Time for another year of wishes for 2012. Here's a look of what I am wanting and wishing to see in 2012.
1. Silverware - Is anything else really that important? I want silverware, as Robb Heineman put it tonight on Twitter, #paintthewall. I want to add more stuff to the wall that shows our accomplishments. Bring home a trophy.
2. A double digit goal scorer - In league play this last year KC had 3 players hit 9 goals, but none reached the double digit mark. Tela Bunbury, Kei Kamara, CJ Sapong, or a new designated player, I want a double digit scorer.
3. A designated player who scores double digit goals - KC is going to have to replace the 9 goals that Omar Bravo scored, and is probably going to need to surpass that. Whether it's the mystery Spanish DP, or another DP, KC is going to need a big performance from a designated player to win trophies this year.
4. Equal or better last year's attendance mark - It's a lofty goal, but with a spread out home schedule and the team that Peter Vermes has put together, KC should hopefully be able to top this past year's 17,810.
5. One home loss at most - LIVESTRONG was a virtual fortress for the majority of the season last year. Time to make it one for real. KC making LSP a facility that teams fear coming to is the next step. The Cauldron's growth this past year has helped immensely, the growth on the south stand will help even more. Doing it on the field will be the final step.
6. Lock up Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Chance Myers long term - These 3 are likely the young nucleus of the team for the next 5 years or so. All 3 had break out years this past year. Now to avoid a situation similar to Michael Harrington's from this past year where he didn't seem to live up to his new contract I would have all three, especially Myers, who had done little to justify his number one selection until this past year. Still I think signing these 3 before they become free agents is going to be extremely important.
7. A World Cup qualifier at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park - The US's first round of World Cup qualifying starts up this coming year, The USA is grouped with Jamaica, Guatemala, and Antigua and Barbuda. Part of me doesn't want a game this round, instead I want it in the Hex. But getting one this coming year, proving once again that KC is a place that can and will pull a pro-USA crowd is important for me. Prove that KC can be a fortress for the US and the big games will follow.
8. Get OUR MLS Cup back from Hunt Sports Group - For those that dont' know, the MLS Cup 2000 trophy is NOT in Kansas City. The trophy is not at the Sporting KC front office, it is not at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. The trophy for the Wizards MLS Cup 2000 win is apparently at HSG headquarters in Dallas. I'm wanting to use this year to start a campaign to bring home OUR MLS Cup. The trophy wasn't won by HSG, it was won by the the Wizards. While Lamar Hunt plays a HUGE role in not only the KC Wizards existence, but them currently being STILL being in KC, and not San Antonio, Tulsa, St. Louis, or Rochester, the trophy belongs in KC. BRING OUR TROPHY HOME ROBB.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Year End Look at 2011 Wishes
With it being New Year's Eve, I figured it was time to take a look back at the 2011 wishes that I'd posted at the end of last year.
1. Return to the Playoffs - This was filled 100%, not only did KC qualify for the playoffs again, but the team won the regular season Eastern Conference crown and had home field advantage. Unfortunately that didn't translate to making the cup finals. Which brings us to the next one...
2. Silverware - Twice KC looked in a good position to make the finals of two competitions, but both times KC failed to make it. Earlier in the season, KC looked to have a good path to the semifinals of the US Open Cup, but couldn't get past the Richmond Kickers. In the MLS Cup playoffs, KC was one step away from the finals, but got outplayed in the Eastern Conference finals, losing to Houston.
3. Re-Sign Michael Harrington - The team got this taken care of, but it Harrington seemed to drop off after a career year last year. He started the year with a small knock that kept him out of action. When he returned he did ok, but wasn't the same player he was last year. As the year went on, he lost his starting spot to Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic. It'll be interesting to see Harrington's role next year.
4. 10-15 points on road trip to start the season - This didn't come true, KC only picked up 6 points on the road trip and looked dead in the water. But after the poor start, KC lost only 3 regular season games the rest of the season. Combine that with a weaker Eastern Conference and KC was able to finish on top of the East.
5. Average over 15,000 in the new stadium - New all time attendance high for Kansas City this year, at 17,810. Over 2,000 over what I was wanting for the new high, and less than 1,000 under LIVESTRONG's capacity.
6. Sell out half the home games - Seventeen home games, of those, KC had 9 games that were at capacity or over. So that was just over the half number. I imagine if KC didn't have most of those home games cramped into about 3 months that total would likely have been a little higher. Still that's a wish that was met.
7. At most 1 home loss - Not quite, Kansas City lost 2 regular season games at home, along with a third in the playoffs to Houston. All 3 of the losses hurt the first two because of the fact that KC let late leads slip away leading to those loses. And the third ended KC's season.
8. Omar Bravo scores 10+ goals - Bravo didn't quite hit the mark, scoring 9 league goals. If he hadn't missed time due to the hernia surgery I figure he likely would have hit the mark. Bravo is now gone and we're likely looking to add another designated player in the upcoming transfer window.
9. US in KC for the Gold Cup and double header sell out - This one came true. KC hosted the final group stage game as the US fought to qualify for the knock out rounds. They did so on the backs of a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe. KC seemed to impress enough to earn the US Olympic qualifying semifinals and finals this year. They also would seem to be at the forefront of earning a World Cup qualifier back at LSP as well.
1. Return to the Playoffs - This was filled 100%, not only did KC qualify for the playoffs again, but the team won the regular season Eastern Conference crown and had home field advantage. Unfortunately that didn't translate to making the cup finals. Which brings us to the next one...
2. Silverware - Twice KC looked in a good position to make the finals of two competitions, but both times KC failed to make it. Earlier in the season, KC looked to have a good path to the semifinals of the US Open Cup, but couldn't get past the Richmond Kickers. In the MLS Cup playoffs, KC was one step away from the finals, but got outplayed in the Eastern Conference finals, losing to Houston.
3. Re-Sign Michael Harrington - The team got this taken care of, but it Harrington seemed to drop off after a career year last year. He started the year with a small knock that kept him out of action. When he returned he did ok, but wasn't the same player he was last year. As the year went on, he lost his starting spot to Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic. It'll be interesting to see Harrington's role next year.
4. 10-15 points on road trip to start the season - This didn't come true, KC only picked up 6 points on the road trip and looked dead in the water. But after the poor start, KC lost only 3 regular season games the rest of the season. Combine that with a weaker Eastern Conference and KC was able to finish on top of the East.
5. Average over 15,000 in the new stadium - New all time attendance high for Kansas City this year, at 17,810. Over 2,000 over what I was wanting for the new high, and less than 1,000 under LIVESTRONG's capacity.
6. Sell out half the home games - Seventeen home games, of those, KC had 9 games that were at capacity or over. So that was just over the half number. I imagine if KC didn't have most of those home games cramped into about 3 months that total would likely have been a little higher. Still that's a wish that was met.
7. At most 1 home loss - Not quite, Kansas City lost 2 regular season games at home, along with a third in the playoffs to Houston. All 3 of the losses hurt the first two because of the fact that KC let late leads slip away leading to those loses. And the third ended KC's season.
8. Omar Bravo scores 10+ goals - Bravo didn't quite hit the mark, scoring 9 league goals. If he hadn't missed time due to the hernia surgery I figure he likely would have hit the mark. Bravo is now gone and we're likely looking to add another designated player in the upcoming transfer window.
9. US in KC for the Gold Cup and double header sell out - This one came true. KC hosted the final group stage game as the US fought to qualify for the knock out rounds. They did so on the backs of a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe. KC seemed to impress enough to earn the US Olympic qualifying semifinals and finals this year. They also would seem to be at the forefront of earning a World Cup qualifier back at LSP as well.
Comets Fall Behind Earlier, Can't Quite Make Comeback
Two days after the Comets fought back to defeat the Wichita Wings in a close game at the Independence Events Center, the Comets found themselves having to do it again against the Wings, this time in Wichita. Unfortunately the result wasn't the same as the Wings pulled off a 12-10 win over the Comets to get their first win in the series.
The Wings used a strong first quarter to pull away from the Comets, Kevin Ten Eyke was the star, assisting on the first two goals, before scoring the fourth goal himself as the Wings led 8-0 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Comets started to wake up, under two minutes into the quarter, the Comets were on the board as John Sosa tapped one home off a pass from Neto. Shortly after that, the Comets got another, as Geison finished an opportunity on a power play to cut the lead to 8-4. The power play goal came after a period of time when the Comets were playing with a 4 on 3 advantage due to a number of penalties being called. The Wings though extended their lead on the power play as Jamar Beasley finished off a chance. But in the span of about 30 seconds late in the quarter, the Comets pulled themselves within a goal as both Leo Gibson and Neto found net to cut the lead to 10-8.
In the second half, the scoring settled down quite a bit, the two teams had chances in the third and fourth quarters, but until late, neither team was able to find the net. Byron Alvarez ended up tying the game up for the Comets with 2:45 left in the game off a pass from Christiano. But in something that's become a bit of the story of the season for the Comets, shortly after the goal, with only 1:36 left in the game, the Wings found one last goal to extend the lead to 12-10. The Comets couldn't find net in the last little bit with the 6th attacker on the field, as the Wings won their first game in the series.
The Wings used a strong first quarter to pull away from the Comets, Kevin Ten Eyke was the star, assisting on the first two goals, before scoring the fourth goal himself as the Wings led 8-0 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Comets started to wake up, under two minutes into the quarter, the Comets were on the board as John Sosa tapped one home off a pass from Neto. Shortly after that, the Comets got another, as Geison finished an opportunity on a power play to cut the lead to 8-4. The power play goal came after a period of time when the Comets were playing with a 4 on 3 advantage due to a number of penalties being called. The Wings though extended their lead on the power play as Jamar Beasley finished off a chance. But in the span of about 30 seconds late in the quarter, the Comets pulled themselves within a goal as both Leo Gibson and Neto found net to cut the lead to 10-8.
In the second half, the scoring settled down quite a bit, the two teams had chances in the third and fourth quarters, but until late, neither team was able to find the net. Byron Alvarez ended up tying the game up for the Comets with 2:45 left in the game off a pass from Christiano. But in something that's become a bit of the story of the season for the Comets, shortly after the goal, with only 1:36 left in the game, the Wings found one last goal to extend the lead to 12-10. The Comets couldn't find net in the last little bit with the 6th attacker on the field, as the Wings won their first game in the series.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Most Capped as Sporting KC Players
Continuing on with the caps trend, here's the updated stats for caps as a member of the SKC Wizards. First is the caps that a player got while with KC, the second number is goals scored in those caps.
Josh Wolff - USA - 38 - 6
Jimmy Conrad - USA - 28 - 1
Preki - USA - 26 - 4
Roger Espinoza - Honduras - 21 - 3
Kerry Zavagnin - USA - 21 - 0
Eddie Johnson - USA - 20 - 3
Shavar Thomas - Jamaica - 19 - 0
Chris Klein - USA - 17 - 3
Gary Glasgow - Trinidad & Tobago - 16 - 1
Khari Stephenson - Jamaica - 15 - 3
Scott Sealy - Trinidad & Tobago - 14 - 1
Tony Meola - USA - 12 - 0
Craig Rocastle - Grenada - 9 - 0
Sunil Chhetri - India - 9 - 5
Stephane Auvray - Guadeloupe - 8 - 1
Davy Arnaud - USA - 7 - 1
Kei Kamara - Sierra Leone - 6 - 0
Nick Garcia - USA - 6 - 0
Uche Okafor - Nigeria - 6 - 0
Onandi Lowe - Jamaica - 3 - 2
Mike Sorber - USA - 3 - 0
Miklos Molnar - Denmark - 3 - 0
Teal Bunbury - USA - 2 - 1
Mark Chung - USA - 2 - 0
Jermaine Hue - Jamaica - 2 - 0
Peterson Joseph - Haiti - 1 - 0
Chris Henderson - USA - 1 - 0
Steve Pittman - USA - 1 - 0
Digital Takawira - Zimbabwe - Unknown
Unfortunately I've still been unable to find a source for Digital Takawira's caps for Zimbabwe while with Kansas City, I've tried contacting the FA and the CAF, but have struck out in both instances. I'm still looking for the number, but if anyone knows, please let me know so that I can update the list.
Hopefully next month we'll be adding both CJ Sapong and Graham Zusi to this list. Daneil Cyrus and Bobby Convey could also be potential additions to this list.
Josh Wolff - USA - 38 - 6
Jimmy Conrad - USA - 28 - 1
Preki - USA - 26 - 4
Roger Espinoza - Honduras - 21 - 3
Kerry Zavagnin - USA - 21 - 0
Eddie Johnson - USA - 20 - 3
Shavar Thomas - Jamaica - 19 - 0
Chris Klein - USA - 17 - 3
Gary Glasgow - Trinidad & Tobago - 16 - 1
Khari Stephenson - Jamaica - 15 - 3
Scott Sealy - Trinidad & Tobago - 14 - 1
Tony Meola - USA - 12 - 0
Craig Rocastle - Grenada - 9 - 0
Sunil Chhetri - India - 9 - 5
Stephane Auvray - Guadeloupe - 8 - 1
Davy Arnaud - USA - 7 - 1
Kei Kamara - Sierra Leone - 6 - 0
Nick Garcia - USA - 6 - 0
Uche Okafor - Nigeria - 6 - 0
Onandi Lowe - Jamaica - 3 - 2
Mike Sorber - USA - 3 - 0
Miklos Molnar - Denmark - 3 - 0
Teal Bunbury - USA - 2 - 1
Mark Chung - USA - 2 - 0
Jermaine Hue - Jamaica - 2 - 0
Peterson Joseph - Haiti - 1 - 0
Chris Henderson - USA - 1 - 0
Steve Pittman - USA - 1 - 0
Digital Takawira - Zimbabwe - Unknown
Unfortunately I've still been unable to find a source for Digital Takawira's caps for Zimbabwe while with Kansas City, I've tried contacting the FA and the CAF, but have struck out in both instances. I'm still looking for the number, but if anyone knows, please let me know so that I can update the list.
