With KC having clinched the top spot in the East, they now get to play the waiting game to see who they play. This weekend the rest of the East playoff seedings will be decided. The 4th and 5th place teams will face off on the 31st at the 4 seed in a one game playoff with the winner hosting the first leg against KC on the weekend. While all 5 playoff spots have been decided, the 4 other teams from the East, Chicago, DC, Houston, and New York could all finish almost anywhere 2nd through 5th.
So how does KC match up with the teams? This year KC went 1-2 against the Chicago Fire, scoring 3 and conceding 3 in their 3 matches, each team got 1 shutout against their opponent. Against DC United this year, KC is undefeated, going 2-0, scoring 3 goals while conceding 1. Against New York, KC is 1-0-2, drawing at home 1-1 while winning 2-0 and drawing 0-0 at Red Bull Arena. Against Houston, KC was 0-1-2 this year, losing in Houston 2-1 while drawing both games in KC 0-0 and 1-1.
So let's take a look at what it takes for each team to finish in the play-in game, setting up a potential match up with KC. I'm going to avoid the crazy scenarios, like Chicago losing 6-5 to still finish ahead of the Dynamo on goals scored even if the Dynamo win 1-0.
Currently DC is in second place on 57 points, having scored 52 goals and a goal difference of +10. Chicago is third on 56 points with 45 goals and a +5 goal difference. New York is fourth on 54 points with 54 goals scored and a +8 goal difference. Houston is fifth with 53 points, 48 goals and a +9 goal difference. The tie breakers that I found could come into play without crazy scenarios are points, goals for, goal difference, fewest disciplinary points.
Here's the matches this weekend that will effect the seeding.
New York at Philadelphia
DC at Chicago
Houston at Colorado
Here's how each team could finish.
Chicago
To finish second - Win against DC.
To finish third - Draw with DC and New York does not beat Philadelphia OR lose to DC, New York does not beat Philadelphia and Houston does not beat Colorado.
To finish fourth - Draw or lose to DC, New York beats Philadelphia OR lose to DC, New York fails to beat Philadelphia, and Houston beats Colorado.
To finish fifth - Lose to DC, New York beats Philadelphia and Houston beats Colorado
DC
To finish second - Win or draw against Chicago
To finish third - Lose to Chicago and New York does not beat Philadelphia OR lose to Chicago by 1 goal but scoring 2 PLUS however many New York score in a win 1 goal win against Philadelphia (for example, lose 4-3 (boardline crazy scoreline yes) while New York wins 1-0) in this tie breaker, DC and NY would be tied on points (57), goals scored (55) and goal difference (+9) it would then go to disciplinary points where DC has 509 to New York's 540.
To finish fourth - lose to Chicago and New York defeats Philadelphia and the above scenario doesn't play out.
New York
To finish second - Cannot
To finish third - Beat Philadelphia and there's a winner in the Chicago vs DC game.
To finish fourth - Draw or lose to Philadelphia and Houston do not beat Colorado.
To finish fifth - Draw or lose to Philadelphia and Houston beat Colorado.
Houston
To finish second - Cannot
To finish third - Beat Colorado and Chicago lose AND New York don't win.
To finish fourth - Beat Colorado and Chicgo lose OR New York don't win.
To finish fifth - Beat Colorado, New York win, Chicago win OR if Houston fails to beat Colorado.
So that's how each of the Eastern Conference teams can finish now in the playoff race. As for my prediction, I think it'll be Houston and New York. I think Chicago takes care of business at home, gets the two seed, giving DC the three seed. I don't think New York will get 3 points in Philadelphia. I'm not sure what'll happen in the Houston/Colorado game but I think KC will be playing the winner of the Red Bulls and Dynamo.
Of the four teams who would you rather see?
Thursday, October 25, 2012
East Clinched
Last night at Livestrong Sporting Park, Sporting KC took care of business against the Philadelphia Union, winning 2-1 to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs. With their current point total, the only way that Sporting KC will travel for MLS Cup, should they make it, would be if San Jose makes the cup from the West. The match though was not a ringing endorsement for the team, although to be fair, needing only a draw I'm not sure KC wanted to take too many chances and the Union were looking to play spoiler.
The first half was lacking a lot when it came to chances, neither team really impressed a whole lot. It wasn't until the 35th minute when one of the teams created a really threatening chance, and that came through the Union. A chipped ball over the top of KC's defense found Jack McInerney, who'd gotten in behind, with his first touch, McInerney attempted to chip Jimmy Nielsen who'd come off his line, but the ball bounced wide of the goal keeping the game scoreless. KC though was the aggressor during the half and in the 38th it took a good save from Zach MacMath to keep it scoreless. Julio Cesar collected a long corner from Graham Zusi and cut inside by the end line. His cross into the middle found CJ Sapong who one timed his shot, but MacMath made a good kick save. In the 40th though KC found the goal. Kei Kamara and Sapong combined on a give and go down the line, Kamara then crossed it into the middle for Jacob Peterson, who'd gotten a step on his man and Peterson one timed his shot past MacMath to give KC the lead. In stoppage time KC almost made it 2-0 through Zusi twice. Sapong collected a long throw and turned Carlos Valdes along the endline, getting past the center back. Sapong laid it back to Zusi. MacMath saved Zusi's first effort but the rebound fell right back to him, but MacMath made a kick save on the second attempt to keep it 1-0.
In the second half though the Union came out pushing the game and earned themselves a penalty through Danny Cruz. Cruz took on Seth Sinovic and Julio Cesar causing both to miss on challenges, the third challenge came from Matt Besler in the box and Besler got Cruz and referee Ismail Elfath pointed right to the spot. Michael Farfan stepped up for the Union and fired the ball low to Nielsen's left, but Nielsen did a good job getting down to save the penalty. Unfortunately, the first to react was Union forward, Antoine Hoppenot who scored to make it 1-1. After the goal it was actually the Union that looked more likely to find a second, in the 57th they were saved by the wood work as a long cross from Cruz found McInerney who headed the ball towards goal. Nielsen threw his hands up seeming to think the ball was going wide, but instead the ball bounced off the post and back into play. Shortly after that, Keon Daniel hit the post after cutting around two KC defenders and KC was well back on their heals. KC started to get back into the game, but really weren't able to create real dangerous chances. In the 82nd though, KC Kamara took the game on his shoulders and created the winner for KC. Winning a loose ball at midfield, Kamara dribbled past a few Union defenders and then headed towards goal. As he got close to the box, Kamara slid the ball through for Sapong who raced into the box. Sapong fired the ball past MacMath and into the net giving KC the 2-1 lead. A brilliant ball and a great run by Kamara to create the winner. KC held on and took care of business at home, even though they didn't look as impressive doing it, but they'll take the top spot.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara - Set up both goals last night and had a very solid game all around. He's now contributed on 19 goals this year (11 goals, 8 assists) one behind Zusi's 20 (5 goals 15 assists).
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Sinovic 5, Collin 5, Besler 5, Myers 6, Cesar 6, Nagamura 5, Joseph 6, Kamara 8, Sapong 7, Zusi 6. Subs Peterson 6, Rosell 6, Olum NR.
The first half was lacking a lot when it came to chances, neither team really impressed a whole lot. It wasn't until the 35th minute when one of the teams created a really threatening chance, and that came through the Union. A chipped ball over the top of KC's defense found Jack McInerney, who'd gotten in behind, with his first touch, McInerney attempted to chip Jimmy Nielsen who'd come off his line, but the ball bounced wide of the goal keeping the game scoreless. KC though was the aggressor during the half and in the 38th it took a good save from Zach MacMath to keep it scoreless. Julio Cesar collected a long corner from Graham Zusi and cut inside by the end line. His cross into the middle found CJ Sapong who one timed his shot, but MacMath made a good kick save. In the 40th though KC found the goal. Kei Kamara and Sapong combined on a give and go down the line, Kamara then crossed it into the middle for Jacob Peterson, who'd gotten a step on his man and Peterson one timed his shot past MacMath to give KC the lead. In stoppage time KC almost made it 2-0 through Zusi twice. Sapong collected a long throw and turned Carlos Valdes along the endline, getting past the center back. Sapong laid it back to Zusi. MacMath saved Zusi's first effort but the rebound fell right back to him, but MacMath made a kick save on the second attempt to keep it 1-0.
In the second half though the Union came out pushing the game and earned themselves a penalty through Danny Cruz. Cruz took on Seth Sinovic and Julio Cesar causing both to miss on challenges, the third challenge came from Matt Besler in the box and Besler got Cruz and referee Ismail Elfath pointed right to the spot. Michael Farfan stepped up for the Union and fired the ball low to Nielsen's left, but Nielsen did a good job getting down to save the penalty. Unfortunately, the first to react was Union forward, Antoine Hoppenot who scored to make it 1-1. After the goal it was actually the Union that looked more likely to find a second, in the 57th they were saved by the wood work as a long cross from Cruz found McInerney who headed the ball towards goal. Nielsen threw his hands up seeming to think the ball was going wide, but instead the ball bounced off the post and back into play. Shortly after that, Keon Daniel hit the post after cutting around two KC defenders and KC was well back on their heals. KC started to get back into the game, but really weren't able to create real dangerous chances. In the 82nd though, KC Kamara took the game on his shoulders and created the winner for KC. Winning a loose ball at midfield, Kamara dribbled past a few Union defenders and then headed towards goal. As he got close to the box, Kamara slid the ball through for Sapong who raced into the box. Sapong fired the ball past MacMath and into the net giving KC the 2-1 lead. A brilliant ball and a great run by Kamara to create the winner. KC held on and took care of business at home, even though they didn't look as impressive doing it, but they'll take the top spot.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara - Set up both goals last night and had a very solid game all around. He's now contributed on 19 goals this year (11 goals, 8 assists) one behind Zusi's 20 (5 goals 15 assists).
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Sinovic 5, Collin 5, Besler 5, Myers 6, Cesar 6, Nagamura 5, Joseph 6, Kamara 8, Sapong 7, Zusi 6. Subs Peterson 6, Rosell 6, Olum NR.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Time to Take Care of Business
With the way that results went last weekend, Sporting KC needs a result tomorrow against the Philadelphia Union to clinch first place in the Eastern Conference. A win or a tie guarantees KC their second straight Eastern Conference regular season championship. A loss and Sporting KC has to put their faith in the hands of the Chicago Fire beating or tying DC United on Saturday to give KC the Eastern Conference regular season championship.
The Union come into the game having been already eliminated from the playoff race for a few weeks already. They've still been a competitive side, including wins over playoff bound Houston and Chicago. They did lose their most recent game though also against Houston. After coming back from a goal down early to tie it 1-1 the Union gave up 2 goals in the second half to fall 3-1. Forward Jack McInerney has been on fire for the Union, scoring in 4 straight games as he leads the team in goals with 8. Philadelphia to begin with has a fairly young team, so there's not really much incentive to play the "kids" as often happens with teams eliminated from the playoffs late in the season as the Union have played a lot of "kids" all season.
Sporting won't be sitting back obviously, since they're still trying to clinch the East. If they'd have clinched it on the weekend you could have see KC rest a starter or two to give them a bit of a rest. Although with KC having the longest break of any playoff team before they start the playoffs in a week and a half there's also very little reason to think they'd rest anyway. Roger Espinoza is still returning from his sprained ankle, but last night on the Quest for the Cup show, Peter Vermes said that he planned to have Espinoza play a role of some kind. I'd expect a lineup similar or the same as the one that Vermes put out on the weekend against New York.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Nagamura
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Peterson
Number to Remember - 1 - That's the number of points that Sporting need to clinch the top of the East. Three will obviously do it as well, but KC needs at least one to go into this weekend more relaxed instead of scoreboard watching.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Jack McInerney - McInerney is the main offensive weapon going forward for Philadelphia without a big bruising forward, the work of marking him will likely fall more on Besler to take care of business. Besler's turning in a Best XI season at center back and really has been the rock of the back line this season especially.
PREDICTION - KC absolutely needs this game. There's no question about that. If they can't get up to take care of business tomorrow then I dread how the playoffs are going to go. Home hasn't been a place where KC has really scored a lot of goals this season though. Of the 40 goals they've scored this season, only 20 of them have been at Livestrong Sporting Park. They've scored as many goals on the road as at home this year, the offense hasn't been getting the job done. There is a little bit of a revenge factor for KC though. Earlier this year Philadelphia defeated KC 4-0 at PPL Park, and while KC got a matter of revenge beating the Union 2-0 at PPL Park to advance to the US Open Cup final, I think they'll still want to rub it in a little bit on Philadelphia at home.
KC - 2 (Kamara, Sapong)
PHI - 0
The Union come into the game having been already eliminated from the playoff race for a few weeks already. They've still been a competitive side, including wins over playoff bound Houston and Chicago. They did lose their most recent game though also against Houston. After coming back from a goal down early to tie it 1-1 the Union gave up 2 goals in the second half to fall 3-1. Forward Jack McInerney has been on fire for the Union, scoring in 4 straight games as he leads the team in goals with 8. Philadelphia to begin with has a fairly young team, so there's not really much incentive to play the "kids" as often happens with teams eliminated from the playoffs late in the season as the Union have played a lot of "kids" all season.
Sporting won't be sitting back obviously, since they're still trying to clinch the East. If they'd have clinched it on the weekend you could have see KC rest a starter or two to give them a bit of a rest. Although with KC having the longest break of any playoff team before they start the playoffs in a week and a half there's also very little reason to think they'd rest anyway. Roger Espinoza is still returning from his sprained ankle, but last night on the Quest for the Cup show, Peter Vermes said that he planned to have Espinoza play a role of some kind. I'd expect a lineup similar or the same as the one that Vermes put out on the weekend against New York.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Nagamura
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Peterson
Number to Remember - 1 - That's the number of points that Sporting need to clinch the top of the East. Three will obviously do it as well, but KC needs at least one to go into this weekend more relaxed instead of scoreboard watching.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Jack McInerney - McInerney is the main offensive weapon going forward for Philadelphia without a big bruising forward, the work of marking him will likely fall more on Besler to take care of business. Besler's turning in a Best XI season at center back and really has been the rock of the back line this season especially.
PREDICTION - KC absolutely needs this game. There's no question about that. If they can't get up to take care of business tomorrow then I dread how the playoffs are going to go. Home hasn't been a place where KC has really scored a lot of goals this season though. Of the 40 goals they've scored this season, only 20 of them have been at Livestrong Sporting Park. They've scored as many goals on the road as at home this year, the offense hasn't been getting the job done. There is a little bit of a revenge factor for KC though. Earlier this year Philadelphia defeated KC 4-0 at PPL Park, and while KC got a matter of revenge beating the Union 2-0 at PPL Park to advance to the US Open Cup final, I think they'll still want to rub it in a little bit on Philadelphia at home.
