Friday MLS announced the conference formatting for the 2011 season. There was expected to be some realigning as the two new teams this year (Portland and Vancouver) are on the West Coast. Without some realignment, the league was going to have 10 Western Conference teams vs 8 Eastern Conference teams. So to balances the two conferences, MLS moved the Dynamo to the East from the West. This wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I was expecting Kansas City to be making it's way back west and both of the Texas teams to be moving east to keep that rivalry in conference.
Houston missed the playoffs last year so they'll fit in with the rest of the East that all had trouble this past season. They like KC though have been on a few commentators lists for teams that could make a quick turnaround this season. KC though doesn't have a hugely successful record against the Dynamo, KC has only won twice, the first time the teams met, and the latest time in the 4-3 thriller last season. In between, KC has gone 0-5-3 against Houston, scoring only 5 times while conceding 13. KC also lost to Houston in the Western Conference finals 2-0 back in 2007.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Comets Fall to Vipers
From the Comets
It took five games, but the home team finally won in the Comets’ series with the Omaha Vipers this season. Unfortunately for the Comets, the home victory belonged to the Vipers at the Omaha Civic Auditorium on Sunday as the Comets fall 16-10.
It was a bad day all around for the Comets, as Assistant Coach, Vlatko Andonovski, had to assume coaching duties from Head Coach, Kim Roentved, who did not make the trip to Omaha due to severe back pains. That wasn’t the only strange story of the day for the team, as the bus they were traveling on to Omaha broke down just outside Platte City, MO, delaying the team’s arrival and delaying the start of the game by 25 minutes.
Once the game did start, Omaha goalkeeper, Bontti, was whistled two minutes into the game for a yellow card after tackling Lucas Rodriguez, who was on a breakaway. The play resulted in a Comets shootout goal by Byron Alvarez, who went right around Bontti for the score. A few minutes later, Comets’ Midfielder, Nick Kelly got his first goal of his MISL career at the 8:38 mark on an unassisted turnaround shot to give the Comets a 4-0 lead. The rest of the quarter belonged to Omaha as two different Vipers scored consecutive 3-point goals, one by Silva during an Omaha power play, the other by Chile Farias on a restart, giving Omaha the lead at the end of the 1st period, 6-4.
The 2nd period began with another Vipers yellow card, this time on Farias for arguing with the referees. The Comets would capitalize when Leo Gibson put a deflected shot off the boards through the legs of Bontti to tie the game at 6-6. At the 11:19 mark, Comets defender Vahid Assadpour fell down in the box, giving the Vipers’ Victor Quiroz an open look at the goal. Quiroz wasted no time and quickly deposited the ball past Comets goalie, Danny Waltman, giving the Vipers an 8-6 halftime lead.
After a scoreless 3rd period, the Vipers began to pull away with consecutive goals by Farias, then Silva to give the Vipers a 12-6 advantage. It looked like another Comets comeback was in the making after Danny Waltman was pulled for 6th Attacker, Vahid Assadpour. A Vipers hand-ball in the box resulted in a Byron Alvarez penalty kick goal, giving Alvarez back the MISL scoring lead from Farias with 49th points. Thirty seconds later, it was Geison Moura scoring a turnaround goal on an assist from Jamar Beasley to pull the Comets within two points at 12-10. Despite being within a goal of tying, the Comets stayed with the 6th Attacker and subsequently got burned by two easy goals by the Vipers to end the game 16-10.
The loss drops the Comets’ record to 4-10, now 2 ½ games behind Omaha (6-7) for the 3rd and final playoff spot. The Comets’ next game is Super Bowl Sunday, February 6th in Chicago to take on the Riot. The Comets’ next home game is Sunday, February 20th against the Chicago Riot at the Independence Events Center.
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443326
It took five games, but the home team finally won in the Comets’ series with the Omaha Vipers this season. Unfortunately for the Comets, the home victory belonged to the Vipers at the Omaha Civic Auditorium on Sunday as the Comets fall 16-10.
It was a bad day all around for the Comets, as Assistant Coach, Vlatko Andonovski, had to assume coaching duties from Head Coach, Kim Roentved, who did not make the trip to Omaha due to severe back pains. That wasn’t the only strange story of the day for the team, as the bus they were traveling on to Omaha broke down just outside Platte City, MO, delaying the team’s arrival and delaying the start of the game by 25 minutes.
Once the game did start, Omaha goalkeeper, Bontti, was whistled two minutes into the game for a yellow card after tackling Lucas Rodriguez, who was on a breakaway. The play resulted in a Comets shootout goal by Byron Alvarez, who went right around Bontti for the score. A few minutes later, Comets’ Midfielder, Nick Kelly got his first goal of his MISL career at the 8:38 mark on an unassisted turnaround shot to give the Comets a 4-0 lead. The rest of the quarter belonged to Omaha as two different Vipers scored consecutive 3-point goals, one by Silva during an Omaha power play, the other by Chile Farias on a restart, giving Omaha the lead at the end of the 1st period, 6-4.
The 2nd period began with another Vipers yellow card, this time on Farias for arguing with the referees. The Comets would capitalize when Leo Gibson put a deflected shot off the boards through the legs of Bontti to tie the game at 6-6. At the 11:19 mark, Comets defender Vahid Assadpour fell down in the box, giving the Vipers’ Victor Quiroz an open look at the goal. Quiroz wasted no time and quickly deposited the ball past Comets goalie, Danny Waltman, giving the Vipers an 8-6 halftime lead.
After a scoreless 3rd period, the Vipers began to pull away with consecutive goals by Farias, then Silva to give the Vipers a 12-6 advantage. It looked like another Comets comeback was in the making after Danny Waltman was pulled for 6th Attacker, Vahid Assadpour. A Vipers hand-ball in the box resulted in a Byron Alvarez penalty kick goal, giving Alvarez back the MISL scoring lead from Farias with 49th points. Thirty seconds later, it was Geison Moura scoring a turnaround goal on an assist from Jamar Beasley to pull the Comets within two points at 12-10. Despite being within a goal of tying, the Comets stayed with the 6th Attacker and subsequently got burned by two easy goals by the Vipers to end the game 16-10.
The loss drops the Comets’ record to 4-10, now 2 ½ games behind Omaha (6-7) for the 3rd and final playoff spot. The Comets’ next game is Super Bowl Sunday, February 6th in Chicago to take on the Riot. The Comets’ next home game is Sunday, February 20th against the Chicago Riot at the Independence Events Center.
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443326
Most Starts for KC
I realized today that I hadn't updated one of my stats this offseason, and since I've been having some writers block when it came to writing about Houston's move East and the roster rules, I figured maybe this would break me out of it. Davy Arnaud is 3 games away from the 200 game mark and should easily hit that this season. In fact, Arnaud could become the team's all time leader in the category if he starts all 32 games this season for KC. Shavar Thomas is the only active player that could hit the mark next season, and that's if he starts 14 of the teams games. Here's the updated list for players that have started 100 league games for KC and the rest of the current team.
Kerry Zavagnin - 228
Nick Garcia - 224
Jimmy Conrad - 203
Preki - 199
Davy Arnaud - 197
Chris Klein - 183
Mo Johnston - 142
Jack Jewsbury - 142
Josh Wolff - 128
Matt McKeon - 126
Tony Meola - 125
Jose Burciaga Jr. - 110
Diego Gutierrez - 108
Uche Okafor - 107
Sean Bowers - 104
Michael Harrington - 103
Shavar Thomas - 86
Roger Espinoza - 43
Matt Besler - 36
Kei Kamara - 31
Jimmy Nielsen - 29
Ryan Smith - 25
Stephane Auvray - 21
Craig Rocastle - 18
Teal Bunbury - 13
Chance Myers - 13
Graham Zusi - 9
Birahim Diop - 7
Korede Aiyegbusi - 1
Eric Kronberg - 1
In the all competitions list, Thomas is again the only current player with a chance to hit the 100 mark, as he sits 10 games short of that mark at this time. Here's the list and the rest of the current KC players.
Kerry Zavagnin - 281
Nick Garcia - 272
Preki - 229
Jimmy Conrad - 228
Davy Arnaud - 218
Chris Klein - 216
Jack Jewsbury - 162
Matt McKeon - 159
Mo Johnston - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Josh Wolff - 144
Diego Gutierrez - 135
ose Burciaga Jr. - 123
Uche Okafor - 116
Sean Bowers - 113
Michael Harrington - 113
Bo Oshoniyi - 105
Mark Chung - 103
Sasha Victorine - 102
Kevin Hartman - 100
Shavar Thomas - 90
Roger Espinoza - 48
Matt Besler - 40
Kei Kamara - 31
Jimmy Nielsen - 29
Ryan Smith - 25
Stephane Auvray - 21
Craig Rocastle - 19
Chance Myers - 16
Teal Bunbury - 14
Graham Zusi - 11
Birahim Diop - 7
Eric Kronberg - 5
Korede Aiyegbusi - 2
Sunil Chhetri - 1
Kerry Zavagnin - 228
Nick Garcia - 224
Jimmy Conrad - 203
Preki - 199
Davy Arnaud - 197
Chris Klein - 183
Mo Johnston - 142
Jack Jewsbury - 142
Josh Wolff - 128
Matt McKeon - 126
Tony Meola - 125
Jose Burciaga Jr. - 110
Diego Gutierrez - 108
Uche Okafor - 107
Sean Bowers - 104
Michael Harrington - 103
Shavar Thomas - 86
Roger Espinoza - 43
Matt Besler - 36
Kei Kamara - 31
Jimmy Nielsen - 29
Ryan Smith - 25
Stephane Auvray - 21
Craig Rocastle - 18
Teal Bunbury - 13
Chance Myers - 13
Graham Zusi - 9
Birahim Diop - 7
Korede Aiyegbusi - 1
Eric Kronberg - 1
In the all competitions list, Thomas is again the only current player with a chance to hit the 100 mark, as he sits 10 games short of that mark at this time. Here's the list and the rest of the current KC players.
Kerry Zavagnin - 281
Nick Garcia - 272
Preki - 229
Jimmy Conrad - 228
Davy Arnaud - 218
Chris Klein - 216
Jack Jewsbury - 162
Matt McKeon - 159
Mo Johnston - 157
Tony Meola - 156
Josh Wolff - 144
Diego Gutierrez - 135
ose Burciaga Jr. - 123
Uche Okafor - 116
Sean Bowers - 113
Michael Harrington - 113
Bo Oshoniyi - 105
Mark Chung - 103
Sasha Victorine - 102
Kevin Hartman - 100
Shavar Thomas - 90
Roger Espinoza - 48
Matt Besler - 40
Kei Kamara - 31
Jimmy Nielsen - 29
Ryan Smith - 25
Stephane Auvray - 21
Craig Rocastle - 19
Chance Myers - 16
Teal Bunbury - 14
Graham Zusi - 11
Birahim Diop - 7
Eric Kronberg - 5
Korede Aiyegbusi - 2
Sunil Chhetri - 1
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Comets Can't Hold Lead in Loss to Wave
The Comets looked good for long periods last night against the Wave, but couldn't hold the lead when they needed to and fell to the Milwaukee Wave 17-16. The Wave were the more adventurous team early in the quarter and found themselves deservedly up 2-0 as Marcio Leite fired a ball to the back post that Hewerton chested into the net as he was unmarked. Shortly after the goal, the Comets got their chance to get back level as the Wave's Evan McNeley picked up a yellow card for a poor tackle. Less than a minute into the penalty, Missouri was level. Lucas Rodriguez had the ball at the top of the box, played it out wide to Byron Alvarez who then played the ball off the wall into the center of the box. Leo Gibson was in the middle of the box and fired home to even the score at 2-2. After the goal, both sides had some good possession, but it was Missouri that had the better chances, Alvarez hit the post and Mirsad Dzilic had a shot well saved, both set up by Vahid Assadpour. The Comets grabbed their first lead of the game off of a restart after a yellow line violation on the Wave. Assadpour fed the restart into the corner for Alvarez who fired a first time shot that sailed into the far corner giving Missouri a 4-2 lead. The Wave controlled the rest of the quarter and had a few good chances to find an equalizer, but some good saves and poor misses kept the Comets in the lead through the first.
In the second quarter, the Comets pushed from the start to try and extend their lead Alvarez and Jamar Beasley both had chances but couldn't finish. The Wave started to come into the game and possess more, but that's when Missouri was able to catch them on the counter. Gibson started a counter by picking out Alvarez running towards the left corner, Alvarez collected and then cut into the middle dribbling at his defender, Beasley was making a cutting run into the offensive third, Alvarez fed the ball to Beasley who 5-holed the keeper giving Missouri the 6-2 lead. The Wave continued to be the dominate side, more so after the Beasley goal. The Wave pulled within a goal off of a corner kick. Kyt Selaidopoulos fed Troy Dusosky who fired home making it 6-4. Milwaukee continued to push after the goal, but Danny Waltman made some big saves to keep the lead for Missouri. The Comets picked up some possession and found themselves another goal. After some sustained possession in the right corner, Beasley played the ball into the middle where it looked like the keeper would collect, but Assadpour was quicker to react and poked the ball into the net just ahead of the keeper giving Missouri an 8-4 lead.
The Wave continued to push after the goal and a great save on the line by Gibson kept the game at 8-4. Milwaukee had shots on both sides of the box that pulled Waltman out of possession so when the ball was played into the middle the Wave attacker had most of the goal to shoot at, but he shot right down the middle where Gibson was and he blocked it right on the line. It wasn't long though before the Wave were back within a goal. Dusosky took a shot from 3 point range that hit Marco Terminesi on it's way in and into the net. Waltman had no chance on the play as the deflection did enough to turn it in and make it 8-6. Less than a minute later the Wave were back in front. Giuliano Oliviero collected the ball to the right of Waltman and fired a 3 point shot into the far corner giving the Wave a 9-8 lead.