Hopefully next month we'll be adding both CJ Sapong and Graham Zusi to this list. Daneil Cyrus and Bobby Convey could also be potential additions to this list.
Most capped Sporting KC Players
I have gone ahead and updated my list of capped Sporting KC players total. This is a list of players that have played for Kansas City and been capped by their respective national teams at any time. New signing Bobby Convey, along with Daneil Cyrus and Peterson Joseph are the only new players to join the list. Although we could see the likes of Graham Zusi and CJ Sapong join the list in the near future.
USA
Tony Meola - 100
Alexi Lalas - 96 - 9
Chris Henderson - 79 - 3
Mike Burns - 75
Peter Vermes - 67 - 11
Mike Sorber - 67 - 2
Josh Wolff - 52 - 9
Bobby Convey - 46 - 1
Brian Bliss - 44 - 2
Eddie Johnson - 42 - 12
Frank Klopas - 40 - 12
Roy Lassister - 30 - 4
Eric Eichman - 29 - 4
Preki - 28 - 4
Jimmy Conrad - 28 - 1
Mark Chung - 24 - 2
Chris Klein - 22 - 5
Kerry Zavagnin - 21
Mark Santel - 8 - 1
Herculez Gomez - 8 - 2
Davy Arnaud - 7 - 1
John Diffley - 7
John DeBrito - 6
Nick Garcia - 6
Yari Allnut - 5 - 2
Kevin Hartman - 5
Sasha Victorine - 4 - 1
Steve Pittman - 3
Teal Bunbury - 2 - 1
Matt McKeon - 2
Alan Prampin - 2
Ken Snow - 2
Diego Gutierrez - 1
Curt Onalfo - 1
Argentina
Claudio Lopez - 58 - 10
Armenia
Yura Movsisyan - 11 - 4
Cameroon
Samuel Ekeme - 32
Canada
Alex Bunbury - 64 - 16
Pat Harrington - 1
Denmark
Miklos Molnar - 18 - 2
Finland
Antti Sumiala - 36 - 9
Grenada
Craig Rocastle - 9
Guadeloupe
Stephane Auvray - 23 - 2
Haiti
Josué Mayard - 17 - 2
Peterson Joseph - 6
Holland
Dave van den Bergh - 2
Honduras
Roger Espinoza - 21 - 3
Hungary
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - 3
India
Sunil Chhetri - 55 - 33
Jamaica
Onandi Lowe - 65 - 27
Shavar Thomas - 42
Jermaine Hue - 30 - 11
Wolde Harris - 28 - 7
Khari Stephenson - 26 - 3
Peter Isaacs - 15 - 4
Akeem Priestley - 3
Liberia
Dionysius Sebwe - 7
Mexico
Omar Bravo - 63 - 15
Nigeria
Uche Okafor - 34 - 1
Puerto Rico
Taylor Graham - 3 - 1
Russia
Igor Simutenkov - 20 - 9
Scotland
Richard Gough - 61 - 6
Mo Johnston - 38 - 14
Serbia and Montenegro
Vuk Rasovic - 5
Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara - 10
Trinidad and Tobago
Gary Glasgow - 53 -11
Scott Sealy - 25 - 2
Daneil Cyrus - 13 - 0
Anthony Noriega - 5
Yugoslavia
Refik Sabanadzovic - 8
Zimbabwe
Vitalis Takawira - 26 - 12
USA
Tony Meola - 100
Alexi Lalas - 96 - 9
Chris Henderson - 79 - 3
Mike Burns - 75
Peter Vermes - 67 - 11
Mike Sorber - 67 - 2
Josh Wolff - 52 - 9
Bobby Convey - 46 - 1
Brian Bliss - 44 - 2
Eddie Johnson - 42 - 12
Frank Klopas - 40 - 12
Roy Lassister - 30 - 4
Eric Eichman - 29 - 4
Preki - 28 - 4
Jimmy Conrad - 28 - 1
Mark Chung - 24 - 2
Chris Klein - 22 - 5
Kerry Zavagnin - 21
Mark Santel - 8 - 1
Herculez Gomez - 8 - 2
Davy Arnaud - 7 - 1
John Diffley - 7
John DeBrito - 6
Nick Garcia - 6
Yari Allnut - 5 - 2
Kevin Hartman - 5
Sasha Victorine - 4 - 1
Steve Pittman - 3
Teal Bunbury - 2 - 1
Matt McKeon - 2
Alan Prampin - 2
Ken Snow - 2
Diego Gutierrez - 1
Curt Onalfo - 1
Argentina
Claudio Lopez - 58 - 10
Armenia
Yura Movsisyan - 11 - 4
Cameroon
Samuel Ekeme - 32
Canada
Alex Bunbury - 64 - 16
Pat Harrington - 1
Denmark
Miklos Molnar - 18 - 2
Finland
Antti Sumiala - 36 - 9
Grenada
Craig Rocastle - 9
Guadeloupe
Stephane Auvray - 23 - 2
Haiti
Josué Mayard - 17 - 2
Peterson Joseph - 6
Holland
Dave van den Bergh - 2
Honduras
Roger Espinoza - 21 - 3
Hungary
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - 3
India
Sunil Chhetri - 55 - 33
Jamaica
Onandi Lowe - 65 - 27
Shavar Thomas - 42
Jermaine Hue - 30 - 11
Wolde Harris - 28 - 7
Khari Stephenson - 26 - 3
Peter Isaacs - 15 - 4
Akeem Priestley - 3
Liberia
Dionysius Sebwe - 7
Mexico
Omar Bravo - 63 - 15
Nigeria
Uche Okafor - 34 - 1
Puerto Rico
Taylor Graham - 3 - 1
Russia
Igor Simutenkov - 20 - 9
Scotland
Richard Gough - 61 - 6
Mo Johnston - 38 - 14
Serbia and Montenegro
Vuk Rasovic - 5
Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara - 10
Trinidad and Tobago
Gary Glasgow - 53 -11
Scott Sealy - 25 - 2
Daneil Cyrus - 13 - 0
Anthony Noriega - 5
Yugoslavia
Refik Sabanadzovic - 8
Zimbabwe
Vitalis Takawira - 26 - 12
10,000 Minute Club
Continuing the stat updating for you tonight, it's time to update the 10,000 minute club.
In league play one new player joined the 10,000 minute club, as Michael Harrington became the 12th player for Kansas City, Davy Arnaud also jumped up 1 spot on the list moving ahead of Jimmy Conrad. The next closest active player, is Matt Besler with 6,132 minutes played. So no one new will be joining the list during the 2012 season.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 20,516
2. Nick Garcia - 20,158
3 Davy Arnaud - 19, 399
4. Jimmy Conrad - 18,194
5. Preki - 17,818
6. Chris Klein - 16,381
7. Jack Jewsbury - 13,275
8. Mo Johnston - 12,600
9. Matt McKeon - 11,584
10. Josh Wolff - 11,467
11. Tony Meola - 11,331
12. Michael Harrington - 10,753
In all competitions no players joined the 10,000 minute club. Besler once again is the closest to making the list, and could join the list next season if he plays just under 3,000 minutes. He could also be joined by Roger Espinoza, if the Honduran plays just over 3,000 minutes. Arnaud though did become the 5th member of the 20,000 minute club this past season.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 25,290
2. Nick Garcia - 24,650
3. Davy Arnaud - 21,607
4. Preki - 20,647
5. Jimmy Conrad - 20,551
6. Chris Klein - 19,437
7. Jack Jewsbury - 14,973
8. Matt McKeon - 14,602
9. Tony Meola - 14,205
10. Mo Johnston - 14,182
11. Josh Wolff - 12,939
12. Michael Harrington - 12,286
13. Diego Gutierrez - 12,246
14. Jose Burciaga - 10,624
15. Uche Okafor - 10,281
In league play one new player joined the 10,000 minute club, as Michael Harrington became the 12th player for Kansas City, Davy Arnaud also jumped up 1 spot on the list moving ahead of Jimmy Conrad. The next closest active player, is Matt Besler with 6,132 minutes played. So no one new will be joining the list during the 2012 season.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 20,516
2. Nick Garcia - 20,158
3 Davy Arnaud - 19, 399
4. Jimmy Conrad - 18,194
5. Preki - 17,818
6. Chris Klein - 16,381
7. Jack Jewsbury - 13,275
8. Mo Johnston - 12,600
9. Matt McKeon - 11,584
10. Josh Wolff - 11,467
11. Tony Meola - 11,331
12. Michael Harrington - 10,753
In all competitions no players joined the 10,000 minute club. Besler once again is the closest to making the list, and could join the list next season if he plays just under 3,000 minutes. He could also be joined by Roger Espinoza, if the Honduran plays just over 3,000 minutes. Arnaud though did become the 5th member of the 20,000 minute club this past season.
1. Kerry Zavagnin - 25,290
2. Nick Garcia - 24,650
3. Davy Arnaud - 21,607
4. Preki - 20,647
5. Jimmy Conrad - 20,551
6. Chris Klein - 19,437
7. Jack Jewsbury - 14,973
8. Matt McKeon - 14,602
9. Tony Meola - 14,205
10. Mo Johnston - 14,182
11. Josh Wolff - 12,939
12. Michael Harrington - 12,286
13. Diego Gutierrez - 12,246
14. Jose Burciaga - 10,624
15. Uche Okafor - 10,281
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Quick Sporting KC News
Two quick bits of Sporting KC news to throw out real quick for you.
First, last night during the Comets game, Robb Heineman posted on Twitter that there was good news on a "GREAT friendly." Nothing is finalized per the tweet, as Heineman said that "hopefully they'll be able to finish it up." So let the speculation begin on what the "GREAT friendly" is. One would assume it would be a well known club based off the "GREAT" comment, someone considered a top tier club in one of the top leagues. Someone like a "top 4" EPL club, or one of the big Italian or Spanish clubs. To a lesser extent maybe someone like Bayern Munich. It'll be interesting to see who it is that KC brings in for the friendly. I'm excited, but the excitement is tempered and will be until we know when the friendly will take place. I don't want the friendly to force the movement of a league game, and I'd also hope the friendly is in an off week or something that doesn't really cause problems for the efforts for winning trophies.
In other news, KC has apparently missed out on signing of 27 year old Venezuelan forward, Jesus Gomez. According to The Daily Wiz, Sporting was beat to the player's signature by Venezuelan club, FC Caracas. The posting on Facebook by FC Caracas is the only reference I can find to Sporting's interest in the striker, who was last with Belgian club, Lierse SK. He's also been capped 15 times by Venezuela. Finding highlights online, Gomez looks impressive, but without knowing what KC offered I'm can't say I'm really disappointed.
First, last night during the Comets game, Robb Heineman posted on Twitter that there was good news on a "GREAT friendly." Nothing is finalized per the tweet, as Heineman said that "hopefully they'll be able to finish it up." So let the speculation begin on what the "GREAT friendly" is. One would assume it would be a well known club based off the "GREAT" comment, someone considered a top tier club in one of the top leagues. Someone like a "top 4" EPL club, or one of the big Italian or Spanish clubs. To a lesser extent maybe someone like Bayern Munich. It'll be interesting to see who it is that KC brings in for the friendly. I'm excited, but the excitement is tempered and will be until we know when the friendly will take place. I don't want the friendly to force the movement of a league game, and I'd also hope the friendly is in an off week or something that doesn't really cause problems for the efforts for winning trophies.
In other news, KC has apparently missed out on signing of 27 year old Venezuelan forward, Jesus Gomez. According to The Daily Wiz, Sporting was beat to the player's signature by Venezuelan club, FC Caracas. The posting on Facebook by FC Caracas is the only reference I can find to Sporting's interest in the striker, who was last with Belgian club, Lierse SK. He's also been capped 15 times by Venezuela. Finding highlights online, Gomez looks impressive, but without knowing what KC offered I'm can't say I'm really disappointed.
Former SKC Wizards Update
An incredibly quiet week in former SKC Wizards news with the Christmas season in full affect. But here is your update for this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Craig Rocastle
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Played in the Wings 10-7 loss to Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - No game this past week.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - No game this week.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 26-10 loss to Rochester.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - No game this week.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Missed Bagan's 0-0 draw with Salgaocar SC. Did not play in Bagan's 3-1 win over Air India.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Puebla - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Tied Chiangrai United 1-1.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Craig Rocastle
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Played in the Wings 10-7 loss to Missouri.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - No game this past week.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - No game this week.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 26-10 loss to Rochester.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - No game this week.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Missed Bagan's 0-0 draw with Salgaocar SC. Did not play in Bagan's 3-1 win over Air India.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Season over.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - on winter break.
Eddie Johnson - Puebla - Mexico - Clausura has not started.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Season is over.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Tied Chiangrai United 1-1.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Comets Pull Off Comeback
The Comets looked like they were going to give the Wichita Wings a leg back into the Turpike Trophy competition between the two teams. Poor shooting and some good goalkeeping Sanaldo had the Comets facing a 7-2 deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but 4 unanswered goals saw the Comets pull out the 10-7 win taking a 3-0 lead in their series with the Wings.