KC - 2 (Kamara, Sapong)
PHI - 0
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday After Stats
Not only did Jimmy Nielsen have a superb game last night he also hit a few milestones and set a few team records too. Here are some stats from last night's game.
Jimmy Nielsen set a team record for league starts in a season with 33.
Nielsen also set a team record for minutes in a season, he's currently at 2970, ahead of Nick Garcia and Peter Vermes' record in 2000 of 2916.
Nielsen made his 100th appearance for Kansas City in all competitions, he's the 30th player to hit that mark.
It was Nielsen's 100th start in all competitions as well, he's the 23rd player to hit that mark for KC.
It was Nielsen's 93rd start in league play, tying him with Mark Chung and Roger Espinoza for 19th place on that list.
Matt Besler made his 97th league start for KC, breaking his tie with Sasha Victorine for 17th on that list.
For only the 3rd time in team history KC finished with a positive goal difference on the road, +5, in 2000 the team was +5 and in 2005 the team was +3.
For only the 2nd time post shoot out, KC finished with a winning record on the road, going 8-4-5, while in 2000 the team went 5-3-8.
Jimmy Nielsen set a team record for league starts in a season with 33.
Nielsen also set a team record for minutes in a season, he's currently at 2970, ahead of Nick Garcia and Peter Vermes' record in 2000 of 2916.
Nielsen made his 100th appearance for Kansas City in all competitions, he's the 30th player to hit that mark.
It was Nielsen's 100th start in all competitions as well, he's the 23rd player to hit that mark for KC.
It was Nielsen's 93rd start in league play, tying him with Mark Chung and Roger Espinoza for 19th place on that list.
Matt Besler made his 97th league start for KC, breaking his tie with Sasha Victorine for 17th on that list.
For only the 3rd time in team history KC finished with a positive goal difference on the road, +5, in 2000 the team was +5 and in 2005 the team was +3.
For only the 2nd time post shoot out, KC finished with a winning record on the road, going 8-4-5, while in 2000 the team went 5-3-8.
Not Pretty but We'll Take the Point
It certainly wasn't the prettiest nor the best game that Sporting KC has played all season, but Kansas City got out of New York with a point, and with other results around the league clinched a top 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls also clinched a playoff spot, but that result was certainly less assured before the game started.
With New York still outside the playoffs when the game started, they were the ones that dictated play not only early on, but throughout the game. Much of the early part of the game was played in KC's half of the field. The roles were basically reversed from the way that KC normally plays. KC was the team that was under the high pressure this time. New York though didn't get a really good look at goal until the 20th minute. KC had looked weak on earlier corners but more so here. Kei Kamara won the first header but only cleared it as far as Heath Pearce who played the ball back into the middle of the box where Tim Cahill was lurking in front of Jimmy Nielsen. The ball bounced off Nielsen's foot and off of Aurelien Collin and into the arms of Nielsen as he went to crowd. Nielsen covered up as Cahill tried to get in, smothering the chance. Nielsen was called into action again in the 23rd minute as Dax McCarty struck a shot from distance, Nielsen got down well and parried the ball away but right into the path of Kenny Cooper. Cooper though from an acute angle with Matt Besler and Nielsen closing down put his shot well over the bar to keep the scores level. KC didn't have much going forward, but CJ Sapong forced a good save from Luis Robles later in the half. Sapong chased down a loose ball in the box, getting there before Robles. Sapong cut outside and tried to chip the ball over Robles and into the middle, but Robles got a hand up and palmed the cross out for a corner. New York continued their pressure and again Nielsen came to KC's rescue in the 41st minute. A long ball by the New York defense was headed down by Cahill into the path of Cooper. Cooper one timed his shot on frame, but Nielsen got a hand up and knocked the ball out for a corner.
Things didn't change in the second half as New York continued to throw numbers forward and KC continued to struggle to complete passes. Nielsen was again called to make a big save in the 52nd minute. After a give away near midfield, Cahill found himself racing down the wing. He played the ball in to Thierry Henry who was in the box. Henry's first touch let him down a little though allowing Nielsen and Besler to recover. Henry's shot was saved by Nielsen and deflected off of Henry to give KC a goal kick. KC's defense continued to struggle with New York's high pressure, giving the ball away much too easily. Again in the 65th it almost cost them McCarty won a ball in KC's half of the field, getting the ball to Cooper. Cooper played the ball to Henry at the top of the box. Henry turned and faked both Collin and Julio Cesar. Both got turned and Henry went towards goal firing a shot from about 13 yards out. Nielsen though got a hand up and saved the shot again. Henry followed the play though, collecting the rebound and tried to square the ball to Cahill who had an open net. Besler slid in though knocking the ball up into Nielsen's face. The ball fell right in front of the Dane, who collected the ball, ending the chance. New York started to tire late on and that's when KC finally started to create some offense of their own. In the 86th minute after some sustained possession, Graham Zusi played a lofted ball to the back post for Kamara. A cross similar to the one that Eddie Johnson scored for the US off a Zusi assist. Kamara put the header on frame, but Robles made the play unlike the Antigua keeper, keeping the score 0-0. New York had one last really good chance in the 88th minute as Cahill tried to head a ball into the path of McCarty. Besler got in the way though but couldn't get enough on it to clear the ball away. The ball fell to McCarty who hit the shot first time low, but Nielsen again got down covering the shot to keep it scoreless.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - Could it be anyone else? Besides much of the rest of the team struggling to get going, Nielsen came up huge time and again last night, he made a number of world class saves to keep the game scoreless, an extremely good night from him that should cement his goalkeeper of the year credentials as he picked up his 15th shutout of the year.
Honorable Mention - Matt Besler
Player Ratings - Nielsen 9, Myers 5, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Nagamura 5, Zusi 4, Peterson 4, Sapong 4, Kamara 5. Subs Olum 4, Convey NR.
With New York still outside the playoffs when the game started, they were the ones that dictated play not only early on, but throughout the game. Much of the early part of the game was played in KC's half of the field. The roles were basically reversed from the way that KC normally plays. KC was the team that was under the high pressure this time. New York though didn't get a really good look at goal until the 20th minute. KC had looked weak on earlier corners but more so here. Kei Kamara won the first header but only cleared it as far as Heath Pearce who played the ball back into the middle of the box where Tim Cahill was lurking in front of Jimmy Nielsen. The ball bounced off Nielsen's foot and off of Aurelien Collin and into the arms of Nielsen as he went to crowd. Nielsen covered up as Cahill tried to get in, smothering the chance. Nielsen was called into action again in the 23rd minute as Dax McCarty struck a shot from distance, Nielsen got down well and parried the ball away but right into the path of Kenny Cooper. Cooper though from an acute angle with Matt Besler and Nielsen closing down put his shot well over the bar to keep the scores level. KC didn't have much going forward, but CJ Sapong forced a good save from Luis Robles later in the half. Sapong chased down a loose ball in the box, getting there before Robles. Sapong cut outside and tried to chip the ball over Robles and into the middle, but Robles got a hand up and palmed the cross out for a corner. New York continued their pressure and again Nielsen came to KC's rescue in the 41st minute. A long ball by the New York defense was headed down by Cahill into the path of Cooper. Cooper one timed his shot on frame, but Nielsen got a hand up and knocked the ball out for a corner.
Things didn't change in the second half as New York continued to throw numbers forward and KC continued to struggle to complete passes. Nielsen was again called to make a big save in the 52nd minute. After a give away near midfield, Cahill found himself racing down the wing. He played the ball in to Thierry Henry who was in the box. Henry's first touch let him down a little though allowing Nielsen and Besler to recover. Henry's shot was saved by Nielsen and deflected off of Henry to give KC a goal kick. KC's defense continued to struggle with New York's high pressure, giving the ball away much too easily. Again in the 65th it almost cost them McCarty won a ball in KC's half of the field, getting the ball to Cooper. Cooper played the ball to Henry at the top of the box. Henry turned and faked both Collin and Julio Cesar. Both got turned and Henry went towards goal firing a shot from about 13 yards out. Nielsen though got a hand up and saved the shot again. Henry followed the play though, collecting the rebound and tried to square the ball to Cahill who had an open net. Besler slid in though knocking the ball up into Nielsen's face. The ball fell right in front of the Dane, who collected the ball, ending the chance. New York started to tire late on and that's when KC finally started to create some offense of their own. In the 86th minute after some sustained possession, Graham Zusi played a lofted ball to the back post for Kamara. A cross similar to the one that Eddie Johnson scored for the US off a Zusi assist. Kamara put the header on frame, but Robles made the play unlike the Antigua keeper, keeping the score 0-0. New York had one last really good chance in the 88th minute as Cahill tried to head a ball into the path of McCarty. Besler got in the way though but couldn't get enough on it to clear the ball away. The ball fell to McCarty who hit the shot first time low, but Nielsen again got down covering the shot to keep it scoreless.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - Could it be anyone else? Besides much of the rest of the team struggling to get going, Nielsen came up huge time and again last night, he made a number of world class saves to keep the game scoreless, an extremely good night from him that should cement his goalkeeper of the year credentials as he picked up his 15th shutout of the year.
Honorable Mention - Matt Besler
Player Ratings - Nielsen 9, Myers 5, Collin 6, Besler 7, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Nagamura 5, Zusi 4, Peterson 4, Sapong 4, Kamara 5. Subs Olum 4, Convey NR.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Where Things Stand For Sporting After Tonight
Going to try to clear things up so they're all straight forward for everyone heading into Wednesday's game against Philadelphia. First off, Kansas City has NOT clinched the Eastern Conference yet. Here's how the top 3 in the East shakes down right now.
With Chicago's loss tonight to New England tonight, the Fire can no longer catch Sporting, meaning that KC is guaranteed a top 2 finish in the East and will have the second home game (a midweek game) in the conference semifinals.
DC's late win against Columbus though means that Kansas City has not clinched the East yet. The first tie breaker this year is goals scored, not goal difference or head-to-head record. What that means is that if KC loses at home to Philadelphia and DC defeat Chicago on the road next weekend, United will likely win the East. With goals scored being the first tiebreaker, if KC were to lose, they would have to make up the 12 goal difference that DC currently has on KC in goals scored if they were to lose. For example, if KC were to lose 16-15 on Wednesday and DC wins 1-0, KC would technically win the East because they'd have scored 55 goals to DC's 53 in that scenario.
The easy way to resolve all of this is to take care of business on Wednesday, a point in the home finale against Philadelphia and Sporting KC will clinch the East. It's that simple, get a result and none of this matters. A point puts KC on 61 points, out of reach of DC's max of 60.
| Team | GP | W | L | D | Points | GF | GA | GD |
| Sporting | 33 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 60 | 40 | 26 | 14 |
| DC | 33 | 17 | 10 | 6 | 57 | 52 | 42 | 10 |
| Chicago | 33 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 56 | 45 | 40 | 5 |
With Chicago's loss tonight to New England tonight, the Fire can no longer catch Sporting, meaning that KC is guaranteed a top 2 finish in the East and will have the second home game (a midweek game) in the conference semifinals.
DC's late win against Columbus though means that Kansas City has not clinched the East yet. The first tie breaker this year is goals scored, not goal difference or head-to-head record. What that means is that if KC loses at home to Philadelphia and DC defeat Chicago on the road next weekend, United will likely win the East. With goals scored being the first tiebreaker, if KC were to lose, they would have to make up the 12 goal difference that DC currently has on KC in goals scored if they were to lose. For example, if KC were to lose 16-15 on Wednesday and DC wins 1-0, KC would technically win the East because they'd have scored 55 goals to DC's 53 in that scenario.
The easy way to resolve all of this is to take care of business on Wednesday, a point in the home finale against Philadelphia and Sporting KC will clinch the East. It's that simple, get a result and none of this matters. A point puts KC on 61 points, out of reach of DC's max of 60.
What We Need to Happen Today 10/20
The penultimate weekend of the MLS regular season starts today with 6 games, including Sporting vs New York. There's still plenty to be decided around the league so here's a look at what we want to happen in the rest of the games today.
Montreal at Toronto
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Toronto a while ago, Montreal more recently.
Columbus at DC
What we want to happen - Columbus win
This is two fold. First, a loss by DC (or even a draw) would mean KC is guaranteed to finish about United, clinching them at least a top 3 spot depending on how KC's game in New York goes today. The second reason we should be wanting a Columbus win is because it puts more pressure on the Houston Dynamo, a team that KC has struggled against and I'd like to avoid facing in the playoffs.
Chicago at New England
What we want to happen - New England win
If New England can win and KC gets something positive (win or draw) out of their result with the Red Bulls, and Chicago cannot catch KC. Combine that with the result above and KC would clinch the East with one game to play.
Philadelphia at Houston
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
This is strictly because I don't want KC to have to play Houston in the playoffs. Houston has been a bogey team for KC not just under Peter Vermes, but throughout KC's history. Them not making the playoffs would mean not having to deal with Dominic Kinnear, which I wouldn't mind at all.
Colorado at Chivas
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
Both teams are out of the playoff hunt.
Montreal at Toronto
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Toronto a while ago, Montreal more recently.
Columbus at DC
What we want to happen - Columbus win
This is two fold. First, a loss by DC (or even a draw) would mean KC is guaranteed to finish about United, clinching them at least a top 3 spot depending on how KC's game in New York goes today. The second reason we should be wanting a Columbus win is because it puts more pressure on the Houston Dynamo, a team that KC has struggled against and I'd like to avoid facing in the playoffs.
Chicago at New England
What we want to happen - New England win
If New England can win and KC gets something positive (win or draw) out of their result with the Red Bulls, and Chicago cannot catch KC. Combine that with the result above and KC would clinch the East with one game to play.
Philadelphia at Houston
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
This is strictly because I don't want KC to have to play Houston in the playoffs. Houston has been a bogey team for KC not just under Peter Vermes, but throughout KC's history. Them not making the playoffs would mean not having to deal with Dominic Kinnear, which I wouldn't mind at all.
Colorado at Chivas
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
Both teams are out of the playoff hunt.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Back to Close Out League Play
After having last weekend off due to the international break, Sporting KC is returning to action tomorrow when they'll take on the New York Red Bulls. With only two games left, there's very little room for error as KC looks to hang on to first in the Eastern Conference and home field advantage through at least the conference finals.
New York comes into the game still having not clinched a playoff spot, but currently sitting in 4th place in the East. A win tomorrow and the Red Bulls can clinch not only a playoff spot, but a top 4 finish at the same time. Not only that, but it would put New York within 3 points of Kansas City with 1 game left and New York holding a much superior goals scored number. After the poor performance the last time these two teams met, they'll want to have an improved performance as New York was extremely lackluster in Sporting's 2-0 win in New York back in September. Since that loss, the Red Bulls are 1-1-1, including losing a second game at Red Bull Arena, 2-0 to the Chicago Fire. Tim Cahill has returned from the other side of the world and appears set to start the game for the Red Bulls. Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has labeled KC as the best team in the league ahead of this match up.
