Back for another week of former Wizards updates this week. A week of international games for many former Wizards, including Khari Stephenson, Sunil Chhetri, and Yura Movsisyan. In other former Wizards news, former Wizards midfielder, Amir Lowery has signed with the Montreal Impact to play in for the NASL side next season. Finally congrats to former coach, Bob Gansler on being elected to the US Soccer Hall of Fame. An honor that's long overdue for the former Wizards and US coach. Here's the rest of this week's former SKC Wizards update.
Still looking for:
Vicente Arze
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Colorado. Did not dress in Chivas' 2-0 loss to Portland in the US Open Cup.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 4-1 loss to RSL.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and 13 minutes in RSL's 4-1 win over LA.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-0 loss to San Jose.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 4-1 loss to RSL.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a shutout in Columbus' 0-0 draw with New York.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 loss to Toronto. Came off the bench and played 19 minutes scoring a goal and getting an assist in Portland's 2-0 win over Chivas in the US Open Cup.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 4-1 win over LA.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Started and played 74 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to New England.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 66 minutes in Portland's 2-0 loss to Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 over Chivas in the US Open Cup.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-0 win over Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 45 minutes in Jamaica's 2-0 loss to Venezuela. Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Jamaica's 3-2 win over El Salvador.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 45 minutes in DC's 2-1 loss to New England.
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Season is over.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 16-7 loss to Milwaukee in the league championship.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Season is over.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Did not play in India's 1-1 draw with Turkmenistan in the AFC Challenge Cup qualification.
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Started and played 75 minutes, scoring a goal in Ferro's 1-1 draw with Independiente Tandil. Started and played 90 minutes in Ferro's 2-0 loss to Alvarado.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 2-0 loss to Deportes Tolima. Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 3-1 win over Pacifico in the Copa Colombia.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - No game this week, international break.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Budapest Honvéd - Hungary - No game this week, international break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Nno game this week.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 1-0 to Vukovar.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham/Preston - England - No game this week, international break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week, international break.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 0-0 draw with Russia.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - No game this week, international break.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thomas and Jamaica Top El Salvador
The travel troubles for Jamaica did not affect the Jamaicans as Shavar Thomas and Jamaica topped El Salvador 3-2, even though they went down a man. Thomas went the full 90 minutes for Jamaica as they picked up their first ever friendly win in Central America. Thomas now gets to turn around and come back to KC to potentially start on the weekend against Vancouver if Julio Cesar is still unable to play.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Plenty of News Today
Lots of small bits of news already going down today. First the sod for Livestrong Sporting Park arrived during the night from Colorado and is currently being laid out at the new stadium. Watch the progress on the webcam and enjoy as we get one more "visual" step closer to completion. The next visual step, seats. Which should be going in soon enough themselves.
The team has this morning confirmed the friendly with Newcastle United that Robb Heineman tweeted about yesterday. The good news is that the game is scheduled for July 20th, a Wednesday night, which means no moving of a regular season game to accommodate the friendly. The bad news is that the friendly is still right in the middle of a congested schedule and right before the start of the team's 9 straight home games.
Shavar Thomas and Jamaica are set to play their rescheduled friendly down in San Salvador against El Salvador tonight. After that Thomas should be returning to KC. Hopefully he comes back fit as it seems he could be back in the starting lineup if Julio Cesar hasn't recovered enough from getting stitches in his leg.
Finally, Chad Ochocinco won't be getting a contract with Sporting KC it appears. Instead Ochocinco's been invited to remain with the team and train as an "honorary member." Not an overly surprising conclusion in the end things seemed to work well enough between the team and Ochocinco and if he's willing to stick around and train more power to him.
The team has this morning confirmed the friendly with Newcastle United that Robb Heineman tweeted about yesterday. The good news is that the game is scheduled for July 20th, a Wednesday night, which means no moving of a regular season game to accommodate the friendly. The bad news is that the friendly is still right in the middle of a congested schedule and right before the start of the team's 9 straight home games.
Shavar Thomas and Jamaica are set to play their rescheduled friendly down in San Salvador against El Salvador tonight. After that Thomas should be returning to KC. Hopefully he comes back fit as it seems he could be back in the starting lineup if Julio Cesar hasn't recovered enough from getting stitches in his leg.
Finally, Chad Ochocinco won't be getting a contract with Sporting KC it appears. Instead Ochocinco's been invited to remain with the team and train as an "honorary member." Not an overly surprising conclusion in the end things seemed to work well enough between the team and Ochocinco and if he's willing to stick around and train more power to him.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sporting to Play Magpies
Today we got word of a summer friendly for Sporting KC at their new stadium. This year the opponent is not Manchester United, but it will be a team from the EPL and from the northern part of England as Sporting KC will be taking on Newcastle United. United returned to the Premiership this year after spending one season down in the Championship. They currently look like they'll be back next season as well with still a few months left in the season. It should be an interesting turn out to see how the Magpies draw here in Kansas City. With the new stadium this is certainly to be a very good crowd, but they are also a well supported club that will certainly have it's share of fans in the stands for the game.
I know I'm foolish to hope for this, but I hope that this does not force KC to move one of their league games for this game. I was ecstatic last year with the Manchester United friendly, but I hated the fact that the game against the Chicago Fire had to be moved. With the schedule congestion that KC has late in the season this year, adding more congestion with another midweek game to put the Newcastle game on a weekend won't do the Wizards any favors in their fight to get into the playoffs. And as Gooch posted on Twitter tonight, we still have the home/home series with Chivas Guadalajara that seems likely to be scheduled this summer, adding more congestion to the schedule. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see that KC is not part of the summer friendly rotation, but I don't like league games having to be moved to accommodate them.
I know I'm foolish to hope for this, but I hope that this does not force KC to move one of their league games for this game. I was ecstatic last year with the Manchester United friendly, but I hated the fact that the game against the Chicago Fire had to be moved. With the schedule congestion that KC has late in the season this year, adding more congestion with another midweek game to put the Newcastle game on a weekend won't do the Wizards any favors in their fight to get into the playoffs. And as Gooch posted on Twitter tonight, we still have the home/home series with Chivas Guadalajara that seems likely to be scheduled this summer, adding more congestion to the schedule. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see that KC is not part of the summer friendly rotation, but I don't like league games having to be moved to accommodate them.
Rangers Fall to Brass
In the first preseason game of the season for the Swope Park Rangers, the SKC reserves fell 3-2 to the KC Brass, the local PDL side. The big attraction of the game was the inclusion of trialist Chad Ochocinco in the game. Ochocinco came on as a substitute in the second 30 minute session and then played the entire third session for the Rangers. Twice the Rangers rallied from a goal down to equalize, but each time the Brass came back to retake the lead. The Brass scored twice in the first session. After the first goal by the Brass, the Rangers found an equalizer through a Kevin Ellis diving header. Shortly after Ellis' goal though the Brass would retake the lead. In the third session, the Rangers finally grabbed an equalizer again, this time through Juniors player, Derek Schrick. Schrick was one of six Juniors players to participate in the game. Also competing today was MISL MVP and Missouri Comets' player, Byron Alvarez who is on trial with Sporting KC after a good season indoors.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday After Stats
Here's your stats for this week.
Matt Besler's goal was his first professional goal.
Besler's goal was also the 50th scored by KC against the Fire in all competitions.
Roger Espinoza started his 50th game in all competitions for KC, he's the 38th player to hit that mark for KC.
Davy Arnaud made his 199th league start for KC, tying him with Preki for 4th place on that list.
Matt Besler's goal was his first professional goal.
Besler's goal was also the 50th scored by KC against the Fire in all competitions.
Roger Espinoza started his 50th game in all competitions for KC, he's the 38th player to hit that mark for KC.
Davy Arnaud made his 199th league start for KC, tying him with Preki for 4th place on that list.
Kamara Goes 15 for Leone Stars
Sierra Leone continued their campaign to try and qualify for the African Cup of Nations when they took on Niger today. Leone grabbed an early lead but could not hold on, falling to Niger 3-1. Sporting KC forward, Kei Kamara, came on as a substitute and went 15 minutes for Leone in the loss. Leone is struggling now to qualify as they sit third with 2 points, 4 points behind second place Niger now. The same two teams meet in the next qualifier in June in Freetown which will come close to deciding both teams fates.
Thomas and Jamaica Fall to Venezuela
While Sporting KC was struggling to find a center back, Jamaican center back, Shavar Thomas was working to get to El Salvador for Jamaica's second friendly. Flight trouble pushed back the game in San Salvador to Tuesday. The delay could certainly affect next weekend's game against Vancouver for Thomas. On Friday though, Thomas and Jamaica were taking on South American side, Venezuela at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Jamaica. Thomas went the full 90 for the Reggae Boyz in their 2-0 loss as fellow MLSer, Alejandro Moreno scored.
Red Card Dooms SKC
A first half red card to Wizards designated player, Omar Bravo put Sporting KC behind early and they were never able to recover even though they outplayed the Chicago Fire for a good portion of the second half. Before the game even started things didn't seem to be good for KC, as with Shavar Thomas on national team duty, and Julio Cesar having a knock, Roger Espinoza partnered Matt Besler in the center of defense for KC. Not the type of pairing that instills confidence in the back line from the start.
Things first got bad for KC in the 30th minute. After a Sporting KC free kick, Chicago countered, and as Bravo hustled to get back he fouled Diego Chaves. There are plenty of questions that can be asked of the foul, but from behind it certainly looks like Bravo made contact in the angle the referee had. It's not much of a touch when you watch the replays, but it was enough for the referee to go to his back pocket and put KC in a big hole early. Chaves stepped up and buried the PK giving the Fire the lead. Only a few minutes after that first goal Chicago doubled the lead. Michael Videira side stepped an Espinoza challenge and then played a ball through to Gaston Puerari who one timed a curling shot past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net to make it 2-0. Watching the replay I have to question where Craig Rocastle and Stephane Auvray were in that situation where it forced Espinoza to come in and over commit and opening the passing lane for the Fire.
At half time Peter Vermes brought on Teal Bunbury and KC started to get the better off the play and found an early goal that they desperately needed. After Sean Johnson pushed a wind aided corner out for another corner, Davy Arnaud took the corner quick, received the ball back and fired the ball into the box. Johnson did not control the ball and it fell to Besler who fired the ball home giving KC a lifeline. Unfortunately the Fire restored their 2 goal lead shortly after through a great play from Marco Pappa. Pappa dribbled through basically the entire KC defense and fired a ball past Nielsen to make it 3-1. It was a great finish for Pappa. KC continued to push to get back in the game and were able to through Bunbury and a mistake by the Fire back line. On the slow back pass, Bunbury raced by his defender, beating him to the ball and then beat Johnson 1v1 to pull KC back to within a goal. KC had some late chances with Bunbury and CJ Sapong, but were unable to find the equalizer. The second half performance deserved them a point, but some poor defending allowed Chicago to get the win.