The Comets got off to an early start after an early penalty to Victor Quiroz. On the ensuing power play, the Comets played the ball around the top of the arc before playing it inside to Leo Gibson, Gibson played the ball out wide to Byron Alvarez who cut inside and fired a ball into the far post to give the Comets the 2-0 lead. Just about half way through the quarter though, Quiroz made amends as he fired home a shot past Danny Waltman to make it 2-2. About a minute past this, the Wings grabbed the lead through former Comet, Jamie Harding. On a fast break, Chile Farias fed Harding who fired a 3 point shot that Waltman let slip by him and into the net for a 3 pointer giving the Wings a 5-2 lead.
Into the second quarter, both teams pushed to find the next goal, but saves by Sanaldo and Waltman kept the score level at 5-2 heading into the half time break. The shot selection by the Comets was another issue as well, many times they chose the wrong shot or the wrong pass giving the ball away or watching the ball roll to Sanaldo.
About five minutes into the 3rd quarter, the Wings went onto the power play for the first time after Waltman handled the ball outside the box on a Wings fast break. On the ensuing penalty shootout by Farias, the Wings forward tried to get cute laying the ball off to a teammate and Waltman came up with a big save. Still Quiroz converted later on the power play to extend the Wings lead to 7-2. Later in the 3rd quarter, the Comets started their comeback, again on the power play. Once again it was Alvarez finishing off the chance. This time it came about as Geison fired in a shot from the far side that the Comets captain turned in to cut the lead to 3.
The lead was down to 1 only 42 seconds into the fourth quarter. Neto fired in a shot from the corner that Geison slid to met the shot pushing it past Sanaldo and making it 7-6. The Comets were able to kill off another power play as Cristiano was sent to the box for boarding. The Comets though probably had the best opportunity on the fast break, but Tiguinho, who had plenty of chances throughout the night was stuffed by Sanaldo. The chances kept coming for the Comets, Cristiano hit the cross bar for the second time in the game and it looked like it just wouldn't be the Comets night. But with just under 5 minutes left, as the Comets were looking to pull the Waltman for a 6th attacker, the Comets took the lead. Alvarez held up a ball into the top of the arc well, and then laid the ball off to an on rushing Vahid Assadpour who collected the ball and one v one with Sanaldo slotted the ball into the corner to give the Comets the 8-7 lead. So instead of the Comets pulling their goalkeeper, it was the Wings looking to regain the lead. The Wings created some half chances, but it was the Comets that found the next goal, as Waltman started a fast break, feeding Tiguinho. Tiguinho fired a shot into the net at the near post, beating the Wings 6th attacker and making it 10-7. Still with just over 2 minutes left, the Comets still had to be on their toes as a 3 pointer by the Wings tied the game. The Comets created a few more chances, but couldn't find another goal, and Waltman made one last big save to guarantee the points and a nice win for the Comets.
The Comets got off to an early start after an early penalty to Victor Quiroz. On the ensuing power play, the Comets played the ball around the top of the arc before playing it inside to Leo Gibson, Gibson played the ball out wide to Byron Alvarez who cut inside and fired a ball into the far post to give the Comets the 2-0 lead. Just about half way through the quarter though, Quiroz made amends as he fired home a shot past Danny Waltman to make it 2-2. About a minute past this, the Wings grabbed the lead through former Comet, Jamie Harding. On a fast break, Chile Farias fed Harding who fired a 3 point shot that Waltman let slip by him and into the net for a 3 pointer giving the Wings a 5-2 lead.
Into the second quarter, both teams pushed to find the next goal, but saves by Sanaldo and Waltman kept the score level at 5-2 heading into the half time break. The shot selection by the Comets was another issue as well, many times they chose the wrong shot or the wrong pass giving the ball away or watching the ball roll to Sanaldo.
About five minutes into the 3rd quarter, the Wings went onto the power play for the first time after Waltman handled the ball outside the box on a Wings fast break. On the ensuing penalty shootout by Farias, the Wings forward tried to get cute laying the ball off to a teammate and Waltman came up with a big save. Still Quiroz converted later on the power play to extend the Wings lead to 7-2. Later in the 3rd quarter, the Comets started their comeback, again on the power play. Once again it was Alvarez finishing off the chance. This time it came about as Geison fired in a shot from the far side that the Comets captain turned in to cut the lead to 3.
The lead was down to 1 only 42 seconds into the fourth quarter. Neto fired in a shot from the corner that Geison slid to met the shot pushing it past Sanaldo and making it 7-6. The Comets were able to kill off another power play as Cristiano was sent to the box for boarding. The Comets though probably had the best opportunity on the fast break, but Tiguinho, who had plenty of chances throughout the night was stuffed by Sanaldo. The chances kept coming for the Comets, Cristiano hit the cross bar for the second time in the game and it looked like it just wouldn't be the Comets night. But with just under 5 minutes left, as the Comets were looking to pull the Waltman for a 6th attacker, the Comets took the lead. Alvarez held up a ball into the top of the arc well, and then laid the ball off to an on rushing Vahid Assadpour who collected the ball and one v one with Sanaldo slotted the ball into the corner to give the Comets the 8-7 lead. So instead of the Comets pulling their goalkeeper, it was the Wings looking to regain the lead. The Wings created some half chances, but it was the Comets that found the next goal, as Waltman started a fast break, feeding Tiguinho. Tiguinho fired a shot into the net at the near post, beating the Wings 6th attacker and making it 10-7. Still with just over 2 minutes left, the Comets still had to be on their toes as a 3 pointer by the Wings tied the game. The Comets created a few more chances, but couldn't find another goal, and Waltman made one last big save to guarantee the points and a nice win for the Comets.
Comets and Wings Play by Play
Here's your play by play for the game tonight between the Comets and the Wings.
Waltman, Gibson, Junge, Assadpour, Rodriguez, and Neto starting for the Comets.
Two former Comets, Jamie Harding and Jamar Beasley starting for the Wings along with Comets killer Chile Farias. Also Sonaldo Carvalho, Chris Lemons, and Frederico Moojen.
Calvin on his way out now, almost game time.
Both teams on the field now, anthem upcoming.
Wings to kick us off going from left to right on your computer monitor.
Waltman with a big early save after the Wings got open at the top of the box.
free kick by the wave is cleared out of the Comets end, but Wings come right back down. Waltman collects header and Comets possess
Alvarez has a shot sasved on the possession and Tiguinho fouls the Wings player.
Comets and Wings trading possession, niether side creating real chances.
Neto with a shot with the outside of his foot saved, and Wings possess
Waltman with the save at the other end of the field, and shortly after forced to make another. Third time the ball is over the bar for a restart.
Blue card to Wichita as Alvarez is checked into the boards.
Victor Quiroz with the card, Comets on the PP.
Shot is blocked but the Comets hold the ball in.
Rodriguez with a nice shot that almost deflects past Carvalho and into the net, but it's saved.
GOAL, ALVAREZ. 2 pointer. Comets pass the ball around and Gibson finds Alvarez open on the left, he cuts in and fires a shot low into the corner, 2-0 PP goal.
Comets win possession after the kick off, and Tiginho forces a big save that still almost squeezes in.
Comets having more of the possession right now.
Wings get numerical advantage in the Comets half, Waltman makes the first save, but Quiroz finishes the second chance and ties it at 2-2.
Tiginho fires a blast from 3 range, but it's palmed away.
Wings now with the better of the play after the tying goal.
Comets though now getting control, Alvarez forces a kick save and we're at the first quarter timeout with 6:07 left in the 1st.
Comets will have the restart at the side here.
Christiano off the underside of the bar off the restart.
Wings break and score a 3 pointer to go up 5-2.
Waltman made a mess of that one letting it go through his hands. Harding with the goal.
Neto has a shot very well saved as Carvalho gets across basically the entire goal to keep the ball out.
Comets with lots of pressure, but lots of the shots are getting blocked before they make it through 3 left in the first.
Restart for Missouri in the Wings end. But first we have an injury for the Wings defender.
Junge 3 pointer is saved, Comets keep possession and Assadpour's shot is saved right on the line.
At the other end, Waltman has to push a shot wide on the counter.
Another foul deep in the Wings end again on Quiroz.
Shots are going just wide for the Comets with a minute and a half left in the first.
Free kick at the top of the arc for MO.
Comes to nothing and the Wings break again. But Waltman collects the ball.
Two on one break, but Alvarez leads Tiginho too much and the chance is gone.
That's the end of the first quarter 5-2 Wings lead.
SECOND QUARTER
Remember PBP this quarter will be cut short due to media game.
Comets get us started, long effort is easily saved and the Wings possess
Header just wide by the Wings as they control to start the quarter.
Comets finally can slow the game a bit after a foul
WALTMAN with a huge save having to come out of his box and take the ball right off the foot of Beasley with a sliding tackle.
Give away by the Wings in their own end, but Tiginho can't get the shot off.
Wings win possession, but the Comets break on the counter, Assadpour leads a 2v1, feeds Rodriguez, who can't get the ball off the bottom of his foot quick enough.
Rodriguez was down hurt after that, I think it was a little bit of pride being hurt as well.
Waltman with another save on Beasley with 11 left in the half.
Comets controlling play right now, but can't find net.
9 left in the half, Wings ball.
Timeout Wings after a foul by Gibson.
Shot wide by the Wings, but they keep it in the Comets end and hold possession.
Free kick well over the bar though and Waltman will restart.
Heading out for the media game I'll be back in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
Looks like I didn't miss any scoring in a very disappointing media game for myself.
Comets controlling to start second half.
Wings go for the chip, but Waltman is there.
Sosa shot deflected wide, still controlled by the Comets, but Wings defense holding.
Another shot by Sosa held.
Assadpour leads another break, takes the shot himself but it's wide of the goal.
Off the restart another shot saved by Geison. Wings break and blue card to Waltman for a hand ball outside the box. Penalty shot coming for the Wings.
Nick Kelly serving the penalty.
Farias taking the shootout.
Waltman saves the penalty as Farias tries to get cute and play to a teammate.
Waltman with another save.
Wings controlling the play on the penalty. Foul on the Comets, but a yellow coming to the Comets Waltman for delay of game.
Serving the yellow 5 minute penalty is Tanner Hunjak.
Wings score on the power play, 7-2 now Wings.
Quiroz with the goal again.
Comets come down and again have a shot blocked.
Wings counter and Gibson and Waltman save another goal each.
Comets just can't get the ball in the net right now, plenty of opportunities, but no finishing.
Watlman another big save and we're at the quarterly timeout.
Wings are caught on the break, but Geison's 3 pointer is right at the keeper.
Comets on the break, Harris gets the shot off, but a blue card is coming for Brian Cushing of the Wings.
Comes are back on the power play with 5:38 left in the 3rd.
GOAL, Comets are back in it, Alvarez with a tap in at the back post puts away the shot by Geison. 7-4 now.
Back and forth now, neither team creating chances, but getting deep into opposition territory.
Tiginho beats his defender, but again Carvalho again in the net makes the 1v1 save.
Another shot by Tiginho just wide of the post.
Wave counter but can't get a shot off.
Just over 2 left in the 3rd.
Assadpour forces another good save.
Comets still controlling with 1 minute left in the 3rd.
A lot of shots getting stuck underneath the Comets feet in the offensive third. 17 seconds left, foul on the Wings.
Waltman comes up for a late free kick, Wings block the shot, and try to chip Waltman but he makes it back in time.
FOURTH QUARTER
Comets down by a 3 pointer heading into the 4th.
GOAL COMETS
Geison cleans up a spilled shot and the Comets are within a point.
Neto squared the ball into the middle for Geison and in less than a minute the Comets are only down by a point.
Christiano headed to the penalty box after a foul. Comets on the penalty kill now.
Foul just outside the box on Harris and the Wings have a dangerous free kick.
Before they take it though they call a timeout.
12:40 left in the game, Wings with another restart.
Waltman with a save off his face Jimmy Nielsen style to keep the Wings out.
Waltman smarting from the shot to the face, and we have a timeout while he gets some treatment.
26 seconds left on the PP.
Geison has a short handed opportunity saved, but the Comets kill the penalty.
11:15 left, restart for Waltman.
Comets controlling, but having trouble beating Sonaldo.
Christiano hits the cross bar again from 3 point range.
At the other end, Junge with a big block.
Waltman save another 1v1 opportunity.
Harris takes it the other way but his 3 point shot is cleared out for a corner.
Tiginho with another 3 point shot saved.
Just under 9 left and the Comets have the restart.
Wings break with a 2 on 1 but the lead pass is too heavy and the Comets take over.
7 left, Comets still in control.
Deflected shot by Gibson is deflected over and we're at the 4th quarter official timeout.
Comets have the restart out of the timeout.
Restart is cleared and the Comets have the ball again.
Comets not letting the Wings clear their end. 5:40 left in the gam3, still 7-6 Wings.
Harris dribbles into range and let's fly but the ball is over.
5 minutes for the Comets to find another goal.
ASSADPOUR!!! TWO POINT GOAL! Alvarez played in Assadpour who calmly slotted the ball into the far post 8-7 Comets.
4:15 left in the game, Comets back in the lead.
Restart at the top of the arc for the Wings. 3:51 left.
Comets block the attempt and it's their ball as the ball deflects out.
Comets now playing some keep away.
3:10 left Foul on Harris in the corner, free kick for Wichita. Wings goalie on the field still for the moment.
Wings call a timeout before the restart, and the 6th attacker is on the field for when we restart.
A few shots deflected and out for another Wings restart. 3:01 left.
Harris counters, shot is toed away. Comets keep the ball and hit it off the under side of the cross bar again.
2 minutes left, Wings with the ball.
Geison only has the keeper to beat but his chip is wide.
1:19 left.
TIGINHO! The Brazilian breaks on the counter and slots it near post past the 6th attacker 10-7 Comets. 1:06 left.