Kansas City can clinch a top two spot with a draw in this game, and can come within a point (or a dropped point by Chicago) of clinching the East with a win. Kansas City has continued their 10 game unbeaten run, picking up 22 points during that run which has kept them on top of the East. There are two big questions regarding the game tomorrow for KC though. The first is who will replace Roger Espinoza. Espinoza hurt his ankle near the end of the game against the Crew and will miss at least this game and possibly the season finale against Philadelphia recovering so that he's ready for the playoffs. The obvious replacement would seem to be dropping Graham Zusi into the midfield and inserting Jacob Peterson or possibly Bobby Convey. Another possibility is to leave Zusi up top and insert the likes of Oriol Rosell into the midfield. The other question is whether Peter Vermes sticks with Lawrence Olum at center back or brings back Aurelien Collin to the starting lineup. KC's defense has remained strong with Olum in their, but most fans seem to feel more comfortable with Collin in the back.
Numbers to Remember - 1 - While a win would be fantastic, a point guarantees a top 2 finish and means that KC could clinch the Eastern Conference at home with a win over Philadelphia.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs Tim Cahill - With Espinoza out, the responsibility of handling the Australian international will probably fall on the shoulders of Nagamura. Cahill has backed off his "KC is nothing special" comments, but he's still going to be a massive handful for Nagamura and Sporting to deal with.
PREDICTION - A win would be great and would keep the pressure on San Jose for the Supporters' Shield, but in reality that's out of reach at this point. The key now is to win the East and finish with the second best record in the league, finish ahead of as many teams as possible so that in case San Jose stumble KC can host MLS Cup at LSP. But in New York, against a Red Bulls team that has under achieved is going to be tough. Even with a lame duck coach in Hans Backe who looks very likely to be out of New York after the season.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
NY - 2 (Henry, Cahill)
New York comes into the game still having not clinched a playoff spot, but currently sitting in 4th place in the East. A win tomorrow and the Red Bulls can clinch not only a playoff spot, but a top 4 finish at the same time. Not only that, but it would put New York within 3 points of Kansas City with 1 game left and New York holding a much superior goals scored number. After the poor performance the last time these two teams met, they'll want to have an improved performance as New York was extremely lackluster in Sporting's 2-0 win in New York back in September. Since that loss, the Red Bulls are 1-1-1, including losing a second game at Red Bull Arena, 2-0 to the Chicago Fire. Tim Cahill has returned from the other side of the world and appears set to start the game for the Red Bulls. Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has labeled KC as the best team in the league ahead of this match up.
Kansas City can clinch a top two spot with a draw in this game, and can come within a point (or a dropped point by Chicago) of clinching the East with a win. Kansas City has continued their 10 game unbeaten run, picking up 22 points during that run which has kept them on top of the East. There are two big questions regarding the game tomorrow for KC though. The first is who will replace Roger Espinoza. Espinoza hurt his ankle near the end of the game against the Crew and will miss at least this game and possibly the season finale against Philadelphia recovering so that he's ready for the playoffs. The obvious replacement would seem to be dropping Graham Zusi into the midfield and inserting Jacob Peterson or possibly Bobby Convey. Another possibility is to leave Zusi up top and insert the likes of Oriol Rosell into the midfield. The other question is whether Peter Vermes sticks with Lawrence Olum at center back or brings back Aurelien Collin to the starting lineup. KC's defense has remained strong with Olum in their, but most fans seem to feel more comfortable with Collin in the back.
Nielsen
Myers - Olum - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Nagamura
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Peterson
Numbers to Remember - 1 - While a win would be fantastic, a point guarantees a top 2 finish and means that KC could clinch the Eastern Conference at home with a win over Philadelphia.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs Tim Cahill - With Espinoza out, the responsibility of handling the Australian international will probably fall on the shoulders of Nagamura. Cahill has backed off his "KC is nothing special" comments, but he's still going to be a massive handful for Nagamura and Sporting to deal with.
PREDICTION - A win would be great and would keep the pressure on San Jose for the Supporters' Shield, but in reality that's out of reach at this point. The key now is to win the East and finish with the second best record in the league, finish ahead of as many teams as possible so that in case San Jose stumble KC can host MLS Cup at LSP. But in New York, against a Red Bulls team that has under achieved is going to be tough. Even with a lame duck coach in Hans Backe who looks very likely to be out of New York after the season.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
NY - 2 (Henry, Cahill)
Top Rookie Seasons
Yesterday I read a good article about FC Dallas rookie Matt Hedges and where his season ranks in regards to other Dallas rookie seasons. I decided to take a look at this myself for Sporting KC. Obviously this seasons isn't looking like a stellar year for KC's rookies, in fact currently the 2012 rookie class for KC is set to finish the season with the fewest minutes played of any rookie class in KC's history. Dom Dwyer is the only rookie to appear in a competitive game for Sporting this year totaling 49 minutes in one league and one US Open Cup appearance. Unless he appears over the last two games, this rookie class will finish below the 2003 class that featured Taylor Graham and Jack Jewsbury making a combined 4 league appearances for a total of 71 minutes their rookie year.
Back to the top rookie seasons in KC's history. The first thing I did was disqualify any player who had played professionally previously (the MLS drafts used to allow you to draft players from the lower divisions as well as college players), so that means no Kerry Zavagnin, Brandon Prideaux, or Ryan Tinsley on this list as all played professionally in the US lower divisions before being drafted by KC. I wanted this to be about straight rookies, just out of college. I looked mainly at their contributions ONLY in their rookie season trying to avoid looking at how the rest of their careers has shaped how they're viewed.
So who just missed out on the list? Two players that just missed that are currently on KC's roster, Matt Besler (2009), Chris Brown (1999), and Diego Gutierrez (1996). All 3 had solid rookie seasons, Besler appearing in 28 of the 30 league games, Brown scoring 4 goals and assisting on 3 more while appearing in 28 games, and Gutierrez appearing in 28 games recording 5 assists in the leagues first season, but I think they both just miss out on making this list, but it's not by much. So here's the top 5.
Number 5 - Teal Bunbury 2010
The Generation Adidas, University of Akron product became the first son of a MLS player to be drafted into the league, following in the footsteps of his dad, Alex Bunbury, who also played for Kansas City. Under Peter Vermes, Bunbury was brought along fairly slowly his rookie year, now earning his first league start until about 8 games into the season. He scored in the US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado early in the season, but it was July before his first league goal. Bunbury finished the season appearing in 26games, starting 13, scoring 5 goals, 2 of which were game winners, and 2 assists.
Since that time, Bunbury has been a bit of a polarizing figure for KC. Some fans of grown tired of his perceived lack of hustle, especially compared to KC's rookie the next year CJ Sapong. But Bunbury has still played quite well, scoring 19 league goals, 24 in all competitions, he tied for the team lead in goals in league play last season with 9, and led in all competitions with 12. He was having another solid year this year before he tore his ACL vs New York.
Number 4 - Michael Harrington 2007
Over the course of his rookie year, Harrington, a UNC product supplanted the team's reigning MVP and MLS Best XI defender Jose Burciaga Jr at the left back position. Granted some of that was Burciaga's own undoing, but Harrington played a role in it and definitely made Burciaga expendable after the season. Harrington played in 29 of KC's 30 games that year starting 27 of them. He contributed 3 goals and 4 assists, including what at the time was the fastest debut goal, although it was topped by CJ Sapong 4 years later.
Since his rookie year, Harrington has been a solid contributor to KC, appearing in over 150 league games for the club. Most of that time has been at the left back position, but he's seen himself around the wingback and win positions especially under Curt Onalfo. The last season and a half though his playing time has decreased as Seth Sinovic and Chance Myers have emerged successfully at the wingback positions.
Number 3 - Scott Sealy 2005
Sealy is the rookie record holder for most goals in a rookie season. The Wake Forest product scored 9 goals and assisted on 2 more in his rookie season. That was good enough for second on the team, 1 behind Josh Wolff. He appeared in 28 of the 32 games that year for KC, starting 20 of them.
Sealy continued to be a fairly solid contributor for KC over the next few years, leading the team in scoring in 2006 with 10 and added another 7 in 2007. In 2008 though he found his time with the team slipping away and was traded to San Jose around midseason. After a few seasons in San Jose he moved abroad to Israel before coming back to San Jose. He's now with Dallas, mainly playing as a reserve.
Number 2 - CJ Sapong 2011
Last year's MLS rookie of the year and James Madison product comes in second on my list of the top rookies. Sapong was forced into the starting lineup at the very beginning of the 2011 season due to the elbow injury to Teal Bunbury. Sapong made the most of that opportunity scoring in only the second minute of the game. Sapong went on to finish the season with 5 goals, good for 4th on the team and 5 assists, good for 2nd, all in league play. In all competitions he added another 4 goals to his total. He also made the most appearances for the club in the season, playing in 40 of the teams 41 games in all competitions, including all 34 league games.
This season Sapong has continued to play well, with little sign of a sophomore slump. He's scored 8 more league goals this year, second on the team behind Kei Kamara and has hit double digits in all competitions with 10.
Number 1 - Nick Garcia 2000
It's hard to have a season that tops one that won rookie of the year, but that's my feelings on Nick Garcia's 2000 season. Garcia was part of a 3 man back line that set records left and right for defensive ability in the 2000 season. The Indian University, Project-40 graduate (precursor to Generation Adidas) was the second overall pick in the 200 draft, played every single minute of every single game that KC played in the 2000 seasons. Him and Peter Vermes started all 40 games in all competitions, amassing over 3,600 minutes. He missed out on rookie of the year, finishing second to future US national team captain, Carlos Bocanegra.
Garcia became a staple in the KC back line for the next 7 seasons, and left as the team leader in appearances and in minutes played (he's since been passed in both by Kerry Zavagnin and by Davy Arnaud in appearances). Garcia was traded to expansion San Jose for the first overall pick that KC used on Chance Myers. Garcia played a couple season with the Earthquakes before being traded to Toronto. He played two more seasons there before note being selected in the Re-Entry draft.
So do you agree? Disagree with my list of the top 5? Does Sapong's rookie of the year trump Garcia? Should Besler, Gutierrez, Brown, or another rookie have made the top 5 instead? Let me know.
Back to the top rookie seasons in KC's history. The first thing I did was disqualify any player who had played professionally previously (the MLS drafts used to allow you to draft players from the lower divisions as well as college players), so that means no Kerry Zavagnin, Brandon Prideaux, or Ryan Tinsley on this list as all played professionally in the US lower divisions before being drafted by KC. I wanted this to be about straight rookies, just out of college. I looked mainly at their contributions ONLY in their rookie season trying to avoid looking at how the rest of their careers has shaped how they're viewed.
So who just missed out on the list? Two players that just missed that are currently on KC's roster, Matt Besler (2009), Chris Brown (1999), and Diego Gutierrez (1996). All 3 had solid rookie seasons, Besler appearing in 28 of the 30 league games, Brown scoring 4 goals and assisting on 3 more while appearing in 28 games, and Gutierrez appearing in 28 games recording 5 assists in the leagues first season, but I think they both just miss out on making this list, but it's not by much. So here's the top 5.
Number 5 - Teal Bunbury 2010
The Generation Adidas, University of Akron product became the first son of a MLS player to be drafted into the league, following in the footsteps of his dad, Alex Bunbury, who also played for Kansas City. Under Peter Vermes, Bunbury was brought along fairly slowly his rookie year, now earning his first league start until about 8 games into the season. He scored in the US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado early in the season, but it was July before his first league goal. Bunbury finished the season appearing in 26games, starting 13, scoring 5 goals, 2 of which were game winners, and 2 assists.
Since that time, Bunbury has been a bit of a polarizing figure for KC. Some fans of grown tired of his perceived lack of hustle, especially compared to KC's rookie the next year CJ Sapong. But Bunbury has still played quite well, scoring 19 league goals, 24 in all competitions, he tied for the team lead in goals in league play last season with 9, and led in all competitions with 12. He was having another solid year this year before he tore his ACL vs New York.
Number 4 - Michael Harrington 2007
Over the course of his rookie year, Harrington, a UNC product supplanted the team's reigning MVP and MLS Best XI defender Jose Burciaga Jr at the left back position. Granted some of that was Burciaga's own undoing, but Harrington played a role in it and definitely made Burciaga expendable after the season. Harrington played in 29 of KC's 30 games that year starting 27 of them. He contributed 3 goals and 4 assists, including what at the time was the fastest debut goal, although it was topped by CJ Sapong 4 years later.
Since his rookie year, Harrington has been a solid contributor to KC, appearing in over 150 league games for the club. Most of that time has been at the left back position, but he's seen himself around the wingback and win positions especially under Curt Onalfo. The last season and a half though his playing time has decreased as Seth Sinovic and Chance Myers have emerged successfully at the wingback positions.
Number 3 - Scott Sealy 2005
Sealy is the rookie record holder for most goals in a rookie season. The Wake Forest product scored 9 goals and assisted on 2 more in his rookie season. That was good enough for second on the team, 1 behind Josh Wolff. He appeared in 28 of the 32 games that year for KC, starting 20 of them.
Sealy continued to be a fairly solid contributor for KC over the next few years, leading the team in scoring in 2006 with 10 and added another 7 in 2007. In 2008 though he found his time with the team slipping away and was traded to San Jose around midseason. After a few seasons in San Jose he moved abroad to Israel before coming back to San Jose. He's now with Dallas, mainly playing as a reserve.
Number 2 - CJ Sapong 2011
Last year's MLS rookie of the year and James Madison product comes in second on my list of the top rookies. Sapong was forced into the starting lineup at the very beginning of the 2011 season due to the elbow injury to Teal Bunbury. Sapong made the most of that opportunity scoring in only the second minute of the game. Sapong went on to finish the season with 5 goals, good for 4th on the team and 5 assists, good for 2nd, all in league play. In all competitions he added another 4 goals to his total. He also made the most appearances for the club in the season, playing in 40 of the teams 41 games in all competitions, including all 34 league games.
This season Sapong has continued to play well, with little sign of a sophomore slump. He's scored 8 more league goals this year, second on the team behind Kei Kamara and has hit double digits in all competitions with 10.