Missouri came out quickly in the third and regained the lead less than a minute in. After an early save by Waltman, a long ball was played over the top to Geison Moura. Moura went up with the Wave keeper for the ball, he didn't get it, but the ball fell to Rodriguez, who took a touch and fired home to put Missouri back in front 10-9. After the Comets controlling for a bit it became the Wave commanding the game again, but that played right into the Comets hands the way they were playing and soon enough the Comets were up 12-9 on the counter. Beasley started the break racing ahead and then feeding the ball to Jamie Harding. Harding fired a shot/pass to the back post where Moura turned the ball into the net to give the Comets a 3 point lead. Less than a minute later, the Comets found themselves with a 5 point lead, again off the counter. Off a free kick, Assadpour blocked the shot and started the corner, he fed Rodriguez as he raced down the wing. Rodriguez then fed the ball into the middle where Alvarez fired home to give the Comets a 14-9 lead.
After the goal the Wave continued to pressure and control possession, while Missouri tried to counter again for another goal. Unfortunately late in the 3rd as the roles were reversed, the Wave made it 14-11. Tom Oatley raced ahead and had 3 chances to put the ball away, firing wide and then high before finally putting the ball home as the Comets defense finally closed.
In the fourth quarter the Comets continued to try and absorb the pressure from the Wave and hold their 3 point lead. Unfortunately that didn't last very long as the Wave capitalized on a poor give away by Brian Harris after sustained Wave possession. Selaidopoulos finished the chance and the Wave were back within 1 at 14-13. Shortly after the goal there was a scary incident for Stefan Stokic, he made a great tackle on a Wave attempt, but after the play, Stokic stayed down. He was down for a few minutes before finally being helped off the field. He couldn't put any pressure on his right knee. He didn't return to the game and was still unable to walk after the game during the auction. It was at the far end of the field so I don't want to speculate too much, but I'd say he's going to be spending some time on IR, and it wouldn't surprise me if his season is done.
Off the restart after the play though, the Comets regained a 3 point lead. Beasley made the entire play, countering off the restart he raced the length of the field before laying the ball off to Moura who fired the ball into the net to make it 16-13. The Comets, though, fell asleep right after the goal and the Wave only 11 seconds later found the net and were back within 1 point as Hewerton finished a chance to make it 16-13. The Comets tried to sit back and just take the pressure, but as is often in soccer, especially indoor, it doesn't work and the Wave again found the net with just over 5 minutes left, Terminesi finished it as the ball was played across the field to Oliviero who centered to Terminesi. The Comets had some more of the possession after that as the Wave sat back a bit and tried to counter. A few big saves by Waltman kept Missouri close but they had no real dangerous chances with their possession. Then as time was running down the Comets were unable to get the ball to get a 6th attacker out on the field. Once they finally did they had a few chances, but after the ball went out of bounds, the Wave were able to hold it and kill most of the rest of the clock and a late effort to play the ball long lead to nothing and the Comets fell 17-16.
At half time was a nostalgic moment for many fans of the old Comets/Attack as there was an alumni game with plenty of former players on the field. Growing up before MLS, the Comes and the Attack players were the soccer players that I personally grew up watching and looking up to. It was great to see guys like Warren Westcoat, Gino Schiraldi, and others back on the field, and "Scorin" Goran Hunjak showed that he still has some good moves on the ball.
In the second quarter, the Comets pushed from the start to try and extend their lead Alvarez and Jamar Beasley both had chances but couldn't finish. The Wave started to come into the game and possess more, but that's when Missouri was able to catch them on the counter. Gibson started a counter by picking out Alvarez running towards the left corner, Alvarez collected and then cut into the middle dribbling at his defender, Beasley was making a cutting run into the offensive third, Alvarez fed the ball to Beasley who 5-holed the keeper giving Missouri the 6-2 lead. The Wave continued to be the dominate side, more so after the Beasley goal. The Wave pulled within a goal off of a corner kick. Kyt Selaidopoulos fed Troy Dusosky who fired home making it 6-4. Milwaukee continued to push after the goal, but Danny Waltman made some big saves to keep the lead for Missouri. The Comets picked up some possession and found themselves another goal. After some sustained possession in the right corner, Beasley played the ball into the middle where it looked like the keeper would collect, but Assadpour was quicker to react and poked the ball into the net just ahead of the keeper giving Missouri an 8-4 lead.
The Wave continued to push after the goal and a great save on the line by Gibson kept the game at 8-4. Milwaukee had shots on both sides of the box that pulled Waltman out of possession so when the ball was played into the middle the Wave attacker had most of the goal to shoot at, but he shot right down the middle where Gibson was and he blocked it right on the line. It wasn't long though before the Wave were back within a goal. Dusosky took a shot from 3 point range that hit Marco Terminesi on it's way in and into the net. Waltman had no chance on the play as the deflection did enough to turn it in and make it 8-6. Less than a minute later the Wave were back in front. Giuliano Oliviero collected the ball to the right of Waltman and fired a 3 point shot into the far corner giving the Wave a 9-8 lead.
Missouri came out quickly in the third and regained the lead less than a minute in. After an early save by Waltman, a long ball was played over the top to Geison Moura. Moura went up with the Wave keeper for the ball, he didn't get it, but the ball fell to Rodriguez, who took a touch and fired home to put Missouri back in front 10-9. After the Comets controlling for a bit it became the Wave commanding the game again, but that played right into the Comets hands the way they were playing and soon enough the Comets were up 12-9 on the counter. Beasley started the break racing ahead and then feeding the ball to Jamie Harding. Harding fired a shot/pass to the back post where Moura turned the ball into the net to give the Comets a 3 point lead. Less than a minute later, the Comets found themselves with a 5 point lead, again off the counter. Off a free kick, Assadpour blocked the shot and started the corner, he fed Rodriguez as he raced down the wing. Rodriguez then fed the ball into the middle where Alvarez fired home to give the Comets a 14-9 lead.
After the goal the Wave continued to pressure and control possession, while Missouri tried to counter again for another goal. Unfortunately late in the 3rd as the roles were reversed, the Wave made it 14-11. Tom Oatley raced ahead and had 3 chances to put the ball away, firing wide and then high before finally putting the ball home as the Comets defense finally closed.
In the fourth quarter the Comets continued to try and absorb the pressure from the Wave and hold their 3 point lead. Unfortunately that didn't last very long as the Wave capitalized on a poor give away by Brian Harris after sustained Wave possession. Selaidopoulos finished the chance and the Wave were back within 1 at 14-13. Shortly after the goal there was a scary incident for Stefan Stokic, he made a great tackle on a Wave attempt, but after the play, Stokic stayed down. He was down for a few minutes before finally being helped off the field. He couldn't put any pressure on his right knee. He didn't return to the game and was still unable to walk after the game during the auction. It was at the far end of the field so I don't want to speculate too much, but I'd say he's going to be spending some time on IR, and it wouldn't surprise me if his season is done.
Off the restart after the play though, the Comets regained a 3 point lead. Beasley made the entire play, countering off the restart he raced the length of the field before laying the ball off to Moura who fired the ball into the net to make it 16-13. The Comets, though, fell asleep right after the goal and the Wave only 11 seconds later found the net and were back within 1 point as Hewerton finished a chance to make it 16-13. The Comets tried to sit back and just take the pressure, but as is often in soccer, especially indoor, it doesn't work and the Wave again found the net with just over 5 minutes left, Terminesi finished it as the ball was played across the field to Oliviero who centered to Terminesi. The Comets had some more of the possession after that as the Wave sat back a bit and tried to counter. A few big saves by Waltman kept Missouri close but they had no real dangerous chances with their possession. Then as time was running down the Comets were unable to get the ball to get a 6th attacker out on the field. Once they finally did they had a few chances, but after the ball went out of bounds, the Wave were able to hold it and kill most of the rest of the clock and a late effort to play the ball long lead to nothing and the Comets fell 17-16.
At half time was a nostalgic moment for many fans of the old Comets/Attack as there was an alumni game with plenty of former players on the field. Growing up before MLS, the Comes and the Attack players were the soccer players that I personally grew up watching and looking up to. It was great to see guys like Warren Westcoat, Gino Schiraldi, and others back on the field, and "Scorin" Goran Hunjak showed that he still has some good moves on the ball.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Franklin Salas Training with KC
It's amazing how quickly news moves in today's age. Earlier today I was shown this article from Ecuador saying that former LDU Quito forward, Franklin Salas was on his way to KC. The article made it sound like the deal was done. After Tweeting about the rumor, it was picked up by Charles Gooch from the Star and The Full 90. Since he was at the 4th day of preseason training, he was able to speak to coach Peter Vermes about the rumor. And Vermes didn't side step it, instead saying that Salas was a target for the SKC Wizards. Since then, the rumor has even been discussed on the team's website.
Vermes made the deal sound a lot more like a trial than the done deal that the article out of Ecuador did. Of course this could be a mutual trial type thing like the trial that Julio Cesar Santos is on, where it's more of a look and see period for both sides. Salas had over 200 appearances for LDU Quito, and scored almost 50 goals for the club. He's made one trip outside of the country to play for Red Star Belgrade, but made few appearances for the club. He's also appeared 21 times for the Ecuadorian national team. He'd certainly add more potential offense to what is already becoming a very crowded front line with Omar Bravo, Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and CJ Sapong. Add in trialists like Adda Djeziri and it'll be an interesting battle for starting spots.
Vermes made the deal sound a lot more like a trial than the done deal that the article out of Ecuador did. Of course this could be a mutual trial type thing like the trial that Julio Cesar Santos is on, where it's more of a look and see period for both sides. Salas had over 200 appearances for LDU Quito, and scored almost 50 goals for the club. He's made one trip outside of the country to play for Red Star Belgrade, but made few appearances for the club. He's also appeared 21 times for the Ecuadorian national team. He'd certainly add more potential offense to what is already becoming a very crowded front line with Omar Bravo, Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and CJ Sapong. Add in trialists like Adda Djeziri and it'll be an interesting battle for starting spots.
Comets Announce Jersey Sponsor
So one team announced their jersey sponsorship today. It was not the Wizards, it was the Missouri Comets, who announced a partnership with Citizens Bank and Trust to be the team's jersey sponsor.
Here's the press release from the team:
The Comets Major Indoor Soccer League team announced today a three-year partnership agreement with Citizens Bank and Trust. The agreement, of which the terms were not disclosed, brings Citizens Bank and Trust front and center with one of Kansas City’s most electrifying sports franchises.
As the official sponsor of the Comets, the Citizens Bank and Trust logo will be displayed prominently on the team’s home and away jerseys, as well as on the Comets’ MISL field at the Independence Events Center. Another major component to the partnership is CB&T’s sponsorship of Comets’ goalkeeper, Danny Waltman, and his “Danny Saves” program which benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City. For every save Danny makes for the remainder of the 2010-2011 season, as well as the 2011-2012 & 2012-2013 seasons, Citizens Bank and Trust will donate $5 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have such an outstanding financial institution like Citizens Bank and Trust as our main sponsor,” said Comets’ President, Brian Budzinski. “We believe that this is going to be a tremendous partnership for many years to come, and we look forward to having the Citizens Bank and Trust insignia worn proudly by our players on their jerseys. To now be affiliated with one of the strongest and longest-tenured banking institutions in this region only makes the Comets brand that much better.”
The partnership was equally well-received by the people at Citizens Bank. “Citizens Bank and Trust is very excited about this partnership with the Comets organization,” said Randy Baker, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. “Everything they’ve done has been first-class all the way, and we look forward to a mutually-rewarding relationship with the Comets club. Most of all, this is a wonderful opportunity to impact the lives of the underprivileged youth in Kansas City through the ‘Danny Saves’ program with Comets goalie, Danny Waltman.”
This Friday night, the Comets players will be wearing replica jerseys during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season, so on Sunday, the Comets will unveil their new road jerseys with the Citizens Bank logo on them as they travel to Omaha to take on the Vipers. The new logoed home jerseys will make their debut on February 20th against the visiting Chicago Riot.
About Citizens Bank & Trust: With over 121 years providing the Citizens Experience, the bank is now the sixth largest state chartered bank in Missouri. CB&T offers full financial services with its Community Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management business lines. Citizens Bank & Trust has 23 locations throughout northwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas. Website: https://www.ebankcbt.com/
The Comets next game is going to be a special one at home this Friday, January 28th at 7:35 p.m. at the Independence Events Center against the Milwaukee Wave. The game is also Comets Retro Night, where many former, familiar Comets/KC Attack greats will be playing a fun scrimmage at halftime. Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Kia, Goran Hunjak, Emilio John, Doug Neely, Ted Eck, Gordon Hill, Ben Popoola and many other former Comets players will be on hand. This year’s Comets team will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The jerseys will then be auctioned- off immediately following the game, with proceeds benefitting the Dalton Burner Foundation. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game. The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a Gino Schiraldi playing card courtesy of Shocking Prices.
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also Play Like the Comets on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Here's the press release from the team:
The Comets Major Indoor Soccer League team announced today a three-year partnership agreement with Citizens Bank and Trust. The agreement, of which the terms were not disclosed, brings Citizens Bank and Trust front and center with one of Kansas City’s most electrifying sports franchises.
As the official sponsor of the Comets, the Citizens Bank and Trust logo will be displayed prominently on the team’s home and away jerseys, as well as on the Comets’ MISL field at the Independence Events Center. Another major component to the partnership is CB&T’s sponsorship of Comets’ goalkeeper, Danny Waltman, and his “Danny Saves” program which benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City. For every save Danny makes for the remainder of the 2010-2011 season, as well as the 2011-2012 & 2012-2013 seasons, Citizens Bank and Trust will donate $5 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have such an outstanding financial institution like Citizens Bank and Trust as our main sponsor,” said Comets’ President, Brian Budzinski. “We believe that this is going to be a tremendous partnership for many years to come, and we look forward to having the Citizens Bank and Trust insignia worn proudly by our players on their jerseys. To now be affiliated with one of the strongest and longest-tenured banking institutions in this region only makes the Comets brand that much better.”
The partnership was equally well-received by the people at Citizens Bank. “Citizens Bank and Trust is very excited about this partnership with the Comets organization,” said Randy Baker, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. “Everything they’ve done has been first-class all the way, and we look forward to a mutually-rewarding relationship with the Comets club. Most of all, this is a wonderful opportunity to impact the lives of the underprivileged youth in Kansas City through the ‘Danny Saves’ program with Comets goalie, Danny Waltman.”
This Friday night, the Comets players will be wearing replica jerseys during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season, so on Sunday, the Comets will unveil their new road jerseys with the Citizens Bank logo on them as they travel to Omaha to take on the Vipers. The new logoed home jerseys will make their debut on February 20th against the visiting Chicago Riot.
