 2003 - 15,112 (-)
5. 1996 - 13,893 (-)
6. 2002 - 11,773 (-)
7. 2006 - 11,615 (-)
8. 2000 - 10,638 (+3)
9. 2001 - 10,569 (-1)
10. 2005 - 10,415 (+2)
11. 2010 - 10,047 (-2)
12. 2009 - 10,024 (-2)
13. 2008 - 9,596 (-)
14. 2007 - 9,244 (-)
15. 1997 - 8,601 (-)
16. 1999 - 8,260 (-)
17. 1998 - 7,902 (-)

Sunday After Stats

Not many today, but here are stats from last night's game.

Jacob Peterson made his 150th career MLS appearance last night.

Roger Espinoza made his 104th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Digital Takawira for 20th place on that list.

Quite Bland

Last night at Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City and Houston played to one of the more dull/drab performances of the season.  Neither team really looked overly interested going forward.  The heat yesterday in Kansas City certainly played a role, even thought a minor cold from came through and dropped the temperature from near 100 to near 90 instead. 

KC came out a little bit more subdued with their high pressure, whether that was because of the heat or because of the upcoming US Open Cup semifinal isn't really know, but KC didn't come out and pressing as much as they normally do.  It was actually Houston that created the best chance in the first half, as Jermaine Taylor played a ball over Seth Sinovic, allowing Oscar Boniek Garcia in behind the defense and 1v1 with Jimmy Nielsen.  As the Honduran tried to slot the ball to the back post though, Nielsen made a big save and covered the rebound to keep the game scoreless.  KC had the majority of the play in the first half but really struggled to create good chances in the run of play or off the set pieces that they created.  In the 30th minute, Kei Kamara couldn't quite reach the cross.  KC's best chance came in the 33rd minute when Roger Espinoza fed the ball to Jacob Peterson at the top of the box.  Peterson cut inside on Andre Hainault and let loose from a shot that beat Tally Hall, but not the post as the ball bounced back into play.

KC early on in the second half continued their pressure.  CJ Sapong pushed an effort just wide of the post after a great run from Espinoza to get into the box and create space.  As a whole, that was about it for the really dangerous chances for either side, the only other opportunity in the second half that really looked threatening was a Brain Ownby shot that Nielsen blocked late in the game.  The rest of the game was a very boring and dull affair with lots of possession for KC in the middle of the field, but once again KC struggled to get much of anything out of it.

Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara  - While KC didn't score, Kamara was a beast offensively for KC last night.  With the temperatures as hot as they were, Kamara was all over the field trying to will an opportunity.  A few times he had balls played to him at the back post and just had the chance cut out or just missed connecting with it.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Sinovic 7, Collin 7, Besler 8, Myers 7, Nagamura 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 6, Kamara 8, Sapong 5, Peterson 6.  Subs Bunbury 5, Saad NR.

Nielsen, Collin, and Zusi All Stars

During half time of today's Chicago Fire and Los Angeles Galaxy MLS announced the First XI for this year's all star game.  Three Sporting KC players were named to the roster that will take on Chelsea.  Jimmy Nielsen, Aurelien Collin, and Graham Zusi were all voted in by the fans for this year's game against the European Champions.  The selection doesn't necessarily mean that Nielsen, Collin, and Zusi will be starting the game.

The 18 man roster for the team that will be coached by Ben Olsen, will be named on July 15th.  So there is still a chance that none of KC's players start, let alone play against Chelsea.  I'd expect at least two if not all three of them to make the 18 man roster though.

Now that the players are named as All Stars I honestly hope that they don't make the final 18.  The all star game falls in the middle of their busy schedule between league games with New England and Columbus, as well as a friendly with Montpellier.  All 3 of those games at Livestrong Sporting Park.  The game is also about 2 weeks ahead of potentially the biggest game of the season for Sporting, the US Open Cup final.  I appreciate the fact that Nielsen, Collin, and Zusi are being recognized for the season that they've had, but I'd much rather they be staying in KC during that stretch, not having to take a plane half way across the country for a friendly.  While it's only the day after the Montpellier game, at least for that one KC isn't traveling anywhere.