Number 1 - Nick Garcia 2000
It's hard to have a season that tops one that won rookie of the year, but that's my feelings on Nick Garcia's 2000 season. Garcia was part of a 3 man back line that set records left and right for defensive ability in the 2000 season. The Indian University, Project-40 graduate (precursor to Generation Adidas) was the second overall pick in the 200 draft, played every single minute of every single game that KC played in the 2000 seasons. Him and Peter Vermes started all 40 games in all competitions, amassing over 3,600 minutes. He missed out on rookie of the year, finishing second to future US national team captain, Carlos Bocanegra.
Garcia became a staple in the KC back line for the next 7 seasons, and left as the team leader in appearances and in minutes played (he's since been passed in both by Kerry Zavagnin and by Davy Arnaud in appearances). Garcia was traded to expansion San Jose for the first overall pick that KC used on Chance Myers. Garcia played a couple season with the Earthquakes before being traded to Toronto. He played two more seasons there before note being selected in the Re-Entry draft.
So do you agree? Disagree with my list of the top 5? Does Sapong's rookie of the year trump Garcia? Should Besler, Gutierrez, Brown, or another rookie have made the top 5 instead? Let me know.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, and Sporting KC
This will hopefully be the last few things I say on the Lance Armstrong/Livestrong/Sporting KC situation unless the team decides to address the situation again.
Sponsors continue to flee from Lance Armstrong like rats from a sinking ship as the ramifications of the USADA report on his doping really begin to sink in. Nike, 24 Hour Fitness, and Anheuser Busch are all among the list of sponsors of Armstrong who have pulled their sponsorship of the cyclist. Armstrong has also stepped down as the chair of Livestrong the cancer awareness organization he helped found. Armstrong does still remain on the board of the organization.
The big question now for Livestrong is whether it can weather the storm surrounding Armstrong because of the connection that existed and continues to exist between the two. So far at least two of their sponsors that also sponsored Armstrong have said they'll stick with the charity. Both Nike and Radio Shack have said that they still support the work being done by Livestrong. At the moment, this seems to be the smart move to take, you don't want to be branded as turning your back on an organization that helps people while they are fighting for their life. Sporting KC is currently in this category as an organization that has partnered with Livestrong, right now isn't the right time to abandon the charity. Plenty of people are calling for the stadium to be renamed because of Livestrong's association with Armstrong, but at the same time there are those that would see it as abandoning an organization that has done good in their hour of need.
Now yes Sporting could go and just give the name to another charity, one that does real research in actually fighting cancer and trying to find a cure, but none of those organizations have the same global recognition as Livestrong currently does. And that was one of the key points I think originally of the deal, it was to bring more name recognition to the team by the association with the organization.
At this time I still don't think there's a reason to split from the deal between the team and Livestrong. I do though think that Sporting KC needs to be keeping a very close eye on the situation, just like I'm sure they have from day one. There was always the chance that further allegations and eventually further evidence coming out implicating Armstrong. Not believing that was possible is stupid and short sighted, both of which are the exact opposite of 90% of what the club does. But if things go further and organizations like Nike and Radio Shack pull their support then it's time to get out as well. I'm not saying that they haven't already, I'm sure that the people that need to have read over the information from the USADA and I'm sure it's been a topic of discussion. I just think that withdrawing support now could be seen as just as bad a PR move for the team to be the first to pull their support.
One thing that does need to happen, if not already is that the yellow seat needs to stop being referred to as being reserved for Lance Armstrong. The name just brings out poor connotations to people after this and continuing to refer to it as such doesn't seem right to me. You can keep it yellow, but just refer to it as the Livestrong Seat, or that it's reserved for a cancer survivor. Just stop referring to it as being reserved for him.
Sponsors continue to flee from Lance Armstrong like rats from a sinking ship as the ramifications of the USADA report on his doping really begin to sink in. Nike, 24 Hour Fitness, and Anheuser Busch are all among the list of sponsors of Armstrong who have pulled their sponsorship of the cyclist. Armstrong has also stepped down as the chair of Livestrong the cancer awareness organization he helped found. Armstrong does still remain on the board of the organization.
The big question now for Livestrong is whether it can weather the storm surrounding Armstrong because of the connection that existed and continues to exist between the two. So far at least two of their sponsors that also sponsored Armstrong have said they'll stick with the charity. Both Nike and Radio Shack have said that they still support the work being done by Livestrong. At the moment, this seems to be the smart move to take, you don't want to be branded as turning your back on an organization that helps people while they are fighting for their life. Sporting KC is currently in this category as an organization that has partnered with Livestrong, right now isn't the right time to abandon the charity. Plenty of people are calling for the stadium to be renamed because of Livestrong's association with Armstrong, but at the same time there are those that would see it as abandoning an organization that has done good in their hour of need.
Now yes Sporting could go and just give the name to another charity, one that does real research in actually fighting cancer and trying to find a cure, but none of those organizations have the same global recognition as Livestrong currently does. And that was one of the key points I think originally of the deal, it was to bring more name recognition to the team by the association with the organization.
At this time I still don't think there's a reason to split from the deal between the team and Livestrong. I do though think that Sporting KC needs to be keeping a very close eye on the situation, just like I'm sure they have from day one. There was always the chance that further allegations and eventually further evidence coming out implicating Armstrong. Not believing that was possible is stupid and short sighted, both of which are the exact opposite of 90% of what the club does. But if things go further and organizations like Nike and Radio Shack pull their support then it's time to get out as well. I'm not saying that they haven't already, I'm sure that the people that need to have read over the information from the USADA and I'm sure it's been a topic of discussion. I just think that withdrawing support now could be seen as just as bad a PR move for the team to be the first to pull their support.
One thing that does need to happen, if not already is that the yellow seat needs to stop being referred to as being reserved for Lance Armstrong. The name just brings out poor connotations to people after this and continuing to refer to it as such doesn't seem right to me. You can keep it yellow, but just refer to it as the Livestrong Seat, or that it's reserved for a cancer survivor. Just stop referring to it as being reserved for him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates. Few league games this week due to the international break, but plenty of former players were representing their national team, including a surprising inclusion to me, as Jermaine Hue played in both of Jamaica's qualifiers in this set of matches. Here's the rest of this week's updates.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Play Seattle tonight.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in the USA's 2-1 win over Antigua. Started and played 89 minutes, recording an assist in the USA's 3-1 win over Guatemala. Play Salt Lake tonight.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - No game this week.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to Guatemala. Dressed but did not play in Jamaica's 4-1 win over Antigua.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - No game this week.
Josh Wolff - DC - No game this week.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over San Antonio.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 84 minutes in Carolina's 3-3 draw with Tampa.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not dress in Carolina's 3-3 draw with Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Cruz Azul's 3-2 win over Queretaro.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Started and played 62 minutes in India's 2-0 loss to Singapore.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 4-1 win over French Guyana. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 1-0 win over St. Kitts. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 10-0 win over Anguilla.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 73 minutes in the USA's 2-1 win over Antigua. Started and played 65 minutes in the USA's 3-1 win over Guatemala.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 82 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to Guatemala. Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 4-1 win over Antigua.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in either of Bahia's games.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not play in Hjorring's 2-1 win over Bronshoj.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 3-1 loss to Italy.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - No game this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Play Seattle tonight.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - No game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in the USA's 2-1 win over Antigua. Started and played 89 minutes, recording an assist in the USA's 3-1 win over Guatemala. Play Salt Lake tonight.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - No game this week.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to Guatemala. Dressed but did not play in Jamaica's 4-1 win over Antigua.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - No game this week.
Josh Wolff - DC - No game this week.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over San Antonio.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 84 minutes in Carolina's 3-3 draw with Tampa.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not dress in Carolina's 3-3 draw with Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Cruz Azul's 3-2 win over Queretaro.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Started and played 62 minutes in India's 2-0 loss to Singapore.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 4-1 win over French Guyana. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 1-0 win over St. Kitts. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 10-0 win over Anguilla.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 73 minutes in the USA's 2-1 win over Antigua. Started and played 65 minutes in the USA's 3-1 win over Guatemala.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 82 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to Guatemala. Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 4-1 win over Antigua.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in either of Bahia's games.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not play in Hjorring's 2-1 win over Bronshoj.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 3-1 loss to Italy.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - No game this week.
TV News and What We Want to Happen Today 10/17
A bit of news that might have been missed due to the US game yesterday. Sporting announced that NBC Sports has picked up the team's final game of the season, October 24th at home against Philadelphia. The game will still be shown on KSMO in Kansas City, and the NBC Sports broadcast will be blacked out locally. I'm not sure many people in KC that can't make the game will care, cause that means they'll still get Callum and Jake instead of the NBC Sports broadcasters. This will be the 5th time that NBC Sports has broadcasted from LSP this season, a shocking number considering only 2 years ago KC struggled to get ANY games broadcasted nationally.
What we want to happen today.
Only one day after the US national team game, MLS gets back to action tonight as Seattle and Salt Lake play on NBC Sports.
Salt Lake at Seattle
What we want to happen - tie
A tie would mean that KC would require just one more point from their last two games to guarantee that these two teams can't pass them in the standings. That result coupled with a point by KC would mean 4 of the 5 Western Conference playoff teams can't pass KC in points. What that would mean is that the only way MLS Cup would be played away from KC should Sporting make it would be if San Jose makes it as well.
Sporting KC to Light Plaza Lights
The Plaza lighting ceremony is a pretty big deal in Kansas City, it's been an ongoing tradition entering it's 83rd year. And this Thanksgiving night, it'll have a soccer feel to it. Sporting KC players Matt Besler, Kei Kamara, and Jimmy Nielsen will be throwing the switch this year. Pretty sure this will be the first time soccer players will be the ones throwing the switch.
What we want to happen today.
Only one day after the US national team game, MLS gets back to action tonight as Seattle and Salt Lake play on NBC Sports.
Salt Lake at Seattle
What we want to happen - tie
A tie would mean that KC would require just one more point from their last two games to guarantee that these two teams can't pass them in the standings. That result coupled with a point by KC would mean 4 of the 5 Western Conference playoff teams can't pass KC in points. What that would mean is that the only way MLS Cup would be played away from KC should Sporting make it would be if San Jose makes it as well.
Sporting KC to Light Plaza Lights
The Plaza lighting ceremony is a pretty big deal in Kansas City, it's been an ongoing tradition entering it's 83rd year. And this Thanksgiving night, it'll have a soccer feel to it. Sporting KC players Matt Besler, Kei Kamara, and Jimmy Nielsen will be throwing the switch this year. Pretty sure this will be the first time soccer players will be the ones throwing the switch.
USA Advance to Hex
Last night at Livestrong Sporting Park the United States took care of their business and advanced to the next round of World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 win over Guatemala. After going down 1-0 early, the US scored 3 unanswered to get the victory.
The first goal was a disaster for the US back line, as Geoff Cameron stepped up while Carlos Bocanegra did not and a long ball over the top put Carlos Ruiz in behind the US defense. While Ruiz raced down on goal, Tim Howard stayed back not committing until late. Ruiz rounded Howard and slotted the ball into the net giving Guatemala a shocking 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long though as the US immediately pushed the game. In the 10th minute thanks to some great hustle from Herculez Gomez the US won a corner. Graham Zusi's driven corner was headed towards goal by Clint Dempsey. Bocanegra raced in and redirected the header past Ricardo Jerez and tied the game. The US grabbed the lead in the 18th minute with some good play down the right wing. Steve Cherundolo played a ball down the line to Eddie Johnson. Johnson got down the line and played a low cross into the middle where Dempsey scuffed the shot but it got into the net giving the United States the lead. Howard was called in to make a big save shortly after that as again the US back line struggled to deal with Guatemala's attack, but Howard parried the shot away. The US continued to push the game looking for another goal. In the 29th minute Zusi played a great ball to the back post for Johnson. Johnson headed the ball into the middle but Jerez got to it before Herculez Gomez ending the chance. In the 36th minute the US finally found their 3rd, Zusi had the ball on the wing and dribbled at the Guatemalan defense before laying the ball off to Michael Bradley. Bradley's first touch let him down but the ball went to Gomez. Bradley though continued his run and Gomez laid the ball back off to him. In on goal, Jerez came off his line. Bradley chipped the ball over Jerez and was headed towards goal. Dempsey raced in and made sure that the ball got into the net making it 3-1.
At the half down two goals, Guatemala was on the outside looking in on the Hex as Jamaica was up 2 on Antigua in the other game, making up the goal difference gap. In the second half though it was the US that seemed to be the one pushing more. Jerez made a nice save on long range shot from Danny Williams. the rebound fell to Johnson but Jerez was up again and made another good save to keep Guatemala in the game. Immediately after that the US had another good chance as Gomez got played in behind the Guatemalan defense. Gomez got caught though and had to move out wide. The chance wasn't gone though as Gomez played a great cross to the back post where Dempsey just missed connecting on the header that would have made it 4. Guatemala started to push more needing a goal to get themselves back into the Hex picture. In the 66th minute Howard almost gifted them a goal as a low cross by Jose Contreras was not held by Howard. Still with some good reactions, Howard kicked away the muffed collection to keep the 2 goal lead. The US continued to push and should have had a penalty in the 70th minute as Bradley cut past a defender in the box. Bradley was brought down but the referee made no call. In the other game Jamaica scored twice more while Antigua got one themselves to make it 4-1 to Jamaica. But being down on goal difference, Guatemala never really looked into pushing the game and getting themselves back into the Hex. They didn't push the game as much as I thought they would considering they were outside qualifying. Still the final whistle blew and Guatemala just never seemed interested in pushing it and the US guaranteed their passage and sent Guatemala home.
A month ago Columbus raised the bar for US support in the US-Jamaica game and last night, Kansas City matched it in my opinion. The crowd was amazing throughout the game, and while it was below capacity because they couldn't sell standing room only tickets and a portion of the Budweiser corner was taken out for the ESPN broadcast, contributing to the lower number, KC put themselves easily into the discussion for a Hex game some time next year. Robb Heineman tweeted that he thought the performance earned KC the US-Mexico game next year. I'm not sure I'd go that far, I'd be hesitant to go against what's worked in Columbus for US-Mexico, but I'd be shocked if KC didn't get another important game, possibly Costa Rica or Honduras.