About Citizens Bank & Trust: With over 121 years providing the Citizens Experience, the bank is now the sixth largest state chartered bank in Missouri. CB&T offers full financial services with its Community Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management business lines. Citizens Bank & Trust has 23 locations throughout northwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas. Website: https://www.ebankcbt.com/
The Comets next game is going to be a special one at home this Friday, January 28th at 7:35 p.m. at the Independence Events Center against the Milwaukee Wave. The game is also Comets Retro Night, where many former, familiar Comets/KC Attack greats will be playing a fun scrimmage at halftime. Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Kia, Goran Hunjak, Emilio John, Doug Neely, Ted Eck, Gordon Hill, Ben Popoola and many other former Comets players will be on hand. This year’s Comets team will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The jerseys will then be auctioned- off immediately following the game, with proceeds benefitting the Dalton Burner Foundation. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game. The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a Gino Schiraldi playing card courtesy of Shocking Prices.
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also Play Like the Comets on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
New From the Byline to the Back Post
Okafor Death Being Investigated as Murder
The investigation into the death of former KC defender, Uche Okafor, has taken a big turn today. Word is that Okafor's death is now being investigated by the FBI as a homicide, not suicide. The tragic situation has gotten more tragic as it now looks like his death could have potentially been staged as a suicide.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's another week of former SKC Wizards updates. First, there were plenty of former SKC Wizards in Omaha late last week when the US 94 World Cup team played an exhibition against the Omaha Vipers. Alexi Lalas, Preki, Roy Lassiter, and Diego Gutierrez all played for the US team, Tony Meola was supposed to play but couldn't make it due to travel. Chris Brunt played for the Vipers. Preki and Gutierrez both had a goal and an assist, Lassiter had a goal, and Brunt picked up an assist as the Vipers won. In other former player news, it looks like Yura Movsisyan is on his way out of Denmark and potentially on his way Russia. Not sure how much of an upward movement that is for Movsisyan, but that could be an interesting move for Movsisyan.
In former coach and front office news, former GM, Curt Johnson has been named the GM of the Carolina Railhawks of the NASL, but since the league did not get sanctioning from US Soccer yet. Also, former coach Curt Onalfo has been named the new assistant coach for the LA Galaxy and will run the reserve team. He will take over the position vacated by Cobi Jones. Here's the rest of this week's former SKC Wizards update.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored a goal in Missouri's 15-13 loss to Baltimore. Scored two goals and an assist in Missouri's 21-20 win over Omaha, he also was given credit for the 3 point winning goal, though it was an own goal.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 21-20 loss to Missouri.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had an assist in Baltimore's 14-6 win over Milwaukee. One goal in Baltimore's 15-13 win over Missouri.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 15-13 loss to Baltimore. Picked up the win in Missouri's 21-20 win over Omaha.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Beat Last Vegas 10-9
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Beat Las Vegas 10-9
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Did not have a game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Pachuca's 1-1 draw with Santos Laguna.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied St. George's SC 0-0.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress in either of Fulham's games this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-2 loss to Koblenz. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-1 loss to Werder Bremen II.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not play in either of Wellington's games this week.
In former coach and front office news, former GM, Curt Johnson has been named the GM of the Carolina Railhawks of the NASL, but since the league did not get sanctioning from US Soccer yet. Also, former coach Curt Onalfo has been named the new assistant coach for the LA Galaxy and will run the reserve team. He will take over the position vacated by Cobi Jones. Here's the rest of this week's former SKC Wizards update.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored a goal in Missouri's 15-13 loss to Baltimore. Scored two goals and an assist in Missouri's 21-20 win over Omaha, he also was given credit for the 3 point winning goal, though it was an own goal.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 21-20 loss to Missouri.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had an assist in Baltimore's 14-6 win over Milwaukee. One goal in Baltimore's 15-13 win over Missouri.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 15-13 loss to Baltimore. Picked up the win in Missouri's 21-20 win over Omaha.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Beat Last Vegas 10-9
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Beat Las Vegas 10-9
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Did not have a game this week.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Pachuca's 1-1 draw with Santos Laguna.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied St. George's SC 0-0.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress in either of Fulham's games this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-2 loss to Koblenz. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-1 loss to Werder Bremen II.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not play in either of Wellington's games this week.
More Preseason
Late last night, Thad at The Back Post got an interview with Peter Vermes up on his blog where he discusses a lot of things involving the preseason. So far Vermes seems to be pretty high on all of the team's draft picks, including supplemental draft pick, Mike Jones. Vermes (and people at training) confirmed that the Julio Cesar Santos is the same one that was guessed by people, the one that's played in England, Mexico, Spain, and multiple other places around the world. He'll bring plenty of experience to the position should KC choose to sign him. He also mentions that 3 of the team's trialists, Omar Colley, Sheldon Bateau, and Daneil Cyrus will join the team in Arizona due to visa issues.
In part two of the interview, Vermes discusses more about the players, he discusses the Sunil Chhetri situation, saying that the team is still looking at keeping him, but is looking at potentially loaning him out so he doesn't take up a roster spot, cap space, or more importantly it seems, an international spot. Vermes also discusses the two other trialists that Robb Heineman tweeted, Calum Butcher and Adda Djeziri, giving both of them praise, including comparing Djeziri to Robin van Persie. Overall a very good interview with Vermes that you should really check out.
Also, the team has announced two more preseason games to their schedule, both making games split squad games. On February 15th the same day they take on the Dynamo they'll also play the US U-18 team. Then on the 26th when they're scheduled to take on the Timbers, they'll now also play the Montreal Impact.
In part two of the interview, Vermes discusses more about the players, he discusses the Sunil Chhetri situation, saying that the team is still looking at keeping him, but is looking at potentially loaning him out so he doesn't take up a roster spot, cap space, or more importantly it seems, an international spot. Vermes also discusses the two other trialists that Robb Heineman tweeted, Calum Butcher and Adda Djeziri, giving both of them praise, including comparing Djeziri to Robin van Persie. Overall a very good interview with Vermes that you should really check out.
Also, the team has announced two more preseason games to their schedule, both making games split squad games. On February 15th the same day they take on the Dynamo they'll also play the US U-18 team. Then on the 26th when they're scheduled to take on the Timbers, they'll now also play the Montreal Impact.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
First Day of Preseason Recap
So the first day of preseason is in the books, and unfortunately I was unable to make it. This blog doesn't pay the bills so I was at work while preseason was going on. But the rest of the KC soccer blogosphere was there today and there is plenty of information that you can look at. I doubt I'll be able to make it out to a practice before the team heads down to Arizona, but there is certainly plenty to look over.
The team has an official rewind on The Sporting Way blog.
Thad over at The Back Post has multiple interviews up today with first round pick, CJ Sapong, Jimmy Nielsen, and Kei Kamara.
The Full 90 over at the KC Star has two stories, one Gooch's thoughts on the first day of training, and an article on first round pick Sapong.
And James over at Sporting Times has some thoughts as well as a new feature he's doing looking at the players on the team, starting with Chance Myers and Craig Rocastle.
The team has an official rewind on The Sporting Way blog.
Thad over at The Back Post has multiple interviews up today with first round pick, CJ Sapong, Jimmy Nielsen, and Kei Kamara.
The Full 90 over at the KC Star has two stories, one Gooch's thoughts on the first day of training, and an article on first round pick Sapong.
And James over at Sporting Times has some thoughts as well as a new feature he's doing looking at the players on the team, starting with Chance Myers and Craig Rocastle.
Monday, January 24, 2011
More Trialists
Robb Heineman continues to give us an inside look at some players that are in camp on trial as preseason kicks off. Yesterday he told us about trialist Julio Cesar Santos, and today he gave us four more names. Two have already been mentioned, the two Trinidad players, Daneil Cyrus and Sheldon Bateau, both defenders. We've been given two new names though, another defender and a winger/forward. Both are younger, and while Butcher may not be set to contribute this year, although Djeziri could potentially contribute this year.
The defender is Englishman, Calum Butcher. Butcher is 19 years old Tottenham youth player. He's yet to appear for Spurs in a league game, but was a substitute in a UEFA Cup game against Shakhtar Donetsk. He also did spend time on loan last season for League Two side Barnet, appearing minimally. Before moving to Spurs, Butcher was in Ipswich and Southend's youth system.
The second is Algerian, Adda Djeziri. Djeziri is a midfielder/forward that has jumped around a bit since turning pro with Boldklubben Frem in Denmark. He spent time with Rangers, Leicester, and Portsmouth. He's most recently found his most success with Vejle Boldklub in Denmark and was last with HB Koge in Denmark. Below is a video of Djeziri in in a reserve match during his time with Portsmouth.
The defender is Englishman, Calum Butcher. Butcher is 19 years old Tottenham youth player. He's yet to appear for Spurs in a league game, but was a substitute in a UEFA Cup game against Shakhtar Donetsk. He also did spend time on loan last season for League Two side Barnet, appearing minimally. Before moving to Spurs, Butcher was in Ipswich and Southend's youth system.
The second is Algerian, Adda Djeziri. Djeziri is a midfielder/forward that has jumped around a bit since turning pro with Boldklubben Frem in Denmark. He spent time with Rangers, Leicester, and Portsmouth. He's most recently found his most success with Vejle Boldklub in Denmark and was last with HB Koge in Denmark. Below is a video of Djeziri in in a reserve match during his time with Portsmouth.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A Roster Look
Preseason for KC starts tomorrow with entry physicals and there's certainly a lot to be decided with the expansion of the rosters and the spots that have opened up as well. With it only a day away I figured I'd take a quick look at the roster as it is now, the trialists and the draft picks, broken down by positions.
Goalkeeper:
Signed: Jimmy Nielsen, Eric Kronberg, Jon Kempin.
Out: None
Unlike last year when there were a lot of keepers in camp I don't think there are going to be many if any in camp other than those 3 this year. Nielsen is still the starter with Kronberg and Kempin likely to trade time with the reserve league.
Defender.
Signed: Matt Besler, Michael Harrington, Roger Espinoza, Shavar Thomas, Korede Aiyegbusi, Chance Myers.
Drafted: JT Murray, Mike Jones
Trialist: La Liga back/Julio Cesar Santos, Daneil Cyrus, Sheldon Bateau, Omar Colley
Out: Jimmy Conrad, Aaron Hohlbein, Jonathan Leathers, Nikos Kounenakis
Lots of movement out of this group this offseason, but so far there hasn't been a lot of movement in. The biggest move so far is the re-signing of Harrington. Currently the starters would be Harrington, Thomas, Besler, and Espinoza. This area promises to have a few trialists coming in, if the La Liga back Heineman tweeted about and Santos are the same player, that's one of a few that also includes youth internationals from Trinidad and Gambia. Murray will come in and compete to be Espinoza's cover with Aiyegbusi. Jones is a center back or wingback potentially and would provide cover and get reserve league minutes should he make the team. There are certainly to be more trialists in this part off the field.
Midfield
Signed: Davy Arnaud, Stephane Auvray, Craig Rocastle, Jack Jewsbury, Birahim Diop, Graham Zusi, Luke Sassano.
Drafted: Michel Mravec, Sam Scales, Konrad Warzycha
Trialist: European Max salary attacking midfielder
Out: Jamar Beasley
Less movement in this section, the only player gone is Beasley. Right now the starting lineup appears the same as it was last year to end the season for KC with Arnaud, Auvray, and Rocastle. There will need to be some cover here this season, especially at the defensive midfield position, where both Auvray and Rocastle both appear likely to miss time at the Gold Cup. Mravec has his foreign status working against him, but that might not slow KC down. Warzycha played in center back the final day of the combine and could find himself there in the professional league as well. The attacking midfielder is the only known trialist at this time, but the idea of it is certainly exciting.
Forwards
Signed: Kei Kamara, Omar Bravo, Ryan Smith, Teal Bunbury
Drafted: CJ Sapong
Potential returners: Zoltan Hercegfalvi, Sunil Chhetri
Out: Josh Wolff, Zoltan Hercegfalvi, Sunil Chhetri
The starting 3 up top for KC looks to be very good, there are 4 potential starters right now for KC, as all 4 players currently under contract could start for KC. Sapong will provide cover if/when Bunbury is called up for the Gold Cup, and could see other minutes along the way. Hercegfalvi and Chhetri could potentially be back, of the two Hercegfalvi seems the most likely and even that I wouldn't put money on. I could see KC bringing in 1-2 low salary players to help fill the roster and provide cover for KC on the front line.
Goalkeeper:
Signed: Jimmy Nielsen, Eric Kronberg, Jon Kempin.
Out: None
Unlike last year when there were a lot of keepers in camp I don't think there are going to be many if any in camp other than those 3 this year. Nielsen is still the starter with Kronberg and Kempin likely to trade time with the reserve league.
Defender.
Signed: Matt Besler, Michael Harrington, Roger Espinoza, Shavar Thomas, Korede Aiyegbusi, Chance Myers.
Drafted: JT Murray, Mike Jones
Trialist: La Liga back/Julio Cesar Santos, Daneil Cyrus, Sheldon Bateau, Omar Colley
Out: Jimmy Conrad, Aaron Hohlbein, Jonathan Leathers, Nikos Kounenakis
Lots of movement out of this group this offseason, but so far there hasn't been a lot of movement in. The biggest move so far is the re-signing of Harrington. Currently the starters would be Harrington, Thomas, Besler, and Espinoza. This area promises to have a few trialists coming in, if the La Liga back Heineman tweeted about and Santos are the same player, that's one of a few that also includes youth internationals from Trinidad and Gambia. Murray will come in and compete to be Espinoza's cover with Aiyegbusi. Jones is a center back or wingback potentially and would provide cover and get reserve league minutes should he make the team. There are certainly to be more trialists in this part off the field.
Midfield
Signed: Davy Arnaud, Stephane Auvray, Craig Rocastle, Jack Jewsbury, Birahim Diop, Graham Zusi, Luke Sassano.
Drafted: Michel Mravec, Sam Scales, Konrad Warzycha
Trialist: European Max salary attacking midfielder
Out: Jamar Beasley
Less movement in this section, the only player gone is Beasley. Right now the starting lineup appears the same as it was last year to end the season for KC with Arnaud, Auvray, and Rocastle. There will need to be some cover here this season, especially at the defensive midfield position, where both Auvray and Rocastle both appear likely to miss time at the Gold Cup. Mravec has his foreign status working against him, but that might not slow KC down. Warzycha played in center back the final day of the combine and could find himself there in the professional league as well. The attacking midfielder is the only known trialist at this time, but the idea of it is certainly exciting.