Wizards Man of the Match - Teal Bunbury - I think the Chicago game showed that Bunbury is healthy enough at this point to be starting. And should be starting up top for Sporting KC going forward. He came on and there was another level of danger to KC's play. Bunbury needs to be starting.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 3, Besler 4, Espinoza 3, Lorenz 4, Auvray5, Rocastle 4, Stojcev 5, Arnaud 4, Bravo 3, Sapong 4. Subs Bunbury 6, Zusi 4, Diop NR.
Things first got bad for KC in the 30th minute. After a Sporting KC free kick, Chicago countered, and as Bravo hustled to get back he fouled Diego Chaves. There are plenty of questions that can be asked of the foul, but from behind it certainly looks like Bravo made contact in the angle the referee had. It's not much of a touch when you watch the replays, but it was enough for the referee to go to his back pocket and put KC in a big hole early. Chaves stepped up and buried the PK giving the Fire the lead. Only a few minutes after that first goal Chicago doubled the lead. Michael Videira side stepped an Espinoza challenge and then played a ball through to Gaston Puerari who one timed a curling shot past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net to make it 2-0. Watching the replay I have to question where Craig Rocastle and Stephane Auvray were in that situation where it forced Espinoza to come in and over commit and opening the passing lane for the Fire.
At half time Peter Vermes brought on Teal Bunbury and KC started to get the better off the play and found an early goal that they desperately needed. After Sean Johnson pushed a wind aided corner out for another corner, Davy Arnaud took the corner quick, received the ball back and fired the ball into the box. Johnson did not control the ball and it fell to Besler who fired the ball home giving KC a lifeline. Unfortunately the Fire restored their 2 goal lead shortly after through a great play from Marco Pappa. Pappa dribbled through basically the entire KC defense and fired a ball past Nielsen to make it 3-1. It was a great finish for Pappa. KC continued to push to get back in the game and were able to through Bunbury and a mistake by the Fire back line. On the slow back pass, Bunbury raced by his defender, beating him to the ball and then beat Johnson 1v1 to pull KC back to within a goal. KC had some late chances with Bunbury and CJ Sapong, but were unable to find the equalizer. The second half performance deserved them a point, but some poor defending allowed Chicago to get the win.
Wizards Man of the Match - Teal Bunbury - I think the Chicago game showed that Bunbury is healthy enough at this point to be starting. And should be starting up top for Sporting KC going forward. He came on and there was another level of danger to KC's play. Bunbury needs to be starting.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 3, Besler 4, Espinoza 3, Lorenz 4, Auvray5, Rocastle 4, Stojcev 5, Arnaud 4, Bravo 3, Sapong 4. Subs Bunbury 6, Zusi 4, Diop NR.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Quick News Bits
Some quick news before I head out to catch the bus.
Chad Ochocinco's trial with Sporting KC has been extended by 2 days to Monday. This is to give KC to get a look at him in a reserve game, as Monday the Rangers take on the Kansas City Brass. This is the first reserve game of the season since the league started. I'm sure this will be the first of a few against the local PDL side this season. It'll be interesting to see how the game goes and how Ochocinco does in more of a real game situation on Monday.
Robb Heineman gave us the latest little bit of news today as well with regards to a summer friendly. Heineman posted on Twitter that a summer game announcement will be coming on Monday. Could it be the long awaited friendly against Chivas Guadalajara? Or is it someone different? Both Everton and Ajax are both playing in the US this summer and have already scheduled some MLS teams. Or could it be someone else like a Manchester City, Tottenham, Sevilla, or other upper mid-tier team from Europe. Will be interesting to see who it is.
Chad Ochocinco's trial with Sporting KC has been extended by 2 days to Monday. This is to give KC to get a look at him in a reserve game, as Monday the Rangers take on the Kansas City Brass. This is the first reserve game of the season since the league started. I'm sure this will be the first of a few against the local PDL side this season. It'll be interesting to see how the game goes and how Ochocinco does in more of a real game situation on Monday.
Robb Heineman gave us the latest little bit of news today as well with regards to a summer friendly. Heineman posted on Twitter that a summer game announcement will be coming on Monday. Could it be the long awaited friendly against Chivas Guadalajara? Or is it someone different? Both Everton and Ajax are both playing in the US this summer and have already scheduled some MLS teams. Or could it be someone else like a Manchester City, Tottenham, Sevilla, or other upper mid-tier team from Europe. Will be interesting to see who it is.
Another Road Trip
Later tonight I'll be joining plenty of other Sporting KC fans on a charter bus to Chicago for tomorrow's game against the Chicago Fire. Three hundred are converging on Chicago for the game. Tomorrow should be another interesting test for KC taking on Chicago, who went down to Dallas last week and pulled out a draw. The Fire switched between a 3-5-2 and a 4-4-2 during the game last week. Talk this week has centered around which formation the Fire will play. History last year has shown that teams don't do too well when playing a 3-5-2 against the Wizards. So I would think the Fire would be looking to go with the four man back line.
As for KC, they'll be without two players this week due to international absences with Shavar Thomas with Jamaica and Kei Kamara with Sierra Leone. Kamara is the bigger loss with Thomas not looking like a starter right now. The roster stays a bit thinner as Michael Harrington is still questionable and word was lately that he was not going to be traveling to Chicago, which means Luke Sassano looks set to make his second start for KC. Craig Rocastle isn't listed on the injured list after leaving early last week. But it'll be interesting to see if Rocastle or Stephane Auvray gets the start this weekend. Here's my thought on the lineup.
Number to Remember - 3 - KC had one win and one draw all time in Chicago up until the 2008 season. Since than KC has gone unbeaten in Chicago, winning twice. After a poor historical start, KC is starting to get some results there. Can they continue this weekend?
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Jalil Anibaba - Last year's first round pick vs a favorite for KC's first pick until Chicago grabbed him. Anibaba will provide a physical battle for Bunbury and will be an interesting match up to watch.
PREDICTION - It's going to be tough to get another win on the road, but Chicago didn't look great last week against Dallas. They did look good enough to beat KC though. A better possession game by the Wizards is desperately needed if KC wants to win this game. I want another win but this one seems to have draw written on it.
KC - 1 (Bravo)
Chicago - 1 (Oduro)
As for KC, they'll be without two players this week due to international absences with Shavar Thomas with Jamaica and Kei Kamara with Sierra Leone. Kamara is the bigger loss with Thomas not looking like a starter right now. The roster stays a bit thinner as Michael Harrington is still questionable and word was lately that he was not going to be traveling to Chicago, which means Luke Sassano looks set to make his second start for KC. Craig Rocastle isn't listed on the injured list after leaving early last week. But it'll be interesting to see if Rocastle or Stephane Auvray gets the start this weekend. Here's my thought on the lineup.
Bravo - Bunbury - Sapong
Arnaud - Auvray - Stojcev
Espinoza - Besler - Julio Cesar - Sassano
Nielsen
Arnaud - Auvray - Stojcev
Espinoza - Besler - Julio Cesar - Sassano
Nielsen
Number to Remember - 3 - KC had one win and one draw all time in Chicago up until the 2008 season. Since than KC has gone unbeaten in Chicago, winning twice. After a poor historical start, KC is starting to get some results there. Can they continue this weekend?
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury vs Jalil Anibaba - Last year's first round pick vs a favorite for KC's first pick until Chicago grabbed him. Anibaba will provide a physical battle for Bunbury and will be an interesting match up to watch.
PREDICTION - It's going to be tough to get another win on the road, but Chicago didn't look great last week against Dallas. They did look good enough to beat KC though. A better possession game by the Wizards is desperately needed if KC wants to win this game. I want another win but this one seems to have draw written on it.
KC - 1 (Bravo)
Chicago - 1 (Oduro)
New Byline 2 Back Post
Another new edition of From the Byline to the Back Post to check out. If you're going on the buses to Chicago tonight it'll give you some listening material. Then you can even ask me about it if you want. This week Thad and I discuss the reserve league, Aurelien Collin, Chad Ochocinco, the game against Chivas, me finally getting to see a win on the road, this week's game in Chicago, and the Comets. Enjoy on iTunes or Posterous.
Thanks again to the Vandon Arms for the music.
Thanks again to the Vandon Arms for the music.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
More Awards for the Comets
With the MISL final coming up tomorrow the league has been handing out year end awards this week. Along with the all league selections for Byron Alvarez, Leo Gibson, and Jamar Beasley, the Comets pulled in two more year end awards. First, the rookie of the year award was given to Comets forward, Lucas Rodriguez. Rodriguez had six goals and seven assists for the Comets this year for 19 points.
The bigger award was the MVP, which went to Alvarez. Alvarez won the league scoring title, with 33 goals and 12 assists for a total of 80 points this season. This award is totally deserved in my opinion, Alvarez was the leagues most valuable player. I'm a little worried to think of how this season would have gone if Alvarez was not on the team. Late in the team's run to the playoffs Alvarez basically took the team on his back to help them get into the playoffs. Check out the highlight video from the Comets below.
The bigger award was the MVP, which went to Alvarez. Alvarez won the league scoring title, with 33 goals and 12 assists for a total of 80 points this season. This award is totally deserved in my opinion, Alvarez was the leagues most valuable player. I'm a little worried to think of how this season would have gone if Alvarez was not on the team. Late in the team's run to the playoffs Alvarez basically took the team on his back to help them get into the playoffs. Check out the highlight video from the Comets below.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates, the MLS season has kicked off and this week there are plenty of goals this week for former players as well. Enjoy this week's update.
Still looking for:
Vicente Arze
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Chivas' 3-2 loss to KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-1 draw with New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to Nnew York.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-1 draw with New England.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-1 loss to DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to Colorado.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 4-2 win over Toronto.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 3-1 win over Columbus.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to Colorado.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-0 loss to RSL.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 81 minutes in San Jose's 1-0 loss to RSL.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 1-0 loss to New York.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 83 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 3-1 win over Columbus.
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Had an assist in Missouri's 20-18 loss to Milwaukee. Played in Missouri's 5-2 mini game loss to Milwaukee.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Did not have a game this week.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in either of Missouri's games this past weekend.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - On national team duty. Played 90 minutes in India's 3-1 win over Pakistan.