Congrats to all 3 on the honor.

Revenge With an Eye Towards Wednesday

Sporting KC are back to league action tomorrow night when they host a rematch of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals against the Houston Dynamo.  KC continues their busy schedule of this coming Wednesday's US Open Cup semifinal in Philadelphia.  And while KC likely has one eye on that game, they  can't completely overlook the Dynamo tomorrow night at LSP.

The Dynamo currently sit 8 points behind Sporting, currently occupying the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.  Since the opening of their new stadium, Houston is 4-2-4.  Will Bruin is having a very good second season for the Dynamo and has passed CJ Sapong to lead last year's draft class in goals.  He has Brad Davis setting him up with crosses into the box and off of free kicks to help provide the service.

The question for KC at this point is if they rest some starters ahead of the match up Wednesday in the Open Cup.  With Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara both not going the full 90 on Wednesday it could be a possibility that they both keep their spots in the starting lineup, while Sapong gets a break from starting ahead of Wednesday in favor of Jacob Peterson.  The good news for KC is that Aurelien Collin has gone 3 games without a yellow, knocking one off of his record ahead of this match.  The only other change is I expect Julio Cesar back into the lineup ahead of Paulo Nagamura.

Nielsen

Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic

Cesar - Espinoza

Zusi

Kamara - Bunbury - Peterson

Number to Remember - 2 - Kansas City has won their last 2 league games at home against the Dynamo, 4-3 in the last year at CAB in the memorable comeback, and 3-0 last year in league play at LSP.  Those have been the first two league wins at home over Houston in KC's history.

Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Will Bruin - Bruin is leading the Dynamo in goals with 9 goals this season.  With Collin now off the suspension with his next yellow, Collin has the ability to a little more physical.  With Bruin having taken over much of the starting duties from Brian Ching, Collin is likely to be tasked with shutting down Bruin.

PREDICTION  - I'm excited about this game tomorrow and the opportunity at some measure of revenge against the Dynamo.  But my mind is also already looking towards Wednesday and the Open Cup semifinal.  The other thing is that KC's performances lately haven't exactly instilled a lot of confidence right now.  KC has won 1 of the last 4 league games and didn't exactly look stellar while doing it against the Impact.  KC's finishing needs to be better if they want to not only beat the Dynamo, but make their first cup final since 2004.

SKC - 1 (Kamara)
HOU - 1 (Bruin)

Sporting Sign Neven Markovic

Sporting KC made their first roster move of the summer transfer window today, announcing the signing Bosnian center back/left back, Neven Markovic.  At the same time, the team announced that they were waiving supplemental draft pick Shawn Singh, who had signed earlier this season.  Markovic comes to Kansas City from Greek club, Doxa Drama.  He has also played in Croatia and Romania as well. 

Markovic fills a need that I've said since the end of last season, and that's center back depth, although Markovic can also play as a left back per the team.  Based off his comments in the press release, you could guess that Markovic wasn't always getting his pay check on time when he said "I like it here because MLS is so organized.... All I have to worry about is playing on the field.”  That would certainly seem to point to off the field issues, and Greece's economic issues are pretty well known now.

Markovic could also become a fan favorite fairly quickly in the same vein as Aurelien Collin as a guy willing to fight for the team.  And a guy that will become an annoyance to opposing teams.  In another article on MLS about him, he said of his game "I’m good in defense, I’m good in passing, I’m good in – how to explain – punching guys.”

Partnering Markovic with Collin could be a fairly intimidating center back pairing if he's has physical as he makes himself out to be. It will be interesting to see what role if any he really plays.  The last player KC brought from the Greek area never appeared for KC, Nikos Kounenakis.

Singh leaves Kansas City having never made a first team appearance for the club.  He played in 4 reserve league matches, starting 3 of them and totally 244 minutes.

Here is Markovic as well as some highlights.