Forwards
Signed: Kei Kamara, Omar Bravo, Ryan Smith, Teal Bunbury
Drafted: CJ Sapong
Potential returners: Zoltan Hercegfalvi, Sunil Chhetri
Out: Josh Wolff, Zoltan Hercegfalvi, Sunil Chhetri
The starting 3 up top for KC looks to be very good, there are 4 potential starters right now for KC, as all 4 players currently under contract could start for KC. Sapong will provide cover if/when Bunbury is called up for the Gold Cup, and could see other minutes along the way. Hercegfalvi and Chhetri could potentially be back, of the two Hercegfalvi seems the most likely and even that I wouldn't put money on. I could see KC bringing in 1-2 low salary players to help fill the roster and provide cover for KC on the front line.
Trialist Julio Cesar Santos
Robb Heineman just tweeted that a trialist to keep an eye on this preseason is Julio Cesar Santos. There are a few when you do a Google search for that name, but the one that stands out, is this one that's currently listed as being on CS Maritimo's roster.
The reason that one stands out, is because of two reasons, first he previously played in the Spanish first division, La Liga, which goes along with a previous tweet by Heineman this past week. And second of all, the club he's currently listed for, CS Maritimo, plays in the Portuguese first division, a location that SKC Wizards head coach, Peter Vermes and his staff scouted this offseason.
The reason that one stands out, is because of two reasons, first he previously played in the Spanish first division, La Liga, which goes along with a previous tweet by Heineman this past week. And second of all, the club he's currently listed for, CS Maritimo, plays in the Portuguese first division, a location that SKC Wizards head coach, Peter Vermes and his staff scouted this offseason.
Comets Pull Off Comeback This Time
It was a game of runs Sunday afternoon at the Omaha Civic Auditorium as the Comets defeated the Omaha Vipers by a score of 21-20, the most points scored in a game this season in the MISL. The Comets’ victory, their fourth of the year, is the second straight for the team on Omaha’s home turf. The Comets, who nearly erased a big deficit the night before at home against the Baltimore Blast, did so this time around after being down 18-12 with just under nine minutes remaining in the 4th period.
Omaha struck first at the 8:22 mark in the 1st period on a goal by Frederico Mojen. The Comets would answer four minutes later with consecutive goals by Byron Alvarez, unassisted, and Jamie Harding, getting his first goal on the year, assisted by Geison Moura. End of the 1st Quarter Score: Comets 4, Vipers, 2.
The Vipers would tie things up seven seconds into the 2nd period as Johnny Torres would take the opening pass all the way to the corner and past Comets’ keeper, Boris Pardo, getting his second start in goal this season. The Comets would come right back with a power play goal by Leo Gibson, another good sign that the team is finally capitalizing on their power play opportunities. Ryan Junge of the Vipers would connect on a 3-pointer, then Comets-killer, Chili Farias would score consecutive two and three point goals to give the Vipers a 12-6 halftime lead.
Omaha continued their scoring streak with a goal by Sandri Silva at the 1:36 mark at the start of the 3rd period. The rest of the scoring in the quarter belonged to the Comets, beginning with Byron Alvarez’s second goal of the day, assisted by Vahid Assadpour. Three minutes later, at the 6:55 mark, Lucas Rodriguez scored a diving goal past Vipers’ keeper, Jose Bontti. Assadpour would follow with a goal on a nice give-and-go with Jamar Beasley at the 10:30 mark to pull the Comets to within 14-12 at the end of the quarter.
At the start of the 4th quarter, it was Omaha’s turn to continue the scoring string with a goal by Vipers’ head coach, Marcelo Fontana, his first of the year. Four minutes later, Sandri Silva scored his second goal of the game to give the Vipers an 18-12 lead, and things looked pretty bleak for the Comets. Then Jamar Beasley, who had been pretty quiet for most of the game, exploded for two goals, the first of which was a power play goal off the Vipers’ keeper, Bontti. It was Beasley again, scoring 30 seconds later, unassisted from the left corner. After another Vipers 2-minute penalty, it was Byron Alvarez scoring again on a put-back goal off a blocked shot to tie the score at 18 apiece. The goal, giving Alvarez a hat trick on the day, moved Alvarez into 2nd place in scoring in the MISL.
One and a half minutes later, the game was decided on the strangest play of the MISL season. Vipers’ defender, Ribeiro Fabinho turned around near midfield to pass back to his keeper, Bontti, who was nowhere to be found, as he got caught playing up too far. The ball rolled all the way into the net with Bontti chasing after it to no avail, giving the Comets a game-winning 3-point goal. The Vipers would score again with 40 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough, as the Comets sealed the 21-20 win.
“Fabinho is one of the best defenders in the league,” said Comets’ Forward, Jamar Beasley. “I just wanted to pressure him, and he turned around and thought Bontti was there, and made a mistake.”
For Leo Gibson, the win shows that the Comets are finally learning how to close out games. “We just hadn’t been finishing games like we want to,” said Gibson. “Now I think we’re finally over that hump.”
The win brings the Comets’ record to 4-7 and within one game of third place behind Omaha, now 5-6.
The Comets return home to take on the Milwaukee Wave for Retro Night on Friday, January 28th at 7:35p. Some former, Comets greats will be playing at halftime, including Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Doug Neely, Ted, Eck, Gordon Hill and many other former Comets players. The current Comets players will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443322
Omaha struck first at the 8:22 mark in the 1st period on a goal by Frederico Mojen. The Comets would answer four minutes later with consecutive goals by Byron Alvarez, unassisted, and Jamie Harding, getting his first goal on the year, assisted by Geison Moura. End of the 1st Quarter Score: Comets 4, Vipers, 2.
The Vipers would tie things up seven seconds into the 2nd period as Johnny Torres would take the opening pass all the way to the corner and past Comets’ keeper, Boris Pardo, getting his second start in goal this season. The Comets would come right back with a power play goal by Leo Gibson, another good sign that the team is finally capitalizing on their power play opportunities. Ryan Junge of the Vipers would connect on a 3-pointer, then Comets-killer, Chili Farias would score consecutive two and three point goals to give the Vipers a 12-6 halftime lead.
Omaha continued their scoring streak with a goal by Sandri Silva at the 1:36 mark at the start of the 3rd period. The rest of the scoring in the quarter belonged to the Comets, beginning with Byron Alvarez’s second goal of the day, assisted by Vahid Assadpour. Three minutes later, at the 6:55 mark, Lucas Rodriguez scored a diving goal past Vipers’ keeper, Jose Bontti. Assadpour would follow with a goal on a nice give-and-go with Jamar Beasley at the 10:30 mark to pull the Comets to within 14-12 at the end of the quarter.
At the start of the 4th quarter, it was Omaha’s turn to continue the scoring string with a goal by Vipers’ head coach, Marcelo Fontana, his first of the year. Four minutes later, Sandri Silva scored his second goal of the game to give the Vipers an 18-12 lead, and things looked pretty bleak for the Comets. Then Jamar Beasley, who had been pretty quiet for most of the game, exploded for two goals, the first of which was a power play goal off the Vipers’ keeper, Bontti. It was Beasley again, scoring 30 seconds later, unassisted from the left corner. After another Vipers 2-minute penalty, it was Byron Alvarez scoring again on a put-back goal off a blocked shot to tie the score at 18 apiece. The goal, giving Alvarez a hat trick on the day, moved Alvarez into 2nd place in scoring in the MISL.
One and a half minutes later, the game was decided on the strangest play of the MISL season. Vipers’ defender, Ribeiro Fabinho turned around near midfield to pass back to his keeper, Bontti, who was nowhere to be found, as he got caught playing up too far. The ball rolled all the way into the net with Bontti chasing after it to no avail, giving the Comets a game-winning 3-point goal. The Vipers would score again with 40 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough, as the Comets sealed the 21-20 win.
“Fabinho is one of the best defenders in the league,” said Comets’ Forward, Jamar Beasley. “I just wanted to pressure him, and he turned around and thought Bontti was there, and made a mistake.”
For Leo Gibson, the win shows that the Comets are finally learning how to close out games. “We just hadn’t been finishing games like we want to,” said Gibson. “Now I think we’re finally over that hump.”
The win brings the Comets’ record to 4-7 and within one game of third place behind Omaha, now 5-6.
The Comets return home to take on the Milwaukee Wave for Retro Night on Friday, January 28th at 7:35p. Some former, Comets greats will be playing at halftime, including Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Doug Neely, Ted, Eck, Gordon Hill and many other former Comets players. The current Comets players will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443322
Bunbury Scores in US Draw
It wasn't an incredibly pretty game, but the United States drew with Chile 1-1 at the Home Depot Center tonight. SKC Wizards forward, Teal Bunbury found the net for the USA on a penalty kick giving the US a 1-1 draw.
Bunbury and teammate, Juan Agudelo started the game on the bench but made a big difference once coming in in the second half. Chris Wondolowski was the lone striker up top for the US team to start the game and found himself isolated many times in the first half as both teams struggled to create chances. The best chance of the half fell to Dax McCarty when he let loose with a rocket from 40 yards out that the Chilean goalkeeper had to tip out for a corner.
Estaban Paredes scored Chile's goal in the 53rd minute on a very nice volley after he was given way too much space in the box. The introduction of Agudelo and Bunbury changed the game as it gave the US dual options up top instead of one, and in the 75th minute the US finally capitalized. Agudelo made the most of minimal contact just instead the box, going down on the play. Bunbury stepped up and coolly buried the penalty into the corner giving the US a 1-1 draw in the game. You can see the actually call of the goal here. For another angle of the goal and Bunbury's dance at the end in remix form, check below, by the way, the dance is apparently called the "Dougie".
Bunbury and teammate, Juan Agudelo started the game on the bench but made a big difference once coming in in the second half. Chris Wondolowski was the lone striker up top for the US team to start the game and found himself isolated many times in the first half as both teams struggled to create chances. The best chance of the half fell to Dax McCarty when he let loose with a rocket from 40 yards out that the Chilean goalkeeper had to tip out for a corner.
Estaban Paredes scored Chile's goal in the 53rd minute on a very nice volley after he was given way too much space in the box. The introduction of Agudelo and Bunbury changed the game as it gave the US dual options up top instead of one, and in the 75th minute the US finally capitalized. Agudelo made the most of minimal contact just instead the box, going down on the play. Bunbury stepped up and coolly buried the penalty into the corner giving the US a 1-1 draw in the game. You can see the actually call of the goal here. For another angle of the goal and Bunbury's dance at the end in remix form, check below, by the way, the dance is apparently called the "Dougie".
Comets Comeback Falls Short
In a game that was a tale of two halves, the Comets fell short at home, losing to the Baltimore Blast 15-13 Saturday night at the Independence Events Center. Things looked pretty bleak for the Comets after falling behind 9-0, but the team fought back valiantly with a flurry of goals in the 4th period in one of the team’s most intense and exciting games of the year.
The Blast’s goalkeeper, Sagu, proved why he’s perhaps the best goalie in the MISL, saving 25 shots in the game. For the better part of three periods, shot after Comets shot was blocked, swatted away or kicked away by the veteran keeper as the Blast kept the Comets at arm’s distance all evening.
The Blast jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an unassisted three point goal by Max Ferdinand went past Leo Gibson and through goalkeeper, Danny Waltman. Pat Healey followed Ferdinand’s goal with a score at the 9:03 mark. The Blast led at the end of the first quarter by a score of 5-0.
The Blast went up 9-0 in the 2nd period after consecutive goals by Morris and Gonzaga. The Comets finally got on the board at the 11:48 mark of the period on an unassisted goal by Lucas Rodriguez, his first score of the season. The Comets got caught celebrating their first goal of the game and let the Blast’s Carlos Garcia sneak a goal past Waltman just nine seconds later. The Comets would close out the half with a rocket three point shot by Leo Gibson, his 4th 3-pointer of the year and 11th goal on the season. Halftime score: Blast 11, Comets 5.
The second half began with a Blast goal off an out of bounds re-start by Giuliano Celenza. The 3rd period would end fairly quietly with the Blast leading 13-5.
The Comets rallied in the 4th quarter beginning with a nice header goal from Bryan Perez, his first goal of the season on an assist by Stefan Stokic. The Blast answered once again with a goal by Warren Ukah at the 5:41 mark. After a tripping foul in the box by the Blast’s Mike Lookingland, Byron Alvarez of the Comets was awarded a penalty kick that was blocked by Sagu, but Alvarez followed the shot and put the deflected ball into the back of the net. The Comets finally capitalized on a power play after the Blast was penalized for having too many men on the field. Jamar Beasley scored from the right side after on assist by Lucas Rodriguez, pulling the Comets to within 15-11. With 3 ½ minutes to play, the Comets pulled Waltman for a 6th attacker and quickly converted on Byron Alvarez’s second goal of the game, bringing the Comets within a goal of tying things up. The Comets couldn’t muster another score, but the four goals in the period were the most by the team this season. The loss drops the Comets’ record to 3-8.
The Comets next game is tomorrow, (Sunday), January 23rd at 3:05p in Omaha against the 3rd place Vipers. The Comets will then return home to take on the Milwaukee Wave for Retro Night on Friday, January 28th at 7:35p. Many former Comets greats will be playing a fun game at halftime of the match, including Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Doug Neely, Ted, Eck, Gordon Hill and many other former Comets players. The current Comets team will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443321
The Blast’s goalkeeper, Sagu, proved why he’s perhaps the best goalie in the MISL, saving 25 shots in the game. For the better part of three periods, shot after Comets shot was blocked, swatted away or kicked away by the veteran keeper as the Blast kept the Comets at arm’s distance all evening.
The Blast jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an unassisted three point goal by Max Ferdinand went past Leo Gibson and through goalkeeper, Danny Waltman. Pat Healey followed Ferdinand’s goal with a score at the 9:03 mark. The Blast led at the end of the first quarter by a score of 5-0.