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Ferro's 2-0 win over Bella Vista. Tied 1-1 Independiente Tandil.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 1-1 draw with Real Cartagena. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Cali's 1-1 draw with Depor in the Copa Colombia.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Pachuca's 0-0 draw with Pumas.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Budapest Honvéd - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's 0-0 draw with Szolnoki Mav.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Drew 2-2 with Sporting Central.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Came of the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Vinogradar's 1-1 draw with Solin.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham/Preston - England - Started and played 74 minutes in Preston's 2-1 win over Coventry City.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 2-1 loss to Union Comercio. Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 loss to San Luis in the Copa Libertadores.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 2-0 win over Spartak Nal'chik.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Weiss' 3-0 loss to Dynamo Dresden.
Still looking for:
Vicente Arze
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Chivas' 3-2 loss to KC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-1 draw with New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to Nnew York.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-1 draw with New England.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-1 loss to DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to Colorado.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Started and played 90 minutes in Vancouver's 4-2 win over Toronto.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 3-1 win over Columbus.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to Colorado.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-0 loss to RSL.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 81 minutes in San Jose's 1-0 loss to RSL.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 1-0 loss to New York.
Josh Wolff - DC - Started and played 83 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 3-1 win over Columbus.
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Had an assist in Missouri's 20-18 loss to Milwaukee. Played in Missouri's 5-2 mini game loss to Milwaukee.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Did not have a game this week.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play in either of Missouri's games this past weekend.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Season is over.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - On national team duty. Played 90 minutes in India's 3-1 win over Pakistan.
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Ferro's 2-0 win over Bella Vista. Tied 1-1 Independiente Tandil.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play in Cali's 1-1 draw with Real Cartagena. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Cali's 1-1 draw with Depor in the Copa Colombia.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Pachuca's 0-0 draw with Pumas.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Budapest Honvéd - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's 0-0 draw with Szolnoki Mav.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Drew 2-2 with Sporting Central.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Came of the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Vinogradar's 1-1 draw with Solin.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham/Preston - England - Started and played 74 minutes in Preston's 2-1 win over Coventry City.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 2-1 loss to Union Comercio. Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 loss to San Luis in the Copa Libertadores.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 2-0 win over Spartak Nal'chik.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Weiss' 3-0 loss to Dynamo Dresden.
The Trial Begins
So today was the first day of Chad Ochocinco's 4 day trial with Sporting Kansas City, and the media circus that was destined to follow was in tow. And after one day I think there's two words that Wizards fans are going to be hearing a lot of over the rest of this week, humble pie. After his first training session with the team, Ochocinco used the word humble in one form or another more times than I think anyone would care to count. Based off of a few reports Ochocinco was fairly unimpressive during his first session, with him getting plenty of scorn and ridicule for his performance. Personally it looks like he showed exactly what I expected, he had a little bit of knowledge of the game but was extremely below the level of the players on the field.
I've gone from both ends of the spectrum on my feelings about this trial. Part of me is excited about the media attention that this has brought to the team, I mean when else is Sporting KC going to be one of the top stories in the sporting world in the United States? It's a great chance to showcase the team and for the league to get a little bit of the spotlight. On the other hand I still can't shake the feeling that this is all a media sideshow meant to just bring attention to the team. The good news is that the first day has kind of taken away one of the concerns some people had about him coming in and being good enough that talk of "anyone can play soccer" comes up. Still I'm worried about the perception of the team through this, hoping that the team doesn't come off as just trying to get media attention. We'll see what the rest of the week brings.
I've gone from both ends of the spectrum on my feelings about this trial. Part of me is excited about the media attention that this has brought to the team, I mean when else is Sporting KC going to be one of the top stories in the sporting world in the United States? It's a great chance to showcase the team and for the league to get a little bit of the spotlight. On the other hand I still can't shake the feeling that this is all a media sideshow meant to just bring attention to the team. The good news is that the first day has kind of taken away one of the concerns some people had about him coming in and being good enough that talk of "anyone can play soccer" comes up. Still I'm worried about the perception of the team through this, hoping that the team doesn't come off as just trying to get media attention. We'll see what the rest of the week brings.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday After Stats
With flying out to LA and everything, the stats this week were a little delayed, but here are you post game stats for the team.
In the 40th minute, Davy Arnaud hit the 20,000 minute mark in all competitions for KC. He's the 5th Wizards player to hit that mark after Kerry Zavagnin, Nick Garcia, Preki, and Jimmy Conrad.
Arnaud also made his 219th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Preki for 3rd place on that list.
KC is 10-4-2 on opening day the best record of any team in the league.
In the 40th minute, Davy Arnaud hit the 20,000 minute mark in all competitions for KC. He's the 5th Wizards player to hit that mark after Kerry Zavagnin, Nick Garcia, Preki, and Jimmy Conrad.
Arnaud also made his 219th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Preki for 3rd place on that list.
KC is 10-4-2 on opening day the best record of any team in the league.
Aurelian Collin Signed
Today on Twitter, Robb Heineman announced that Sporting KC had a new player coming in. Aurelian Collin, who had been rumored to be coming to the club back in December by The Daily Wiz has apparently been signed. Collin is a 25 year old French defender who most recently played with Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, where he signed a 2 year contract in 2009. Collin will come in and will likely compete for one of the starting central defender positions for Kansas City.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Awards for Local Pros
Four players from Sporting Kansas City and the Missouri Comets were given awards today by their respective leagues.
First, Omar Bravo was given the MLS Player of the Week award for his two goal performance against Chivas USA. There were some good candidates this week, the 2 goals in 2 games performance by Juninho, and the feel good story of Charlie Davies, who scored two goals this week for Chivas USA. Bravo's performance though won top honors for a magnificent chip and deft touch or the second.
In the indoor game, the Comets season is over, but some year end awards were given out today. Forward Bryon Alvarez and forward turned defender, Leo Gibson both won themselves 1st team all MISL honors for their play this season. At the moment Alvarez has to be considered a favorite for the MVP award and the Comets big turn around can be contributed in part due to Gibson dropping back into a more defensive position for the Comets. Jamar Beasley also got himself a league honor as he was named to the second team. Congrats to all our of the local players on the awards.
First, Omar Bravo was given the MLS Player of the Week award for his two goal performance against Chivas USA. There were some good candidates this week, the 2 goals in 2 games performance by Juninho, and the feel good story of Charlie Davies, who scored two goals this week for Chivas USA. Bravo's performance though won top honors for a magnificent chip and deft touch or the second.
In the indoor game, the Comets season is over, but some year end awards were given out today. Forward Bryon Alvarez and forward turned defender, Leo Gibson both won themselves 1st team all MISL honors for their play this season. At the moment Alvarez has to be considered a favorite for the MVP award and the Comets big turn around can be contributed in part due to Gibson dropping back into a more defensive position for the Comets. Jamar Beasley also got himself a league honor as he was named to the second team. Congrats to all our of the local players on the awards.
Auvray Will Not Miss Chicago Game
Stephane Auvray was set to miss Sporting KC's game this coming weekend in Chicago for the Guadeloupe national team. That now no longer happen, and it comes as very good news after Craig Rocastle limped off in the team's first game of the season against Chivas USA. The Guadeloupe national team's game against Racing Club de Lens has been called off. Depending on the severity of Rocastle's injury this could have been a very big blow to KC if Auvray had been out for the game in Chicago as well.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Winning to Open the Season
For the first time in over 10 away trips, I finally got to see Sporting KC/KC Wizards win a road game as they defeated Chivas USA 3-2 at the Home Depot Center. KC scored early and held on late to win the season opener for the 10th time in team history. Things went well early to KC as a free kick from Luke Sassano was not cleared by the Chivas defense. CJ Sapong pounced on the play, touched the ball away from the defense and fired past Zach Thornton for his first professional goal less than 2 minutes into his first game.
After that goal, Chivas USA started to pick up the play and controlled the game. Some good saves by Jimmy Nielsen and some strong defending kept Chivas USA off the board. KC did suffer a blow in the 20th minute when Craig Rocastle went down with an injury. Stephane Auvray replaced the Grenadian international. KC doubled the lead in first half stoppage time after a great string off passing that saw the team complete 19 passes. The play finished with Kei Kamara sending in cross from deep towards the box. The ball got past Sapong and his defender, but fell to Omar Bravo who flicked the ball over the on rushing Thornton and into the net, doubling the lead right before half time.
In the second half Chivas pulled themselves back into the game early through former Wizards player, Jimmy Conrad. Off a Chivas corner Kansas City's defense failed to clear the ball and Conrad pounced on the ball and knocked it home from short range after losing Kamara, his marker. Chivas searched for the equalizer, but it was Sporting KC that found a third first again through Bravo in the 74th minute. A long ball by Jimmy Nielsen was headed on to Bravo by Sapong. Bravo headed it to Kamara, who headed it back into the path of Bravo who touched it past Thornton with the outside of his foot. Late on things got interesting as in the 84th minute Chvias USA pulled back a goal again through Ben Zemanski. Another goal off a set piece as a Chivas corner was only partially cleared. After being knocked back in Zemanski. The final few minutes ended up being a little hectic, but KC held on for the win to open the season.
Sporting Man of the Match - Omar Bravo - Two goals to open the season is a good way to get yourself the man of the match award. He won't score 2 goals every week, but it's a nice start.
Honorable mention - CJ Sapong, Kei Kamara.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Sassano 5, Julio Cesar 6, Besler 5, Espinoza 5, Rocastle NR, Arnaud 5, Stojcev 6, Kamara 6, Sapong 6, Bravo 6. Subs Auvray 6, Myers 5, Zusi NR.
After that goal, Chivas USA started to pick up the play and controlled the game. Some good saves by Jimmy Nielsen and some strong defending kept Chivas USA off the board. KC did suffer a blow in the 20th minute when Craig Rocastle went down with an injury. Stephane Auvray replaced the Grenadian international. KC doubled the lead in first half stoppage time after a great string off passing that saw the team complete 19 passes. The play finished with Kei Kamara sending in cross from deep towards the box. The ball got past Sapong and his defender, but fell to Omar Bravo who flicked the ball over the on rushing Thornton and into the net, doubling the lead right before half time.
In the second half Chivas pulled themselves back into the game early through former Wizards player, Jimmy Conrad. Off a Chivas corner Kansas City's defense failed to clear the ball and Conrad pounced on the ball and knocked it home from short range after losing Kamara, his marker. Chivas searched for the equalizer, but it was Sporting KC that found a third first again through Bravo in the 74th minute. A long ball by Jimmy Nielsen was headed on to Bravo by Sapong. Bravo headed it to Kamara, who headed it back into the path of Bravo who touched it past Thornton with the outside of his foot. Late on things got interesting as in the 84th minute Chvias USA pulled back a goal again through Ben Zemanski. Another goal off a set piece as a Chivas corner was only partially cleared. After being knocked back in Zemanski. The final few minutes ended up being a little hectic, but KC held on for the win to open the season.