The first goal was a disaster for the US back line, as Geoff Cameron stepped up while Carlos Bocanegra did not and a long ball over the top put Carlos Ruiz in behind the US defense. While Ruiz raced down on goal, Tim Howard stayed back not committing until late. Ruiz rounded Howard and slotted the ball into the net giving Guatemala a shocking 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long though as the US immediately pushed the game. In the 10th minute thanks to some great hustle from Herculez Gomez the US won a corner. Graham Zusi's driven corner was headed towards goal by Clint Dempsey. Bocanegra raced in and redirected the header past Ricardo Jerez and tied the game. The US grabbed the lead in the 18th minute with some good play down the right wing. Steve Cherundolo played a ball down the line to Eddie Johnson. Johnson got down the line and played a low cross into the middle where Dempsey scuffed the shot but it got into the net giving the United States the lead. Howard was called in to make a big save shortly after that as again the US back line struggled to deal with Guatemala's attack, but Howard parried the shot away. The US continued to push the game looking for another goal. In the 29th minute Zusi played a great ball to the back post for Johnson. Johnson headed the ball into the middle but Jerez got to it before Herculez Gomez ending the chance. In the 36th minute the US finally found their 3rd, Zusi had the ball on the wing and dribbled at the Guatemalan defense before laying the ball off to Michael Bradley. Bradley's first touch let him down but the ball went to Gomez. Bradley though continued his run and Gomez laid the ball back off to him. In on goal, Jerez came off his line. Bradley chipped the ball over Jerez and was headed towards goal. Dempsey raced in and made sure that the ball got into the net making it 3-1.
At the half down two goals, Guatemala was on the outside looking in on the Hex as Jamaica was up 2 on Antigua in the other game, making up the goal difference gap. In the second half though it was the US that seemed to be the one pushing more. Jerez made a nice save on long range shot from Danny Williams. the rebound fell to Johnson but Jerez was up again and made another good save to keep Guatemala in the game. Immediately after that the US had another good chance as Gomez got played in behind the Guatemalan defense. Gomez got caught though and had to move out wide. The chance wasn't gone though as Gomez played a great cross to the back post where Dempsey just missed connecting on the header that would have made it 4. Guatemala started to push more needing a goal to get themselves back into the Hex picture. In the 66th minute Howard almost gifted them a goal as a low cross by Jose Contreras was not held by Howard. Still with some good reactions, Howard kicked away the muffed collection to keep the 2 goal lead. The US continued to push and should have had a penalty in the 70th minute as Bradley cut past a defender in the box. Bradley was brought down but the referee made no call. In the other game Jamaica scored twice more while Antigua got one themselves to make it 4-1 to Jamaica. But being down on goal difference, Guatemala never really looked into pushing the game and getting themselves back into the Hex. They didn't push the game as much as I thought they would considering they were outside qualifying. Still the final whistle blew and Guatemala just never seemed interested in pushing it and the US guaranteed their passage and sent Guatemala home.
A month ago Columbus raised the bar for US support in the US-Jamaica game and last night, Kansas City matched it in my opinion. The crowd was amazing throughout the game, and while it was below capacity because they couldn't sell standing room only tickets and a portion of the Budweiser corner was taken out for the ESPN broadcast, contributing to the lower number, KC put themselves easily into the discussion for a Hex game some time next year. Robb Heineman tweeted that he thought the performance earned KC the US-Mexico game next year. I'm not sure I'd go that far, I'd be hesitant to go against what's worked in Columbus for US-Mexico, but I'd be shocked if KC didn't get another important game, possibly Costa Rica or Honduras.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Wigan Close to Signing Espinoza?
Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza has been a transfer target of multiple teams after his stellar performance in the Olympics this summer. There was no move made during the summer window although the rumors were rampant. With Espinoza out of contract after this season though he becomes a free agent. And if you want to believe news out of England, Espinoza is ready to jump abroad after the season finishes. The Daily Mail is reporting that Espinoza has agreed to sign for Wigan Athletic after the season ends.
There is one problem with the article, but in my opinion it's semantics. The article says that the MLS season ends next month, which isn't technically true as the season ends on December 1st. And yes I know it's the Daily Mail, but it's certainly not been the only site to report Wigan's interest in the KC midfielder. Most fans I think had resigned themselves to the fact that Espinoza was likely gone. I'd fully expected his performance in the Olympics. Only I expected it to be a Mexican league team that came calling for him, not an EPL team. I know Robb Heineman has said that they'd do everything that they could to keep Espinoza, and I do believe they will do everything in their power to keep him here, but that's not always enough.
There is one problem with the article, but in my opinion it's semantics. The article says that the MLS season ends next month, which isn't technically true as the season ends on December 1st. And yes I know it's the Daily Mail, but it's certainly not been the only site to report Wigan's interest in the KC midfielder. Most fans I think had resigned themselves to the fact that Espinoza was likely gone. I'd fully expected his performance in the Olympics. Only I expected it to be a Mexican league team that came calling for him, not an EPL team. I know Robb Heineman has said that they'd do everything that they could to keep Espinoza, and I do believe they will do everything in their power to keep him here, but that's not always enough.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Some Thoughts About Tomorrow
Tomorrow at Livestrong Sporting Park is a very big World Cup qualifier between the United States and Guatemala. A spot in next year's Hex is on the line with the chance to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. A draw will see both the US and Guatemala through ahead of Jamaica who play Antigua. Here are some random thoughts about the game.
Get there early
Parking is going to be an absolute mess. With the lots on the Speedway side of State Ave. shut down for the NASCAR race this weekend, 20,000 people will be squeezing into the Community America Ballpark and other lots around the Legends area. It's going to be an absolute cluster fuck so I suggest getting there as early as possible.
Don't wear club gear
Almost everyone knows I'm a club over country guy, I'll choose a Sporting game over a US game most of the time, but there's no reason for that to come into play tomorrow. Sporting is off so my Sporting stuff will stay at home. I strongly suggest that you do the same. Don't brin petty club arguments into the tailgate or into the stadium with you. Sure the jersey may still say Donovan on the back, but on the front it's not a US jersey. It's not a hard concept to understand. That leads to my next point.
Wear red
Or a US jersey. For as long as I remember watching or attending US games, the supporters section of the United States has always worn red as a way to support the team. It's the color of choice unless you're wearing a US jersey. So if you don't have a US jersey, find something red that you can wear and wear that for the game.
The chants are quite similar
The chants and songs that are done by the American Outlaws and US supporters aren't much different from the ones that are done for Sporting. You can basically replace KC or Sporting with US and you have the majoirty of the chants. So don't feel bad if you don't know them right away. The I believe chant is one that really took off after last year's Gold Cup game at LSP.
Expect Guatemala to "park the bus"
With Guatemala only needing a draw to advance, don't expect them to come out flying in the attack. They'll sit back, play 10-11 behind the ball and try to make this game a dull 0-0 affair. With Jamaica-Antigua kicking off at the same time, they'll have an eye on the other game if they do give up a goal. Because if Jamaica and Antigua is close, Guatemala could even get through with a low scoring loss. Should things get closer the game could get quite exciting if the US do score early. That's going to be the best way for the game to open up tomorrow, an early goal will certainly help that. For a further look at potential results see my post from Saturday.
Enjoy the game
Last time KC hosted a World Cup qualifier, it was 11 years ago. I don't expect it to be that long before KC hosts another World Cup qualifier, but they don't come around every day. Enjoy the atmosphere for the US game. This is going to be my 4th cap, and third World Cup qualifier I've attended. And it'll be just as fun. Eleven years ago Kansas City showed for at least one night that they were a soccer city, and now they're proving it on a regular basis, but it's time to show it again at the national level.
Get there early
Parking is going to be an absolute mess. With the lots on the Speedway side of State Ave. shut down for the NASCAR race this weekend, 20,000 people will be squeezing into the Community America Ballpark and other lots around the Legends area. It's going to be an absolute cluster fuck so I suggest getting there as early as possible.
Don't wear club gear
Almost everyone knows I'm a club over country guy, I'll choose a Sporting game over a US game most of the time, but there's no reason for that to come into play tomorrow. Sporting is off so my Sporting stuff will stay at home. I strongly suggest that you do the same. Don't brin petty club arguments into the tailgate or into the stadium with you. Sure the jersey may still say Donovan on the back, but on the front it's not a US jersey. It's not a hard concept to understand. That leads to my next point.
Wear red
Or a US jersey. For as long as I remember watching or attending US games, the supporters section of the United States has always worn red as a way to support the team. It's the color of choice unless you're wearing a US jersey. So if you don't have a US jersey, find something red that you can wear and wear that for the game.
The chants are quite similar
The chants and songs that are done by the American Outlaws and US supporters aren't much different from the ones that are done for Sporting. You can basically replace KC or Sporting with US and you have the majoirty of the chants. So don't feel bad if you don't know them right away. The I believe chant is one that really took off after last year's Gold Cup game at LSP.
Expect Guatemala to "park the bus"
With Guatemala only needing a draw to advance, don't expect them to come out flying in the attack. They'll sit back, play 10-11 behind the ball and try to make this game a dull 0-0 affair. With Jamaica-Antigua kicking off at the same time, they'll have an eye on the other game if they do give up a goal. Because if Jamaica and Antigua is close, Guatemala could even get through with a low scoring loss. Should things get closer the game could get quite exciting if the US do score early. That's going to be the best way for the game to open up tomorrow, an early goal will certainly help that. For a further look at potential results see my post from Saturday.
Enjoy the game
Last time KC hosted a World Cup qualifier, it was 11 years ago. I don't expect it to be that long before KC hosts another World Cup qualifier, but they don't come around every day. Enjoy the atmosphere for the US game. This is going to be my 4th cap, and third World Cup qualifier I've attended. And it'll be just as fun. Eleven years ago Kansas City showed for at least one night that they were a soccer city, and now they're proving it on a regular basis, but it's time to show it again at the national level.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Kamara and Sierra Leone Eliminated From African Cup of Nations
Needing a win or a high scoring draw in their African Cup of Nations qualifier today, Kei Kamara and the Sierra Leone national team ended up tying Tunisia 0-0 in Tunisia, sending the North African country to the African Cup of Nations in January by virtue of their 2 goals in the first leg in Freetown Sierra Leone.
Things didn't get off to a good start as they picked up a red card in the 25th minute, forcing them to spend the majority of the game playing a man down. Still while a man down, the Leone Stars still created chances. Kei Kamara put a ball in the back of the net, but was rightly ruled offside on the play. Being down a man, Tunisia had the bulk of the possession, but Sierra Leone looked quite dangerous on the counter attack. Late on Sierra Leone had another goal ruled out after a foul on the goal keeper off a corner kick. The keeper came to claim it and collided with a Leone Stars player. Another player put it into the net, but the foul had been called. Overall Kamara had a very good game, considering he was left isolated as a loan forward after the red card. It's a disappointing end to their run in hopes of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Sierra Leone's sights will be set back towards the 2014 World Cup, their next qualifier is in March of next year when they will take on the same Tunisia side.
Things didn't get off to a good start as they picked up a red card in the 25th minute, forcing them to spend the majority of the game playing a man down. Still while a man down, the Leone Stars still created chances. Kei Kamara put a ball in the back of the net, but was rightly ruled offside on the play. Being down a man, Tunisia had the bulk of the possession, but Sierra Leone looked quite dangerous on the counter attack. Late on Sierra Leone had another goal ruled out after a foul on the goal keeper off a corner kick. The keeper came to claim it and collided with a Leone Stars player. Another player put it into the net, but the foul had been called. Overall Kamara had a very good game, considering he was left isolated as a loan forward after the red card. It's a disappointing end to their run in hopes of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Sierra Leone's sights will be set back towards the 2014 World Cup, their next qualifier is in March of next year when they will take on the same Tunisia side.
Early Look at Tuesday
Now that we've all had a chance to settle down from what was a fairly drab performance from the US men's national team last night in Antigua, it's now time to look towards Tuesday and the game at Livestrong Sporting Park against Guatemala. Along with the USA's 2-1 win, Guatemala defeated Jamaica at home 2-1. Here is how the groups look right now.
So after last night, Guatemala and the US are tied at the top of the group on 10 points. The US is currently ahead of Guatemala on the 7th tie breaker, goals scored away from home between the two teams (US has one, Guatemala zero because the return leg hasn't been played).
For the US, things are fairly simple as a whole, if you don't lose at home you're through to the Hex. That's a simple enough task for the US, as they haven't lost a World Cup qualifier on home soil since 2001 when they lost 2-1 to Honduras at RFK Stadium. Only one player on the current roster, Steve Cherundolo, was on that team that lost that day (Landon Donovan was on the team as well, but he's no longer in camp due to injury).
A loss would be devastating for Guatemala though as Jamaica is hosting Antigua & Barbuda the same night, and with Antigua having failed to win a game yet, Jamaica would seem primed to finish play on 10 points. The US and Guatemala though could play to a draw and both teams would advance with 11 points as that would put them out of reach of Jamaica. With that said, I'd expect Guatemala to come in and immediately sit back, playing for the draw as they'd know that would see them through. Could make for a frustrating night for the United States unless they score early. An early goal would force Guatemala to come out and attack looking to get back level.
The worst thing that could happen for the US is a loss, but it wouldn't eliminate them from qualifying, but things become more difficult. One way that the US could still advance is if Jamaica fails to beat their Caribbean rival in Kingston, that would leave Jamaica on 7 or 8 points, below the US. If the US loses and Jamaica wins, the goal difference in the 2 matches can be 2 (US lose 1-0, Jamaica win 1-0) and the US would still advance on goal difference, +2 to +1. If the goal difference in the 2 games is 3, Jamaica cannot outscore the US by 4 goals, or else they'll pass the US in the goals scored category, putting the US out.
So there's a quick look for you at what can happen on Tuesday at Livestrong Sporting Park. To make it easy, how about we just win?
| Team | GP | W | L | D | Points | GF | GA | GD |
| USA | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Guatemala | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Jamaica | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Antigua & Barbuda | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | -6 |
So after last night, Guatemala and the US are tied at the top of the group on 10 points. The US is currently ahead of Guatemala on the 7th tie breaker, goals scored away from home between the two teams (US has one, Guatemala zero because the return leg hasn't been played).
For the US, things are fairly simple as a whole, if you don't lose at home you're through to the Hex. That's a simple enough task for the US, as they haven't lost a World Cup qualifier on home soil since 2001 when they lost 2-1 to Honduras at RFK Stadium. Only one player on the current roster, Steve Cherundolo, was on that team that lost that day (Landon Donovan was on the team as well, but he's no longer in camp due to injury).
A loss would be devastating for Guatemala though as Jamaica is hosting Antigua & Barbuda the same night, and with Antigua having failed to win a game yet, Jamaica would seem primed to finish play on 10 points. The US and Guatemala though could play to a draw and both teams would advance with 11 points as that would put them out of reach of Jamaica. With that said, I'd expect Guatemala to come in and immediately sit back, playing for the draw as they'd know that would see them through. Could make for a frustrating night for the United States unless they score early. An early goal would force Guatemala to come out and attack looking to get back level.
The worst thing that could happen for the US is a loss, but it wouldn't eliminate them from qualifying, but things become more difficult. One way that the US could still advance is if Jamaica fails to beat their Caribbean rival in Kingston, that would leave Jamaica on 7 or 8 points, below the US. If the US loses and Jamaica wins, the goal difference in the 2 matches can be 2 (US lose 1-0, Jamaica win 1-0) and the US would still advance on goal difference, +2 to +1. If the goal difference in the 2 games is 3, Jamaica cannot outscore the US by 4 goals, or else they'll pass the US in the goals scored category, putting the US out.