NOT OVER YET, Comets up by 3 with just over a minute left, still time for the Wings.
Gibson heads a 3 pointer out, top of the arc shot coming with 35 seconds left.
3 pointer over with 33 seconds left, Waltman restart coming.
Geison has a shot saved off the line.
Waltman makes one last save and the Comets hold on 10-7 Comets win.
Comets now take a 3-0 lead in the Turnpike Trophy series with 3 games left. One more win and the trophy is theirs. They can win it on Friday in Wichita.
Waltman, Gibson, Junge, Assadpour, Rodriguez, and Neto starting for the Comets.
Two former Comets, Jamie Harding and Jamar Beasley starting for the Wings along with Comets killer Chile Farias. Also Sonaldo Carvalho, Chris Lemons, and Frederico Moojen.
Calvin on his way out now, almost game time.
Both teams on the field now, anthem upcoming.
Wings to kick us off going from left to right on your computer monitor.
Waltman with a big early save after the Wings got open at the top of the box.
free kick by the wave is cleared out of the Comets end, but Wings come right back down. Waltman collects header and Comets possess
Alvarez has a shot sasved on the possession and Tiguinho fouls the Wings player.
Comets and Wings trading possession, niether side creating real chances.
Neto with a shot with the outside of his foot saved, and Wings possess
Waltman with the save at the other end of the field, and shortly after forced to make another. Third time the ball is over the bar for a restart.
Blue card to Wichita as Alvarez is checked into the boards.
Victor Quiroz with the card, Comets on the PP.
Shot is blocked but the Comets hold the ball in.
Rodriguez with a nice shot that almost deflects past Carvalho and into the net, but it's saved.
GOAL, ALVAREZ. 2 pointer. Comets pass the ball around and Gibson finds Alvarez open on the left, he cuts in and fires a shot low into the corner, 2-0 PP goal.
Comets win possession after the kick off, and Tiginho forces a big save that still almost squeezes in.
Comets having more of the possession right now.
Wings get numerical advantage in the Comets half, Waltman makes the first save, but Quiroz finishes the second chance and ties it at 2-2.
Tiginho fires a blast from 3 range, but it's palmed away.
Wings now with the better of the play after the tying goal.
Comets though now getting control, Alvarez forces a kick save and we're at the first quarter timeout with 6:07 left in the 1st.
Comets will have the restart at the side here.
Christiano off the underside of the bar off the restart.
Wings break and score a 3 pointer to go up 5-2.
Waltman made a mess of that one letting it go through his hands. Harding with the goal.
Neto has a shot very well saved as Carvalho gets across basically the entire goal to keep the ball out.
Comets with lots of pressure, but lots of the shots are getting blocked before they make it through 3 left in the first.
Restart for Missouri in the Wings end. But first we have an injury for the Wings defender.
Junge 3 pointer is saved, Comets keep possession and Assadpour's shot is saved right on the line.
At the other end, Waltman has to push a shot wide on the counter.
Another foul deep in the Wings end again on Quiroz.
Shots are going just wide for the Comets with a minute and a half left in the first.
Free kick at the top of the arc for MO.
Comes to nothing and the Wings break again. But Waltman collects the ball.
Two on one break, but Alvarez leads Tiginho too much and the chance is gone.
That's the end of the first quarter 5-2 Wings lead.
SECOND QUARTER
Remember PBP this quarter will be cut short due to media game.
Comets get us started, long effort is easily saved and the Wings possess
Header just wide by the Wings as they control to start the quarter.
Comets finally can slow the game a bit after a foul
WALTMAN with a huge save having to come out of his box and take the ball right off the foot of Beasley with a sliding tackle.
Give away by the Wings in their own end, but Tiginho can't get the shot off.
Wings win possession, but the Comets break on the counter, Assadpour leads a 2v1, feeds Rodriguez, who can't get the ball off the bottom of his foot quick enough.
Rodriguez was down hurt after that, I think it was a little bit of pride being hurt as well.
Waltman with another save on Beasley with 11 left in the half.
Comets controlling play right now, but can't find net.
9 left in the half, Wings ball.
Timeout Wings after a foul by Gibson.
Shot wide by the Wings, but they keep it in the Comets end and hold possession.
Free kick well over the bar though and Waltman will restart.
Heading out for the media game I'll be back in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
Looks like I didn't miss any scoring in a very disappointing media game for myself.
Comets controlling to start second half.
Wings go for the chip, but Waltman is there.
Sosa shot deflected wide, still controlled by the Comets, but Wings defense holding.
Another shot by Sosa held.
Assadpour leads another break, takes the shot himself but it's wide of the goal.
Off the restart another shot saved by Geison. Wings break and blue card to Waltman for a hand ball outside the box. Penalty shot coming for the Wings.
Nick Kelly serving the penalty.
Farias taking the shootout.
Waltman saves the penalty as Farias tries to get cute and play to a teammate.
Waltman with another save.
Wings controlling the play on the penalty. Foul on the Comets, but a yellow coming to the Comets Waltman for delay of game.
Serving the yellow 5 minute penalty is Tanner Hunjak.
Wings score on the power play, 7-2 now Wings.
Quiroz with the goal again.
Comets come down and again have a shot blocked.
Wings counter and Gibson and Waltman save another goal each.
Comets just can't get the ball in the net right now, plenty of opportunities, but no finishing.
Watlman another big save and we're at the quarterly timeout.
Wings are caught on the break, but Geison's 3 pointer is right at the keeper.
Comets on the break, Harris gets the shot off, but a blue card is coming for Brian Cushing of the Wings.
Comes are back on the power play with 5:38 left in the 3rd.
GOAL, Comets are back in it, Alvarez with a tap in at the back post puts away the shot by Geison. 7-4 now.
Back and forth now, neither team creating chances, but getting deep into opposition territory.
Tiginho beats his defender, but again Carvalho again in the net makes the 1v1 save.
Another shot by Tiginho just wide of the post.
Wave counter but can't get a shot off.
Just over 2 left in the 3rd.
Assadpour forces another good save.
Comets still controlling with 1 minute left in the 3rd.
A lot of shots getting stuck underneath the Comets feet in the offensive third. 17 seconds left, foul on the Wings.
Waltman comes up for a late free kick, Wings block the shot, and try to chip Waltman but he makes it back in time.
FOURTH QUARTER
Comets down by a 3 pointer heading into the 4th.
GOAL COMETS
Geison cleans up a spilled shot and the Comets are within a point.
Neto squared the ball into the middle for Geison and in less than a minute the Comets are only down by a point.
Christiano headed to the penalty box after a foul. Comets on the penalty kill now.
Foul just outside the box on Harris and the Wings have a dangerous free kick.
Before they take it though they call a timeout.
12:40 left in the game, Wings with another restart.
Waltman with a save off his face Jimmy Nielsen style to keep the Wings out.
Waltman smarting from the shot to the face, and we have a timeout while he gets some treatment.
26 seconds left on the PP.
Geison has a short handed opportunity saved, but the Comets kill the penalty.
11:15 left, restart for Waltman.
Comets controlling, but having trouble beating Sonaldo.
Christiano hits the cross bar again from 3 point range.
At the other end, Junge with a big block.
Waltman save another 1v1 opportunity.
Harris takes it the other way but his 3 point shot is cleared out for a corner.
Tiginho with another 3 point shot saved.
Just under 9 left and the Comets have the restart.
Wings break with a 2 on 1 but the lead pass is too heavy and the Comets take over.
7 left, Comets still in control.
Deflected shot by Gibson is deflected over and we're at the 4th quarter official timeout.
Comets have the restart out of the timeout.
Restart is cleared and the Comets have the ball again.
Comets not letting the Wings clear their end. 5:40 left in the gam3, still 7-6 Wings.
Harris dribbles into range and let's fly but the ball is over.
5 minutes for the Comets to find another goal.
ASSADPOUR!!! TWO POINT GOAL! Alvarez played in Assadpour who calmly slotted the ball into the far post 8-7 Comets.
4:15 left in the game, Comets back in the lead.
Restart at the top of the arc for the Wings. 3:51 left.
Comets block the attempt and it's their ball as the ball deflects out.
Comets now playing some keep away.
3:10 left Foul on Harris in the corner, free kick for Wichita. Wings goalie on the field still for the moment.
Wings call a timeout before the restart, and the 6th attacker is on the field for when we restart.
A few shots deflected and out for another Wings restart. 3:01 left.
Harris counters, shot is toed away. Comets keep the ball and hit it off the under side of the cross bar again.
2 minutes left, Wings with the ball.
Geison only has the keeper to beat but his chip is wide.
1:19 left.
TIGINHO! The Brazilian breaks on the counter and slots it near post past the 6th attacker 10-7 Comets. 1:06 left.
NOT OVER YET, Comets up by 3 with just over a minute left, still time for the Wings.
Gibson heads a 3 pointer out, top of the arc shot coming with 35 seconds left.
3 pointer over with 33 seconds left, Waltman restart coming.
Geison has a shot saved off the line.
Waltman makes one last save and the Comets hold on 10-7 Comets win.
Comets now take a 3-0 lead in the Turnpike Trophy series with 3 games left. One more win and the trophy is theirs. They can win it on Friday in Wichita.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
All Competitions Top Goal Scorers 2011
Since it'd been a few days without a post I figured I'd give you a second post today as well on stats. This time it's all competition goal scorers for Sporting KC in their history. First here are some previous years for you.
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
On the list this year we add two new players to the list this season, other than that we see no movement on the list this year.
1. Preki - 81 (71 league, 8 playoff, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-)
2. Davy Arnaud - 52 (43 league, 4 playoff, 5 open cup) (-)
3. Josh Wolff - 46 (43 league, 1 playoff, 2 open cup) (-)
4. Chris Klein - 43 (39 league, 3 playoff, 1 open cup) (-)
5. Mo Johnston - 32 (31 league, 1 playoff) (-)
6. Vitalis "Digital" Takawira - 31 (28 league, 2 playoff, 1 open cup) (-)
7. Scott Sealy - 30 (28 league, 2 open cup) (-)
8T. Mark Chung - 21 (20 league, 1 playoff) (-)
8T. Kei Kamara - 21 (20 league, 1 open cup) (N/A) - Kamara's 9 league goals combined with his one goal in the open cup this year found him jump not just onto the list, but into the top 10. Another season like this one could find him in the top 5.
10T. Chris Brown - 20 (15 league, 1 playoff, 1 open cup, 3 international) (-1)
10T. Igor Simutenkov - 20 (12 league, 3 playoff, 5 open cup) (-1)
12T. Matt McKeon - 18 (13 league, 3 playoff, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-1)
12T. Teal Bunbury - 18 (14 league, 2 playoff, 2 open cup) (N/A) - KC's 2011 leading scorer in all competitions in 2011 saw him score 9 league goals, 2 playoff, and added one US Open Cup goal to land him on this list for the first time at the 12th spot. Like Kamara, Bunbury could find himself close to the top 5 with a season like this one next year.
14T. Miklos Molnar - 17 (12 league, 5 playoff) (-2)
14T. Eddie Johnson - 17 (17 league) (-2)
14T. Jimmy Conrad - 17 (17 league) (-2)
17. Francisco Gomez - 16 (11 league, 2 playoff, 1 open cup, 2 international) (-2)
18T. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 15 (13 league, 1 playoff, 1 international) (-2)
18T. Sasha Victorine - 15 (13 league, 2 open cup) (-2)
18T. Claudio Lopez - 15 (13 league, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-2)
18T. Jack Jewsbury - 15 (14 league, 1 playoff) (-2)
So after both Kamara and Bunbury worked their way onto the list this year, whose a candidate to find themselves on this list next year? As with the other list, CJ Sapong is the lead candidate to get onto this list. He's only 6 short currently after scoring 9 goals in all competitions this year, 5 in league play, 3 in the open cup, and 1 playoff goal. He could certainly make his way onto the list this coming season. Here's the rest of the list for current players.
CJ Sapong - 9
Graham Zusi - 6
Michael Harrington - 5
Birahim Diop - 5
Aurelien Collin - 5
Chance Myers - 2
Roger Espinoza - 2
Julio Cesar - 2
Matt Besler - 2
Luke Sassano - 1
Soony Saad - 1
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
On the list this year we add two new players to the list this season, other than that we see no movement on the list this year.
1. Preki - 81 (71 league, 8 playoff, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-)
2. Davy Arnaud - 52 (43 league, 4 playoff, 5 open cup) (-)
3. Josh Wolff - 46 (43 league, 1 playoff, 2 open cup) (-)
4. Chris Klein - 43 (39 league, 3 playoff, 1 open cup) (-)
5. Mo Johnston - 32 (31 league, 1 playoff) (-)
6. Vitalis "Digital" Takawira - 31 (28 league, 2 playoff, 1 open cup) (-)
7. Scott Sealy - 30 (28 league, 2 open cup) (-)
8T. Mark Chung - 21 (20 league, 1 playoff) (-)
8T. Kei Kamara - 21 (20 league, 1 open cup) (N/A) - Kamara's 9 league goals combined with his one goal in the open cup this year found him jump not just onto the list, but into the top 10. Another season like this one could find him in the top 5.
10T. Chris Brown - 20 (15 league, 1 playoff, 1 open cup, 3 international) (-1)
10T. Igor Simutenkov - 20 (12 league, 3 playoff, 5 open cup) (-1)
12T. Matt McKeon - 18 (13 league, 3 playoff, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-1)
12T. Teal Bunbury - 18 (14 league, 2 playoff, 2 open cup) (N/A) - KC's 2011 leading scorer in all competitions in 2011 saw him score 9 league goals, 2 playoff, and added one US Open Cup goal to land him on this list for the first time at the 12th spot. Like Kamara, Bunbury could find himself close to the top 5 with a season like this one next year.