Sporting Man of the Match - Omar Bravo - Two goals to open the season is a good way to get yourself the man of the match award. He won't score 2 goals every week, but it's a nice start.
Honorable mention - CJ Sapong, Kei Kamara.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Sassano 5, Julio Cesar 6, Besler 5, Espinoza 5, Rocastle NR, Arnaud 5, Stojcev 6, Kamara 6, Sapong 6, Bravo 6. Subs Auvray 6, Myers 5, Zusi NR.
Comets Season Ends in Milwaukee
The Comets just needed to win Game Two of the Playoff Series against the Wave in Milwaukee or, if the Wave won, the ensuing 15 minute mini-game afterwards to advance to the MISL Championship Game against Baltimore. The Comets lost both games Sunday at U.S. Cellular Center, ending an unexpected and thrilling run to finish their season.
Despite being down at halftime by a score of 13-2 and seemingly dead in the water, the Comets staged a dramatic comeback to score 11 points in the 4th period, including three goals in just over a minute, to take a one point lead with four minutes to play. However, at the 11:34 mark, a Milwaukee 3-point goal that ricocheted off a Comets defender and past Comets’ keeper, Danny Waltman, gave the Wave the victory in game two of the series by a score of 20-18.
With the series tied up 1-1, it was on to the deciding mini-game – an extra 15 minute period to decide who gets to move on to play the Blast on Friday night. After a five minute break between games, it was the Wave striking first, with Josh Rife nailing a 3-pointer at the 3:39 mark. Shortly after, it was Greg Howes of the Wave bending a right-footed restart kick past a wall of Comets defenders and Waltman to give the Wave a 5-0 lead. With Vahid Assadpour inserted as a 6th attacker, the Comets’ Byron Alvarez mustered the team’s only goal of the mini-game with 15 seconds left in the match. Final score: Wave 5, Comets 2.
The two losses Sunday end the Comets’ inaugural season that saw the team start with a 1-6 record, then 4-11 after a February 6th loss in Chicago that dropped them into last place in the MISL standings. The Comets closed out the regular season on a tear, winning four out of their last five games to earn a spot in the playoffs. After defeating the Wave 11-5 in Game One of the playoff series Wednesday night at the Independence Events Center, all the pressure was on Milwaukee to win both matches Sunday.
It was apparent that the Milwaukee didn’t appreciate being shut out for 3½ periods by the Comets on Wednesday night in Game One of the MISL Playoffs, as the Wave came out swinging early and often Sunday afternoon. It was an epic battle between the MISL’s two leading scorers: the Comets’ Byron Alvarez and the Wave’s Marco Terminisi, and neither star disappointed. Alvarez led the Comets with 4 goals in the first match and another goal in the mini-game, for five on the day, while Terminisi had a hat trick two minutes into the 2nd period of the earlier game, tallying four on the afternoon.
The Wave got things started with a pair of goals by Terminisi; the first off a shot that was deflected into the goal by Comets’ midfielder, Geison Moura on a restart, then the second off a long outlet pass where Terminisi went right around the Comets’ Vahid Assadpour, then faked out Waltman to give the Wave an early 4-0 lead. At the 6:54 mark, it was the Wave’s Jonathon Greenfield scoring, with Waltman held up in the back of the net by Milwaukee’s Travis McKenzie, extending their early 1st quarter lead to 6-0.
The Comets finally stopped the bleeding at the 7:21 mark of the 1st period with a restart goal by Geison Moura. A minute later, the Wave answered as Evan McNeley cleared space for Marcio Leite who put a shot past Waltman to make the score 8-2. Twelve seconds after the kickoff, the Wave’s Jonathan Santos, simply trying to clear the ball from the back, lofted a ball from ¾ field that went over Waltman, who was playing up at the time, resulting in a 3-point goal. First quarter score: Wave 11, Comets 2.
At the 1:51 mark of the 2nd period, Terminisi got the early hat trick after Giuliano Oliviero got around the Comets’ Stokic and found Terminisi in front of the net for an easy goal. After a 1st period that saw six goals scored in it, the second period ended with the Wave maintaining a 13-2 advantage. The Wave took 22 shots to the Comets’ 12 for the half.
At 6:54 in the 3rd period, Tiguinho got the Comets’ second goal of the day on a shot rifled from beyond the arc that the Wave’s Vorberg had no chance at saving to make the score 13-5. After a 2-minute penalty called on the Comets’ Bryan Perez, Troy Dusosky launched a shot from the right side past Waltman to extend the Wave’s lead back to ten points at 15-5. With the Comets on a power play, Byron Alvarez hit an impressive near-bicycle kick goal from the left side on a ball that bounced around the goal off a Geison Moura shot. Minutes later, the Wave followed with their own power play score on Terminisi’s 4th goal of the game to end the 3rd period with the Wave leading 17-7.
The 4th period began with back-to-back goals by the Comets’ Alvarez (giving him the hat trick) on assists by Tiguinho and Beasley to pull the Comets to within six points at 17-11. With five minutes left in the game, Leo Gibson of the Comets dribbled the ball the length of the field and fired a 3-point shot past Vorberg, and all of a sudden the Comets were only down three points. Then it was Gibson scoring again 49 seconds later on a pass from Geison Moura to pull the Comets within a single point. Incredibly, the Comets took the lead 30 seconds later after Jamie Harding fed Alvarez a pass in front of the goal, catching Vorberg out of position to give the Comets their first lead of the game at 18-17. The lead lasted only 20 seconds, as Greg Howes of the Wave hit a 3-point shot at the 11:34 mark that deflected off the head of the Comets’ Stefan Stokic and past Waltman to give the Wave the win, 20-18. The Wave now move on to play the Baltimore Blast at 1st Mariner Arena Friday night for the MISL Championship.
“I am so proud of the way our guys played today,” said Comets’ Head Coach, Kim Roentved. “To come back like we did in the first game...my heart hurts for these guys, but we will keep our heads held high. We have so much to build on…I can’t wait for next season to get here.”
Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1554701
Mini-Game Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1554702
For more Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Despite being down at halftime by a score of 13-2 and seemingly dead in the water, the Comets staged a dramatic comeback to score 11 points in the 4th period, including three goals in just over a minute, to take a one point lead with four minutes to play. However, at the 11:34 mark, a Milwaukee 3-point goal that ricocheted off a Comets defender and past Comets’ keeper, Danny Waltman, gave the Wave the victory in game two of the series by a score of 20-18.
With the series tied up 1-1, it was on to the deciding mini-game – an extra 15 minute period to decide who gets to move on to play the Blast on Friday night. After a five minute break between games, it was the Wave striking first, with Josh Rife nailing a 3-pointer at the 3:39 mark. Shortly after, it was Greg Howes of the Wave bending a right-footed restart kick past a wall of Comets defenders and Waltman to give the Wave a 5-0 lead. With Vahid Assadpour inserted as a 6th attacker, the Comets’ Byron Alvarez mustered the team’s only goal of the mini-game with 15 seconds left in the match. Final score: Wave 5, Comets 2.
The two losses Sunday end the Comets’ inaugural season that saw the team start with a 1-6 record, then 4-11 after a February 6th loss in Chicago that dropped them into last place in the MISL standings. The Comets closed out the regular season on a tear, winning four out of their last five games to earn a spot in the playoffs. After defeating the Wave 11-5 in Game One of the playoff series Wednesday night at the Independence Events Center, all the pressure was on Milwaukee to win both matches Sunday.
It was apparent that the Milwaukee didn’t appreciate being shut out for 3½ periods by the Comets on Wednesday night in Game One of the MISL Playoffs, as the Wave came out swinging early and often Sunday afternoon. It was an epic battle between the MISL’s two leading scorers: the Comets’ Byron Alvarez and the Wave’s Marco Terminisi, and neither star disappointed. Alvarez led the Comets with 4 goals in the first match and another goal in the mini-game, for five on the day, while Terminisi had a hat trick two minutes into the 2nd period of the earlier game, tallying four on the afternoon.
The Wave got things started with a pair of goals by Terminisi; the first off a shot that was deflected into the goal by Comets’ midfielder, Geison Moura on a restart, then the second off a long outlet pass where Terminisi went right around the Comets’ Vahid Assadpour, then faked out Waltman to give the Wave an early 4-0 lead. At the 6:54 mark, it was the Wave’s Jonathon Greenfield scoring, with Waltman held up in the back of the net by Milwaukee’s Travis McKenzie, extending their early 1st quarter lead to 6-0.
The Comets finally stopped the bleeding at the 7:21 mark of the 1st period with a restart goal by Geison Moura. A minute later, the Wave answered as Evan McNeley cleared space for Marcio Leite who put a shot past Waltman to make the score 8-2. Twelve seconds after the kickoff, the Wave’s Jonathan Santos, simply trying to clear the ball from the back, lofted a ball from ¾ field that went over Waltman, who was playing up at the time, resulting in a 3-point goal. First quarter score: Wave 11, Comets 2.
At the 1:51 mark of the 2nd period, Terminisi got the early hat trick after Giuliano Oliviero got around the Comets’ Stokic and found Terminisi in front of the net for an easy goal. After a 1st period that saw six goals scored in it, the second period ended with the Wave maintaining a 13-2 advantage. The Wave took 22 shots to the Comets’ 12 for the half.
At 6:54 in the 3rd period, Tiguinho got the Comets’ second goal of the day on a shot rifled from beyond the arc that the Wave’s Vorberg had no chance at saving to make the score 13-5. After a 2-minute penalty called on the Comets’ Bryan Perez, Troy Dusosky launched a shot from the right side past Waltman to extend the Wave’s lead back to ten points at 15-5. With the Comets on a power play, Byron Alvarez hit an impressive near-bicycle kick goal from the left side on a ball that bounced around the goal off a Geison Moura shot. Minutes later, the Wave followed with their own power play score on Terminisi’s 4th goal of the game to end the 3rd period with the Wave leading 17-7.
The 4th period began with back-to-back goals by the Comets’ Alvarez (giving him the hat trick) on assists by Tiguinho and Beasley to pull the Comets to within six points at 17-11. With five minutes left in the game, Leo Gibson of the Comets dribbled the ball the length of the field and fired a 3-point shot past Vorberg, and all of a sudden the Comets were only down three points. Then it was Gibson scoring again 49 seconds later on a pass from Geison Moura to pull the Comets within a single point. Incredibly, the Comets took the lead 30 seconds later after Jamie Harding fed Alvarez a pass in front of the goal, catching Vorberg out of position to give the Comets their first lead of the game at 18-17. The lead lasted only 20 seconds, as Greg Howes of the Wave hit a 3-point shot at the 11:34 mark that deflected off the head of the Comets’ Stefan Stokic and past Waltman to give the Wave the win, 20-18. The Wave now move on to play the Baltimore Blast at 1st Mariner Arena Friday night for the MISL Championship.