So there's a quick look for you at what can happen on Tuesday at Livestrong Sporting Park. To make it easy, how about we just win?
Friday, October 12, 2012
MLS Players Lead US Past Antigua
It wasn't a pretty game at all,in fact it was down right ugly for much of the game, but the USA took care of business in stoppage time to beat Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 tonight in a World Cup Qualifier. Two goals by Eddie Johnson, both assisted by other MLS players led the US.
In the 19th minute the US grabbed the lead. After a corner from Sporting KC midfielder Graham Zusi was cleared back to him, Zusi played the ball to Michael Bradley and then overlapped receiving the ball back, Zusi one timed the ball into the back post where Johnson headed it into the net to make it 1-0 to the USA. In the 25th minute though Antigua leveled, as Peter Byers was able to get around Geoff Cameron and square a ball into the middle of the box, where Clarence Goodson had slipped. Dexter Blackstock took advantage of the slip and slotted the ball past Tim Howard. The US had some chances to retake the lead, another good cross by Zusi was missed by Johnson.
In the second half the US just failed to impress. They had plenty of possession but for the most part, it was Antigua who looked more likely to score on the counter and would have with better finishing. Late on the US almost grabbed a winner off a corner as Bradley forced a very good save with a header. Finally just before stoppage time the US grabbed a winner. Off a quick throw the ball found it's way to Alan Gordon who played a nice lofted ball to the back post where Johnson had totally lost his man. Johnson headed the ball back across goal and into the net making it 2-1. The USA held on for the win and heads to Kansas City for a game against Guatemala. A draw with Guatemala on Tuesday would be enough to see the US through no matter the result between Jamaica and Antigua.
Zusi had a good first half for the US, but faded as the second half went on before being substituted for Sacha Kljestan in Zusi's 5th cap of his US career.
In the 19th minute the US grabbed the lead. After a corner from Sporting KC midfielder Graham Zusi was cleared back to him, Zusi played the ball to Michael Bradley and then overlapped receiving the ball back, Zusi one timed the ball into the back post where Johnson headed it into the net to make it 1-0 to the USA. In the 25th minute though Antigua leveled, as Peter Byers was able to get around Geoff Cameron and square a ball into the middle of the box, where Clarence Goodson had slipped. Dexter Blackstock took advantage of the slip and slotted the ball past Tim Howard. The US had some chances to retake the lead, another good cross by Zusi was missed by Johnson.
In the second half the US just failed to impress. They had plenty of possession but for the most part, it was Antigua who looked more likely to score on the counter and would have with better finishing. Late on the US almost grabbed a winner off a corner as Bradley forced a very good save with a header. Finally just before stoppage time the US grabbed a winner. Off a quick throw the ball found it's way to Alan Gordon who played a nice lofted ball to the back post where Johnson had totally lost his man. Johnson headed the ball back across goal and into the net making it 2-1. The USA held on for the win and heads to Kansas City for a game against Guatemala. A draw with Guatemala on Tuesday would be enough to see the US through no matter the result between Jamaica and Antigua.
Zusi had a good first half for the US, but faded as the second half went on before being substituted for Sacha Kljestan in Zusi's 5th cap of his US career.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Still No Plans to Rename Livestrong Sporting Park
Yesterday, the USADA released with some information on why they'd moved forward with banning Lance Armstrong and stripping him of his Tour de France titles. There's plenty of evidence that would seem to be fairly damning towards Armstrong's case with plenty of witness testimony, financial records, and lab results in it. It brings back up the debate of the stadium name. Back when the USADA originally announced the banning of Armstrong, Robb Heineman came out and stated the continued backing of the Livestrong organization and the work that they do with helping cancer survivors.
Today at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge, Heineman was again asked to comment on the new news with the information from the USADA. Heineman again stated the good work that the organization does despite what is going on with Armstrong. He said that the organization doesn't have their "head in the sand... but it doesn't change how we feel about the Foundation."
So by the sounds of it, the stadium will still be Livestrong Sporting Park at least in the near future.
Today at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge, Heineman was again asked to comment on the new news with the information from the USADA. Heineman again stated the good work that the organization does despite what is going on with Armstrong. He said that the organization doesn't have their "head in the sand... but it doesn't change how we feel about the Foundation."
So by the sounds of it, the stadium will still be Livestrong Sporting Park at least in the near future.
Down the Byline US World Cup Qualifier Ticket Giveaway
Sporting KC news is a little slow this week with the international break hitting us right now, but I'm not planning on going anywhere, especially with the United States coming to KC on Tuesday.
In less than a week many of us will be at Livestrong Sporting Park for what could be a win or go home World Cup qualifier against Guatemala. While Friday the US play an important road game in Antigua, on Tuesday in Kansas City, the USA will take on a game Guatemala side that will likely also be looking to qualify for next year's Hexagonal.
The game is already sold out, and the atmosphere looks set to be absolutely electric for the game. If you missed out on getting tickets, I'm going to help some of you get in on seeing this qualifier live and in person. I have 3 pairs of tickets courtesy of Allstate Insurance, sponsor of the U.S. National Team and MLS to give away.
How do you get a chance at one of these pair of tickets? It's quite simple the contest runs from the time of this posting until 4pm Central Time on Sunday October 14th, all you need to do is Tweet a link to this post and include the hash tag #DTBUStickets. One entry per person. I will randomly select 3 people from the list of people that do this. All the winners will be contacted via Twitter with directions on how to get their tickets.
Good luck, and thanks again to Allstate for making this contest possible. Allstate is also setting up their Allstate Fan Zone right outside Livestrong on Tuesday night. At the Fan Zone there will be interactive activities and chances to win tickets upgrades and a handful of other prizes that you can register to win. Also at the Fan Zone you can get the chance to meet former Wizard great and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Tony Meola. The 2000 MLS MVP that helped lead the Wizards to the MLS Cup title will be signing autographs between 4 and 6pm. With the parking set up the way it is, make sure to get there early, stop by and meet the Wizard and US great and enjoy the rest of what the Fan Zone is offering.
In less than a week many of us will be at Livestrong Sporting Park for what could be a win or go home World Cup qualifier against Guatemala. While Friday the US play an important road game in Antigua, on Tuesday in Kansas City, the USA will take on a game Guatemala side that will likely also be looking to qualify for next year's Hexagonal.
The game is already sold out, and the atmosphere looks set to be absolutely electric for the game. If you missed out on getting tickets, I'm going to help some of you get in on seeing this qualifier live and in person. I have 3 pairs of tickets courtesy of Allstate Insurance, sponsor of the U.S. National Team and MLS to give away.
How do you get a chance at one of these pair of tickets? It's quite simple the contest runs from the time of this posting until 4pm Central Time on Sunday October 14th, all you need to do is Tweet a link to this post and include the hash tag #DTBUStickets. One entry per person. I will randomly select 3 people from the list of people that do this. All the winners will be contacted via Twitter with directions on how to get their tickets.
Good luck, and thanks again to Allstate for making this contest possible. Allstate is also setting up their Allstate Fan Zone right outside Livestrong on Tuesday night. At the Fan Zone there will be interactive activities and chances to win tickets upgrades and a handful of other prizes that you can register to win. Also at the Fan Zone you can get the chance to meet former Wizard great and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Tony Meola. The 2000 MLS MVP that helped lead the Wizards to the MLS Cup title will be signing autographs between 4 and 6pm. With the parking set up the way it is, make sure to get there early, stop by and meet the Wizard and US great and enjoy the rest of what the Fan Zone is offering.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates. Abe Thompson is set to call it a career as he's retiring to take a job with the United Soccer League for one of their youth initiatives. He'd spent the last year as a player/coach for Fort Lauderdale. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 win over LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 loss to Seattle.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 3-0 win over Portland.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over New England.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 11 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 6 minutes in San Jose's 4-1 win over Colorado.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal -Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 4-1 loss to San Jose.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-0 win over Toronto.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 0-0 draw with San Antonio.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Tampa.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not play in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - Did not dress in Charleroi's 4-0 loss to Oh Leuven
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Cruz Azul's 1-1 draw with Atlas.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Dressed but did not play in Sporting's 2-0 win over Porto II.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 64 minutes, scoring a goal in Santos' 1-1 draw with Queretaro.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Portmore United 1-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 2-0 loss to Fluminense.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not dress in Hjorring's 1-1 draw with Hobro.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 87 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-2 draw wtih Rapid Ghidighici.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Game against Sport Huancayo was postponed.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-0 loss to Zenit.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Did not dress in Emmen's 3-0 loss to MVV.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Started and played 90 minutes in Akzahayik's 1-0 loss to Irtysh.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 77 minutes in Munster's 0-0 draw with Saarbrucken.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 win over LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 loss to Seattle.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 3-0 win over Portland.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over New England.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 11 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 6 minutes in San Jose's 4-1 win over Colorado.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal -Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 4-1 loss to San Jose.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-0 win over Toronto.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 0-0 draw with San Antonio.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Tampa.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not play in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - Did not dress in Charleroi's 4-0 loss to Oh Leuven
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Cruz Azul's 1-1 draw with Atlas.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Dressed but did not play in Sporting's 2-0 win over Porto II.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 64 minutes, scoring a goal in Santos' 1-1 draw with Queretaro.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Portmore United 1-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 2-0 loss to Fluminense.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not dress in Hjorring's 1-1 draw with Hobro.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 87 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-2 draw wtih Rapid Ghidighici.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Game against Sport Huancayo was postponed.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Krasnodar's 2-0 loss to Zenit.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Did not dress in Emmen's 3-0 loss to MVV.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - Started and played 90 minutes in Akzahayik's 1-0 loss to Irtysh.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 77 minutes in Munster's 0-0 draw with Saarbrucken.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Zusi Called Up for US Qualifiers
Today, Jurgen Klinsmann announced his 24 man roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala, and named to the roster was Sporting KC midfielder, Graham Zusi. Zusi had a coming out game against Jamaica at Crew Stadium last month in the USA's 1-0 win that looked to put qualification back on track. The US fly to Antigua for the first game on Friday before returning back to the States and Kansas City to take on Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park. Both games are absolutely huge for the US to advance as they're currently in a 3 way tie with Guatemala and Jamaica for the top spot in the group. Only the top 2 will advance to the Hex so there is little room for error in these two games.
The rest of the US roster had a few surprises, namely up top. Former Wizard, Eddie Johnson's return to form has seem him recalled to the national team in a move that isn't totally surprising given his play this season. The more surprising inclusion was that of San Jose Earthquakes forward, Alan Gordon. No I didn't misspell Chris Wondolowski, Gordon really did get the call over his teammate who very well could set a league record for goals in a season this year. Gordon also earned the call up of Terrance Boyd and Jozy Altidore who have both been playing decently in the early portion of the season for their club sides. No clue on Boyd's absence, but rumos is that Altidore's stem from a Tweet he sent out after an article where he was criticized by Klinsmann. One other inclusion I am happy to see is the return of Sacha Kljestan, who is playing quite well in the Belgian league at the moment.
Remember, watch party Friday at Johnny's at the Power and Light disctrict, the qualifier is on BeIn Sports, so check to make sure you have it before rushing home to watch on your couch. Then the big party comes to KC after that. Open training session at Livestrong Sporting Park on Sunday morning, American Outlaws pre-party on Monday the 15th, and then the game on the 16th should be great.
The rest of the US roster had a few surprises, namely up top. Former Wizard, Eddie Johnson's return to form has seem him recalled to the national team in a move that isn't totally surprising given his play this season. The more surprising inclusion was that of San Jose Earthquakes forward, Alan Gordon. No I didn't misspell Chris Wondolowski, Gordon really did get the call over his teammate who very well could set a league record for goals in a season this year. Gordon also earned the call up of Terrance Boyd and Jozy Altidore who have both been playing decently in the early portion of the season for their club sides. No clue on Boyd's absence, but rumos is that Altidore's stem from a Tweet he sent out after an article where he was criticized by Klinsmann. One other inclusion I am happy to see is the return of Sacha Kljestan, who is playing quite well in the Belgian league at the moment.
Remember, watch party Friday at Johnny's at the Power and Light disctrict, the qualifier is on BeIn Sports, so check to make sure you have it before rushing home to watch on your couch. Then the big party comes to KC after that. Open training session at Livestrong Sporting Park on Sunday morning, American Outlaws pre-party on Monday the 15th, and then the game on the 16th should be great.
Espinoza Out 2-4 Weeks
A big blow today for Sporting KC in their run in towards the end of the season, but an even bigger blow to Honduras, Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza is set to miss the next two to four weeks recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered in stoppage time of KC's 1-1 draw with Columbus yesterday. Going towards goal shortly after Columbus equalized, Espinoza went down going towards a ball with goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and a Crew defender. Espinoza stayed down and had to be subbed out. From what we've seen of Espinoza I'd expect him back on the short side of that range, but it also wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't play the final two regular season games so he's fresh for the playoffs. The injury likely brings a close, at least for the time being, to Graham Zusi playing the wing forward position. I'd expect Zusi to slot back into the midfield in front of Julio Cesar and Paulo Nagamura, and Jacob Peterson or Bobby Convey coming into the starting 11 to play the forward role. If Peter Vermes didn't want to mess with his front 3, he could always look to insert Peterson Joseph or Oriol Rosell into the midfield position, or even have Convey play in that midfield position, which he's done a little bit this season.
The injury is a bigger loss for his national team, Honduras, who have 2 very big World Cup qualifiers coming up during the upcoming international break. Honduras plays in Panama on Friday before hosting Canada on Tuesday the 16th. The Canada match is going to be the bigger one most likely as those Honduras seems set to fight Canada for the second spot from their group that gets into the Hex next year. Losing a player of Espinoza's caliber is going to be a big blow to Honduras. In US terms though, I'd rather the US play in Canada than have to go down and play a game in Honduras.
The injury is a bigger loss for his national team, Honduras, who have 2 very big World Cup qualifiers coming up during the upcoming international break. Honduras plays in Panama on Friday before hosting Canada on Tuesday the 16th. The Canada match is going to be the bigger one most likely as those Honduras seems set to fight Canada for the second spot from their group that gets into the Hex next year. Losing a player of Espinoza's caliber is going to be a big blow to Honduras. In US terms though, I'd rather the US play in Canada than have to go down and play a game in Honduras.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Sunday OF Stats
Some stats for you from today's game against Columbus. Lots of season milestones starting to be hit.
In the 62nd minute, Matt Besler moved past Sean Bowers and into 16th place for the most minutes played in all competitions.