Sporting to Host USOC Final if They Beat Philadelphia

Sporting KC is 180 minutes away from a trophy, their first since 2004.  Should they get by Philadelphia on Wednesday the 11th and be 90 minutes away, those 90 minutes, potential extra time, and penalty kicks, will take place in Kansas City.  Today, US Soccer announced the potential finalist hosts for the US Open Cup final.  Should KC beat Philadelphia at PPL park next Wednesday, no matter who wins the other semifinal between Seattle and Chivas, Livestrong Sporting Park will host the US Open Cup final.
KC's bid topped that of both Seattle and Chivas to win the right to host the final.  Should Seattle win, KC would host the Sounders at a time TBD on the 8th.  Should Chivas pull off the upset, KC the date has not been decided, it would be the 7th or the 8th.  Seattle will host Philadelphia should they win, and the Union would host Chivas if they both win.
I'm a little surprised that KC's bid did win the right to host the final.  I fully expected Seattle's bid to top KC's, but according to Seattle's GM, the bids were equal, and KC won out on a coin toss.  Which would fit well with the bias that Sigi Schmid spoke about earlier this year when KC was "winning" their coin flips while Seattle lost a few of theirs.  I put "winning" in quotes because I still am not sure the entire system is on the up and up when it comes to transparency.  But I do find Seattle's coach and GM complaining more loudly this year now that things are not going their way as much just a little bit humorous.  But I do agree with their main point of reform for the cup.  I just think it sounds more hallow when things have gone their way for so long.  Especially when they are doing it louder than in years when they've won the bids to host the games
Again all this is pointless for Sporting KC if they fail to defeat Philadelphia on the 11th at PPL Park.  The same place where only a few weeks ago Sporting was thoroughly beaten 4-0 by the Union.  That's not going to be an easy task for KC to do.  The Union have been playing extremely well since they got rid of Peter Nowak and will be hard to beat at home, especially with KC's busy schedule.  Good thing for KC Philadelphia has been just as busy the past few days.  Turning around their poor form lately is going to be the first key in getting the Open Cup in KC.  Beat Philadelphia, then we can worry about the fact that KC has yet to beat the Sounders MLS team in KC.

S.A.S. Thursday After Stats

Graham Zusi's winner was his 3rd in league play for KC, tying him with Frank Klopas, Francisco Gomez, Diego Gutierrez, Chris Henderson, and Aurelien Collin for 19th on that list.

Zusi also made his 50th league start for KC tonight.  He's the 39th player to hit that mark for KC.

Kei Kamara scored his 7th away league goal for Sporting KC, tying him with Eddie Johnson, Matt McKeon, and Mark Chung for 10th on that list.

It was his 7th away goal in all competitions too, tying him with Johnson for 14th on that list.

Tonight, Matt Besler made his 100th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 26th player to hit that mark.

CJ Sapong made his 50th league appearance for Sporting KC.  He's the 44th player to hit that mark, and did so in only 51 available league games.

Roger Espinoza made his 103rd appearance in league play, tying him with Digital Takawira for 20th on that list.

It was the fourth time in team history in league play that KC's had 2 PKs in a game, and the first time they've converted both.  They also converted two PKs in a 2008 US Open Cup game vs Carolina.

Not Pretty But We'll Take It

Last night in Montreal wasn't the prettiest game that KC has ever played, on the other hand it wasn't the worst one either.  KC played poorly in the first half, performed better in the second half, and for the first time in what seems like a long while, KC got some close calls to actually go their way as referee Sorin Stoica gave KC two PKs for fouls in the box by the Impact. 

The first half for KC was fairly abysmal, they struggled to get the ball forward, and rarely tested Donovan Ricketts in the Montreal net.  On the other side of the field, designated player, Marco Di Vaio was taking Aurelien Collin to school for much of the half.  KC weren't helping themselves out by giving the ball away to easily.  In the 4th minute in one such situation, the ball came to Davy Arnaud, who fed Di Vaio.  Di Vaio played a clever ball through the legs of Chance Myers to Felipe, but Jimmy Nielsen came up with a big save.  Di Vaio only 2 minutes later was played in behind KC's defense by Justin Mapp, but 1v1 with Nielsen, Di Vaio pushed his shot wide of the goal.