“I am so proud of the way our guys played today,” said Comets’ Head Coach, Kim Roentved. “To come back like we did in the first game...my heart hurts for these guys, but we will keep our heads held high. We have so much to build on…I can’t wait for next season to get here.”
Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1554701
Mini-Game Box Score: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=1554702
For more Comets news and information, visit www.cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
New Byline to Back Post
Well it's game day, and for some pregame listening for you, this week's From the Byline to the Back Post is now up for your listening pleasure. This week Thad and I discuss the Gold Cup and Livestrong Sporting Park announcements, the "brawl" with Real Salt Lake, player signings, call ups, and trials (Chad Ochocinco), the season opener against Chivas USA, and the Comets playoff series against the Milwaukee wave. Listen on Posterous or iTunes.
Thanks again to The Vandon Arms for the music.
Thanks again to The Vandon Arms for the music.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sporting KC Reserve Schedule Released
The reserve league schedule was announced today, and the Swope Park Rangers will have a similar set up to the first team this year. Most of the team's reserve games at home will not come until the stadium opens. In fact, the Rangers will only play 1 game at the Swope Park training complex. Their other four games will be played at Livestrong Sporting Park.
Two of the games are around the same time that the first team play. Both of them are home games. The team's home reserve game against FC Dallas is the day after the first team game, while the reserve game against the Houston Dynamo is the same day as the first team game at home.
Here is the full schedule.
Two of the games are around the same time that the first team play. Both of them are home games. The team's home reserve game against FC Dallas is the day after the first team game, while the reserve game against the Houston Dynamo is the same day as the first team game at home.
Here is the full schedule.
11-Apr | Houston Dynamo | Sporting Kansas City | 10:00 AM | Houston |
3-May | Sporting Kansas City | Real Salt Lake | 11:00 AM | Swope Park Training Center |
17-May | Chicago Fire | Sporting Kansas City | 10:00 AM | Chicago Training Ground |
29-May | Colorado Rapids | Sporting Kansas City | 12:00 PM | Colorado |
19-Jul | Sporting Kansas City | Chicago Fire | 10:00 AM | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park |
8-Aug | Sporting Kansas City | Colorado Rapids | 11:00 AM | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park |
28-Aug | Sporting Kansas City | FC Dallas | 11:00 AM | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park |
6-Sep | FC Dallas | Sporting Kansas City | 11:00 AM | Dallas Training Ground |
10-Sep | Sporting Kansas City | Houston Dynamo | 10:00 AM | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park |
18-Sep | Real Salt Lake | Sporting Kansas City | 12:00 PM | RSL Practice Facility |
Season Opener is Here
Tomorrow Sporting KC will take the field against Chivas USA in the season opener of the 2011 season for Sporting KC. It's also the start of the team's 10 game road trip to start the season in league play. Chivas USA has turned over much of it's roster, bringing in a new coach in Robin Fraser and bringing in some interesting talent, including former Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad in the re-entry draft. Also joining Conrad is national team left back, Heath Pearce, acquired from Dallas. Still I haven't been overly impressed with their additions this offseason. I think Fraser is going to be a good coach sooner than later, but I think catching the Goats early is an advantage for KC.
As for the Wizards, some early injuries could change the way that the team looks. With Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and Michael Harrington all recovering from injuries it could be an interesting set up. Birahim Diop would seem set to start if Bunbury can't go. Smith has missed all of preseason basically so his absence has already been worked through a bit. The big question mark could be Harrington. If Harrington can't go, that would seem to put Luke Sassano into the starting spot. Only a few weeks ago Peter Vermes said Sassano wasn't 90 minutes match fit. If that's still true, we could potentially see the debut of a SKC Wizards juniors player in a league game, as right now Kevin Ellis appears to be the third choice right back. Would certainly make things interesting, but at this point I'm hoping Harrington will start.
Key Match Up - Kei Kamara vs Heath Pearce - This will be a very interesting match up, Pearce is a strong back but Kamara has done well to learn the right wing and will be putting plenty of pressure on Pearce.
PREDICTION - I hate the first game of the season when it comes to predictions, I haven't seen enough of our own team, let alone Chivas to make a really good prediction on the game. But Matt Besler guaranteed me at the Meet the Players night that the team would win one of the first two road games of the season, giving me the first away win I've seen in person. So I'll predict this one.
SKC - 2 (Kamara, Bravo)
Chivas - 1 (Braun)
As for the Wizards, some early injuries could change the way that the team looks. With Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and Michael Harrington all recovering from injuries it could be an interesting set up. Birahim Diop would seem set to start if Bunbury can't go. Smith has missed all of preseason basically so his absence has already been worked through a bit. The big question mark could be Harrington. If Harrington can't go, that would seem to put Luke Sassano into the starting spot. Only a few weeks ago Peter Vermes said Sassano wasn't 90 minutes match fit. If that's still true, we could potentially see the debut of a SKC Wizards juniors player in a league game, as right now Kevin Ellis appears to be the third choice right back. Would certainly make things interesting, but at this point I'm hoping Harrington will start.
Bravo - Diop - Kamara
Stojcev - Arnaud - Rocastle
Espinoza - Julio Cesar - Besler - Harrington
Nielsen
Stojcev - Arnaud - Rocastle
Espinoza - Julio Cesar - Besler - Harrington
Nielsen
Key Match Up - Kei Kamara vs Heath Pearce - This will be a very interesting match up, Pearce is a strong back but Kamara has done well to learn the right wing and will be putting plenty of pressure on Pearce.
PREDICTION - I hate the first game of the season when it comes to predictions, I haven't seen enough of our own team, let alone Chivas to make a really good prediction on the game. But Matt Besler guaranteed me at the Meet the Players night that the team would win one of the first two road games of the season, giving me the first away win I've seen in person. So I'll predict this one.
SKC - 2 (Kamara, Bravo)
Chivas - 1 (Braun)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
So Ochocinco is Coming
Last week on Twitter, Kei Kamara and Teal Bunbury tweeted at Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco, saying he should come train with Sporting KC now that the NFL has locked the players out. I'd avoided comment on the topic at the time because I figured it was just going to go away with out anything so I really did not want to get on it. But today things went to the next level and it's impossible not to talk about. Ochocinco announced on Twitter that he would be training with Sporting KC next Tuesday. The team shortly after confirmed that Ochocinco will participate in a four day trial with the club. For the full story on it, check out the Star's article on Ochocinco's trial.
At first glance this would appear to be a publicity stunt by the team, possibly similar to the signing of Sunil Chhetri that also looks a bit like one for the Indian crowd. But the more you read Ochocinco's comments on the potential trial and those of Peter Vermes, this is a serious trial and Ochocinco seems to have hopes of actually making the team. From Vermes' conversations with Ochocinco, the NFL player is wanting to take this seriously and try to play. Knowing Vermes if he's not taking this serious he's not going to stick around long. Ochocinco himself admitted that he's not in game shape now but is certainly wanting to get into game shape.
It has certainly created a buzz around not just the city, but the US as a whole, it was a lead story on Sportscenter and multiple other sports shows. It was one of the main topics of discussion on radio shows around the city and I'd bet the US. From some that I listened to they all saw this as a positive as a chance for Sporting KC to get some good publicity. It'll be interesting to see what happens with this trial. And while I'm still extremely skeptical o this as a whole I'm willing to see what happens and see what he can do on the field.
At first glance this would appear to be a publicity stunt by the team, possibly similar to the signing of Sunil Chhetri that also looks a bit like one for the Indian crowd. But the more you read Ochocinco's comments on the potential trial and those of Peter Vermes, this is a serious trial and Ochocinco seems to have hopes of actually making the team. From Vermes' conversations with Ochocinco, the NFL player is wanting to take this seriously and try to play. Knowing Vermes if he's not taking this serious he's not going to stick around long. Ochocinco himself admitted that he's not in game shape now but is certainly wanting to get into game shape.
It has certainly created a buzz around not just the city, but the US as a whole, it was a lead story on Sportscenter and multiple other sports shows. It was one of the main topics of discussion on radio shows around the city and I'd bet the US. From some that I listened to they all saw this as a positive as a chance for Sporting KC to get some good publicity. It'll be interesting to see what happens with this trial. And while I'm still extremely skeptical o this as a whole I'm willing to see what happens and see what he can do on the field.
Sporting Sign Stojcev
Sporting KC continued to fill their roster today as they announced the signing of 24 year old Montenegrin midfielder, Milos Stojcev. In the preseason games that he's played in he seems to be playing a more of an attacking midfielder. Stojcev came up through Red Star Belgrade's youth system, but never appeared for the first team. He spent the next few years playing with other teams in the region, most recently with FK Borac Cacak out of the Serbian league. It'll be interesting to see how the team balances the midfield now with Stojcev, Davy Arnaud, Stephane Auvray, and Craig Rocastle in the 4-3-3 formation.
Comets Ride Defense to Playoff Win
For three quarters tonight out at the Independence Event Center, the Missouri Comets held the Milwaukee Wave scoreless. And while the fourth quarter the Comets defense finally gave way, the Comets had just enough offense to hold off the Wave, winning 11-5 and taking the advantage to Milwaukee for the second game of the series on Sunday.
In the first quarter, the Wave came out and tried to stamp their dominance on the game, but it became an example of the entire game. Throughout the half, the Wave dominated the possession creating the best chances. But saves by goalkeeper Danny Waltman, and multiple timely blocks by Brian Harris and other Comets players. The Comets tried to make their mark on the game through the counter attack. Late in the first half the Comets grabbed a surprising lead after a scramble in front of goal. Jamar Beasley, a Wave defender and goalkeeper all scrambled for the ball, Beasley got a bit of a touch on the ball and Byron Alvarez was there to pounce on the ball touching it into the net giving the Comets a 2-0 lead they were able to hold through the end of the quarter.
The Wave continued to be the dominate side for much of the second quarter, but the Comets got a little bit more and created a few more chances. The Wave were able to kill an early power play by the Comets after Jonathan Greenfield got a blue card and a yellow for a high boot on Alvarez. The Comes though couldn't capitalize on the power play though. The blocks and saves kept the Wave out of the net and the Comets doubled their lead with just under 5 minutes left in the half. Alvarez tried to play a 1-2 with Beasley, but Alvarez's return pass was too hard. Lucky for the Comets, Vahid Assadpour was there to fire a shot. The shot hit the post and rebounded right to Assadpour who fired home the rebound to make it 4-0. For the rest of the quarter, the Comets looked the more likely to score, hitting the post and missing just wide. And soon enough they found a third goal. Lucas Rodriguez dribbled into the Wave's third, played a nice ball to the back post for Assadpour. Assadpour's shot headed towards the back post and looked to be headed in. Carlos Olivas stepped in and made sure of it, grabbing the goal to make it 6-0.
