Sporting KC Win First Preseason Game

It took six preseason games, but Sporting Kansas City finally picked up their first win of the preseason in the second game of a double header today. In the first game of the double header KC took on the expansion Portland Timbers. The team KC put out was what would be closer to a first team squad, although as Robb Heineman said before the game, 4 starters were missing from the game. The team though did feature 10 players under contract starting, along with trialist Milos Stojcev. KC had the better run of play in the first half, but was unable to find the net. In the second half the Timbers got a little bit more of the game, but Jimmy Nielsen did not have much trouble at all keeping the shutout as the game ended 0-0.

Here's the lineup KC had: GK Jimmy Nielsen, D Roger Espinoza, D Matt Besler, D Shavar Thomas, D Luke Sassano (Michael Harrington, 63), M Craig Rocastle, M Milos Stojcev (Graham Zusi, 75), M Davy Arnaud (Jack Jewsbury, 63), F Omar Bravo, F Birahim Diop (CJ Sapong, 81), F Kei Kamara.

In the second game, a team that would be considered the reserves took on NASL side, Montreal Impact. KC opened the scoring with their 4th goal of the preseason in the 17th minute as a cross by Stephane Auvray was headed into the net by Impact captain Nevio Pizzolitto for an own goal.

Here's the lineup that started the game: GK-Eric Kronberg, D-Scott Lorenz, D-Omar Colley, D-Mike Jones, D-Michael Harrington, M-Stephane Auvray, M-Jack Jewsbury, M-Graham Zusi, F-Adda Djeziri, F-CJ Sapong, F-Chance Myers.

At half time, Korede Aiyegbusi came on for Djeziri, trialist Jesus Flores came on for Jewsbury, Kevin Ellis came on for Harrington, Michel Mravec for Auvray, and "Trialist 1" for Zusi.

In the second half the Wizards continued to push the game looking for a second. Trialist, Flores did not enough up staying on the field long as he was sent off in the 68th minute after a confrontation with Antonio Ribeiro. Another trialist, Ronnie Ibara replaced Flores to keep the game 11v11. SKC doubled their lead from the penalty spot shortly later, in the 73rd. Sapong was fouled in the box. Sapong took the responsibility himself, stepped up and buried the penalty to make it 2-0 KC. After the goal, Djeziri came on for Sapong and Jon Kempin took over in net for Kronberg. KC kept Montreal out of the net giving them a second shutout on the day and their first win of the preseason.

As for the two known trialists, Flores and Ibara, word from the team is that they are two players from the LA area that are getting a look. Julio Cesar Santos Correa, Daneil Cyrus, and Travis Bowen were three trialists in camp that did not participate in the game.

UPDATE: The SKC Wizards now has their write up on the two games out.

Below are highlights from the Portland and Montreal game.