14T. Miklos Molnar - 17 (12 league, 5 playoff) (-2)
14T. Eddie Johnson - 17 (17 league) (-2)
14T. Jimmy Conrad - 17 (17 league) (-2)
17. Francisco Gomez - 16 (11 league, 2 playoff, 1 open cup, 2 international) (-2)
18T. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 15 (13 league, 1 playoff, 1 international) (-2)
18T. Sasha Victorine - 15 (13 league, 2 open cup) (-2)
18T. Claudio Lopez - 15 (13 league, 1 open cup, 1 international) (-2)
18T. Jack Jewsbury - 15 (14 league, 1 playoff) (-2)
So after both Kamara and Bunbury worked their way onto the list this year, whose a candidate to find themselves on this list next year? As with the other list, CJ Sapong is the lead candidate to get onto this list. He's only 6 short currently after scoring 9 goals in all competitions this year, 5 in league play, 3 in the open cup, and 1 playoff goal. He could certainly make his way onto the list this coming season. Here's the rest of the list for current players.
CJ Sapong - 9
Graham Zusi - 6
Michael Harrington - 5
Birahim Diop - 5
Aurelien Collin - 5
Chance Myers - 2
Roger Espinoza - 2
Julio Cesar - 2
Matt Besler - 2
Luke Sassano - 1
Soony Saad - 1
Top League Scorers Through 2011
More stats to update for you. This time it's the leading scorers in MLS play now through the 2011 season. First here are links back to the previous years.
1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010
One new player joins the list this year, and another continues to shoot up the list. Unfortunately, Davy Arnaud didn't score any goals for the Wizards in league play this year, meaning he's now ended his KC career tied with Josh Wolff for second place on the list.
1. Preki - 71 (-)
2T. Josh Wolff - 43 (-)
2T. Davy Arnaud - 43 (-)
4. Chris Klein - 39 (-)
5. Mo Johnston - 31 (-)
6T. Digital Takawira - 28 (-)
6T. Scott Sealy - 28 (-)
8T. Mark Chung - 20 (-)
8T. Kei Kamara - 20 (+12)
10T. Eddie Johnson - 17 (-1)
10T. Jimmy Conrad - 17 (-1)
12. Chris Brown - 15 (-1)
13T. Jack Jewsbury - 14 (-1)
13T. Teal Bunbury - 14 (N/A) - Bunbury joins the list in his second season with the team. Bunbury is likely to move much further up the list in the next few years. Another season like last year would see Bunbury move into the top 10 in team history. He's likely not hear for the long term, but he's certainly going to be bringing himself much further up the list.
15T. Matt McKeon - 13 (-2)
15T. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 13 (-2)
15T. Sasha Victorine - 13 (-2)
15T. Claudio Lopez - 13 (-2)
19T. Igor Simutenkov - 12 (-2)
19T. Miklos Molnar - 12 (-2)
19T. Chris Henderson - 12 (-2)
So who could be joining this list next season? The prime candidate would seem to CJ Sapong, who currently has 5 league goals. A season a bit better from this year's rookie of the year, and Sapong would find himself on this list. A potential DP could also find himself on the list with a big first season. It's been a while since KC's had a big debut season from a striker. Would be nice for something like that. But we'll see.
Still active players
Graham Zusi - 6
Michael Harrington - 5
Birahim Diop - 5
CJ Sapong - 5
Aurelien Collin - 3
Roger Espinoza - 2
Julio Cesar - 2
Matt Besler - 2
Luke Sassano - 1
Soony Saad - 1
1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010
One new player joins the list this year, and another continues to shoot up the list. Unfortunately, Davy Arnaud didn't score any goals for the Wizards in league play this year, meaning he's now ended his KC career tied with Josh Wolff for second place on the list.
1. Preki - 71 (-)
2T. Josh Wolff - 43 (-)
2T. Davy Arnaud - 43 (-)
4. Chris Klein - 39 (-)
5. Mo Johnston - 31 (-)
6T. Digital Takawira - 28 (-)
6T. Scott Sealy - 28 (-)
8T. Mark Chung - 20 (-)
8T. Kei Kamara - 20 (+12)
10T. Eddie Johnson - 17 (-1)
10T. Jimmy Conrad - 17 (-1)
12. Chris Brown - 15 (-1)
13T. Jack Jewsbury - 14 (-1)
13T. Teal Bunbury - 14 (N/A) - Bunbury joins the list in his second season with the team. Bunbury is likely to move much further up the list in the next few years. Another season like last year would see Bunbury move into the top 10 in team history. He's likely not hear for the long term, but he's certainly going to be bringing himself much further up the list.
15T. Matt McKeon - 13 (-2)
15T. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 13 (-2)
15T. Sasha Victorine - 13 (-2)
15T. Claudio Lopez - 13 (-2)
19T. Igor Simutenkov - 12 (-2)
19T. Miklos Molnar - 12 (-2)
19T. Chris Henderson - 12 (-2)
So who could be joining this list next season? The prime candidate would seem to CJ Sapong, who currently has 5 league goals. A season a bit better from this year's rookie of the year, and Sapong would find himself on this list. A potential DP could also find himself on the list with a big first season. It's been a while since KC's had a big debut season from a striker. Would be nice for something like that. But we'll see.
Still active players
Graham Zusi - 6
Michael Harrington - 5
Birahim Diop - 5
CJ Sapong - 5
Aurelien Collin - 3
Roger Espinoza - 2
Julio Cesar - 2
Matt Besler - 2
Luke Sassano - 1
Soony Saad - 1
Saturday, December 24, 2011
US Supporters Section Tickets for Sale for Olympic Qualifiers
This may seem a little preemptive, but the American Outlaws are selling tickets in the Supporters Section for the semifinals and finals of the Olympic qualifiers at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on March 31st and April 2nd. The tickets are $30 for AO members and $35 for non-members. Season ticket holders for Sporting KC will also get a chance at a presale to purchase tickets for the games. But if you aren't a season ticket holder AO is probably the best way to go.
The US will kick off Olympic qualifying earlier in March in Nashville where they'll play Cuba (22nd), Canada (24th), and El Salvador (26th). The top two teams from that group will move on to Kansas City for the semifinals where they'll place one of two teams from the other group that plays in LA. Mexico, Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. So there is a chance the US won't make it to KC, but with the talent the U-23 team has they most definitely should.
The semifinal is actually going to be the bigger of the two games as the winners of the semifinals will qualify for the Olympic games in London this summer. The final is just the icing on the cake on Monday.
The US will kick off Olympic qualifying earlier in March in Nashville where they'll play Cuba (22nd), Canada (24th), and El Salvador (26th). The top two teams from that group will move on to Kansas City for the semifinals where they'll place one of two teams from the other group that plays in LA. Mexico, Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. So there is a chance the US won't make it to KC, but with the talent the U-23 team has they most definitely should.
The semifinal is actually going to be the bigger of the two games as the winners of the semifinals will qualify for the Olympic games in London this summer. The final is just the icing on the cake on Monday.
Poor Second Half Dooms Comets
Sorry I'm just reposting the press release today, not feeling the greatest this morning.
From the Comets.
(Syracuse, NY) The holiday season didn’t start off the way the Comets hoped it would as they lose to the Syracuse Silver Knights tonight 18-8. Cory Elenio and Savisa Ubiparapovic each had a hat trick for the Knights while Lucas Rodriguez led the Comets with 4points on two goals. The two teams battled hard for 30 minutes before Syracuse ran away with the score in the 2nd half.
Coming off a stretch where they lost six of their last seven games, the Syracuse Silver Knights started the game off with a high pressure attack that put the Comets on their heels. Halfway through the 1st quarter the Comets looked like they had solved the Knights tactics and Lucas Rodriguez put home a rebound to give the Comets the early 2-0 lead. The Comets pressured the Silver Knights immediately off the kickoff and it paid off when Geison was able to find the net only 17 seconds later and all of a sudden the Comets had a 4-0 lead. Andriy Budnyy was able to get it past Danny Waltman to get the Silver Knights on the board as the 1st quarter ended with the Comets leading 4-2.
The 2nd quarter ended up being a fierce battle between two teams anxious to get any advantage they could. Both teams adopted an aggressive approach that moved play up and down the arena floor and resulted in what was the most physical game for the Comets to date. Nine fouls were called between the two teams and all the scores were a direct result of those penalties. Syracuse’s Jeffrey Hughes scored off a restart, then Byron Alvarez converted a Penalty Kick for the Comets last lead of the night. Nelson Santana tied it up for the Knights on a Penalty Kick of his own and the half ended with the teams knotted up at 6.
Coach Kim Roentved probably wishes he could have packed up the team and started the Holiday weekend right then, because the 3rd quarter was all Syracuse. Four different players scored for the Knights as the high pressure attack returned caught the Comets out of position several times. In the 4th quarter the Comets tried to mount a comeback with Vahid Assadpour in as the sixth attacker. Lucas Rodriguez got his second of the night as the Comets cut the Silver Knights lead to 16-8, but Cory Elenio was able to beat the sixth attacker and put the final nail in the coffin as the Comets will return home with a 18-6 loss.
The Comets are finally back at the beautiful Independence Events Center this Wednesday December 28th to take on the Wichita Wings. It is also the 1st annual Media Game. Brett Anthony from NBC Action News, Bill Althaus from the Independence Examiner, Bryan Truta from JACK FM and Nick Vasos and Sarah Clark from Fox 4 will join more of your favorite media personalities in a short soccer exhibition at halftime. Kickoff is at 7:35pm. For tickets and information visit CometsIndoorSoccer.com
For more information about the Comets, Season Tickets or Group Outings please call Jeff Husted (816-478-7870) or email jhusted@cometsindoorsoccer.com.
From the Comets.
(Syracuse, NY) The holiday season didn’t start off the way the Comets hoped it would as they lose to the Syracuse Silver Knights tonight 18-8. Cory Elenio and Savisa Ubiparapovic each had a hat trick for the Knights while Lucas Rodriguez led the Comets with 4points on two goals. The two teams battled hard for 30 minutes before Syracuse ran away with the score in the 2nd half.
Coming off a stretch where they lost six of their last seven games, the Syracuse Silver Knights started the game off with a high pressure attack that put the Comets on their heels. Halfway through the 1st quarter the Comets looked like they had solved the Knights tactics and Lucas Rodriguez put home a rebound to give the Comets the early 2-0 lead. The Comets pressured the Silver Knights immediately off the kickoff and it paid off when Geison was able to find the net only 17 seconds later and all of a sudden the Comets had a 4-0 lead. Andriy Budnyy was able to get it past Danny Waltman to get the Silver Knights on the board as the 1st quarter ended with the Comets leading 4-2.
The 2nd quarter ended up being a fierce battle between two teams anxious to get any advantage they could. Both teams adopted an aggressive approach that moved play up and down the arena floor and resulted in what was the most physical game for the Comets to date. Nine fouls were called between the two teams and all the scores were a direct result of those penalties. Syracuse’s Jeffrey Hughes scored off a restart, then Byron Alvarez converted a Penalty Kick for the Comets last lead of the night. Nelson Santana tied it up for the Knights on a Penalty Kick of his own and the half ended with the teams knotted up at 6.
Coach Kim Roentved probably wishes he could have packed up the team and started the Holiday weekend right then, because the 3rd quarter was all Syracuse. Four different players scored for the Knights as the high pressure attack returned caught the Comets out of position several times. In the 4th quarter the Comets tried to mount a comeback with Vahid Assadpour in as the sixth attacker. Lucas Rodriguez got his second of the night as the Comets cut the Silver Knights lead to 16-8, but Cory Elenio was able to beat the sixth attacker and put the final nail in the coffin as the Comets will return home with a 18-6 loss.
The Comets are finally back at the beautiful Independence Events Center this Wednesday December 28th to take on the Wichita Wings. It is also the 1st annual Media Game. Brett Anthony from NBC Action News, Bill Althaus from the Independence Examiner, Bryan Truta from JACK FM and Nick Vasos and Sarah Clark from Fox 4 will join more of your favorite media personalities in a short soccer exhibition at halftime. Kickoff is at 7:35pm. For tickets and information visit CometsIndoorSoccer.com
For more information about the Comets, Season Tickets or Group Outings please call Jeff Husted (816-478-7870) or email jhusted@cometsindoorsoccer.com.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Three Called Into US Camp
Three Sporting KC players have been called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming US Men's national team camp in Phoenix and Los Angeles. Teal Bunbury returns to the US national team, having been a part of the quite a few of Klinsmann last few squads, although he's yet to make an appearance for the national team under the new manager. The other two players are receiving their first call ups at any level for the US team. CJ Sapong and Graham Zusi will ride strong 2011 seasons into invites to the camp. Now they get to attempt to prove themselves at the national team level.
The camp will begin on January 3rd in Phoenix before moving to LA on the 13th. The team will return to Phoenix to take on Venezuela on the 21st. After that the team will travel to Panama City to take on Panama on the 25th.
As I stated earlier, the call ups, especially those for Sapong and Zusi are a tribute to a great season that both had. Sapong could give the US a target type striker that can also go at defenders with speed. The MLS rookie of the year scored 5 goals in league play, adding another 4 in US Open Cup play and the playoffs. He also added 5 league assists, good for second on the team behind Zusi.
Zusi was recently named MLS break out player of the year in a season where he scored 5 goals in league play and assisted on 7. He added two more assists in the playoffs in KC's 2-0 win over Colorado at home. Zusi can be a creative linking player in the midfield as well as a threat to strike a dead ball and a long range shot. Hopefully both get a chance to showcase their skills in one or both of the friendlies.