The Blast went up 9-0 in the 2nd period after consecutive goals by Morris and Gonzaga. The Comets finally got on the board at the 11:48 mark of the period on an unassisted goal by Lucas Rodriguez, his first score of the season. The Comets got caught celebrating their first goal of the game and let the Blast’s Carlos Garcia sneak a goal past Waltman just nine seconds later. The Comets would close out the half with a rocket three point shot by Leo Gibson, his 4th 3-pointer of the year and 11th goal on the season. Halftime score: Blast 11, Comets 5.
The second half began with a Blast goal off an out of bounds re-start by Giuliano Celenza. The 3rd period would end fairly quietly with the Blast leading 13-5.
The Comets rallied in the 4th quarter beginning with a nice header goal from Bryan Perez, his first goal of the season on an assist by Stefan Stokic. The Blast answered once again with a goal by Warren Ukah at the 5:41 mark. After a tripping foul in the box by the Blast’s Mike Lookingland, Byron Alvarez of the Comets was awarded a penalty kick that was blocked by Sagu, but Alvarez followed the shot and put the deflected ball into the back of the net. The Comets finally capitalized on a power play after the Blast was penalized for having too many men on the field. Jamar Beasley scored from the right side after on assist by Lucas Rodriguez, pulling the Comets to within 15-11. With 3 ½ minutes to play, the Comets pulled Waltman for a 6th attacker and quickly converted on Byron Alvarez’s second goal of the game, bringing the Comets within a goal of tying things up. The Comets couldn’t muster another score, but the four goals in the period were the most by the team this season. The loss drops the Comets’ record to 3-8.
The Comets next game is tomorrow, (Sunday), January 23rd at 3:05p in Omaha against the 3rd place Vipers. The Comets will then return home to take on the Milwaukee Wave for Retro Night on Friday, January 28th at 7:35p. Many former Comets greats will be playing a fun game at halftime of the match, including Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Doug Neely, Ted, Eck, Gordon Hill and many other former Comets players. The current Comets team will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1443321
Friday, January 21, 2011
More Trialists for Preseason
Some interesting tweets today from the SKC Wizards president, Robb Heineman. It started late last night when Heineman posted that a European attacking midfielder has agreed to come in on trial with the team. The midfielder would apparently be a maximum salary, but adding a play making midfielder would be a huge boost to the team.
The other tweet came tonight when Heineman said that a former La Liga center back would be in camp on Monday. Heineman didn't elaborate, but the La Liga status is a little intriguing. But let's remember that this doesn't mean that 1) the player plays for anyone in the top half of the table, or 2) he is currently playing in the league or has this season. And there are only 100s of defenders that played in La Liga at one time. It'll be interesting to see who each of these players are and if they'll make the team this season.
The other tweet came tonight when Heineman said that a former La Liga center back would be in camp on Monday. Heineman didn't elaborate, but the La Liga status is a little intriguing. But let's remember that this doesn't mean that 1) the player plays for anyone in the top half of the table, or 2) he is currently playing in the league or has this season. And there are only 100s of defenders that played in La Liga at one time. It'll be interesting to see who each of these players are and if they'll make the team this season.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Great Snowball Fight 2011
It looked like an absolutely amazing time today out by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre as Kei Kamara's want to have a snowball fight was realized. A decent crowd turned out for the event and plenty of photos were taken. Afterward the group hit up Kamara's favorite restaurant, Chipotle, which had offered to give some free lunches. Kamara ended up picking up the rest so all the people at the event got a free Chipotle lunch. I'm disappointed that I had to miss it from the sledding to the snow soccer to the snowball fight, to the free Sporting KC swag, to the lunch it sounded like a great day and a great PR deal for SKC that they didn't have a whole lot in getting started. The entire event was started by Kamara and SKC fans which makes the thing that much greater.
As I said last night on Twitter, things like this are one of the reasons I love MLS. You wouldn't see Chiefs players doing this, you're likely not going to see Royals players do this. It's one of those things that makes you proud to be a fan. It's cliche, but you still see a lot of pro athletes who seem to act above the average fan and seeing players come out and have fun with fans on their own free will is great. If you check out the group pictures there look to be a few kids out there as well, how cool is it for them that they can say they got to have a snowball fight with some Sporting KC players? And MLS players in KC have done this in the past, James in a great post today mentioned some of them, I'll include two more, Kevin Hartman buying a keg for the Cauldron tailgate to celebrate his birthday (he did the same thing in LA), and Jimmy Conrad's relationship with fans. The later really stuck out to me at Conrad's going away party, it'd been a good couple months since I'd been out to practice or even talked to Conrad directly but when I came up to say hi he immediately shook my name and knew my name like it'd only been a day since we talked. And he did that for much of the night with many of the people that were there. I struggle to see any of these things that James or myself said being done by some other athletes from other leagues. I especially struggle to see them doing stuff like what Kamara, Matt Besler, Michael Harrington, and Jon Kempin did today. A big thank you to all of them. Check out the video from SKC below.
As I said last night on Twitter, things like this are one of the reasons I love MLS. You wouldn't see Chiefs players doing this, you're likely not going to see Royals players do this. It's one of those things that makes you proud to be a fan. It's cliche, but you still see a lot of pro athletes who seem to act above the average fan and seeing players come out and have fun with fans on their own free will is great. If you check out the group pictures there look to be a few kids out there as well, how cool is it for them that they can say they got to have a snowball fight with some Sporting KC players? And MLS players in KC have done this in the past, James in a great post today mentioned some of them, I'll include two more, Kevin Hartman buying a keg for the Cauldron tailgate to celebrate his birthday (he did the same thing in LA), and Jimmy Conrad's relationship with fans. The later really stuck out to me at Conrad's going away party, it'd been a good couple months since I'd been out to practice or even talked to Conrad directly but when I came up to say hi he immediately shook my name and knew my name like it'd only been a day since we talked. And he did that for much of the night with many of the people that were there. I struggle to see any of these things that James or myself said being done by some other athletes from other leagues. I especially struggle to see them doing stuff like what Kamara, Matt Besler, Michael Harrington, and Jon Kempin did today. A big thank you to all of them. Check out the video from SKC below.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Broadcast Partner for KC
Sporting KC announced tonight that they'll have a new broadcast partner for the upcoming season. The Wizards will not be back on KCWE this year. Instead they will be moving to KSMO-TV. KSMO will be showing all games that are not nationally televised on FSC or ESPN. The games will be preceded by a 30 minute pregame show. There will be no post game show this year, which is a bit of a disappointment, but they will have a 30 minute weekly soccer show on 9:30 on Sunday nights, which is a plus, I look forward to what that show brings to soccer in the city.
Preseason Matches
Players report just 5 days from now for the beginning of preseason, and while some are already in town and planning events for tomorrow's snow day, pretty soon it will be back to business for KC. Today the team announced 6 preseason games that the team will have down in Arizona during their preseason. Their first preseason game is February 5th against the Crew. They then play the Rapids on the 12th, the Dynamo on the 15th, Portland on the 26th, on March 4th they play the Arizona Sahuaros, and the Red Bulls on the 5th. All the games are in Phoenix, except the last two which are in Tucson. There is also the continued talk of the friendly against Chivas as part of the Omar Bravo deal. According to Andrew Weibe in an interview, Peter Vermes confirmed that they'd play with Bravo playing a half for each team. The team though later told Weibe that it wasn't official yet. But if Vermes is confirming it, it certainly looks likely to be happening.
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates for you. Will John's time with the Missouri Comets is over, the team had hoped to extend the deal but were unable to. Two bits of news that have come out today on former Wizards players, first Carey Talley, who was apparently a finalist for the Real Salt Lake assistant coach position has announced his retirement, ending his long career. In other former player news, Claudio Lopez is being linked with a move to Peru and Universitario de Deportes along with former DC designated player, Marcelo Gallardo. Lopez won an MLS Cup ring last year with Colorado but went into the re-entry draft and was not selected. Here's the rest of your former SKC Wizards update
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Played in Missouri's 6-4 loss to Omaha.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 21-6 loss to Milwaukee. Did not play in Omaha's 6-4 win over Missouri.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had a goal and 2 assists in Baltimore's 14-12 loss to Chicago.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 6-4 loss to Omaha.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Defeated Tijuana 6-3.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Defeated Tijuana 6-3.
National Teams
Sunil Chhetri - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 5-2 loss to Bahrain. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 4-1 loss to South Korea.
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Game against Racing Olavarría was postponed.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Pachuca's 0-0 draw with Toluca.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Humble Lions 2-0.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Wigan.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not have a game this week.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Played in Missouri's 6-4 loss to Omaha.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 21-6 loss to Milwaukee. Did not play in Omaha's 6-4 win over Missouri.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had a goal and 2 assists in Baltimore's 14-12 loss to Chicago.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 6-4 loss to Omaha.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Defeated Tijuana 6-3.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Defeated Tijuana 6-3.
National Teams
Sunil Chhetri - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 5-2 loss to Bahrain. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 4-1 loss to South Korea.
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Game against Racing Olavarría was postponed.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Pachuca's 0-0 draw with Toluca.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Humble Lions 2-0.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Wigan.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not have a game this week.
Quick News Bits
Some quick news bits to touch on real quick.
First, yesterday the US national team scrimmaged the Canadian U-23 team down in California. Teal Bunbury played and scored one of the goals in the USA's 4-0 win over the Canadian youth side. This Saturday the US will be taking on Chile at the Home Depot Center.
Remember last year when the Wizards were after Dayro Moreno? Well those rumors have resurfaced, although there's not much to it. Apparently KC put in an offer on Moreno but the bid was apparently too low to be excepted. Moreno fit the classification of a young DP candidate for KC, not a name, but a skilled player.
Finally in the quick hits, the team has officially announced that they have re-signed defender, Michael Harrington. Robb Heineman tweeted during the Superdraft that the deal was done, but now the team has officially announced it, meaning the league has approved Harrington's new contract. This has been the biggest news of the offseason so far as re-signing Harrington was our top offseason job.
First, yesterday the US national team scrimmaged the Canadian U-23 team down in California. Teal Bunbury played and scored one of the goals in the USA's 4-0 win over the Canadian youth side. This Saturday the US will be taking on Chile at the Home Depot Center.
Remember last year when the Wizards were after Dayro Moreno? Well those rumors have resurfaced, although there's not much to it. Apparently KC put in an offer on Moreno but the bid was apparently too low to be excepted. Moreno fit the classification of a young DP candidate for KC, not a name, but a skilled player.
Finally in the quick hits, the team has officially announced that they have re-signed defender, Michael Harrington. Robb Heineman tweeted during the Superdraft that the deal was done, but now the team has officially announced it, meaning the league has approved Harrington's new contract. This has been the biggest news of the offseason so far as re-signing Harrington was our top offseason job.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Three Picked in Supplemental Draft
KC added three more players to their roster today following the MLS Supplemental draft. With the 10th pick in each round, KC drafted two midfielders and a defender.
In the first round, KC grabbed Sam Scales from Ohio State University, teammate of Superdraft pick, Konrad Warzycha. According to his college bio, Scales can play anywhere in the midfield.
In the second round, KC went and grabbed a central defender, Mike Jones from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. A St. Louis product, Jones is 6'2". Judging by his stats, it appears Jones missed the 2009 college season due to injury.
With their final selection, KC went back to midfield, and went international, grabbing Slovakian midfielder Michal Mravec from UAB. Mravec played for MSK Zilina in his home country before moving to the United States. Mravec appears to be a defensive midfielder.
Below are some videos of Scales and Mravec.
In the first round, KC grabbed Sam Scales from Ohio State University, teammate of Superdraft pick, Konrad Warzycha. According to his college bio, Scales can play anywhere in the midfield.
In the second round, KC went and grabbed a central defender, Mike Jones from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. A St. Louis product, Jones is 6'2". Judging by his stats, it appears Jones missed the 2009 college season due to injury.
With their final selection, KC went back to midfield, and went international, grabbing Slovakian midfielder Michal Mravec from UAB. Mravec played for MSK Zilina in his home country before moving to the United States. Mravec appears to be a defensive midfielder.
Below are some videos of Scales and Mravec.
Chhetri Scores Again as India Goes Out
Already eliminated, India took on South Korea in their final group game of the Asian Cup. After falling behind 2-0 inside the first ten minutes, Sunil Chhetri was able to get India back into the game after he was fouled in the box. Chhetri stepped up and buried the penalty kick making it 2-1 and giving India a little bit of hope. India was outplayed for the majority of the game by the Korean side and two more goals, one in each half led to the final score being 4-1. While India is likely to finish last in the entire tournament due to goal difference, they will finishing the tournament having scored 3 goals, two by Chhetri, more than Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who both also finished on zero points. See Chhetri's goal below.
Supplemental Draft Today
Today is the second half of the MLS draft, with the Supplemental draft taking place. KC owns 3 picks in the draft, the 10th, 28th, and 46th. This is a chance for MLS teams to build their depth with the return of the reserve league. The reserve league returning this year is the reason we see the return of the supplemental draft. The collective bargaining agreement did not allow the supplemental draft without the reserve league. So that's how we find ourselves with a second draft today at 1pm CST. At this point some players will have not been at the combine, but there is still some talent out there. A lot of those players are internationals that fell due to their international status, guys like Michael Boxall and Daniel Keat.
Hold Off on Those All Star Game Plans
Yesterday the rumor of the MLS All Star game being in KC resurfaced and there was a bit of skepticism mixed with excitement for the potential of seeing Barcelona at KC's soccer stadium. But as the day wore on we got a little more information. Specifically from the Star and from Robb Heineman himself. Gooch at the Star checked with KC's PR department and they were as surprised by the rumor as most of us were, not knowing Steve Davis' source on the story. Later in the evening on Bigsoccer, Heineman posted to not waste too much time on it, yet. That certainly seems to point to a little bit of truth behind the rumor, but that it's still no where near as close as Davis makes it out to be.
Monday, January 17, 2011
KC All Star Game Hosts Rumors Still Around
Back during MLS Cup weekend, a rumor surfaced that KC was one of the finalists for hosting the 2011 All Star game, and the rumored opponent was going to be Spanish giant, Barcelona. Today the same person, Steve Davis posted again about the rumor, saying that both Barcelona as the opponent and KC as the host was continuing to gain steam.