KC did finally get a good look at goal in the 12th minute off a Graham Zusi corner.  The first corner found Matt Besler, whose header appeared to be going wide, but Felipe flicked the header out for another corner just to be safe.  Off the second corner, Patrice Bernier almost put the ball into his own net off a deflection, but the ball went just over the goal.  The offense from KC didn't last long as Montreal was again on the attack testing the KC goal.  Nielsen was forced into another good save on Di Vaio off a free kick, and Arnaud was very unlucky to push an effort just wide of the post.  Montreal had found that they were having plenty of lucky going down KC's right side, at Chance Myers.  In another opportunity down that side, Mapp got played in on a break away with Nielsen, but the Dane came up with a big kick save to knock the ball out.

KC got out of the first half without conceding, but it didn't take the Impact long in the second half to take the lead.  A ball down the line found Felipe, who squared the ball back into the middle.  With all the KC defenders in the box, no midfielder made the recovery run behind them, and that allowed Bernier a clear run at the ball.  His strike from the top of the box easily beat Nielsen and it was 1-0 Montreal, nothing less than they deserved up to that point.  In the 55th minute, Kansas City was handed a life line, as a free kick into the box by Zusi was headed on by Collin into the path of Bernier.  In his attempt to control the ball, Bernier controlled it using his forearm, and Stoica pointed to the spot after waiting a second for advantage to be played.  Kei Kamara stepped up to take the PK for Sporting and drilled it right down the middle to tie the game at 1-1. 

After the PK, KC seemed to come into the game more and began to have more of the game themselves.  The didn't create much chance wise, but they certainly had more of the ball and looked like the better attacking side.  In the 74th, Stoica again called a penalty kick, this time off a corner.  As the ball came into the box, former KC captain, Arnaud knocked substitute, Soony Saad to the ground.  Stoica called the Arnaud had been holding the 19 year old back as he awarded the second PK.  With Kamara off the field, Zusi stepped up and buried the penalty kick to Ricketts right hand side to put Kansas City on top.

After the second PK, the Impact began to get more of the game again, and they went looking for a penalty themselves, specifically Arnaud who appeared to be trying to get the same call that was made against him awarded in the Impact's favor, but twice Stoica looked the other way when Arnaud went down in the box.  KC began to find some space on the counter as the Impact pushed numbers forward, and in the 82nd, KC found a third goal.  Roger Espinoza played a 1-2 with Saad before playing a nice cross to the back post for Jacob Peterson.  Peterson controlled it on the chest and then volleyed the ball towards the back post. The ball though took a deflection off of former Wizard, Shavar Thomas and went past Ricketts and in at his near post to make it 3-1.  KC held on as Montreal had a late flurry at the end, but really after their goal, KC did a good job of shutting down Montreal's attack.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - Without some big saves by the Dane in the first half, this game is out of control at half time.  Two very big saves on Felipe and Mapp, and his positioning caused problems on chances by Di Vaio.  A solid performance from Nielsen.

Honorable Mention - Jacob Peterson

Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 4, Collin 5, Besler 5, Sinovic 5, Nagamura 5, Espinoza 5, Zusi 6, Kamara 6, Bunbury 3, Sapong 4.  Subs Peterson 7, Saad 6, Joseph NR.

Former SKC Wizards Update

Getting this update out early this week due to the holiday.  All the games from tonight will be on next week's update. Boris Pardo is currently out of the country with the US Futsal national team as the back up goalkeeper to his Comets teammate, Danny Waltman.  The US is 1-1 losing to Panama and beating Canada.  The other news is that former player, Adam Cristman has retired.  Cristman who had played for DC and LA after leaving KC, has had some concussion issues has decided to call it a career.

Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
luke Sassano
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson

MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to DC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Retired due to concussions.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to Columbus.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 loss to Colorado.  Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in San Jose's 2-1 win over San Jose.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Seattle's 2-2 draw with New England.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not play in Philadelphia's 2-1 loss to Houston.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - No game this week.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 3-0 win over Montreal.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 2 minutes in San Jose's 4-3 win over LA.  Started and played 62 minutes in San Jose's 2-1 loss to Portland.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to DC.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to DC.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 3-0 win over Montreal.

NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Did not play in Atlanta's 3-0 loss to San Antonio.  Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 2-1 loss to Carolina.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-0 loss to Tampa.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Carolina.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Did not play in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Fort Lauderdale.  Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 2-1 win over Atlanta.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 win over Carolina.

USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes, recording an assist in Richmond's 1-0 win over LA.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 66 minutes, scoring a goal in Dayton's 2-2 draw with Orlando.
Yomby William - Richmond - Dressed but did not play in Richmond's 1-0 win over LA.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 win over Antigua.  Did not dress in Charleston's 1-0 loss to Antigua.

PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Started and played 79 minutes in Tucson's 2-0 loss to Ventura County.

NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Scored a goal in San Diego's 5-1 win over Fullerton.

Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.

International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Season is over.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Season is over.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Season is over.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Season is over.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Season is over.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Season is over.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 1-1 draw with Internacional.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Season is over.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Season has not started.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Season is over.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Season is over.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Season is over.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fjolnir's 0-0 draw with Hottur.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Came off the bench and played 20 minutes in Akzhayik's 1-0 loss to Astana.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Season is over.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.

Feels Like We Just Did This

This schedule for Sporting KC is just crazy, the continue to have 2 games a week and will through about mid August, especially if they make the US Open Cup final in August.  Tomorrow they continue with a game on the 4th of July in Canada against the Montreal Impact in KC's first trip to the Canadian city. 

The Impact are coming into the game a bit desperate.  In their past two games, Montreal has been outscored by a total of 6-0 in the past week.  They lost 3-0 at home to bottom of the league Toronto on Wednesday and then lost this past weekend in DC against United.  The Impact have been in the news a lot the past day or so for their interest in bringing in Alessandro Nesta as yet another Italian on the team.  They already have a few Italians on their team, including Marco Di Vaio.  Another Italian, Bernardo Corradi is out with a torn ACL and will be out for the rest of the season.  And like KC's last game against the Impact, they're having a bit of injury issues with their center backs, as Italian Matteo Ferrari is out on the last injury report as is Colombian, Nelson Rivas.  That means that Hassoun Camara and Shavar Thomas could start at center back for the Impact.

Kansas City comes into the game desperate to get some points.  They've gotten one point out of their last 3 league games, and haven't scored a goal since the 8th minute against Seattle 3 games ago.  Not only is KC struggling to score in the game, they're really struggling to score in the second half.  KC hasn't scored in the second half since they played in Vancouver in April.  That's a span of 430 minutes since Kei Kamara scored against the Whitecaps that Sporting has gone without scoring a goal after half time.  KC's game plan has been to get a goal early, and when KC has failed to do that, they have struggled to get a goal at all.  That same strategy will likely stay in effect tomorrow night in Montreal.  With another game at home this weekend vs Houston and an Open Cup game coming up next Wednesday in Philadelphia, KC could look to rest a few key starters ahead of the semifinal of the Open Cup.  Lawrence Olum is out with a groin strain, meaning that if Matt Besler isn't ready to go, Konrad Warzycha will get the start next to Aurelien Collin at center back.  I'd expect Besler to start this game though along with Collin.

Nielsen

Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic

Cesar - Espinoza

Zusi

Kamara - Bunbury - Sapong

Number to Remember - 262 - The number of minutes that Sporting KC has played since Jacob Peterson scored his volley against the Sounders.  Since then, KC has had 55 shots, none going into the net.

Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Marco Di Vaio - Montreal's designated player Di Vaio has only played 2 games so far this season, but he's going to be a handful for KC's Frenchman to handle as KC looks to stop Montreal's attack.

PREDICTION - KC is looking for some revenge after losing 2-0 at home to the Impact in their earlier game this season.  But to get revenge, KC needs to do a better job of finishing the opportunities that they get.  That's the key for KC, KC needs to get the offense going again by putting the ball in the net.  KC has had plenty of chances to score, but need to stop making the opposing goalkeeper look like an all star and actually finish those chances.

SKC - 1 (Sapong)
MTL - 1 (Arnaud)