While 3 were called up, there was disappointment among many Sporting KC fans that the number was not 5. Many were hoping, myself included, that Matt Besler and Chance Myers would also receives calls into the national team camp. For Besler it unfortunately became a numbers game. All 7 of the defenders that Klinsmann called up can play the center back. Specifically though, with Omar Gonzalez, George John, and Geoff Cameron all called up, it's disappointment for Besler in this instance, but having seen what Besler has done to get to the point of being in the argument, there's no doubt in my mind that he'll push himself to get over that last hump.
The other player that most Sporting fans are disappointed wasn't called up, is Myers. Myers like Zusi had a break out season this year, becoming one of the top threats in the league attacking out of the right back position. After three seasons where Myers struggled with injuries and form, Myers stepped up and showed the type of play that made him the number 1 draft pick. Myers attacking style is something that would seem to be well suited for the national team's current style of play, wanting to get the fullbacks forward. But I think Myers lack of a more complete resume right now is what is hurting him most. Another season or so producing at the same level, and Myers will definitely find himself in the national team picture.
The camp will begin on January 3rd in Phoenix before moving to LA on the 13th. The team will return to Phoenix to take on Venezuela on the 21st. After that the team will travel to Panama City to take on Panama on the 25th.
As I stated earlier, the call ups, especially those for Sapong and Zusi are a tribute to a great season that both had. Sapong could give the US a target type striker that can also go at defenders with speed. The MLS rookie of the year scored 5 goals in league play, adding another 4 in US Open Cup play and the playoffs. He also added 5 league assists, good for second on the team behind Zusi.
Zusi was recently named MLS break out player of the year in a season where he scored 5 goals in league play and assisted on 7. He added two more assists in the playoffs in KC's 2-0 win over Colorado at home. Zusi can be a creative linking player in the midfield as well as a threat to strike a dead ball and a long range shot. Hopefully both get a chance to showcase their skills in one or both of the friendlies.
While 3 were called up, there was disappointment among many Sporting KC fans that the number was not 5. Many were hoping, myself included, that Matt Besler and Chance Myers would also receives calls into the national team camp. For Besler it unfortunately became a numbers game. All 7 of the defenders that Klinsmann called up can play the center back. Specifically though, with Omar Gonzalez, George John, and Geoff Cameron all called up, it's disappointment for Besler in this instance, but having seen what Besler has done to get to the point of being in the argument, there's no doubt in my mind that he'll push himself to get over that last hump.
The other player that most Sporting fans are disappointed wasn't called up, is Myers. Myers like Zusi had a break out season this year, becoming one of the top threats in the league attacking out of the right back position. After three seasons where Myers struggled with injuries and form, Myers stepped up and showed the type of play that made him the number 1 draft pick. Myers attacking style is something that would seem to be well suited for the national team's current style of play, wanting to get the fullbacks forward. But I think Myers lack of a more complete resume right now is what is hurting him most. Another season or so producing at the same level, and Myers will definitely find himself in the national team picture.
Sporting KC Preseason Schedule Announced
Today Sporting Kansas City announced a portion of their preseason schedule. As expected, the team will be making a return Arizona, but as announced previously will not be competing in the Desert Cup, instead they'll also spend part of preseason in Orlando for the Disney Pro Soccer Classic.
Preseason kicks off on January 19th, a week after the MLS SuperDraft, and 2 days after the Supplemental draft, where the team has a combined seven draft picks, with physicals. The next day, the team kicks off training in Kansas City. Training will likely be at the Arrowhead indoor training complex, depending on the weather. The team will train in KC until January 29th, when the team departs for Tucson, Arizona. The team will train in Arizona until Valentine's Day, when they return to KC. During their time in KC they'll play games against other MLS teams and FC Tuscon. The team hasn't announced any games, but the Tucson Sentential has KC playing Vancouver on February 2nd and San Jose on February 4th.
The Wizards will be back in town only a week before departing for Orlando for the second phase of their preseason trip. KC will train in Orlando until the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, which kicks off on the 24th against Houston. KC will play Davy Arnaud and expansion side Montreal on the 26th, and finish playing Vancouver on the 29th. Should KC finish in first or second in the group, they'll play on the 3rd in the championship or consolation game. The team will then return to KC on the 4th in preparation for the start of the MLS season either on the 10th on the road or on the 17th at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
Preseason kicks off on January 19th, a week after the MLS SuperDraft, and 2 days after the Supplemental draft, where the team has a combined seven draft picks, with physicals. The next day, the team kicks off training in Kansas City. Training will likely be at the Arrowhead indoor training complex, depending on the weather. The team will train in KC until January 29th, when the team departs for Tucson, Arizona. The team will train in Arizona until Valentine's Day, when they return to KC. During their time in KC they'll play games against other MLS teams and FC Tuscon. The team hasn't announced any games, but the Tucson Sentential has KC playing Vancouver on February 2nd and San Jose on February 4th.
The Wizards will be back in town only a week before departing for Orlando for the second phase of their preseason trip. KC will train in Orlando until the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, which kicks off on the 24th against Houston. KC will play Davy Arnaud and expansion side Montreal on the 26th, and finish playing Vancouver on the 29th. Should KC finish in first or second in the group, they'll play on the 3rd in the championship or consolation game. The team will then return to KC on the 4th in preparation for the start of the MLS season either on the 10th on the road or on the 17th at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
Former SKC Wizards
A day late on the former SKC Wizards update, but being a day late has given me a little extra news to post. Word on the Twitter account for Mexican club, Puebla FC is that they are signing former Wizards player, Eddie Johnson. Johnson would join the brother of another Wizard, as DaMarcus Beasley also plays for Puebla FC. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Had 2 assists in Wichita's 15-4 loss to Milwaukee.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had 2 assists in Baltimore's 17-9 win over the Comets. Had 2 goals in Baltimore's 19-8 win over Norfolk.
Neal Kitson - Rochester Lancers - Was waived by the Lancers.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 2 goals in Louisville's 8-7 win over Cincinnati.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Had a goal and an assist in Norfolk's 19-8 loss to Baltimore.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Had a goal in Anaheim's 9-8 loss to Turlock.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Missed Mohun's match due to injury.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Cannot find result
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Apertura season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - no game this week.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
JT Murray
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - Had 2 assists in Wichita's 15-4 loss to Milwaukee.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - No game this week.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Had 2 assists in Baltimore's 17-9 win over the Comets. Had 2 goals in Baltimore's 19-8 win over Norfolk.
Neal Kitson - Rochester Lancers - Was waived by the Lancers.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Had 2 goals in Louisville's 8-7 win over Cincinnati.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Placed on IR for the Comets
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Had a goal and an assist in Norfolk's 19-8 loss to Baltimore.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Had a goal in Anaheim's 9-8 loss to Turlock.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Missed Mohun's match due to injury.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Cannot find result
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Apertura season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - On winter break.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - no game this week.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Landmark Goals
One more new stat before I start doing some updating on some of the stats I already had been tracking. Today it's a look at landmark goals for KC. I'm tracking league goals, competitive goals, both home and away. I'm also tracking US Open Cup, playoff, and international goals, but those 3 won't be listed here simply due to lack of many landmark goal numbers. So here are the landmark goals for KC. I'll give the player, date, minute of the goal and opponent.
League play - currently 695 goals
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Mark Chung - 7/19/1997 - 15th - DC United
200. Preki - 3/25/2000 - 63rd - Chicago Fire
300. Chris Klein - 7/13/2002 - 64th - New England Revolution
400. Josh Wolff - 4/2/2005 - 34th - Colorado Rapids
500. Eddie Johnson - 4/25/2007 - 5th - Toronto FC
600. Josh Wolff - 9/5/2009 - 91st+ - New England Revolution
League play home - currently 417
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Paul Wright - 9/5/1998 - 59th - San Jose Clash
200. Eric Quill - 5/3/2003 - 89th - Columbus Crew
300. Dave van den Bergh - 10/7/2006 - 50th - Chivas USA
400. Teal Bunbury - 8/3/2011 - 34th - Real Salt Lake
League play away - currently 278
1. Uche Okafor - 4/21/1996 - 16th - San Jose Clash
100. Roy Lassiter - 6/2/2001 - 52nd - Tampa Bay Mutiny
200. Davy Arnaud - 5/19/2007 - 58th minute - Colorado Rapids
Competitive play - currently 818
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Edmundo Rodriguez - 6/21/1997 - 87th - DC United
200. Preki - 7/31/1999 - 35th - San Jose Clash
300. Roy Lassister - 8/12/2001 - 90th - Colorado Rapids
400. Stephen Armstrong - 7/4/2003 - 90th - Colorado Rapids
500. own goal - 5/21/2005 - 62th - DC United
600. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 5/5/2007 - 90th - Columbus Crew
700. own goal - 6/24/2009 - 85th - New England Revolution
800. Kei Kamara - 8/21/2011 - 19th - DC United
Competitive home - currently 485
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Preki - 8/26/1998 - 21th - DC United
200. Preki - 5/4/2002 - 29th - LA Galaxy
300. Davy Arnaud - 6/25/2005 - 70th - Chivas USA
400. Herculez Gomez - 10/18/2008 - 93rd+ - San Jose
Competitive away - currently 330
1. Uche Okafor - 4/21/1996 - 16th - San Jose Clash
100. Matt McKeon - 10/3/2000 - 29th - LA Galaxy
200. Josh Wolff - 5/14/2005 - 89th - Columbus Crew
300. Davy Arnaud - 8/28/2010 - 12 - LA Galaxy
League play - currently 695 goals
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Mark Chung - 7/19/1997 - 15th - DC United
200. Preki - 3/25/2000 - 63rd - Chicago Fire
300. Chris Klein - 7/13/2002 - 64th - New England Revolution
400. Josh Wolff - 4/2/2005 - 34th - Colorado Rapids
500. Eddie Johnson - 4/25/2007 - 5th - Toronto FC
600. Josh Wolff - 9/5/2009 - 91st+ - New England Revolution
League play home - currently 417
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Paul Wright - 9/5/1998 - 59th - San Jose Clash
200. Eric Quill - 5/3/2003 - 89th - Columbus Crew
300. Dave van den Bergh - 10/7/2006 - 50th - Chivas USA
400. Teal Bunbury - 8/3/2011 - 34th - Real Salt Lake
League play away - currently 278
1. Uche Okafor - 4/21/1996 - 16th - San Jose Clash
100. Roy Lassiter - 6/2/2001 - 52nd - Tampa Bay Mutiny
200. Davy Arnaud - 5/19/2007 - 58th minute - Colorado Rapids
Competitive play - currently 818
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Edmundo Rodriguez - 6/21/1997 - 87th - DC United
200. Preki - 7/31/1999 - 35th - San Jose Clash
300. Roy Lassister - 8/12/2001 - 90th - Colorado Rapids
400. Stephen Armstrong - 7/4/2003 - 90th - Colorado Rapids
500. own goal - 5/21/2005 - 62th - DC United
600. Jose Burciaga Jr. - 5/5/2007 - 90th - Columbus Crew
700. own goal - 6/24/2009 - 85th - New England Revolution
800. Kei Kamara - 8/21/2011 - 19th - DC United
Competitive home - currently 485
1. Digital Takawira - 4/13/1996 - 71st - Colorado Rapids
100. Preki - 8/26/1998 - 21th - DC United
200. Preki - 5/4/2002 - 29th - LA Galaxy
300. Davy Arnaud - 6/25/2005 - 70th - Chivas USA
400. Herculez Gomez - 10/18/2008 - 93rd+ - San Jose
Competitive away - currently 330
1. Uche Okafor - 4/21/1996 - 16th - San Jose Clash
100. Matt McKeon - 10/3/2000 - 29th - LA Galaxy
200. Josh Wolff - 5/14/2005 - 89th - Columbus Crew
300. Davy Arnaud - 8/28/2010 - 12 - LA Galaxy
Michael Thomas to KC?
It's been a quite few weeks when it comes to player rumors, really since Omar Bravo left for Cruz Azul there have been few rumors regarding Sporting KC. As James said in his post regarding this rumor, it's been campfire talk for a short little while, and it does seem to make sense. Michael Thomas is currently playing with Ljungskile SK in Sweden. The KC native was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the second round of the MLS Superdraft. But instead of signing with the Earthquakes, Thomas headed abroad where he signed with Halmstads BK in Sweden. In the two years since he left, he's played just over 50 league games and scored 8 goals from the midfield position.
Thomas would join a growing list of players from KC playing for Sporting, as the team already has Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, and Jon Kempin. In fact Besler played with Thomas in both high school and college. It's a sign that KC has faith in the players being developed locally and hopefully is a sign of good things to come from KC's youth system.
The big question regarding this rumor is if San Jose still holds Thomas' rights after drafting him. I believe they still do for a short period of time. Unless something has changed in the past few years regarding the draft, the time will end in early 2012. In the past, teams held the rights to their drafted players for two years. Since two years have almost passed since Thomas was drafted, I am assuming that Thomas would then go through the discovery process as he is not in the national team pool and has not played for any US youth teams. We'll see what comes of this rumor, but I would not be surprised if KC does get Thomas signed.
Thomas would join a growing list of players from KC playing for Sporting, as the team already has Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, and Jon Kempin. In fact Besler played with Thomas in both high school and college. It's a sign that KC has faith in the players being developed locally and hopefully is a sign of good things to come from KC's youth system.