Shortly after the initial rumor dropped, during a live web chat with fans after the rebranding, Robb Heineman talked about the potential of hosting MLS Cup or the All Star game. Heineman said he'd love to host either of the events in 2011, but didn't know if it'd be possible, saying 2012 or 2013 were more likely for hosting.
Certainly things can change between November and today, but with Davis' history of not really knowing KC and what's going on here I do take what he says with a grain of salt. It would certainly be a fun day though to see the MLS All Stars in KC take on Barcelona. But with the opening of the stadium, the Gold Cup, and potentially the All Star game could it be a bit of overload for KC fans?
Shortly after the initial rumor dropped, during a live web chat with fans after the rebranding, Robb Heineman talked about the potential of hosting MLS Cup or the All Star game. Heineman said he'd love to host either of the events in 2011, but didn't know if it'd be possible, saying 2012 or 2013 were more likely for hosting.
Certainly things can change between November and today, but with Davis' history of not really knowing KC and what's going on here I do take what he says with a grain of salt. It would certainly be a fun day though to see the MLS All Stars in KC take on Barcelona. But with the opening of the stadium, the Gold Cup, and potentially the All Star game could it be a bit of overload for KC fans?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Heineman Interview
The past two days, an interview done by Andrew Wiebe with Robb Heineman has been put up on the Sporting KC website. The first part of the interview talks about the new stadium, the roster, and preseason. There's nothing incredibly new in that part of the article. We again here about the young designated player that KC is still trying to get.
The part that I liked more and gave more new information was in the second part that came out today. In today's part of the interview it was more on the business side of things. There was a lot that I liked hearing out of the article. The first was the fact that Heineman said KC is closing in on 9,000 season ticket holders. That's a huge number and fairly unexpected I think by most people. This coming from a team that was playing in a 10,000 seat stadium the past few years and at times had struggled to get more than 9,000 people to attend games back at Arrowhead. I'd love to know how many of those season ticket holders are new just this offseason. We haven't seen much on the number of season ticket holders since the front office announced their 2,011 for 2011 campaign shortly after the Manchester United game.
Heineman also discusses other things, including the business side of the late start to the home schedule and the Gold Cup, but the other thing I really wanted to focus on was the sponsorship. There's been a ton of idle speculation by fans, but no real news or rumors on who would potentially be the sponsor for the jersey or the stadium sponsor. It looks like we might finally get some news on that as Heineman said in the coming weeks the team is looking to announce jersey, stadium, and other sponsors. I know there are some people that don't want a sponsor but I see it as a big money maker and potential to help the team buy a designated player that can help KC win titles.
The part that I liked more and gave more new information was in the second part that came out today. In today's part of the interview it was more on the business side of things. There was a lot that I liked hearing out of the article. The first was the fact that Heineman said KC is closing in on 9,000 season ticket holders. That's a huge number and fairly unexpected I think by most people. This coming from a team that was playing in a 10,000 seat stadium the past few years and at times had struggled to get more than 9,000 people to attend games back at Arrowhead. I'd love to know how many of those season ticket holders are new just this offseason. We haven't seen much on the number of season ticket holders since the front office announced their 2,011 for 2011 campaign shortly after the Manchester United game.
Heineman also discusses other things, including the business side of the late start to the home schedule and the Gold Cup, but the other thing I really wanted to focus on was the sponsorship. There's been a ton of idle speculation by fans, but no real news or rumors on who would potentially be the sponsor for the jersey or the stadium sponsor. It looks like we might finally get some news on that as Heineman said in the coming weeks the team is looking to announce jersey, stadium, and other sponsors. I know there are some people that don't want a sponsor but I see it as a big money maker and potential to help the team buy a designated player that can help KC win titles.
Comets Fall to Omaha
The Comets’ improved defense came at a price as they failed to muster any sort of offense in a pivotal match Sunday afternoon at the Independence Events Center against the visiting Vipers, falling to the visitors from Omaha 6-4. The six points by the Vipers were the least amount of points allowed by the Comets all season long, but the Vipers stifled the Comets offense all day long, holding the team to just four points, the team’s lowest scoring output of the season.
The 6-4 final score is the least amount of points scored in a game so far this year in the MISL.
A victory over Omaha would have pulled the Comets into a tie for third place with the Vipers, instead, the Comets fall to 3-7, two full games behind Omaha (now 5-5) in the standings.
The first period belonged to Omaha, with Mauricio Hernandez, then Ryan Junge scoring goals in the game’s first seven minutes. The first period would end that way, with Omaha leading 4-0.
The only points in the 2nd period belonged to the Comets’ Vahid Assadpour, scoring his 5th goal of the season with an assist by Byron Alvarez. The Comets couldn’t capitalize on a huge opportunity in the period when they had a two man advantage after consecutive misconduct and holding penalties by the Vipers. The inability to take advantage of power play opportunities has plagued the Comets all year long. Halftime score: Vipers 4, Comets 2.
After a scoreless 3rd period, the Vipers extended their lead to 6-2 after Junge’s second goal of the game at the 2:50 mark. After pulling keeper, Danny Waltman, and inserting Vahid Assadpour as a sixth attacker with three minutes left in the game, Leo Gibson scored with an assist from Lucas Rodriguez with 1:50 to play. That would be as close as the Comets would get, falling to the Vipers 6-4.
The Comets next game is Saturday, January 22nd at 7:35p at the Independence Events Center against the Baltimore Blast. The Comets will then travel to Omaha the next day to take on the Vipers at 3:05p.
Comets Retro Night: Some former, familiar Comets greats will be honored at halftime of the Friday, January 28th game against the Milwaukee Wave at the IEC. Alan Mayer, Gino Schiraldi, Doug Neely, Ted, Eck, Gordon Hill and many other former Comets players will be on hand. Comets players will be playing in replica jerseys of the iconic rainbow-striped uniforms worn during the team’s inaugural 1981-1982 season. The Comets are encouraging all long-time Comets fans to break out their old Comets gear and wear it to the game
Tickets: Comet single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups and youth soccer teams can also “Play Like the Comets” on the field before every Comets home game. For Comets group tickets, call 816-478-BALL. For all the latest Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Link to Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/
Saturday, January 15, 2011
10,000 Minute Club Updated
Continuing to update my offseason stat information here on the blog. This time I'm updating the 10,000 minute club for the Wizards/Sporting KC. For league minutes, there was a new player added to the list, as Josh Wolff hit the 10,000 minute mark in league play, becoming the 11th Wizards player to hit that mark. Next year another new player should make it onto the list as well, as Michael Harrington is just over 700 minutes from 10,000. After him the next closest Wizards player is Shavar Thomas who is about 2500 minutes away, so depending on playing time he too has the potential to reach the club as well. Here's the list.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 20,516
2. Nick Garcia - 20,158
3. Jimmy Conrad - 18,194
4. Davy Arnaud - 17,863
5. Preki - 17,818
6. Chris Klein - 16,381
7. Jack Jewsbury - 13,275
8. Mo Johnston - 12,600
9. Matt McKeon - 11,584
10. Josh Wolff - 11,467
11. Tony Meola - 11,331
In all competitions, Harrington did get himself into the 10,000 minute club, becoming the 15th player in all competitions to hit that mark. The closest player to reach the list next season is Shavar Thomas who is just over 2200 minutes away, so a decent season could see him get onto the list. Here's the all competitions list.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 25,290
2. Nick Garcia - 24,650
3. Preki - 20,647
4. Jimmy Conrad - 20,551
5. Davy Arnaud - 19,960
6. Chris Klein - 19,437
7. Jack Jewsbury - 14,973
8. Matt McKeon - 14,602
9. Tony Meola - 14,205
10. Mo Johnston - 14,182
11. Josh Wolff - 12,939
12. Diego Gutierrez - 12,246
13. Jose Burciaga - 10,624
14. Michael Harrington - 10,404
15. Uche Okafor - 10,281
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 20,516
2. Nick Garcia - 20,158
3. Jimmy Conrad - 18,194
4. Davy Arnaud - 17,863
5. Preki - 17,818
6. Chris Klein - 16,381
7. Jack Jewsbury - 13,275
8. Mo Johnston - 12,600
9. Matt McKeon - 11,584
10. Josh Wolff - 11,467
11. Tony Meola - 11,331
In all competitions, Harrington did get himself into the 10,000 minute club, becoming the 15th player in all competitions to hit that mark. The closest player to reach the list next season is Shavar Thomas who is just over 2200 minutes away, so a decent season could see him get onto the list. Here's the all competitions list.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 25,290
2. Nick Garcia - 24,650
3. Preki - 20,647
4. Jimmy Conrad - 20,551
5. Davy Arnaud - 19,960
6. Chris Klein - 19,437
7. Jack Jewsbury - 14,973
8. Matt McKeon - 14,602
9. Tony Meola - 14,205
10. Mo Johnston - 14,182
11. Josh Wolff - 12,939
12. Diego Gutierrez - 12,246
13. Jose Burciaga - 10,624
14. Michael Harrington - 10,404
15. Uche Okafor - 10,281
Friday, January 14, 2011
Chhetri Scores as India are Eliminated
India put in a strong second half, but lost to Bahrain 5-2 and saw their AFC Asian Cup tournament chances end as well. The loss by India and the Australia-South Korea draw means that India was eliminated from the tournament. India fell behind in the 8th minute due to a penalty kick, but came back a minute later to equalize. Then Ismaeel Abd El-Latif went off for a natural hattrick to give Bahrain all the room they needed. Still in the second half, like against Australia India put in a better effort. In the 52nd minute, India thought they found a way back into the game Renedy Singh struck a hard shot from outside the box that hit the cross bar and bounced over the line, but the goal was not given. The rebound fell to Abhishek Yadav who put his header into the woodwork as well. The second rebound fell to Chhetri who headed the ball into the net. Later in the half though, El-Latif scored his fourth and sent India out of the tournament with a game to play. In their final game of the tournament India will take on South Korea who will be looking to advance to the quarterfinals. See Chhetri's goal below.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Draft Day Rewind
Well things kind of went the way that many people kind of expected it today, plenty of people last night were predicting that Jalil Anibaba and AJ Soares would be off the board when KC picked at the 10 spot. Soares went to the Revolution at the 6 spot while Anibaba almost fell to the Wizards, but was grabbed by Chicago at the 9 spot. That left KC with plenty of other directions to go. There were really no other central defenders at that spot to take, but there were still some GA forwards (Will Bruin and Corey Hetzog) and other GA players (Michael Tetteh) available. There were also some decent seniors available as well like Justin Meram or international Victor Estupinan.
With so many of those being forwards I felt a little unimpressed with the options for the Wizards to pick, but I had started to warm to the idea of a GA forward like Bruin or Hetzog in KC. But KC went a completely different direction, grabbing James Madison University forward, CJ Sapong. Needless to say I was surprised by the selection. In the matches from the combine, Sapong hadn't been that impressive to me. I thought Sapong would have been a good selection for an early to mid second round pick. With him going at 10 I immediately flashed back to last year's MLS draft when Columbus reached and grabbed Bright Dike with their first round pick and promptly waived him during preseason. I felt Sapong fit the same mold and was fairly disappointed in the selection.
Throughout the day I've thought about it more and I do understand the selection a bit more. While I personally think that Bruin or Hetzog could have fit in the center forward position of the 4-3-3, but Sapong has the ability to potentially play more of those positions. I'm still not completely sold on the pick, but as I mentioned earlier with Soares and Anibaba off the board, there not being another sure fire defender, and no other real can't miss player in a major need position, drafting a forward for depth isn't a bad move. Still with a starting forward line that is likely to contain Ryan Smith, Omar Bravo, and Kei Kamara or Teal Bunbury, with the other being the first forward off the bench more often than not a forward was still a surprise at this spot.
As you can see I'm still really torn with this pick, I see the ability for Sapong in the Wizards 4-3-3, and understand the lack of another great prospect there, but taking a forward, one that likely would have been there later in the round or early second still doesn't sit well with me.
The rest of the draft for KC I liked, in the second round, Sporting drafted for depth, grabbing JT Murray from the University of Louisville, a left sided midfielder/defender who will look to be depth for Sporting on the left side for Roger Espinoza should the Honduran be called up for the Gold Cup. Murray was listed as a midfielder, but played as a defender for parts of this past season, including the College Cup final against Akron. I do like this pick even though I said last night I wasn't sure KC needed a left sided player, Murray is one of those low risk, high reward players if Espinoza is called up for the Gold Cup and Murray can contribute. And with Michael Harrington re-signing he can stay on the right side if Murray does in fact make the roster.
In the third round KC made another good selection, grabbing the son of Columbus coach, Robert Warzycha, Konrad Warzycha. KC has cornered the market of former MLS players sons, as they have both Teal Bunbury and now the younger Warzycha. Warzycha is a center midfielder, mainly defensive, who played some center back at the combine and could contribute there.
Overall I'm not ecstatic about the draft, I'm no where near as pleased or excited about this draft as I was last year, but I'm not crushed by it either. Overall I'd rate it as a C+, that's mainly for the Murray and Warzycha picks. I still think grabbing Sapong when we did was a bit of a stretch, and traded down and getting either another pick, allocation money, or international slot would have made me feel better about the selection of Sapong. While I'm disappointed in the lack of getting a central defender I'm not incredibly surprised. As I tweeted post draft, the lack of a central defender being selected tells me that KC has a few foreign players in line that they feel can start. This was confirmed with the fact the Robb Heineman retweeted the tweet. It was confirmed a bit again later when Heineman tweeted that KC had verbal commitments from two new international players.
Finally the biggest thing to remember about the draft is that unlike the NFL and NBA, the draft is not the main way to get talent, unlike those leagues there's a huge pool of players to pull from around the world that makes the draft not irrelevant, but less relevant than it is in those leagues.
With so many of those being forwards I felt a little unimpressed with the options for the Wizards to pick, but I had started to warm to the idea of a GA forward like Bruin or Hetzog in KC. But KC went a completely different direction, grabbing James Madison University forward, CJ Sapong. Needless to say I was surprised by the selection. In the matches from the combine, Sapong hadn't been that impressive to me. I thought Sapong would have been a good selection for an early to mid second round pick. With him going at 10 I immediately flashed back to last year's MLS draft when Columbus reached and grabbed Bright Dike with their first round pick and promptly waived him during preseason. I felt Sapong fit the same mold and was fairly disappointed in the selection.