In the third quarter, the Wave once again pressed their dominance on the game creating chances but still unable to find the net. The Wave even had two power plays to try to get back in the game, but were unable to find the net on either of those chances as the Comets killed of the penalties.
In the fourth quarter the Comets tried to extend their lead and 6 minutes in they were able to grab a fourth goal off a restart. After the Wave cleared the ball out of their own end, Tiguinho took the resulting restart and fired it in off of a Wave defender and into the net giving the Comets an 8-0 win. After that, the Wave stepped up the pace and 2 minutes after the Comets made it 8-0, the Wave got back in the game thanks to a three point goal from Jonathan Santos. Things looked to be spiraling out of control for the Comets as just over a minute after the Wave made it 8-3, they made it 8-5. As the Comets pushed to extend their lead, they got caught on the break. After a few good chances the entire team got caught up field and the Wave were able to counter on a a 3 on 1 break against Waltman and Marco Terminesi fired the ball over Waltman and into the net getting the Wave to within one goal. With just under 3 minutes left the Wave pulled their keeper looking for their equalizer. The Comets defense held up keeping them from getting a good look at a 3 point shot, while Waltman came up with saves on the ones they did get. With less than 30 seconds left, Assadpour iced the game with a 3 point goal from his own half. Assadpour cleared the ball and it bounced just in front of the yellow line avoiding a violation and bounced into the net to make it 11-5. The goal created the largest cheer I've heard at a Comets game all season.
The Comets now head to Milwaukee for the second game. Should the Comets win that game they head to the finals against Baltimore. If Milwaukee wins the second game then there will be a 15 minute mini game with the winner going to the finals. Good luck to the Comets on Sunday.
In the first quarter, the Wave came out and tried to stamp their dominance on the game, but it became an example of the entire game. Throughout the half, the Wave dominated the possession creating the best chances. But saves by goalkeeper Danny Waltman, and multiple timely blocks by Brian Harris and other Comets players. The Comets tried to make their mark on the game through the counter attack. Late in the first half the Comets grabbed a surprising lead after a scramble in front of goal. Jamar Beasley, a Wave defender and goalkeeper all scrambled for the ball, Beasley got a bit of a touch on the ball and Byron Alvarez was there to pounce on the ball touching it into the net giving the Comets a 2-0 lead they were able to hold through the end of the quarter.
The Wave continued to be the dominate side for much of the second quarter, but the Comets got a little bit more and created a few more chances. The Wave were able to kill an early power play by the Comets after Jonathan Greenfield got a blue card and a yellow for a high boot on Alvarez. The Comes though couldn't capitalize on the power play though. The blocks and saves kept the Wave out of the net and the Comets doubled their lead with just under 5 minutes left in the half. Alvarez tried to play a 1-2 with Beasley, but Alvarez's return pass was too hard. Lucky for the Comets, Vahid Assadpour was there to fire a shot. The shot hit the post and rebounded right to Assadpour who fired home the rebound to make it 4-0. For the rest of the quarter, the Comets looked the more likely to score, hitting the post and missing just wide. And soon enough they found a third goal. Lucas Rodriguez dribbled into the Wave's third, played a nice ball to the back post for Assadpour. Assadpour's shot headed towards the back post and looked to be headed in. Carlos Olivas stepped in and made sure of it, grabbing the goal to make it 6-0.
In the third quarter, the Wave once again pressed their dominance on the game creating chances but still unable to find the net. The Wave even had two power plays to try to get back in the game, but were unable to find the net on either of those chances as the Comets killed of the penalties.
In the fourth quarter the Comets tried to extend their lead and 6 minutes in they were able to grab a fourth goal off a restart. After the Wave cleared the ball out of their own end, Tiguinho took the resulting restart and fired it in off of a Wave defender and into the net giving the Comets an 8-0 win. After that, the Wave stepped up the pace and 2 minutes after the Comets made it 8-0, the Wave got back in the game thanks to a three point goal from Jonathan Santos. Things looked to be spiraling out of control for the Comets as just over a minute after the Wave made it 8-3, they made it 8-5. As the Comets pushed to extend their lead, they got caught on the break. After a few good chances the entire team got caught up field and the Wave were able to counter on a a 3 on 1 break against Waltman and Marco Terminesi fired the ball over Waltman and into the net getting the Wave to within one goal. With just under 3 minutes left the Wave pulled their keeper looking for their equalizer. The Comets defense held up keeping them from getting a good look at a 3 point shot, while Waltman came up with saves on the ones they did get. With less than 30 seconds left, Assadpour iced the game with a 3 point goal from his own half. Assadpour cleared the ball and it bounced just in front of the yellow line avoiding a violation and bounced into the net to make it 11-5. The goal created the largest cheer I've heard at a Comets game all season.
The Comets now head to Milwaukee for the second game. Should the Comets win that game they head to the finals against Baltimore. If Milwaukee wins the second game then there will be a 15 minute mini game with the winner going to the finals. Good luck to the Comets on Sunday.
Comets vs Wave Playoff Game PBP
Here's the play by play for tonight's Comets playoff game against the Milwaukee Wave.
Have some trouble getting the Cover It Live console to load right now. Hopefully it'll load soon and I can get going. The teams are going into the locker rooms now after finishing warm ups.
Still having issues, Galaxy girls are out right now. If it doesn't load soon I'll do the first quarter just here, old school style. It may not be as intensive as previous ones but at least you'll get PBP.
Sporting KC president is in the house somewhere tonight enjoying his first Comets game. Wave are being introduced now.
Nate Houser is back in the team for the game tonight, not starting tonight though but the experience could come in very handy.
We've kicked off here and the Wave have been dominating possession, the ball has barely been out of the Comets half.
More Net trouble, here's some more updates from the first half.
ball goes out for the wave, they restart, but MO wins it back annd controls.
Wave partially clear, Alvarez can't control a cross, and the wave keeper collects, under 30 on the PP left.
Wave win back off the restart but the PP is now up annd we're back even
Assadpour just wide
restart at the top of the arc after the wave try to clear
back and forth again as neither team can hold possession.
foul on Moura (more internet troubles if you couldn't tell)
Waltman pushed down from behind, Comets restart
assadpour with a 3 poinnt shot off the cross bar, and Olivas can't put away the follow up, still 2-0, 8:22 left
foul on Milwaukee
foul on the Comets after the restart,
wave in control again, but waltmann collects
Comets counter, Harris finds Dzilic, whose pass back to Harris is behind him.
Tiguinho with a shot blocked and Dzilic shots wide
foul on the wave and the comets will restart
comets in control still, getting more possession now
moura shot saved, alvarez puts the rebound wide
Comets still controlling GOAL.
Assadpour!
Beasley played the ball to alvarez who played it in front of Beasley, Assadpour took the shot it rebounded off the post back to Assadpour who buried it to make it 4-0 Comets!
Wave will kick us off again.
Wave control off the kick off, with 4 left in the 2nd.
Alvarez with a break away, but his chip is handled well by the Wave keeper and he keeps it 4-0.
Stokic with a block and the wave have a restart. goes through the box, shot back saved by Waltman, Comets counter and GOAL!! 6-0 Comets. Olivas got the final touch to put it in after, a cross to the back post by Assadpour.
after the restart, foul on the Wave, Comets will restart
Houser has a shot saved, Comets counter and Waltman saves
Moura puts one off the post, it could be 8-0 there. 1:30 left
wave controlling, but a shot is over the bar, Comets goalkeeper restart
1 min left in the half, alvarez almost gets through but good defense by the Wave.
wave controlling to end the half, but the Comets are going to go in up 6-0 it looks like.
And that's the half 6-0 Comets after the first half.
Sorry if you were following along on the Cover It Live, wireless here just isn't cooperating tonight so I'll do it the old fashion way in the second half.
Teams are back out for the second half, can the Comets keep the lead and go to Milwaukee needing to only win one of the two "games".
Wave kick off this quarter and hold control early.
Comets win it back in the Wave's defensive third but dont' get a good look.
Wave still in control of the ball now.
Comets are getting stuck in their own end again as the Wave hold it in.
Comets win a free kick in their own third
Moura shot blocked, and Comets lose possession.
Long ball from the wave is right at Waltman.
Wave in control again at midfield.
11:30 left in the quarter.
wave shot blockedbut not cleared, foul on Alvarez.
Alvarez gets into a bit of a shouting match with the the wave player.
Wave try to take the free kick quick, but it gets called back and they'll start again.
Wave lose it and Comets try to counter but Rodriguez's pass is too long.
Assadpour shot from 3 point saved.
Beasley sent through, but the Wave keeper is quick off his line.
Wave shot is just high and on the rebound waltman saves
Wave in control again, but Harris slides the ball away annd the Comets collect, waltman eats a couple seconds with the ball at his feet. and then distributes.
Moura fouls the Wave player at midfield and they get possession.
Wave still holding possession.
Scrum in front of Waltman and he comes up with the ball.
Foul on Milwaukee on Alvarez.
Through ball to Beasley but the shot is saved.
Blue card has come out on the Comets Leo Gibson, power play for the Wave.
Ball to the back post but the shot isn't on target and a header to Waltman and he clears.
Wave win possession back and set their offense.
Harris gets the ball cleared to him, he goes into the corner and then to goal, but is going a little fast and runs over the keeper giving the foul.
Comets playing solid defense, timeout on the floor with 36 seconds left on the power play.
We're set to go again with a wave restart at midfield.
Waltman collects after a couple blocks.
Waltman holds it then calls time with 15 seconds left on the PP.
Moura shots just wide after the restart, penalty expires and we're back level.
Wave in control still.
Foul on the Wave at the yellow line, 5:27 left in the 3rd.
Comets give the ball away and the wave attack again.
shot is saved by Waltman.
Alvarez starts a break, feeds it to Stokic who has his shot saved. 4:24 left.
Wave in control again as the Comets are set to defend.
Gibson breaks ou but plays the ball behind Moura.
MO keeps it in though and wins a foul.
Shot is out and the Wave restart.
Comets having trouble clearing and Houser fouls the wave player in the defensive 3rd. 3:14 left
Waltman saves the shot.
Comets counter but Beasley's touch let's him down.
Wave with possession now with 2:30 left in the 3rd.
Comets win it back, Alvarez starts the counter but the pass is behind Assadpour.
Comets keep it in. Assadpour dances around his defender and fires a shot that is saved and knocked out for a corner.
Comets still in control keeping possession.