In the 73rd minute today, Besler his 10,000 minutes in all competitions for Sporting, he's the 17th player to hit that mark.
It was Besler's 96th league start for KC, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 17th on that list.
CJ Sapong's goal was his 13th league goal, tying him with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez for 15th on that list.
It was Sapong's 19th in all competitions, tying him with McKeon for 13th on that list.
Sapong's goal was his 6th away from home in league play, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 14th on that list.
It was his 7th in all competitions, tying him with Eddie Johnson for 15th on that list.
Sapong made his 50th start in all competitions for KC, he's the 46th player to hit that mark.
Graham Zusi's assist was his 23rd in league play, breaking his tie with Kerry Zavagnin for 7th on that list.
The assist was Zusi's 15th in league play this season, tying Preki's total from the 2000 season for the 3rd most in team history in a single season.
It was also Zusi's 27th in all competitions, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 6th on that list.
It was his 16th in all competitions this year, once again tying the 2000 season by Preki for the 3rd most in team history.
Chance Myers made his 100th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 28th player to hit that mark.
Aurelien Collin made his 50th league appearance, he's the 46th player to hit that mark.
Roger Espinoza started his 104th game in all competitions, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 19th on that list.
It was Espinoza's 93rd start in league play, tying him with Chung for 19th on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen tied a team record for starts in a season tonight with his 32nd start.
The draw was the 25th for Nielsen, tying him with Kevin Hartman for 3rd most in league play.
Late Equalizer Virtually Ends Supporters' Shield Run
Sporting KC had an extra day to see the results around the league break down from last night and none of the results went KC's way. DC and Chicago both won closing the gap on KC at the top of the Eastern conference. Today, Sporting took on the Crew looking to build that lead back up and guarantee themselves a top 2 spot in the East and put themselves only 1 point away from clinching the East. Unfortunately a late equalizer from Eddie Gaven ruined that and now KC will have to fight to hold on to the top spot in the conference.
In the first few minutes of the game, KC had the possession in Columbus' end, a long range shot by Graham Zusi was easily held by Andy Gruenebaum. In the 6th minute the Crew created the first really good chance. From about midfield, Josh Williams played a great through ball to Jairo Arrieta as he raced past the KC defense. Jimmy Nielsen was quickly off his line and Arrieta's first shot went right into Nielsen's chest. The rebound went to Arrieta again who fired the rebound towards the corner of the net. Nielsen though got back to his feet quickly and got a toe to the rebound knocking it away. The second rebound fell to Milovan Mirosevic, but Matt Besler had recovered and jumped in front of the shot blocking it away, a flurry of opportunities as Sporting dodged a bullet. Shortly after that opportunity though Sporting grabbed the lead. After some possession down the right, Zusi played a great ball into the box. CJ Sapong found himself completely wide open in the box. Sapong's first header though went onto the post. The rebound went right back to Sapong who headed the ball into the opposite corner and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead. If not for a nice save from Gruenebaum, KC would have made it two. From a great cross into the box, Roger Espinoza found Sapong. Sapong out jumped Chad Marshall and headed the ball on goal but Gruenebaum pushed the ball wide. Late on in the half, Nielsen was again called upon to make a big save, this time on Federico Higuain off a free kick. After a foul at the top of the box, Higuain took the free kick and fired it hard on goal. Nielsen was well positioned and reacted well getting a hand up and knocking it away.
Into the second half, KC continued to look for a second goal. Early in the half a long free kick from Zusi was headed by Kei Kamara into the path of Paulo Nagamura. Nagamura did extremely poor with the opportunity though from the penalty spot he skied it over the goal. Nagamura had another opportunity after Kamara and Espinoza combined well down the right. Espinoza cut back and laid the ball back to Nagamura who scuffed his shot well wide of the goal. The Crew created more of the chances as the second half progressed but they were not really dangerous. KC in the 83rd almost doubled the lead. After a corner was only cleared as far as Seth Sinovic. Sinovic laid the ball off to Espinoza who from about 25 yards let fly with an effort that was headed towards the corner, but Gruenebaum came up with another fine save. Into stoppage time it looked like KC might be able to hold on for all 3 points. But in the 1st minute of stoppage time the Crew found an equalizer. After KC couldn't initially clear a chance from Gaven, the ball found Emilio Renteria, who was wide on KC's left. He played a ball into the box for Gaven. Center back Lawrence Olum had backed off Gaven, who had a free header. Gaven's header beat Nielsen to the near post tying the game. A poor goal to give up from both Olum's side of things for giving Gaven so much space and on Nielsen's side for allowing the goal at the near post.
Right after the equalizer, things got worse for KC, as Sporting looked for an equalizer. Espinoza raced into the box, but played the ball too far ahead of him and Gruenebaum collected, but Espinoza went down in the process, and staying down. Espinoza had to be subbed out with an ankle injury. Peter Vermes didn't seem to think it was serious, but it will be looked at tomorrow before the team releases him to join Honduras for international duty. KC still had one more chance towards the end of the game, as Olum pushed forward after Aurelien Collin came in for Espinoza. Olum picked out Jacob Peterson on a streaking run down the middle. Peterson's first time shot though was right at Gruenebaum who collected the ball. Neither team was able to find a winner as both teams settled for a draw.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - Yes he has to take some of the blame for allowing the equalizer at his near post, but that doesn't rule out the huge saves that he made in the first half to keep the game scoreless and keep the lead for KC.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Sinovic 6, Besler 6, Olum 5, Myers 6, Cesar 6, Nagamura 5, Espinoza 6, Kamara 6, Sapong 7, Zusi 6. Subs Peterson NR, Collin NR.
In the first few minutes of the game, KC had the possession in Columbus' end, a long range shot by Graham Zusi was easily held by Andy Gruenebaum. In the 6th minute the Crew created the first really good chance. From about midfield, Josh Williams played a great through ball to Jairo Arrieta as he raced past the KC defense. Jimmy Nielsen was quickly off his line and Arrieta's first shot went right into Nielsen's chest. The rebound went to Arrieta again who fired the rebound towards the corner of the net. Nielsen though got back to his feet quickly and got a toe to the rebound knocking it away. The second rebound fell to Milovan Mirosevic, but Matt Besler had recovered and jumped in front of the shot blocking it away, a flurry of opportunities as Sporting dodged a bullet. Shortly after that opportunity though Sporting grabbed the lead. After some possession down the right, Zusi played a great ball into the box. CJ Sapong found himself completely wide open in the box. Sapong's first header though went onto the post. The rebound went right back to Sapong who headed the ball into the opposite corner and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead. If not for a nice save from Gruenebaum, KC would have made it two. From a great cross into the box, Roger Espinoza found Sapong. Sapong out jumped Chad Marshall and headed the ball on goal but Gruenebaum pushed the ball wide. Late on in the half, Nielsen was again called upon to make a big save, this time on Federico Higuain off a free kick. After a foul at the top of the box, Higuain took the free kick and fired it hard on goal. Nielsen was well positioned and reacted well getting a hand up and knocking it away.
Into the second half, KC continued to look for a second goal. Early in the half a long free kick from Zusi was headed by Kei Kamara into the path of Paulo Nagamura. Nagamura did extremely poor with the opportunity though from the penalty spot he skied it over the goal. Nagamura had another opportunity after Kamara and Espinoza combined well down the right. Espinoza cut back and laid the ball back to Nagamura who scuffed his shot well wide of the goal. The Crew created more of the chances as the second half progressed but they were not really dangerous. KC in the 83rd almost doubled the lead. After a corner was only cleared as far as Seth Sinovic. Sinovic laid the ball off to Espinoza who from about 25 yards let fly with an effort that was headed towards the corner, but Gruenebaum came up with another fine save. Into stoppage time it looked like KC might be able to hold on for all 3 points. But in the 1st minute of stoppage time the Crew found an equalizer. After KC couldn't initially clear a chance from Gaven, the ball found Emilio Renteria, who was wide on KC's left. He played a ball into the box for Gaven. Center back Lawrence Olum had backed off Gaven, who had a free header. Gaven's header beat Nielsen to the near post tying the game. A poor goal to give up from both Olum's side of things for giving Gaven so much space and on Nielsen's side for allowing the goal at the near post.
Right after the equalizer, things got worse for KC, as Sporting looked for an equalizer. Espinoza raced into the box, but played the ball too far ahead of him and Gruenebaum collected, but Espinoza went down in the process, and staying down. Espinoza had to be subbed out with an ankle injury. Peter Vermes didn't seem to think it was serious, but it will be looked at tomorrow before the team releases him to join Honduras for international duty. KC still had one more chance towards the end of the game, as Olum pushed forward after Aurelien Collin came in for Espinoza. Olum picked out Jacob Peterson on a streaking run down the middle. Peterson's first time shot though was right at Gruenebaum who collected the ball. Neither team was able to find a winner as both teams settled for a draw.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - Yes he has to take some of the blame for allowing the equalizer at his near post, but that doesn't rule out the huge saves that he made in the first half to keep the game scoreless and keep the lead for KC.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Sinovic 6, Besler 6, Olum 5, Myers 6, Cesar 6, Nagamura 5, Espinoza 6, Kamara 6, Sapong 7, Zusi 6. Subs Peterson NR, Collin NR.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/7
Yesterday's results really didn't go the way that most Sporting fans would have wanted them to go to make things easier for them, but it just means that KC has to take care of their own business today. Along with the Sporting KC game, there are 2 more league games today. They both have some minimal impact on Sporting, but there is a little bit to look at.
Dallas at Chivas
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
This game really doesn't have any effect on Sporting KC. Chivas is already eliminated from the playoffs, and Dallas is currently in 6th place in the West trying to work themselves into the 5th and final playoff spot. Their run of form has been fantastic lately, but even if they make the playoffs, their path to the finals (where they'd still play on the road) is enough for me to not really worry about.
Portland at Seattle
What we want to happen - Portland win
A Portland win will leave Seattle 9 points back of KC with 3 games to play (if KC loses to the Crew since they play first today). So a win by Portland all but guarantees that Seattle won't be able to pass KC for potential MLS Cup final hosting. Plus who doesn't like watching Seattle lose, and watching them do it at home in front of about 66,000 of their own fans is a bonus?
Dallas at Chivas
What we want to happen - doesn't matter
This game really doesn't have any effect on Sporting KC. Chivas is already eliminated from the playoffs, and Dallas is currently in 6th place in the West trying to work themselves into the 5th and final playoff spot. Their run of form has been fantastic lately, but even if they make the playoffs, their path to the finals (where they'd still play on the road) is enough for me to not really worry about.
Portland at Seattle
What we want to happen - Portland win
A Portland win will leave Seattle 9 points back of KC with 3 games to play (if KC loses to the Crew since they play first today). So a win by Portland all but guarantees that Seattle won't be able to pass KC for potential MLS Cup final hosting. Plus who doesn't like watching Seattle lose, and watching them do it at home in front of about 66,000 of their own fans is a bonus?
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Do the Work Yourself
New York and Chicago are currently on my TV as the MLS weekend continues to play out. A draw in this match means that KC could clinch the Eastern Conference with a win tomorrow in Columbus. And while it'd be nice to clinch the East and focus on the playoffs for those final two games, the better thing to do is to not wait for Chicago or New York to do it for us. If they do end in a draw today, great, but the key thing for KC is to still take care of their own business tomorrow. Even if Chicago or New York win today, taking 3 points tomorrow will almost put the East out of reach any way for either of the two sides with 2 games left. But the key to either situation is taking care of Columbus tomorrow.
Columbus comes into the game currently outside the playoffs, one point behind 5th place Houston for the final playoff spot. The Crew picked up a win last week at home, but had trouble doing that against the Philadelphia Union, getting a late goal that appeared to be offside to win 3-2. They've become a different team as the season has gone on, the additions of Jairo Arrieta and Federico Higuain have given the Crew offense a major bump as the two have combined to score 11 goals. The last time the Crew played KC, they won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Arrieta.
KC can't rest on the fact that they clinched the playoffs last weekend in their win over Chicago. They still need to create space between themselves and the rest of the East and to keep the pressure on San Jose for the Supporters' Shield. The team will have Jacob Peterson back from his suspension, but the question is whether Peter Vermes will stick with Graham Zusi at forward and Julio Cesar, Roger Espinoza, and Paulo Nagamura in midfield over inserting Peterson. The other big question heading into the game is who is going to start at centerback for Kansas City. Lawrence Olum has started next to Matt Besler the last two games in place of Aurelien Collin. Rumors of a falling out between Colliin and Vermes, rumors of Collin leaving for a wedding without permission, but no confirmation of what the reason is. Olum hasn't done poorly, as KC has shutouts in both of the games he's started recently. Still most KC fans I think would rather have Collin in the game over Olum, but we'll see what happens with that tomorrow.
Number to Remember - 3 - Three games left, 3 points needed, it's pretty simple math at this point. Just pick up the 3 points.
Key Match Up - Julio Cesar vs Federico Higuain - Higuain has been the engine for the Crew in their late game run. He's sitting a little deeper and Cesar will likely get a few of the duties in marking him. Cesar's going to have to be precise on his tackles, especially close to goal as the Argentine has scored a few from free kicks this year.
PREDICTION - These two teams have split the season series so far this year, both teams winning away from home. With KC's road form this year, there's certainly a reason to be a little optimistic for KC fans. Both teams will be desperate for all 3 points, no matter how the results shape out tonight. And with an international break coming right after, going into the break on a high is key.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
CLB - 0
Columbus comes into the game currently outside the playoffs, one point behind 5th place Houston for the final playoff spot. The Crew picked up a win last week at home, but had trouble doing that against the Philadelphia Union, getting a late goal that appeared to be offside to win 3-2. They've become a different team as the season has gone on, the additions of Jairo Arrieta and Federico Higuain have given the Crew offense a major bump as the two have combined to score 11 goals. The last time the Crew played KC, they won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Arrieta.
KC can't rest on the fact that they clinched the playoffs last weekend in their win over Chicago. They still need to create space between themselves and the rest of the East and to keep the pressure on San Jose for the Supporters' Shield. The team will have Jacob Peterson back from his suspension, but the question is whether Peter Vermes will stick with Graham Zusi at forward and Julio Cesar, Roger Espinoza, and Paulo Nagamura in midfield over inserting Peterson. The other big question heading into the game is who is going to start at centerback for Kansas City. Lawrence Olum has started next to Matt Besler the last two games in place of Aurelien Collin. Rumors of a falling out between Colliin and Vermes, rumors of Collin leaving for a wedding without permission, but no confirmation of what the reason is. Olum hasn't done poorly, as KC has shutouts in both of the games he's started recently. Still most KC fans I think would rather have Collin in the game over Olum, but we'll see what happens with that tomorrow.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Nagamura
Espinoza
Kamara - Sapong - Zusi
Number to Remember - 3 - Three games left, 3 points needed, it's pretty simple math at this point. Just pick up the 3 points.