Throughout the day I've thought about it more and I do understand the selection a bit more. While I personally think that Bruin or Hetzog could have fit in the center forward position of the 4-3-3, but Sapong has the ability to potentially play more of those positions. I'm still not completely sold on the pick, but as I mentioned earlier with Soares and Anibaba off the board, there not being another sure fire defender, and no other real can't miss player in a major need position, drafting a forward for depth isn't a bad move. Still with a starting forward line that is likely to contain Ryan Smith, Omar Bravo, and Kei Kamara or Teal Bunbury, with the other being the first forward off the bench more often than not a forward was still a surprise at this spot.
As you can see I'm still really torn with this pick, I see the ability for Sapong in the Wizards 4-3-3, and understand the lack of another great prospect there, but taking a forward, one that likely would have been there later in the round or early second still doesn't sit well with me.
The rest of the draft for KC I liked, in the second round, Sporting drafted for depth, grabbing JT Murray from the University of Louisville, a left sided midfielder/defender who will look to be depth for Sporting on the left side for Roger Espinoza should the Honduran be called up for the Gold Cup. Murray was listed as a midfielder, but played as a defender for parts of this past season, including the College Cup final against Akron. I do like this pick even though I said last night I wasn't sure KC needed a left sided player, Murray is one of those low risk, high reward players if Espinoza is called up for the Gold Cup and Murray can contribute. And with Michael Harrington re-signing he can stay on the right side if Murray does in fact make the roster.
In the third round KC made another good selection, grabbing the son of Columbus coach, Robert Warzycha, Konrad Warzycha. KC has cornered the market of former MLS players sons, as they have both Teal Bunbury and now the younger Warzycha. Warzycha is a center midfielder, mainly defensive, who played some center back at the combine and could contribute there.
Overall I'm not ecstatic about the draft, I'm no where near as pleased or excited about this draft as I was last year, but I'm not crushed by it either. Overall I'd rate it as a C+, that's mainly for the Murray and Warzycha picks. I still think grabbing Sapong when we did was a bit of a stretch, and traded down and getting either another pick, allocation money, or international slot would have made me feel better about the selection of Sapong. While I'm disappointed in the lack of getting a central defender I'm not incredibly surprised. As I tweeted post draft, the lack of a central defender being selected tells me that KC has a few foreign players in line that they feel can start. This was confirmed with the fact the Robb Heineman retweeted the tweet. It was confirmed a bit again later when Heineman tweeted that KC had verbal commitments from two new international players.
Finally the biggest thing to remember about the draft is that unlike the NFL and NBA, the draft is not the main way to get talent, unlike those leagues there's a huge pool of players to pull from around the world that makes the draft not irrelevant, but less relevant than it is in those leagues.
With the 46th Pick SKC Select
Konrad Warzycha, from Ohio State. The son of the Columbus Crew, Robert Warzycha is coming to KC. Certainly a bit disappointing for him. Warzycha is a midfielder, but did play also play center back at the combine. Could also be seen as potential trade bait with Columbus if Robert really wants to coach his son.
Michael Harrington Re-Signed
Per Robb Heineman's Twitter during today's draft, the SKC Wizards have re-signed Michael Harrington. Of all the news today, this is the biggest news of all. Harrington was probably the team's most consistent player last year and losing him to a club abroad would have been a huge loss for KC, especially with the loss of Jonathan Leathers in the expansion draft. His re-signing helps to fill what could have been a very big hole on the right. The re-signing is dependent on the league approving the contract. But that doesn't seem like that will be a problem.
With the 32nd Pick, KC Select
JT Murray from the University of Louisville. In his tweet on the move, Robb Heineman said that Murray would be good cover for Espinoza during the Gold Cup (if Espinoza is called up).
With the #10 Pick KC Select CJ Sapong
The James Madison forward, CJ Sapong, was KC's first pick of the draft. Personally I think this is a reach for the first spot. Not thrilled with taking a forward in the first round.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Byline to Back Post Draft Edition
Getting this out a little late, but Thad and I recorded the latest edition of From the Byline to the Back Post. We spent time talking about the draft, but first we discussed the tragic passing of Uche Okafor, roster movement, and preseason. We also have some Comets talk at the end. It's up on Posterous now, and should hopefully be up on iTunes soon.
Tomorrow's Draft Day
It's that time of year again, it's time for another MLS draft and tomorrow in Baltimore KC will get the rights to 3 players for the next season. KC has the 10th, 32nd, and 46th picks tomorrow. There's been tons of speculation on who is going to be taken in the draft by KC. It seems like every mock draft has a different person being taken in the number 10 spot. From Omar Salgado, to Joao Plata, to Kofi Sarkodie, to Eddie Ababio, Daniel Keat, or Michael Tetteh they've been all over the place. A lot of the early speculation had KC getting a center back with the number 10 spot, either AJ Soares or Jalil Anibaba were picked out a lot, but Anibaba seems to have played himself out of KC's pick ability with a very impressive combine.
KC will be hoping to replicate a good first round pick like they did last year getting Teal Bunbury. But unlike how the team is spinning it, outside the Bunbury pick last year, the 2010 draft was unsuccessful for KC. They had five picks in the draft and only two of those five ended up making the roster, so I would hope for a more successful draft this year and with the expanded roster that certainly seems more likely.
As pointed out by Gooch at the Star, with the 3 internationals players invited to training all being defenders it's possible KC may not think they need to get a defender. My opinion still stands that KC needs to grab a center back with the first pick, but that's all dependent on either Soares or Anibaba being available. If both of them are picked before KC comes up at number 10, it's not worth it in my opinion to reach for other center backs in the first round, and look to potentially get one in the second round.
If neither one of those two are available in the first round then KC needs to look to address other needs or even look to grab a GA player that's available. And if Soares and Anibaba are selected, that'll leave a few GA's still out there for selection. A guy like Michael Nanchoff or Michael Tetteh might be good just for their salary exemption. Although I'm not sure KC currently needs a guy like Tetteh who can play left back or left mid when KC has Ryan Smith, Roger Espinoza, and Michael Harrington (if and when he's re-signed) already available to play those positions Tetteh would seem unlikely to see much of the field.
Another way I could see KC going with the pick if Soares and Anibaba are gone is to go and get a midfielder. Maybe someone like Michael Farfan, Stephen McCarthy, or one of the GA midfielders if available. The main reason I see KC going with a midfielder if they can't get a defender is because I don't think KC needs to use a first round pick on a striker. I think with Smith, Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, and Kei Kamara already under contract a striker it plays down the potential of a first round pick being a striker. For me, in the first round you're usually looking for guys to contribute more in their first season and I think with that depth it seems a little unlikely. Course now that I say that we'll probably go out and grab someone like Joao Plata, Corey Hertzog or Victor Estupiñan.
It's certainly no easy task to figure out who KC is going to pick and is extremely dependent on who is picked ahead of them. We could also see KC try to trade up to try and grab someone like Anibaba or Soares. Remember I will have a Cover it Live session going during the draft, so feel free to join in.
KC will be hoping to replicate a good first round pick like they did last year getting Teal Bunbury. But unlike how the team is spinning it, outside the Bunbury pick last year, the 2010 draft was unsuccessful for KC. They had five picks in the draft and only two of those five ended up making the roster, so I would hope for a more successful draft this year and with the expanded roster that certainly seems more likely.
As pointed out by Gooch at the Star, with the 3 internationals players invited to training all being defenders it's possible KC may not think they need to get a defender. My opinion still stands that KC needs to grab a center back with the first pick, but that's all dependent on either Soares or Anibaba being available. If both of them are picked before KC comes up at number 10, it's not worth it in my opinion to reach for other center backs in the first round, and look to potentially get one in the second round.
If neither one of those two are available in the first round then KC needs to look to address other needs or even look to grab a GA player that's available. And if Soares and Anibaba are selected, that'll leave a few GA's still out there for selection. A guy like Michael Nanchoff or Michael Tetteh might be good just for their salary exemption. Although I'm not sure KC currently needs a guy like Tetteh who can play left back or left mid when KC has Ryan Smith, Roger Espinoza, and Michael Harrington (if and when he's re-signed) already available to play those positions Tetteh would seem unlikely to see much of the field.
Another way I could see KC going with the pick if Soares and Anibaba are gone is to go and get a midfielder. Maybe someone like Michael Farfan, Stephen McCarthy, or one of the GA midfielders if available. The main reason I see KC going with a midfielder if they can't get a defender is because I don't think KC needs to use a first round pick on a striker. I think with Smith, Omar Bravo, Teal Bunbury, and Kei Kamara already under contract a striker it plays down the potential of a first round pick being a striker. For me, in the first round you're usually looking for guys to contribute more in their first season and I think with that depth it seems a little unlikely. Course now that I say that we'll probably go out and grab someone like Joao Plata, Corey Hertzog or Victor Estupiñan.
It's certainly no easy task to figure out who KC is going to pick and is extremely dependent on who is picked ahead of them. We could also see KC try to trade up to try and grab someone like Anibaba or Soares. Remember I will have a Cover it Live session going during the draft, so feel free to join in.
Former Sporting KC Wizards Update
Time for another former Sporting KC update. The Mexican league has kicked back off, so Herculez Gomez is back in action. Will John's time with the Missouri Comets also appears to be over now as well. Nelson Pizarro is still out there, he's been brought on to the San Diego Sockers from the San Diego Fusion. In some quick hits this week, Kurt Morsink has re-signed with DC for another season, while Abe Thompson has been invited to preseason with DC. In other news, Adam Cristman has been traded from DC to LA for a supplemental draft pick. Also here's a good interview with former draft pick, Nick Cardenas.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored 3 goals in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 13-11 win over Chicago.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had a goal and an assist in Baltimore's 15-12 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Had two goals and two assists in Baltimore's 12-6 win over Milwaukee on Sunday.
Will John - Missouri Comets - Had an assist in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - San Diego beat Cincinnati 10-4.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Scored a goal in San Diego's 10-4 win over Cincinnati.
National Teams
Sunil Chhetri - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 4-0 loss to Australia in the Asian AFC Cup.
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - On winter break until January.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Pachuca's 2-0 win over America.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Did not have a game this week.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Dressed but did not play in Fulham's 6-2 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not play in Wellington's 1-0 loss to Central Coast.
Still looking for:
Nick Cardenas
Pablo Escobar
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Pete Marino
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored 3 goals in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Played in Omaha's 13-11 win over Chicago.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had a goal and an assist in Baltimore's 15-12 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Had two goals and two assists in Baltimore's 12-6 win over Milwaukee on Sunday.
Will John - Missouri Comets - Had an assist in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in Missouri's 11-9 win over Chicago.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - San Diego beat Cincinnati 10-4.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Scored a goal in San Diego's 10-4 win over Cincinnati.
National Teams
Sunil Chhetri - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 4-0 loss to Australia in the Asian AFC Cup.
International
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - On winter break until January.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Pachuca's 2-0 win over America.
Santiago Hirsig - Quilmes - Argentina - Clausura does not start until February.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Did not have a game this week.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - On winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Dressed but did not play in Fulham's 6-2 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
Carlos Marinelli - Györi ETO - Hungary - On winter break.
Yura Movsisyan - Randers FC - Denmark - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Did not play in Wellington's 1-0 loss to Central Coast.
Sassano Signed
We've seen in a few interviews with Peter Vermes lately that have been saying that the signing of Luke Sassano was just a formality. Today we learn that the formality is gone and the signing is official, today KC announced the signing for the former New York Red Bulls defender/midfielder. KC acquired the rights to Sassano in a trade with LA. KC had selected Frankie Hejduk in the second round of the re-entry draft, but traded his rights to LA in exchange for Sassano's rights. Sassano will provide cover in the midfield and defense.
A Chance to Say Goodbye to Jimmy Conrad
Tomorrow night at the 810 Zone on the Plaza there is a chance for you to say goodbye to Jimmy Conrad. One of his favorite charities in KC, the Child Protection Center, is throwing him a farewell party Thursday night, the 13th. The farewell party will go from 5-8PM in the game room at the 810 Zone. You can also give $10 for a raffle ticket with the prizes being a Jimmy Conrad white long sleeve Wizards jersey, a Jimmy Conrad Chivas USA jersey, and 2 tickets to the Wizards-Chivas USA game at the new stadium once that date is announced. Certainly a worthwhile cause to donate to. During the evening the 810 Zone will also donate 10% of all food and beverage sales to the CPC.
They want you to RSVP by today, you can do so by emailing this address, sguthrie@cpckc.org. I wish I could make it out and it's still possible, but unlikely at this point due to other commitments, which is sad I would have liked to have had a chance to personally thank Jimmy for his time here, and wish him luck (except against KC).
They want you to RSVP by today, you can do so by emailing this address, sguthrie@cpckc.org. I wish I could make it out and it's still possible, but unlikely at this point due to other commitments, which is sad I would have liked to have had a chance to personally thank Jimmy for his time here, and wish him luck (except against KC).
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Gambian to be Among Training Camp Invitees Too
To go along with the announcement yesterday of Sheldon Bateau and Daneil Cyrus joining Sporting KC for preseason training, we have another player announced to be coming to KC for training. The newest announcement is Omar Colley, a U-20 Gambian international. Colley was in KC earlier this year training with the team and has been invited back to KC after impressing in Trinidad at the combine there. Colley is a defender and continues KC's efforts to rebuild their back line heading into the new season.
Monday, January 10, 2011
More Roster Movement
Today while speaking with Andrew Wiebe from MLSsoccer.com, Peter Vermes gave us a bit of insight into what is currently going on with the roster for Sporting KC next year. Some of it we've heard previously from Thad's interviews with the SKC coach, but we did get some new news as well.
First for the news we've kind of already heard and been told. Zoltan Hercegfalvi, at this time is not expected to be back with the team at this time. Hercegfalvi has returned to Hungary, but while Vermes hasn't ruled out bringing him back, as of this time he will not be back right now. With regards to Michael Harrington, Vermes still says that the team is close to signing him to a new contract and that the ball is in Harrington and his agent's court. Also along with Thad's previous conversation with Vermes, the signing of Luke Sassano is only a formality at this point it appears. Vermes also discusses Ryan Smith's status again saying that Smith is very close to moving off the international player list.
Onto some of the new information. Two more internationals appear like they won't be back next year either. Vermes confirms that Nikos Kounenakis will not be returning to KC next season after being brought over late last year and not making a single appearance.