The big question regarding this rumor is if San Jose still holds Thomas' rights after drafting him. I believe they still do for a short period of time. Unless something has changed in the past few years regarding the draft, the time will end in early 2012. In the past, teams held the rights to their drafted players for two years. Since two years have almost passed since Thomas was drafted, I am assuming that Thomas would then go through the discovery process as he is not in the national team pool and has not played for any US youth teams. We'll see what comes of this rumor, but I would not be surprised if KC does get Thomas signed.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Single Season Appearances and Starts
Another new stat for you today regarding Sporting KC. And it's another single season stat. Here's a list of the top ten single season appearances and starts.
Top ten appearances in league play in a single season.
1. CJ Sapong - 34 - 2011
2. Preki - 32 - 1996
2. Mark Chung - 32 - 1996
2. Mark Chung - 32 - 1997
2. Nick Garcia - 32 - 2000
2. Peter Vermes - 32 - 2000
2. Bo Oshoniyi - 32 - 2005
2. Davy Arnaud - 32 - 2006
2. Matt Besler - 32 - 2011
2. Graham Zusi - 32 - 2011
With the expanded schedule to 34 games for the first time, CJ Sapong takes the top spot on the list appearing in every league game this year. The rest of the top 10 are mainly made up of guys who appeared in every game in their respective season. Except for Matt Besler and Graham Zusi who missed 2 games this past year leaving them with 32.
Top ten appearances in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 40 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 40 - 2000
1. Chris Brown - 40 - 2002
1. CJ Sapong - 40 - 2011
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2000
5. Preki - 39 - 2000
5. Chris Henderson - 39 - 2000
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2002
5. Matt Besler - 39 - 2011
10. Preki - 38 - 1996
10. Mark Chung - 38 - 1996
10. Tony Meola - 38 - 2000
10. Brandon Prideaux - 38 - 2000
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 38 - 2001
10. Nick Garcia - 38 - 2002
10. Davy Arnaud - 38 - 2004
Lots of players on this list, as there were a lot of players that appeared in 38 games. Sapong appeared in all but one game this past season, tying him with Nick Garcia, Peter Vermes, and Chris Brown for the top spot.
Top ten starts in league play.
1. Preki - 32 - 1996
1. Mark Chung - 32 - 1996
1. Mark Chung - 32 - 1997
1. Nick Garcia - 32 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 32 - 2000
1. Bo Oshoniyi - 32 - 2005
1. Matt Besler - 32 - 2011
8. Sean Bowers - 31 - 1996
8. Kerry Zavagnin - 31 - 2000
8. Tony Meola - 31 - 2000
8. Brandon Prideaux - 31 - 2000
8. Chris Klein - 31 - 2005
8. Jose Burciaga Jr - 31 - 2005
8. Jimmy Nielsen - 31 - 2011
Besler ties the team record for starts in a season with 32, with 7 other players. If someone starts all the games next year they'll move to the top of this list.
Top ten starts in all competitions
1. Nick Garcia - 40 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 40 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2002
5. Preki - 38 - 1996
5. Mark Chung - 38 - 1996
5. Tony Meola - 38 - 2000
5. Brandon Prideaux - 38 - 2000
5. Nick Garcia - 38 - 2002
5. Davy Arnaud - 38 - 2004
5. Matt Besler - 38 - 2011
Once again, Besler finds himself on the list again for his season this year.
Top ten appearances in league play in a single season.
1. CJ Sapong - 34 - 2011
2. Preki - 32 - 1996
2. Mark Chung - 32 - 1996
2. Mark Chung - 32 - 1997
2. Nick Garcia - 32 - 2000
2. Peter Vermes - 32 - 2000
2. Bo Oshoniyi - 32 - 2005
2. Davy Arnaud - 32 - 2006
2. Matt Besler - 32 - 2011
2. Graham Zusi - 32 - 2011
With the expanded schedule to 34 games for the first time, CJ Sapong takes the top spot on the list appearing in every league game this year. The rest of the top 10 are mainly made up of guys who appeared in every game in their respective season. Except for Matt Besler and Graham Zusi who missed 2 games this past year leaving them with 32.
Top ten appearances in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 40 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 40 - 2000
1. Chris Brown - 40 - 2002
1. CJ Sapong - 40 - 2011
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2000
5. Preki - 39 - 2000
5. Chris Henderson - 39 - 2000
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2002
5. Matt Besler - 39 - 2011
10. Preki - 38 - 1996
10. Mark Chung - 38 - 1996
10. Tony Meola - 38 - 2000
10. Brandon Prideaux - 38 - 2000
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 38 - 2001
10. Nick Garcia - 38 - 2002
10. Davy Arnaud - 38 - 2004
Lots of players on this list, as there were a lot of players that appeared in 38 games. Sapong appeared in all but one game this past season, tying him with Nick Garcia, Peter Vermes, and Chris Brown for the top spot.
Top ten starts in league play.
1. Preki - 32 - 1996
1. Mark Chung - 32 - 1996
1. Mark Chung - 32 - 1997
1. Nick Garcia - 32 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 32 - 2000
1. Bo Oshoniyi - 32 - 2005
1. Matt Besler - 32 - 2011
8. Sean Bowers - 31 - 1996
8. Kerry Zavagnin - 31 - 2000
8. Tony Meola - 31 - 2000
8. Brandon Prideaux - 31 - 2000
8. Chris Klein - 31 - 2005
8. Jose Burciaga Jr - 31 - 2005
8. Jimmy Nielsen - 31 - 2011
Besler ties the team record for starts in a season with 32, with 7 other players. If someone starts all the games next year they'll move to the top of this list.
Top ten starts in all competitions
1. Nick Garcia - 40 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 40 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 39 - 2002
5. Preki - 38 - 1996
5. Mark Chung - 38 - 1996
5. Tony Meola - 38 - 2000
5. Brandon Prideaux - 38 - 2000
5. Nick Garcia - 38 - 2002
5. Davy Arnaud - 38 - 2004
5. Matt Besler - 38 - 2011
Once again, Besler finds himself on the list again for his season this year.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Single Season Minutes
Continuing with the statistical updating that I've been doing, here's another new stat that I hadn't previously done. Here are the top 10 single season minutes for players throughout the team's history. As I mentioned a few times late in the year this year, Matt Besler ended up tied for the 3rd most minutes played in league play in team history. Here's a list of the single season minutes leaders in league play and in all competitions.
Top ten most minutes in a single season in league play.
1. Nick Garcia - 2,916 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 2,916 - 2000
3. Preki - 2,880 - 1996
3. Bo Oshoniyi - 2,880 - 2005
3. Matt Besler - 2,880 - 2011
6. Mark Chung - 2,871 - 1997
7. Mark Chung - 2,847 - 1996
8. Tony Meola - 2,826 - 2000
9. Brandon Prideaux - 2,809 - 2000
10. Tony Meola - 2,797 - 2003
The list is dominated by the 2000 season, which saw the back 3 and Tony Meola start 126 of a possible 128 games between the 4 of them. Meola and Mark Chung are the only two players to appear on the list twice in their career with the team.
Top ten most minutes in a single season in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 3,695 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 3,695 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 3,606 - 2002
4. Nick Garcia - 3,531 - 2002
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 3,522 - 2000
6. Tony Meola - 3,485 - 2000
7. Brandon Prideaux - 3,468 - 2000
8. Matt Besler -3,457 - 2011
9. Preki - 3,420 - 1996
10. Chris Henderson - 3,406 - 2000
Once again the 2000 season dominates with over half the top 10 being from the championship season. Kerry Zavagnin and Chris Henderson join the list with the 4 from above. A trip to MLS Cup and 90 minutes by Besler would have jumped Besler all the way up to 4th place.
Top ten most minutes in a single season in league play.
1. Nick Garcia - 2,916 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 2,916 - 2000
3. Preki - 2,880 - 1996
3. Bo Oshoniyi - 2,880 - 2005
3. Matt Besler - 2,880 - 2011
6. Mark Chung - 2,871 - 1997
7. Mark Chung - 2,847 - 1996
8. Tony Meola - 2,826 - 2000
9. Brandon Prideaux - 2,809 - 2000
10. Tony Meola - 2,797 - 2003
The list is dominated by the 2000 season, which saw the back 3 and Tony Meola start 126 of a possible 128 games between the 4 of them. Meola and Mark Chung are the only two players to appear on the list twice in their career with the team.
Top ten most minutes in a single season in all competitions.
1. Nick Garcia - 3,695 - 2000
1. Peter Vermes - 3,695 - 2000
3. Kerry Zavagnin - 3,606 - 2002
4. Nick Garcia - 3,531 - 2002
5. Kerry Zavagnin - 3,522 - 2000
6. Tony Meola - 3,485 - 2000
7. Brandon Prideaux - 3,468 - 2000
8. Matt Besler -3,457 - 2011
9. Preki - 3,420 - 1996
10. Chris Henderson - 3,406 - 2000
Once again the 2000 season dominates with over half the top 10 being from the championship season. Kerry Zavagnin and Chris Henderson join the list with the 4 from above. A trip to MLS Cup and 90 minutes by Besler would have jumped Besler all the way up to 4th place.
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park Bidding to Host College Cup
photo courtesy Jarred DonalsonIn what really should be a surprise to no one, Sporting Club have a bid in for LIVESTRONG Sporting Park to host the 2013 College Cup. The bid is up against bids from Philadelphia (PPL Park), Cary, NC (Wake-Med), Hoover, AL (Regions Park), Tulsa, OK, and Palm Beach, FL. The NCAA men's soccer committee will make the decision on the hosting site in February. The 2012 tournament is returning to Regions Park where the 2011 championship was held this year.
The event college cup wouldn't be the first college tournament held at LSP that year either. Earlier this year, the Big XII announced that women's soccer would be hosting their tournament at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in 2013 and 2014. When the stadium was built, it was expected that there would be bids put in on these sorts of events to bring them to Kansas City, it's nice to see this finally starting to pay off.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Youngest and Oldest Goal Scorers for KC
The post from yesterday regarding the youngest and oldest players to ever appear for Sporting KC was spawned by the fact that earlier this year, Soony Saad, on his debut became the youngest goal scorer in the Wizards history when he scored against the Portland Timbers on his 19th birthday. With that in mind, here are the youngest and oldest goal scorers in KC's history.
Ten youngest goal scorers in league play.
1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
2. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 - Toronto
3. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 137 days - 7/14/2010 - Columbus
4. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 - New York
5. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
6. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 - Miami
7. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 - Columbus
8. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 344 days - 9/3/2005 - New York
9. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 - Columbus
10. Chris Brown - 22 years, 31 days - 4/10/1999 - San Jose
CJ Sapong just misses joining this list as he scored when he was 22 years, 82 days in the season opener against Chivas. Six of the players on the list were Generation Adidas (or Project 40, it's prior name under Nike in Vermillion and Gomez's case). Kevin Ellis still has a chance to join this list if he were to score a goal in a league game this next season or so.
Ten youngest scorers in all competitions
1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
2. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 - Toronto
3. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 - Colorado
4. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 - New York
5. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
6. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 - Miami
7. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 - Columbus
8. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 334 days - 8/24/2005 - Minnesota
9. Justin Detter - 21 years, 363 days - 8/4/2004 - Dallas
10. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 - Columbus
Some date changes with goals by Teal Bunbury and Ryan Pore. Also Chris Brown makes way on this list for Justin Detter, whose lone goal for the team came in an Open Cup win over Dallas.
Ten oldest scorer in league games.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 - Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
4. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 - Columbus
5. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 291 days - 9/5/2011 - Los Angeles
6. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 - Houston
7. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 - Los Angeles
8. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 - Tampa
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 32 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 - Chivas USA
10. Mark Santel - 32 years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 - New England
Julio Cesar steps into the list in his first season, landing at the number 5 spot on the list. Two players on the list scored in their last appearance for the club. Preki and Lopez both scored in their final appearance, funny enough they were both on the final day of the season and were both late goals to tie the game for KC. Both games ended 2-2, and while Preki had a secretary named Lopez, Lopez had a secretary named Radosavljević.
Ten oldest players to score in all competitions.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 - Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
4. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 - Columbus
5. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 291 days - 9/5/2011 - Los Angeles
6. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 - Houston
7. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 - Los Angeles
8. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 - Tampa
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 32 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 - Chivas USA
10. Mark Santel - 32 years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 - New England
No changes to the list when it comes to all competitions, they all remain the same.
Ten youngest goal scorers in league play.
1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
2. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 - Toronto
3. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 137 days - 7/14/2010 - Columbus
4. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 - New York
5. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
6. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 - Miami
7. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 - Columbus
8. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 344 days - 9/3/2005 - New York
9. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 - Columbus
10. Chris Brown - 22 years, 31 days - 4/10/1999 - San Jose
CJ Sapong just misses joining this list as he scored when he was 22 years, 82 days in the season opener against Chivas. Six of the players on the list were Generation Adidas (or Project 40, it's prior name under Nike in Vermillion and Gomez's case). Kevin Ellis still has a chance to join this list if he were to score a goal in a league game this next season or so.
Ten youngest scorers in all competitions
1. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
2. Yura Movsisyan - 19 years, 293 days - 4/25/2007 - Toronto
3. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 - Colorado
4. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 146 days - 6/20/1999 - New York
5. Michael Harrington - 21 years, 80 days - 4/14/2007 - DC United
6. Scott Vermillion - 21 years, 243 days - 8/23/1998 - Miami
7. Roger Espinoza - 21 years, 266 days - 7/17/2008 - Columbus
8. Ryan Pore - 21 years, 334 days - 8/24/2005 - Minnesota
9. Justin Detter - 21 years, 363 days - 8/4/2004 - Dallas
10. Eddie Johnson - 22 years, 1 day - 4/1/2006 - Columbus
Some date changes with goals by Teal Bunbury and Ryan Pore. Also Chris Brown makes way on this list for Justin Detter, whose lone goal for the team came in an Open Cup win over Dallas.