Key Match Up - Julio Cesar vs Federico Higuain - Higuain has been the engine for the Crew in their late game run. He's sitting a little deeper and Cesar will likely get a few of the duties in marking him. Cesar's going to have to be precise on his tackles, especially close to goal as the Argentine has scored a few from free kicks this year.
PREDICTION - These two teams have split the season series so far this year, both teams winning away from home. With KC's road form this year, there's certainly a reason to be a little optimistic for KC fans. Both teams will be desperate for all 3 points, no matter how the results shape out tonight. And with an international break coming right after, going into the break on a high is key.
SKC - 1 (Kamara)
CLB - 0
What We Want to Happen Today 10/6
Five of the six games today will have some sort of impact on Sporting KC and their playoff aspirations, or who they could potentially face. Here's a look at today's MLS match ups and what we want to happen.
DC at Toronto
What we want to happen - Toronto Win
A loss by United guarantees that DC cannot finish ahead of KC. KC can take care of that themselves if TFC can't get the job done at home, but some help is never a bad thing. Of course Toronto's in the middle of one of the worst non-expansion MLS seasons ever, so I'm not sure you want to put too much faith in this result.
Chicago at New York
What we want to happen - draw
With Chicago's midweek loss to Philadelphia, KC can clinch the Eastern Conference on Sunday if Chicago and New York play to a draw at Red Bull Arena today. The result certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility, but Chicago's last two games (losses to KC and Philadelphia) they've looked less than inspired especially defensively.
New England at Philadelphia
What we want to happen - does not matter
Both teams are eliminated from the playoff race, so in the grand scheme of things this game means little. You could make an argument that you don't want Philadelphia gaining too much confidence before coming in to KC to close the season, but it's a stretch.
Montreal at Houston
What we want to happen - Montreal win
I think if there's one team that KC fans want to avoid in the playoffs is Houston, the Dynamo seem to always have KC's number with the way that Dominic Kinnear prepares his team. So having the Dynamo out of the playoffs would be a plus for KC.
Salt Lake at LA
What we want to happen - draw
A draw here and a win on Sunday by KC means that neither one of these two teams can catch KC. That would leave only San Jose and Seattle as the two teams that could finish ahead of KC on points and host MLS Cup ahead of Sporting if both teams were to make it. A win by LA combined with a KC win Sunday would also do this for KC.
San Jose at Colorado
What we want to happen - Colorado win
San Jose is still 3 points clear of Sporting in the race for the Supporters' Shield, but with goals for being the first tie breaker, it might as well be another point. Sporting needs the Earthquakes to drop at 4 more points than KC does down the stretch for KC to win the SS. That could start tonight on the road where the Quakes will play in cold, snowy, Colorado.
DC at Toronto
What we want to happen - Toronto Win
A loss by United guarantees that DC cannot finish ahead of KC. KC can take care of that themselves if TFC can't get the job done at home, but some help is never a bad thing. Of course Toronto's in the middle of one of the worst non-expansion MLS seasons ever, so I'm not sure you want to put too much faith in this result.
Chicago at New York
What we want to happen - draw
With Chicago's midweek loss to Philadelphia, KC can clinch the Eastern Conference on Sunday if Chicago and New York play to a draw at Red Bull Arena today. The result certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility, but Chicago's last two games (losses to KC and Philadelphia) they've looked less than inspired especially defensively.
New England at Philadelphia
What we want to happen - does not matter
Both teams are eliminated from the playoff race, so in the grand scheme of things this game means little. You could make an argument that you don't want Philadelphia gaining too much confidence before coming in to KC to close the season, but it's a stretch.
Montreal at Houston
What we want to happen - Montreal win
I think if there's one team that KC fans want to avoid in the playoffs is Houston, the Dynamo seem to always have KC's number with the way that Dominic Kinnear prepares his team. So having the Dynamo out of the playoffs would be a plus for KC.
Salt Lake at LA
What we want to happen - draw
A draw here and a win on Sunday by KC means that neither one of these two teams can catch KC. That would leave only San Jose and Seattle as the two teams that could finish ahead of KC on points and host MLS Cup ahead of Sporting if both teams were to make it. A win by LA combined with a KC win Sunday would also do this for KC.
San Jose at Colorado
What we want to happen - Colorado win
San Jose is still 3 points clear of Sporting in the race for the Supporters' Shield, but with goals for being the first tie breaker, it might as well be another point. Sporting needs the Earthquakes to drop at 4 more points than KC does down the stretch for KC to win the SS. That could start tonight on the road where the Quakes will play in cold, snowy, Colorado.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Salaries and 2013 Preseason
Today, the MLS players union released another update to the player salaries again. Only one new addition on the list for Sporting KC, the addition of former Barcelona B player, Oriol Rosell. The Spaniard is making $90,000 for his base salary and $98,750 in guaranteed compensation, the salary is prorated since he didn't sign until midseason.
In other salary news, Scott Angevine, who had been under contract to Sporting for a short time is on the list as a pool keeper, making $33,756, along with Steve Spangler, who trained with Sporting is making $33,750. Former player, Luke Sassano isn't listed under Sporting's salaries any more, but he is at the bottom of the October list without a team since he's now in the NASL with Carolina.
2013 preseason back in Florida
Buried at the bottom of an article from Steven Goff today is the news on where at least a portion of KC's 2013 preseason will be. Sporting has apparently agreed to return to Orlando again this year with 5 other MLS clubs (one of which is DC). They'll once again participate in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer classic, scheduled to take place from February 9th through the 23rd.
In other salary news, Scott Angevine, who had been under contract to Sporting for a short time is on the list as a pool keeper, making $33,756, along with Steve Spangler, who trained with Sporting is making $33,750. Former player, Luke Sassano isn't listed under Sporting's salaries any more, but he is at the bottom of the October list without a team since he's now in the NASL with Carolina.
2013 preseason back in Florida
Buried at the bottom of an article from Steven Goff today is the news on where at least a portion of KC's 2013 preseason will be. Sporting has apparently agreed to return to Orlando again this year with 5 other MLS clubs (one of which is DC). They'll once again participate in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer classic, scheduled to take place from February 9th through the 23rd.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates. Some of the summer leagues are starting to end at this point. Sunil Chhetri made his first "competitive" appearance for a club outside of India coming on as a sub for Sporting Portugal's B side in a 2-0 win. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in Salt Lake's 4-0 win over Chivas.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-3 draw with San Jose.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with DC.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with Vancouver.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but didn't play in Philadelphia's 3-2 loss to Columbus. Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-1 win over Chicago.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Salt Lake. Not dressing for tonight's game vs Vancouver.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 3-3 draw with San Jose.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 57 minutes in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Salt Lake. Not dressing for tonight's game vs Vancouver.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in San Jose's 3-3 draw with Dallas.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Did not dress in Colorado's 1-1 draw with LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Carolina.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Carolina's 3-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not play in Carolina's 3-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 72 minutes, scoring a goal in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Carolina.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - Did not dress in Charleroi's 1-0 loss to Brugge.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Cruz Azul's 1-0 loss to Jaguares. Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Cruz Azul's 4-0 win over Atlante.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Sporting's 2-0 win over Freamunde.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Santos' 3-1 win over Atlante. Dressed but did not play in Santos' 2-1 win over Atlas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Highgate United 3-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 2-0 win over Botafogo.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not play in Hjorring's 4-1 loss to Viborg.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 71 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-1 win over Zimbru.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 79 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Cobresol.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 2-2 draw wtih Krylya Sovetov.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Dressed but did not play in Emmen's 3-0 win over Den Bosch.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 87 minutes in Munster's 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund II.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Eloy Colombano
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Zoltan Hercegfalvi
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Will John
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Ryan McMahen
Anthony Noriega
Sergei Raad
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Diego Walsh
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes in Salt Lake's 4-0 win over Chivas.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 3-3 draw with San Jose.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with DC.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with Vancouver.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but didn't play in Philadelphia's 3-2 loss to Columbus. Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-1 win over Chicago.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Did not dress in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Salt Lake. Not dressing for tonight's game vs Vancouver.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 3-3 draw with San Jose.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 57 minutes in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Salt Lake. Not dressing for tonight's game vs Vancouver.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in San Jose's 3-3 draw with Dallas.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Colorado - Did not dress in Colorado's 1-1 draw with LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-1 draw with Portland.
NASL
Jose Burciaga - Atlanta - Season is over.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Puerto Rico.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Carolina.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Carolina's 3-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Luke Sassano - Carolina - Did not play in Carolina's 3-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 72 minutes, scoring a goal in Fort Lauderdale's 3-1 loss to Carolina.
USL
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Season is over.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Season is over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season is over.
John Wilson - Charleston - Season is over.
PDL
Michael Kraus - FC Tucson - Season is over.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Season is over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Craig Rocastle - Comets - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - R. Charleroi S.C. - Did not dress in Charleroi's 1-0 loss to Brugge.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Cruz Azul's 1-0 loss to Jaguares. Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Cruz Azul's 4-0 win over Atlante.
Sunil Chhetri - Sporting Clube de Portugal B - Portugal - Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Sporting's 2-0 win over Freamunde.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - No game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Santos' 3-1 win over Atlante. Dressed but did not play in Santos' 2-1 win over Atlas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Highgate United 3-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 2-0 win over Botafogo.
Mike Jones - FC Hjorring - Denmark - Did not play in Hjorring's 4-1 loss to Viborg.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 71 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-1 win over Zimbru.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 79 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Cobresol.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 2-2 draw wtih Krylya Sovetov.
Michal Mravec - FC Emmen - Netherlands - Dressed but did not play in Emmen's 3-0 win over Den Bosch.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season is over.
Milos Stojcev - FC Akzhayik - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 87 minutes in Munster's 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund II.
Espinoza and Kamara Called Up
We're closing in on the next international break, coming up in the middle of October and headlined for KC fans by the US World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park. And while that sold out game will be absolutely huge when it comes to the USA's qualifying for the hex, some Sporting players will be busy during that stretch as well.
The US hasn't released their roster yet, but one would expect Graham Zusi to be included in the US squad. Two other Sporting players have been called up though. Roger Espinoza will compete for Honduras in two extremely important qualifiers in their hopes of making the hex. Espinoza is one of 6 MLS players included on Honduras' roster that will play in Panama on the 12th and host Canada on the 16th. Honduras is currently in second place in Group C on 7 points, tied with Canada but ahead on goal difference. While Honduras is in Panama Canada will be hosting Canada. While that match is important for Honduras, the game on the 16th is going to be huge. That game on the 16th against Canada at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula will likely be a win and you're in game. Unless Canada absolutely blows out Cuba or Panama crushes Honduras goal difference is likely going to be the deciding factor on who goes through to the Hex and who stays home. Espinoza figures to play a vital role for Honduras in both those games.
Speaking of win and you're in games. That's exactly the situation that Kei Kamara and Sierra Leone face in their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia. This is the second leg of their home-home series to qualify for the Cup of Nations in South Africa in January 2013. Kamara and Sierra Leone played to a 2-2 draw against Tunisia in Freetown in September, a disappointing result as the Leone Stars twice led the game, including in the 87th minute before giving up the equalizer a minute later. The result in Sierra Leone means that the Leone Stars are in a virtual must win in Tunisia on October 13th. Sierra Leone will either need to win on the road, or hope for a high scoring draw (3-3 or greater) to go through automatically. A 2-2 draw would see extra time and potentially PKs. I would absolutely love to see Kamara get the chance to represent his country at the ACN in January.
The US hasn't released their roster yet, but one would expect Graham Zusi to be included in the US squad. Two other Sporting players have been called up though. Roger Espinoza will compete for Honduras in two extremely important qualifiers in their hopes of making the hex. Espinoza is one of 6 MLS players included on Honduras' roster that will play in Panama on the 12th and host Canada on the 16th. Honduras is currently in second place in Group C on 7 points, tied with Canada but ahead on goal difference. While Honduras is in Panama Canada will be hosting Canada. While that match is important for Honduras, the game on the 16th is going to be huge. That game on the 16th against Canada at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula will likely be a win and you're in game. Unless Canada absolutely blows out Cuba or Panama crushes Honduras goal difference is likely going to be the deciding factor on who goes through to the Hex and who stays home. Espinoza figures to play a vital role for Honduras in both those games.
Speaking of win and you're in games. That's exactly the situation that Kei Kamara and Sierra Leone face in their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia. This is the second leg of their home-home series to qualify for the Cup of Nations in South Africa in January 2013. Kamara and Sierra Leone played to a 2-2 draw against Tunisia in Freetown in September, a disappointing result as the Leone Stars twice led the game, including in the 87th minute before giving up the equalizer a minute later. The result in Sierra Leone means that the Leone Stars are in a virtual must win in Tunisia on October 13th. Sierra Leone will either need to win on the road, or hope for a high scoring draw (3-3 or greater) to go through automatically. A 2-2 draw would see extra time and potentially PKs. I would absolutely love to see Kamara get the chance to represent his country at the ACN in January.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/3
Two midweek games this week, one has an effect on KC, the other has not effect at all for KC.
Philadelphia at Chicago
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
This is the only one of the two games to mean anything for KC. This is the Fire's game in hand on KC. Currently sitting 5 points back of KC, a win would put the Fire back in second place in the East and only 2 points behind KC. A loss leaves them 5 points adrift with 3 games left. The Fire though haven't lost at home. The Union are out of the playoff hunt at this point, even though they still have 5 games left, they're 19 points out of the final playoff spot.
Chivas at Vancouver
What we want to happen - Doesn't matter
Chivas is at the bottom of the Western Conference, but is surprisingly still alive in the playoff race at this point, but that can end with a Vancouver win. The Whitecaps are sitting in the 5th spot in the West on 39 points and don't have the ability to catch KC on points. A meaningless game to KC.
Philadelphia at Chicago
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
This is the only one of the two games to mean anything for KC. This is the Fire's game in hand on KC. Currently sitting 5 points back of KC, a win would put the Fire back in second place in the East and only 2 points behind KC. A loss leaves them 5 points adrift with 3 games left. The Fire though haven't lost at home. The Union are out of the playoff hunt at this point, even though they still have 5 games left, they're 19 points out of the final playoff spot.
Chivas at Vancouver
What we want to happen - Doesn't matter
Chivas is at the bottom of the Western Conference, but is surprisingly still alive in the playoff race at this point, but that can end with a Vancouver win. The Whitecaps are sitting in the 5th spot in the West on 39 points and don't have the ability to catch KC on points. A meaningless game to KC.
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