The other player unlikely to return is Indian forward, Sunil Chhetri. Vermes says an announcement on Chhetri's status will be made in the next few weeks. I'd likely expect this announcement to come some time shortly after India's exit from the AFC Asian Cup which kicked off today. Maybe the team will let him out of his contract to let him sign with Australian side Perth Glory as was rumored.
With Hercegfalvi, Kounenakis, and potentially Chhetri gone from KC, KC will have 3 international slots open up. Four if/when Smith gets his citizenship/green card. That would potentially open slots for Sheldon Bateau and Daneil Cyrus, the two Trinidad and Tobago players who will join the team for a trial starting on the 24th. With a few internationals in the draft on Thursday as well, one of them could be a target too. Once again the team appears set to be making a quite a few moves this offseason.
First for the news we've kind of already heard and been told. Zoltan Hercegfalvi, at this time is not expected to be back with the team at this time. Hercegfalvi has returned to Hungary, but while Vermes hasn't ruled out bringing him back, as of this time he will not be back right now. With regards to Michael Harrington, Vermes still says that the team is close to signing him to a new contract and that the ball is in Harrington and his agent's court. Also along with Thad's previous conversation with Vermes, the signing of Luke Sassano is only a formality at this point it appears. Vermes also discusses Ryan Smith's status again saying that Smith is very close to moving off the international player list.
Onto some of the new information. Two more internationals appear like they won't be back next year either. Vermes confirms that Nikos Kounenakis will not be returning to KC next season after being brought over late last year and not making a single appearance.
The other player unlikely to return is Indian forward, Sunil Chhetri. Vermes says an announcement on Chhetri's status will be made in the next few weeks. I'd likely expect this announcement to come some time shortly after India's exit from the AFC Asian Cup which kicked off today. Maybe the team will let him out of his contract to let him sign with Australian side Perth Glory as was rumored.
With Hercegfalvi, Kounenakis, and potentially Chhetri gone from KC, KC will have 3 international slots open up. Four if/when Smith gets his citizenship/green card. That would potentially open slots for Sheldon Bateau and Daneil Cyrus, the two Trinidad and Tobago players who will join the team for a trial starting on the 24th. With a few internationals in the draft on Thursday as well, one of them could be a target too. Once again the team appears set to be making a quite a few moves this offseason.
KC to Play Montreal, Portland and LA in Preseason?
That's the word from the captain of the Montreal Impact, Nevio Pizzolitto, on the Oranges at Halftime podcast yesterday. According to Pizzolitto, the Impact, who will preseason in Arizona as well will play a preseason tournament against Sporting KC, Portland and LA to prepare them for their final season in the NASL before they move up to MLS for the 2012 season. This makes sense, LA trained in Arizona last year as well and it's not surprising that Portland will train down there too. Montreal is a bit of a surprise, but it'll be good to play against some teams who KC won't see two other times this season as well. This is the first word on any preseason opponents for KC down in Arizona as they prepare for the 2011 season. There are some other fairly interesting bits of information, none necessarily Wizards related, but check out that podcast if you want some more interesting information.
India Fall in Asian Cup Opener
Sunil Chhetri went the full 90 minutes for India, and had their best chances, but India fell 4-0 to Australia in their opener of the AFC Asian Cup. The Australians, the highest ranked team in the Asian Confederation easily outclassed the lowest ranked Indian side. Three goals in the first half put the game well out of reach for India. A second half where they only allowed 1 goal and some decent chances of their own may give India a bit of hope heading into their second group game against Bahrain.
The above linked article certainly praises their fight and the fact they only allowed one second half goal. It appears the author's expectations were extremely low for the team saying that "India must take heart from their performance as they didn’t fall flat as people expected them to." Not that they should have been expected to really compete, but most of the comments just bury the team.
The above linked article certainly praises their fight and the fact they only allowed one second half goal. It appears the author's expectations were extremely low for the team saying that "India must take heart from their performance as they didn’t fall flat as people expected them to." Not that they should have been expected to really compete, but most of the comments just bury the team.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Capped Wizards/Sporting Players
Continuing some of my stat updating before tomorrow's opener for India in the Asian Cup, here's an updated list of Wizards/Sporting KC players and the number of caps they have for their national teams.
USA
Tony Meola - 100
Alexi Lalas - 96 - 9
Chris Henderson - 79 - 3
Mike Burns - 75
Peter Vermes - 67 - 11
Mike Sorber - 67 - 2
Josh Wolff - 52 - 9
Brian Bliss - 44 - 2
Eddie Johnson - 42 - 12
Frank Klopas - 40 - 12
Roy Lassister - 30 - 4
Eric Eichman - 29 - 4
Preki - 28 - 4
Jimmy Conrad - 28 - 1
Mark Chung - 24 - 2
Chris Klein - 22 - 5
Kerry Zavagnin - 21
Mark Santel - 8 - 1
Herculez Gomez - 8 - 2
Davy Arnaud - 7 - 1
John Diffley - 7
John DeBrito - 6
Nick Garcia - 6
Yari Allnut - 5 - 2
Kevin Hartman - 5
Sasha Victorine - 4 - 1
Steve Pittman - 3
Matt McKeon - 2
Alan Prampin - 2
Ken Snow - 2
Diego Gutierrez - 1
Curt Onalfo - 1
Teal Bunbury - 1
Argentina
Claudio Lopez - 58 - 10
Armenia
Yura Movsisyan - 5 - 3
Cameroon
Samuel Ekeme - 32
Canada
Alex Bunbury - 64 - 16
Pat Harrington - 1
Denmark
Miklos Molnar - 18 - 2
Finland
Antti Sumiala - 36 - 9
Grenada
Craig Rocastle - 5
Guadeloupe
Stephane Auvray - 20 - 2
Haiti
Josué Mayard - 17 - 2
Holland
Dave van den Bergh - 2
Honduras
Roger Espinoza - 15 - 3
Hungary
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - 3
India
Sunil Chhetri - 40 - 19
Jamaica
Onandi Lowe - 65 - 27
Shavar Thomas - 35
Jermaine Hue - 30 - 11
Wolde Harris - 28 - 7
Khari Stephenson - 26 - 3
Peter Isaacs - 15 - 4
Akeem Priestley - 3
Liberia
Dionysius Sebwe - 7
Mexico
Omar Bravo - 63 - 15
Nigeria
Uche Okafor - 34 - 1
Puerto Rico
Taylor Graham - 3 - 1
Russia
Igor Simutenkov - 20 - 9
Scotland
Richard Gough - 61 - 6
Mo Johnston - 38 - 14
Serbia and Montenegro
Vuk Rasovic - 5
Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara - 6
Trinidad and Tobago
Gary Glasgow - 53 -11
Scott Sealy - 25 - 2
Anthony Noriega - 5
Yugoslavia
Refik Sabanadzovic - 8
Zimbabwe
Vitalis Takawira - 26 - 12
USA
Tony Meola - 100
Alexi Lalas - 96 - 9
Chris Henderson - 79 - 3
Mike Burns - 75
Peter Vermes - 67 - 11
Mike Sorber - 67 - 2
Josh Wolff - 52 - 9
Brian Bliss - 44 - 2
Eddie Johnson - 42 - 12
Frank Klopas - 40 - 12
Roy Lassister - 30 - 4
Eric Eichman - 29 - 4
Preki - 28 - 4
Jimmy Conrad - 28 - 1
Mark Chung - 24 - 2
Chris Klein - 22 - 5
Kerry Zavagnin - 21
Mark Santel - 8 - 1
Herculez Gomez - 8 - 2
Davy Arnaud - 7 - 1
John Diffley - 7
John DeBrito - 6
Nick Garcia - 6
Yari Allnut - 5 - 2
Kevin Hartman - 5
Sasha Victorine - 4 - 1
Steve Pittman - 3
Matt McKeon - 2
Alan Prampin - 2
Ken Snow - 2
Diego Gutierrez - 1
Curt Onalfo - 1
Teal Bunbury - 1
Argentina
Claudio Lopez - 58 - 10
Armenia
Yura Movsisyan - 5 - 3
Cameroon
Samuel Ekeme - 32
Canada
Alex Bunbury - 64 - 16
Pat Harrington - 1
Denmark
Miklos Molnar - 18 - 2
Finland
Antti Sumiala - 36 - 9
Grenada
Craig Rocastle - 5
Guadeloupe
Stephane Auvray - 20 - 2
Haiti
Josué Mayard - 17 - 2
Holland
Dave van den Bergh - 2
Honduras
Roger Espinoza - 15 - 3
Hungary
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - 3
India
Sunil Chhetri - 40 - 19
Jamaica
Onandi Lowe - 65 - 27
Shavar Thomas - 35
Jermaine Hue - 30 - 11
Wolde Harris - 28 - 7
Khari Stephenson - 26 - 3
Peter Isaacs - 15 - 4
Akeem Priestley - 3
Liberia
Dionysius Sebwe - 7
Mexico
Omar Bravo - 63 - 15
Nigeria
Uche Okafor - 34 - 1
Puerto Rico
Taylor Graham - 3 - 1
Russia
Igor Simutenkov - 20 - 9
Scotland
Richard Gough - 61 - 6
Mo Johnston - 38 - 14
Serbia and Montenegro
Vuk Rasovic - 5
Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara - 6
Trinidad and Tobago
Gary Glasgow - 53 -11
Scott Sealy - 25 - 2
Anthony Noriega - 5
Yugoslavia
Refik Sabanadzovic - 8
Zimbabwe
Vitalis Takawira - 26 - 12
Most Capped Sporting KC Players
With Sunil Chhetri still technically a member of Sporting KC and India getting ready to kick off their AFC Asian Cup campaign tomorrow against Australia, I figured it was a good time to update the list of most capped players in a Wizards uniform. There's been no change at the top of the list, as Josh Wolff and Jimmy Conrad are the top players on the list. Roger Espinoza has a very good chance in the near future of becoming the most capped foreign national team player for KC as he's currently only 1 cap behind Trinidad and Tobago international Gary Glasgow.
As for the 2010 international year, KC saw 8 players win caps for their national team through out the year, tying the 2006 season for the most player appearances in a year. Players won 35 caps this year, the most since the 2006 season when 40 caps were won. Only 2 of those caps were won by US players as Jimmy Conrad got his last international cap against Honduras in January and Teal Bunbury got his first against South Africa. The five international goals scored was also a record for a single calender year. Chhetri contributed the most to that list with his 3 goals in a rare India win this year. The other two came from Stephane Auvray in one of the Digicel Caribbean Cup legs and Roger Espinoza who scored against the US back in January of 2010.
I am still trying to find information on Digital Takawira's caps for Zimbabwe while with KC, but have been able to find the information or get it through contacting different associations and even attempting to contact the club he's coaching now. I was able to get an update on the number of caps the late Uche Okafor won for Nigeria while playing for KC. Here's the list, bolded players are still on the roster.
Josh Wolff - USA - 38 - 6
Jimmy Conrad - USA - 28 - 1
Preki - USA - 26 - 4
Kerry Zavagnin - USA - 21
Eddie Johnson - USA - 20 - 3
Chris Klein - USA - 17 - 3
Gary Glasgow - Trinidad and Tobago - 16 - 1
Khari Stephenson - Jamaica - 15 - 3
Roger Espinoza - Honduras - 15 - 3
Scott Sealy - Trinidad and Tobago - 14 - 1
Tony Meola - USA - 12
Shavar Thomas - Jamaica - 11
Davy Arnaud - USA - 7 - 1
Sunil Chhetri - India - 6 - 3
Stephane Auvray - Guadeloupe - 6 - 1
Nick Garcia - USA - 6
Uche Okafor - Nigeria - 6
Craig Rocastle - Grenada - 5
Onandi Lowe - Jamaica - 3 - 2
Mike Sorber - USA - 3
Miklos Molnar - Denmark - 3
Mark Chung - USA - 2
Jermaine Hue - Jamaica - 2
Chris Henderson - USA - 1
Steve Pittman - USA - 1
Kei Kamara - Sierra Leone - 1
Teal Bunbury - USA - 1
Digital Takawira - Zimbabwe - unknown
As for the 2010 international year, KC saw 8 players win caps for their national team through out the year, tying the 2006 season for the most player appearances in a year. Players won 35 caps this year, the most since the 2006 season when 40 caps were won. Only 2 of those caps were won by US players as Jimmy Conrad got his last international cap against Honduras in January and Teal Bunbury got his first against South Africa. The five international goals scored was also a record for a single calender year. Chhetri contributed the most to that list with his 3 goals in a rare India win this year. The other two came from Stephane Auvray in one of the Digicel Caribbean Cup legs and Roger Espinoza who scored against the US back in January of 2010.
I am still trying to find information on Digital Takawira's caps for Zimbabwe while with KC, but have been able to find the information or get it through contacting different associations and even attempting to contact the club he's coaching now. I was able to get an update on the number of caps the late Uche Okafor won for Nigeria while playing for KC. Here's the list, bolded players are still on the roster.
Josh Wolff - USA - 38 - 6
Jimmy Conrad - USA - 28 - 1
Preki - USA - 26 - 4
Kerry Zavagnin - USA - 21
Eddie Johnson - USA - 20 - 3
Chris Klein - USA - 17 - 3
Gary Glasgow - Trinidad and Tobago - 16 - 1
Khari Stephenson - Jamaica - 15 - 3
Roger Espinoza - Honduras - 15 - 3
Scott Sealy - Trinidad and Tobago - 14 - 1
Tony Meola - USA - 12
Shavar Thomas - Jamaica - 11
Davy Arnaud - USA - 7 - 1
Sunil Chhetri - India - 6 - 3
Stephane Auvray - Guadeloupe - 6 - 1
Nick Garcia - USA - 6
Uche Okafor - Nigeria - 6
Craig Rocastle - Grenada - 5
Onandi Lowe - Jamaica - 3 - 2
Mike Sorber - USA - 3
Miklos Molnar - Denmark - 3
Mark Chung - USA - 2
Jermaine Hue - Jamaica - 2
Chris Henderson - USA - 1
Steve Pittman - USA - 1
Kei Kamara - Sierra Leone - 1
Teal Bunbury - USA - 1
Digital Takawira - Zimbabwe - unknown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