Rodriguez puts his man into the wall and earns himself a blue card with 1:10 left in the 3rd.
Waltman knocks a shot wide and the rebound is over, Waltman restart coming.
Wave get the ball back and attack again, shot is saved by Waltman and we're under 30 left in the 3rd.
Wave get it back and the Comets have held off at the end of the third still up 6-0.
Wave had some late chances, but blocks and Waltman saves.
We're ready to start the 4th quarter, Comets still have 50 seconds to kill on the power play.
Comets kick us off in the 4th. Ball played over the top and the wave control. Shot is high and Waltman grabs the rebound.
Wave keeper takes a bit of a dive and MO has killed the penalty.
Comets trying to slow it down a bit now and keep the ball.
Waltman plays it over the top but the wave keeper collects.
Wave free kick
shot is high after the restart.
top of the arc free kick for the wave.
13:00 left in the game.
shot is high, wave control the rebound, but play it out.
Comets control, high pressure from the Wave now
Gibson with the block on a shot by the Wave. Waltman looked beat.
Assadpour with the block, MO with a few chances, but the wave keeper makes the save.
Lots of space developing as the Wave press and the Comets try to countner.
Alvarez wins the ball back and the Comets control.
Moura's been down but the Comets have trouble winning it back to get play stopped.
Moura was holding his head and usually that gets the play stopped immiedately.
Finger pointing going on from the Comets bench toward one of the Waves palyers.
Comets will restart the ball, Comets still complaining of an elbow to Moura.
Alvarez shot blocked into the middle, Assadpour's follow up is saved. 10:40 left.
Waltman collects an easy header and the Comets control.
Beasley collects, but was looking for Rodriguez and loses it.
Alvarez holds onto the ball and gets fouled at the 3 point line.
Gibson to Houser who skies it.
Back and forth now, Comets with the better possession.
Ball out and the Wave will restart.
Comets counter and win a top of the arc restart.
GOAL!
COMETS!
Off the top of the arc restart, Tiguinho takes the shot and it deflects in off a Wave defender.
8-0!
Comets have taken the pressure and countered well tonight 8:21 left in the game.
yellow line violation on the Comets, wave to restart. I'm sure we'll see a 6th attacker soon for Milwaukee.
They take a timeout on the restart, do we see the 6th attacker now? 8:16 left.
No 6th attacker yet for the Wave.
The shot is cleared but the Wave regain possession.
Another shot is cleared with 7:30 left.
Shot is over by the Wave.
Comets controlling the ball, but Alvarez loses it and Wave counter, Harris blocks a through pass, but Wave get it back.
goal Wave. They're giving them 3 for it, for Santos.
Comets kick back off, and the Wave win a free kick with 6:38 left in the game.
Comets with some half chances, but the shots are cleared and at the other end the Wave win a free kick.
Free kick is off the glass and Wave regroup.
Comets kick back off, and the Wave win a free kick with 6:38 left in the game.
Comets with some half chances, but the shots are cleared and at the other end the Wave win a free kick.
Free kick is off the glass and Wave regroup.
Comets get caught up on an attack and the Wave come down and score to make it 8-5 now.
It was a 3 on 1 against Waltman and the Wave player just lifted it over him into the net.
It's now a 1 goal lead for the Comets after being up 8-0. 5:27 left in the game. Comets timeout.
Still no 6th attacker for the Wave as the Comets kick off again.
Dzilic with a 3 point shot, is saved.
Gibson wins it back Rodriguez fires from 3 point range but it's paried wide.
Miscommunication by Waltman leads to many good chances for the Wave but the defense comes up with blocks. And Waltman finally holds it to slow it down.
Tiguinho held and the Comets win a free kick.
Assadpour off the glass on the restart.
Wave attack 3:21 left in the game.
Tiguinho with a great tackle.
Alvarez fires two shots, one blocked, one wide, Comets control 2:30 left.
Foul on Alvarez, the Wave call a timeout, under 2 left in the game.
6th attacker coming for the Wave now.
Wave are attacking after the restart.
shot over by the wave with 1:18 left for the Comets.
Wave win it back and are on the attackagain.
Wave change 6th attackers 1 min left.
Shot is wide by the Wave.
Another shot wide by the wave
WAltman with a save
GOAL!
Assadpour ices it with a shot from the top of his own arc, 3 point goal 11-5.
The roar from the crowd on that goal was the loudest I've heard here at the IEC for a game.
And that's it. Comets win 11-5 and go to Milwaukee with a chance to make the finals.
GREAT defensive performance by the Comets tonight absorbing the pressure from the Wave throughout much of the game. Some good goals as well as the Comets pull out the win 11-5. Full write up coming later tonight.
Have some trouble getting the Cover It Live console to load right now. Hopefully it'll load soon and I can get going. The teams are going into the locker rooms now after finishing warm ups.
Still having issues, Galaxy girls are out right now. If it doesn't load soon I'll do the first quarter just here, old school style. It may not be as intensive as previous ones but at least you'll get PBP.
Sporting KC president is in the house somewhere tonight enjoying his first Comets game. Wave are being introduced now.
Nate Houser is back in the team for the game tonight, not starting tonight though but the experience could come in very handy.
We've kicked off here and the Wave have been dominating possession, the ball has barely been out of the Comets half.
More Net trouble, here's some more updates from the first half.
ball goes out for the wave, they restart, but MO wins it back annd controls.
Wave partially clear, Alvarez can't control a cross, and the wave keeper collects, under 30 on the PP left.
Wave win back off the restart but the PP is now up annd we're back even
Assadpour just wide
restart at the top of the arc after the wave try to clear
back and forth again as neither team can hold possession.
foul on Moura (more internet troubles if you couldn't tell)
Waltman pushed down from behind, Comets restart
assadpour with a 3 poinnt shot off the cross bar, and Olivas can't put away the follow up, still 2-0, 8:22 left
foul on Milwaukee
foul on the Comets after the restart,
wave in control again, but waltmann collects
Comets counter, Harris finds Dzilic, whose pass back to Harris is behind him.
Tiguinho with a shot blocked and Dzilic shots wide
foul on the wave and the comets will restart
comets in control still, getting more possession now
moura shot saved, alvarez puts the rebound wide
Comets still controlling GOAL.
Assadpour!
Beasley played the ball to alvarez who played it in front of Beasley, Assadpour took the shot it rebounded off the post back to Assadpour who buried it to make it 4-0 Comets!
Wave will kick us off again.
Wave control off the kick off, with 4 left in the 2nd.
Alvarez with a break away, but his chip is handled well by the Wave keeper and he keeps it 4-0.
Stokic with a block and the wave have a restart. goes through the box, shot back saved by Waltman, Comets counter and GOAL!! 6-0 Comets. Olivas got the final touch to put it in after, a cross to the back post by Assadpour.
after the restart, foul on the Wave, Comets will restart
Houser has a shot saved, Comets counter and Waltman saves
Moura puts one off the post, it could be 8-0 there. 1:30 left
wave controlling, but a shot is over the bar, Comets goalkeeper restart
1 min left in the half, alvarez almost gets through but good defense by the Wave.
wave controlling to end the half, but the Comets are going to go in up 6-0 it looks like.
And that's the half 6-0 Comets after the first half.
Sorry if you were following along on the Cover It Live, wireless here just isn't cooperating tonight so I'll do it the old fashion way in the second half.
Teams are back out for the second half, can the Comets keep the lead and go to Milwaukee needing to only win one of the two "games".
Wave kick off this quarter and hold control early.
Comets win it back in the Wave's defensive third but dont' get a good look.
Wave still in control of the ball now.
Comets are getting stuck in their own end again as the Wave hold it in.
Comets win a free kick in their own third
Moura shot blocked, and Comets lose possession.
Long ball from the wave is right at Waltman.
Wave in control again at midfield.
11:30 left in the quarter.
wave shot blockedbut not cleared, foul on Alvarez.
Alvarez gets into a bit of a shouting match with the the wave player.
Wave try to take the free kick quick, but it gets called back and they'll start again.
Wave lose it and Comets try to counter but Rodriguez's pass is too long.
Assadpour shot from 3 point saved.
Beasley sent through, but the Wave keeper is quick off his line.
Wave shot is just high and on the rebound waltman saves
Wave in control again, but Harris slides the ball away annd the Comets collect, waltman eats a couple seconds with the ball at his feet. and then distributes.
Moura fouls the Wave player at midfield and they get possession.
Wave still holding possession.
Scrum in front of Waltman and he comes up with the ball.
Foul on Milwaukee on Alvarez.
Through ball to Beasley but the shot is saved.
Blue card has come out on the Comets Leo Gibson, power play for the Wave.
Ball to the back post but the shot isn't on target and a header to Waltman and he clears.
Wave win possession back and set their offense.
Harris gets the ball cleared to him, he goes into the corner and then to goal, but is going a little fast and runs over the keeper giving the foul.
Comets playing solid defense, timeout on the floor with 36 seconds left on the power play.
We're set to go again with a wave restart at midfield.
Waltman collects after a couple blocks.
Waltman holds it then calls time with 15 seconds left on the PP.
Moura shots just wide after the restart, penalty expires and we're back level.
Wave in control still.
Foul on the Wave at the yellow line, 5:27 left in the 3rd.
Comets give the ball away and the wave attack again.
shot is saved by Waltman.
Alvarez starts a break, feeds it to Stokic who has his shot saved. 4:24 left.
Wave in control again as the Comets are set to defend.
Gibson breaks ou but plays the ball behind Moura.
MO keeps it in though and wins a foul.
Shot is out and the Wave restart.
Comets having trouble clearing and Houser fouls the wave player in the defensive 3rd. 3:14 left
Waltman saves the shot.
Comets counter but Beasley's touch let's him down.
Wave with possession now with 2:30 left in the 3rd.
Comets win it back, Alvarez starts the counter but the pass is behind Assadpour.
Comets keep it in. Assadpour dances around his defender and fires a shot that is saved and knocked out for a corner.
Comets still in control keeping possession.
Rodriguez puts his man into the wall and earns himself a blue card with 1:10 left in the 3rd.
Waltman knocks a shot wide and the rebound is over, Waltman restart coming.
Wave get the ball back and attack again, shot is saved by Waltman and we're under 30 left in the 3rd.
Wave get it back and the Comets have held off at the end of the third still up 6-0.
Wave had some late chances, but blocks and Waltman saves.
We're ready to start the 4th quarter, Comets still have 50 seconds to kill on the power play.
Comets kick us off in the 4th. Ball played over the top and the wave control. Shot is high and Waltman grabs the rebound.
Wave keeper takes a bit of a dive and MO has killed the penalty.
Comets trying to slow it down a bit now and keep the ball.
Waltman plays it over the top but the wave keeper collects.
Wave free kick
shot is high after the restart.
top of the arc free kick for the wave.
13:00 left in the game.
shot is high, wave control the rebound, but play it out.
Comets control, high pressure from the Wave now
Gibson with the block on a shot by the Wave. Waltman looked beat.
Assadpour with the block, MO with a few chances, but the wave keeper makes the save.
Lots of space developing as the Wave press and the Comets try to countner.
Alvarez wins the ball back and the Comets control.
Moura's been down but the Comets have trouble winning it back to get play stopped.
Moura was holding his head and usually that gets the play stopped immiedately.
Finger pointing going on from the Comets bench toward one of the Waves palyers.
Comets will restart the ball, Comets still complaining of an elbow to Moura.
Alvarez shot blocked into the middle, Assadpour's follow up is saved. 10:40 left.
Waltman collects an easy header and the Comets control.
Beasley collects, but was looking for Rodriguez and loses it.
Alvarez holds onto the ball and gets fouled at the 3 point line.
Gibson to Houser who skies it.
Back and forth now, Comets with the better possession.
Ball out and the Wave will restart.
Comets counter and win a top of the arc restart.
GOAL!
COMETS!
Off the top of the arc restart, Tiguinho takes the shot and it deflects in off a Wave defender.
8-0!
Comets have taken the pressure and countered well tonight 8:21 left in the game.
yellow line violation on the Comets, wave to restart. I'm sure we'll see a 6th attacker soon for Milwaukee.
They take a timeout on the restart, do we see the 6th attacker now? 8:16 left.
No 6th attacker yet for the Wave.
The shot is cleared but the Wave regain possession.
Another shot is cleared with 7:30 left.
Shot is over by the Wave.
Comets controlling the ball, but Alvarez loses it and Wave counter, Harris blocks a through pass, but Wave get it back.
goal Wave. They're giving them 3 for it, for Santos.
Comets kick back off, and the Wave win a free kick with 6:38 left in the game.
Comets with some half chances, but the shots are cleared and at the other end the Wave win a free kick.
Free kick is off the glass and Wave regroup.
Comets kick back off, and the Wave win a free kick with 6:38 left in the game.
Comets with some half chances, but the shots are cleared and at the other end the Wave win a free kick.
Free kick is off the glass and Wave regroup.
Comets get caught up on an attack and the Wave come down and score to make it 8-5 now.
It was a 3 on 1 against Waltman and the Wave player just lifted it over him into the net.
It's now a 1 goal lead for the Comets after being up 8-0. 5:27 left in the game. Comets timeout.
Still no 6th attacker for the Wave as the Comets kick off again.
Dzilic with a 3 point shot, is saved.
Gibson wins it back Rodriguez fires from 3 point range but it's paried wide.
Miscommunication by Waltman leads to many good chances for the Wave but the defense comes up with blocks. And Waltman finally holds it to slow it down.
Tiguinho held and the Comets win a free kick.
Assadpour off the glass on the restart.
Wave attack 3:21 left in the game.
Tiguinho with a great tackle.
Alvarez fires two shots, one blocked, one wide, Comets control 2:30 left.
Foul on Alvarez, the Wave call a timeout, under 2 left in the game.
6th attacker coming for the Wave now.
Wave are attacking after the restart.
shot over by the wave with 1:18 left for the Comets.
Wave win it back and are on the attackagain.
Wave change 6th attackers 1 min left.
Shot is wide by the Wave.
Another shot wide by the wave
WAltman with a save
GOAL!
Assadpour ices it with a shot from the top of his own arc, 3 point goal 11-5.
The roar from the crowd on that goal was the loudest I've heard here at the IEC for a game.
And that's it. Comets win 11-5 and go to Milwaukee with a chance to make the finals.
GREAT defensive performance by the Comets tonight absorbing the pressure from the Wave throughout much of the game. Some good goals as well as the Comets pull out the win 11-5. Full write up coming later tonight.
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's another Former SKC Wizards update for you this week. The MLS season kicked off last night, which means that it's a new "season" for former SKC Wizards players. This year one player led most of the categories. Yura Movsisyan had the most appearances (41), most starts (35), most minutes (3,136), and goals (21) last season. That includes league, cup, and national team games. Second on all of those lists was Ryan Pore who had 34 appearances, 33 starts, 2,939 minutes, and 15 goals for the USL Portland Timbers. Matt Taylor and Abe Thompson both also hit double digits for goals (13 and 10 respectively). In the indoor game, Jamar Beasley had 20 goals while Pat Healey had 17 as the two leaders in the indoor game. For goalkeepers, Will Hesmer led the way with 10 shutouts, followed by Neal Kitson with 8. Hesmer also got himself a goal last year as well, not one of those things you see very often.
Now it's time for a new season. First for those wondering what Jose Burciaga Jr is up to, check out the latest What Ever Happened To... from MLSsoccer it's an interesting look at what happened after leaving MLS. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Still looking for:
Vicente Arze
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Season has not started.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 win over Seattle.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 win over Saprissa.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-o loss to LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season has not started.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-0 win over Seattle.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season has not started.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season has not started.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Season has not started.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 win over Saprissa.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season has not started.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Season has not started.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season has not started.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season has not started.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season has not started.
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored a goal in Missouri's 17-6 loss to Baltimore. Play Milwaukee tonight.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Did not play in Baltimore's 15-6 loss to Milwaukee.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 17-6 win over Missouri.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play Missouri's 17-6 loss to Baltimore. Play Milwaukee tonight.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Beat Sidekicks Mexico 7-3. Beat Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 to win the PASL title.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Beat Sidekicks Mexico 7-3. Beat Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 to win the PASL title.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Tied Hindustan Aero 1-1.
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Ferro's 1-0 win over Racing OlavarrĂa.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 3-2 cup win over Cortulua. Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 0-0 draw with Millonarios.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in Pachuca's 4-0 loss to Atlante.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Budapest Honvéd - Hungary - Did not dress in Honved's 2-2 draw with Debrecen.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Benfica 3-1.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 1-0 to Lucko.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham/Preston - England - Started and played 85 minutes in Preston's 3-0 win over Scunthorpe.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 79 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 loss to CNI. Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 loss to Libertad.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in Krasnodar's 0-0 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 82 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-1 win over Heidenheim.
Now it's time for a new season. First for those wondering what Jose Burciaga Jr is up to, check out the latest What Ever Happened To... from MLSsoccer it's an interesting look at what happened after leaving MLS. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Still looking for:
Vicente Arze
Nick Cardenas
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Ryan McMahen
Akeem Priestley
Ivan Trujillo
MLS
Jimmy Conrad - Chivas USA - Season has not started.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 win over Seattle.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 win over Saprissa.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-o loss to LA.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season has not started.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-0 win over Seattle.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season has not started.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season has not started.
Jonathan Leathers - Vancouver - Season has not started.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 2-0 win over Saprissa.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season has not started.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Season has not started.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season has not started.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season has not started.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to LA.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season has not started.
Indoor soccer.
Jamar Beasley - Missouri Comets - Scored a goal in Missouri's 17-6 loss to Baltimore. Play Milwaukee tonight.
Chris Brunt - Omaha Vipers - Did not play in Baltimore's 15-6 loss to Milwaukee.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 17-6 win over Missouri.
Boris Pardo - Missouri Comets - Did not play Missouri's 17-6 loss to Baltimore. Play Milwaukee tonight.
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Sockers - Beat Sidekicks Mexico 7-3. Beat Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 to win the PASL title.
Paul Wright - San Diego Sockers - Beat Sidekicks Mexico 7-3. Beat Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 to win the PASL title.
International
Sunil Chhetri - Chirag United - India - Tied Hindustan Aero 1-1.
Eloy Colombano - Ferrocarril Sud - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Ferro's 1-0 win over Racing OlavarrĂa.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 3-2 cup win over Cortulua. Started and played 90 minutes in Cali's 0-0 draw with Millonarios.
Herculez Gomez - Pachuca - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in Pachuca's 4-0 loss to Atlante.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Budapest Honvéd - Hungary - Did not dress in Honved's 2-2 draw with Debrecen.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Benfica 3-1.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 1-0 to Lucko.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham/Preston - England - Started and played 85 minutes in Preston's 3-0 win over Scunthorpe.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 79 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 loss to CNI. Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 loss to Libertad.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in Krasnodar's 0-0 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Matt Taylor - Rot Weiss Ahlen - Germany - Started and played 82 minutes, scoring a goal in Weiss' 3-1 win over Heidenheim.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Kamara and Auvray Called Up
Already without Shavar Thomas for the second game of the season against Chicago, the team announced today that two more players would not be in Chicago for the game, instead joining their national teams for games that weekend. Kei Kamara will be playing in the most important match that weekend, as he's been recalled to the Sierra Leone national team for their qualifier on the 25th when they travel to play Niger. Kamara had been left off the team for their last qualifier, a 0-0 draw with South Africa after comments he made about the Sierra Leone FA. Under a new coach though, Kamara has been recalled and will look to help the Leone Stars get into a position where they can potentially qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.
The other call up is for Stephane Auvray. Auvray will miss the game as he and the Guadeloupe national team will play a friendly against Racing Club de Lens. Since Guadeloupe is not a member of FIFA, most of their games are against club teams in France. They are a member of CONCACAF, which allows them to compete in the Gold Cup this summer. This will be used as a bit of a warm up for them as they head towards this summer.
The loss of those two are likely to hurt a little more than the loss of Thomas, but all three could potentially be felt in the second game of the season. While Teal Bunbury has been cleared to play, whether he'll start could be a question and KC's depth could be tested even more. Kamara's call up seems set to hurt the most. With the seemingly impending signing of Milos Stojcev, he can help plug the gap in the midfield. And for Thomas it's no guarantee that he'll be starting this weekend out in LA anyways. Congrats to these 3 though on their call ups to represent their national teams.
The other call up is for Stephane Auvray. Auvray will miss the game as he and the Guadeloupe national team will play a friendly against Racing Club de Lens. Since Guadeloupe is not a member of FIFA, most of their games are against club teams in France. They are a member of CONCACAF, which allows them to compete in the Gold Cup this summer. This will be used as a bit of a warm up for them as they head towards this summer.
The loss of those two are likely to hurt a little more than the loss of Thomas, but all three could potentially be felt in the second game of the season. While Teal Bunbury has been cleared to play, whether he'll start could be a question and KC's depth could be tested even more. Kamara's call up seems set to hurt the most. With the seemingly impending signing of Milos Stojcev, he can help plug the gap in the midfield. And for Thomas it's no guarantee that he'll be starting this weekend out in LA anyways. Congrats to these 3 though on their call ups to represent their national teams.
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