Ten oldest scorer in league games.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 - Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
4. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 - Columbus
5. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 291 days - 9/5/2011 - Los Angeles
6. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 - Houston
7. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 - Los Angeles
8. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 - Tampa
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 32 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 - Chivas USA
10. Mark Santel - 32 years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 - New England
Julio Cesar steps into the list in his first season, landing at the number 5 spot on the list. Two players on the list scored in their last appearance for the club. Preki and Lopez both scored in their final appearance, funny enough they were both on the final day of the season and were both late goals to tie the game for KC. Both games ended 2-2, and while Preki had a secretary named Lopez, Lopez had a secretary named Radosavljević.
Ten oldest players to score in all competitions.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 5 days - 4/18/2001 - Miami
3. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
4. Paul Rideout - 34 years, 2 days - 8/16/1998 - Columbus
5. Julio Cesar - 33 years, 291 days - 9/5/2011 - Los Angeles
6. Josh Wolff - 33 years, 209 days - 9/22/2010 - Houston
7. Jimmy Conrad - 33 years, 197 days - 8/28/2010 - Los Angeles
8. Peter Vermes - 33 years, 188 days - 5/27/2000 - Tampa
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 32 years, 27 days - 7/29/2007 - Chivas USA
10. Mark Santel - 32 years, 24 days - 7/29/2001 - New England
No changes to the list when it comes to all competitions, they all remain the same.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Youngest and Oldest to Play for KC
Since the season ended (and actually probably before that) I'd been working on a project to find the youngest and oldest players to appear for Sporting KC throughout their history. I finished that project up earlier this past week. And to start off my updating of all the stats that I do, I figured I'd start with a new one. Here are not only the 10 youngest and oldest players to appear in a game, but the 10 youngest and oldest to start a game as well. I'm including their age in days and years, the date of the game and the opponent.
Ten youngest to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
3. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
4. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
5. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
6. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
7. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
9. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
10. Peter Byaruhunga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
Soony Saad and Daneil Cyrus join the list in their first year with the team. The two knocked off Michael Harrington and Will John who had been on the list before this season. All but one of these appearances were made as a substitute as well, save Jose Burciaga's appearance, which was a start. Jon Kempin can still join this list, being 18 years old currently he still has plenty of time to join the list.
Ten youngest to appear in a competitive game for KC.
1. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
3. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
4. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
5. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
6. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
7. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
9. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
10. Peter Byaruhunga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
You'll notice that this list is the same as above. Kevin Ellis did just miss out on joining this list as his appearance against the Chicago Fire PDL in the Open Cup this year was when he 20 years 363 days old. Once again, Kempin is the only player currently on the roster that can join this list.
Ten youngest players to START a league match.
1. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
2. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
3. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
4. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
5. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 85 days - 5/23/2010 - Columbus
6. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
7. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
9. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
10. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
Basically it's 9 of the 10 players from above with the order mixed up a little bit. Nick Garcia replaces Saad on the list, as he's yet to start a game for KC. Still with Saad still being 19, he still has a good season and a half to still potentially join this list, knocking Byaruhanga off, as does Kempin. Cyrus knocked off Harrington again off the list.
Ten youngest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
2. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
3. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
4. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 - Colorado
5. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
6. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
7. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
9. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
10. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
Only one change for the competitive appearance list, Teal Bunbury and Jake Dancy switch places due to Bunbury's start in a US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado. All the rest of the games are league matches.
Ten oldest players to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 121 days - 8/12/2001 - Colorado
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
10. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 77 days - 10/22/2011 - DC United
Looking at this list, you have Preki all by himself, then you have a 4 year drop, then Mo Johnston, then another 3 year drop before getting to Peter Vermes. With Nielsen still having 2 years, plus an option year now on his contract, Nielsen will continue to move up this list after joining this season. Earlier this season Nielsen replaced Paul Rideout on this list.
Ten oldest players in all competitions for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
10. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 92 days - 11/6/2011 - Houston
No changes to the order on this list when you factor in things like playoffs, Open Cup, and Copa Mercanorte matches, but some changes in the ages. One appearance by Nielsen next season will see him jump Zavagnin on both lists.
Ten oldest players to START a league game.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 113 days - 8/4/2001 - Columbus
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 77 days - 10/22/2011 - DC United
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
One order change and two game changes from the list above as Preki, Johnston, and Zavagnin didn't start their last game for the club in league play. That pushes Nielsen ahead of Zavagnin on this list.
Ten oldest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 92 days - 11/6/2011 - Houston
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
Once again not much change, Nielsen again jumped ahead of Zavagnin on this list.
Ten youngest to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
3. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
4. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
5. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
6. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
7. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
9. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
10. Peter Byaruhunga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
Soony Saad and Daneil Cyrus join the list in their first year with the team. The two knocked off Michael Harrington and Will John who had been on the list before this season. All but one of these appearances were made as a substitute as well, save Jose Burciaga's appearance, which was a start. Jon Kempin can still join this list, being 18 years old currently he still has plenty of time to join the list.
Ten youngest to appear in a competitive game for KC.
1. Nino da Silva - 18 years, 158 days - 8/31/1997 - DC United
2. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 311 days - 5/13/2006 - DC United
3. Soony Saad - 19 years, 0 days - 8/17/2011 - Portland
4. Jake Dancy - 19 years, 137 days - 8/24/1997 - San Jose
5. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
6. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 28 days - 3/27/2011 - DC United
7. Chance Myers - 20 years, 124 days - 4/9/2008 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 132 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
9. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years, 220 days - 7/23/2011 - Toronto
10. Peter Byaruhunga - 20 years, 325 days - 7/8/2000 - New York
You'll notice that this list is the same as above. Kevin Ellis did just miss out on joining this list as his appearance against the Chicago Fire PDL in the Open Cup this year was when he 20 years 363 days old. Once again, Kempin is the only player currently on the roster that can join this list.
Ten youngest players to START a league match.
1. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
2. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
3. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
4. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
5. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 85 days - 5/23/2010 - Columbus
6. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
7. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
9. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
10. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
Basically it's 9 of the 10 players from above with the order mixed up a little bit. Nick Garcia replaces Saad on the list, as he's yet to start a game for KC. Still with Saad still being 19, he still has a good season and a half to still potentially join this list, knocking Byaruhanga off, as does Kempin. Cyrus knocked off Harrington again off the list.
Ten youngest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Yura Movsisyan - 18 years, 357 days - 6/28/2006 - DC United
2. Jose Burciaga - 19 years, 184 days - 5/19/2001 - Chicago
3. Nino da Silva - 20 years, 11 days - 6/6/1999 - Los Angeles
4. Teal Bunbury - 20 years, 45 days - 4/13/2010 - Colorado
5. Jake Dancy - 20 years, 52 days - 5/31/1998 - Colorado
6. Chance Myers - 20 years, 127 days - 4/12/2008 - Houston
7. Daneil Cyrus - 20 years ,227 days - 7/30/2011 - New England
8. Francisco Gomez - 20 years, 228 days - 9/10/1999 - Colorado
9. Nick Garcia - 20 years, 351 days - 3/25/2000 - Chicago
10. Peter Byaruhanga - 20 years, 364 days - 8/16/2000 - San Jose
Only one change for the competitive appearance list, Teal Bunbury and Jake Dancy switch places due to Bunbury's start in a US Open Cup qualifier against Colorado. All the rest of the games are league matches.
Ten oldest players to appear in a league game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 121 days - 8/12/2001 - Colorado
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
10. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 77 days - 10/22/2011 - DC United
Looking at this list, you have Preki all by himself, then you have a 4 year drop, then Mo Johnston, then another 3 year drop before getting to Peter Vermes. With Nielsen still having 2 years, plus an option year now on his contract, Nielsen will continue to move up this list after joining this season. Earlier this season Nielsen replaced Paul Rideout on this list.
Ten oldest players in all competitions for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 113 days - 10/15/2005 - Dallas
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 115 days - 10/25/2008 - New England
10. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 92 days - 11/6/2011 - Houston
No changes to the order on this list when you factor in things like playoffs, Open Cup, and Copa Mercanorte matches, but some changes in the ages. One appearance by Nielsen next season will see him jump Zavagnin on both lists.
Ten oldest players to START a league game.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 113 days - 8/4/2001 - Columbus
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 303 days - 9/20/2002 - Colorado
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 179 days - 8/18/2004 - Columbus
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 174 days - 9/26/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 77 days - 10/22/2011 - DC United
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
One order change and two game changes from the list above as Preki, Johnston, and Zavagnin didn't start their last game for the club in league play. That pushes Nielsen ahead of Zavagnin on this list.
Ten oldest players to START a competitive game for KC.
1. Preki - 42 years, 99 days - 10/1/2005 - Chicago
2. Mo Johnston - 38 years, 222 days - 11/21/2001 - Santos Laguna
3. Peter Vermes - 35 years, 315 days - 10/2/2002 - Los Angeles
4. Tony Meola - 35 years, 214 days - 9/22/2004 - Chicago
5. Richard Gough - 35 years, 186 days - 10/8/1997 - Colorado
6. Kevin Hartman - 35 years, 152 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
7. Claudio Lopez - 35 years, 99 days - 10/24/2009 - DC United
8. Bo Oshoniyi - 34 years, 345 days - 10/14/2006 - New York
9. Jimmy Nielsen - 34 years, 92 days - 11/6/2011 - Houston
10. Kerry Zavagnin - 34 years, 67 days - 9/7/2008 - Houston
Once again not much change, Nielsen again jumped ahead of Zavagnin on this list.
Comets Fall in Baltimore
The score was a lot closer than the scoreline appeared, but the Comets saw their 4 game winning streak snapped last night in Baltimore as the Comets fell to the Blast 17-9. Playing without captain Byron Alvarez and defender Bryan Harris, the task was already a big ask for the Comets. Some defensive mistakes once again cost the Comets early as Shaun David capitalized on a poor back pass to Danny Waltman a little over a minute into the game. Adauto Neto doubled the lead only a few minutes later and the Blast looked set to cruise to a victory. Late in the second quarter the Comets though got themselves back into the game. New signing Tiguinho and Neto both got on the board inside the last 5 minutes of the second quarter to tie the game at 4-4. Unfortunately the tie only lasted for about 9 seconds as the Comets again became lax after scoring a goal themselves. Machel Millwood scored to make it 6-4 at the half.
The Blast started to pull away in the third quarter. Carlos Garcia scored two goals about 3 minutes apart about half way through the third that made it 10-4. Leo Gibson though cut the lead to 10-6 shortly after as he finished up a rebound on a power play to make the game interesting heading into the 4th quarter.
The fourth quarter though saw the Blast once again get the first goal as Neto got his second on a great individual effort to make it 12-6. As the quarter progressed, the Comets tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to. Waltman got pulled for Vahid Assadpour to play the 6th attacker role and the Comets were able to pull to within a goal as Tiguinho fired home a 3 pointer to make it 12-9. The Comets stuck with the 6th attacker to try and find an equalizer, but it was the Blast who pulled away. A 3 pointer and a late 2 pointer flattered the scoreline for the Blast as the game finished 17-9, but was much closer than that.
The Blast started to pull away in the third quarter. Carlos Garcia scored two goals about 3 minutes apart about half way through the third that made it 10-4. Leo Gibson though cut the lead to 10-6 shortly after as he finished up a rebound on a power play to make the game interesting heading into the 4th quarter.
The fourth quarter though saw the Blast once again get the first goal as Neto got his second on a great individual effort to make it 12-6. As the quarter progressed, the Comets tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to. Waltman got pulled for Vahid Assadpour to play the 6th attacker role and the Comets were able to pull to within a goal as Tiguinho fired home a 3 pointer to make it 12-9. The Comets stuck with the 6th attacker to try and find an equalizer, but it was the Blast who pulled away. A 3 pointer and a late 2 pointer flattered the scoreline for the Blast as the game finished 17-9, but was much closer than that.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Lee Nguyen Lottery Tomorrow
The lottery to allocation Lee Nguyen to an MLS team is set to talk place tomorrow. Rumor is that all the teams in the league have applied to be in the lottery. For those that don't know, the lottery is based off of a team's record over the last season. That being said, with Sporting KC finishing 5th in the regular season last year, their chances are not great. The best chance goes to the Vancouver Whitecaps who finished with the worst record last season, followed by New England.
For those that don't know, Nguyen is a former US national team pool player, earning 3 caps for the USA in 2007, including 2 in the Copa America. Nguyen left Indiana after his freshman year joining PSV Eindhoven. Nguyen played only one game for the Dutch club before moving to Randers in Demark. Once again he didn't appear much for the club. For the past few years though Nguyen has been playing in the Vietnamese league, not exactly the most high profile league in the world. Last year FC Dallas was apparently interested in bringing him in but the league did not approve of the deal. So it'll be interesting to see where he lands and if KC lands the midfielder.
For those that don't know, Nguyen is a former US national team pool player, earning 3 caps for the USA in 2007, including 2 in the Copa America. Nguyen left Indiana after his freshman year joining PSV Eindhoven. Nguyen played only one game for the Dutch club before moving to Randers in Demark. Once again he didn't appear much for the club. For the past few years though Nguyen has been playing in the Vietnamese league, not exactly the most high profile league in the world. Last year FC Dallas was apparently interested in bringing him in but the league did not approve of the deal. So it'll be interesting to see where he lands and if KC lands the midfielder.
Former SKC Wizards Update
Another former SKC Wizards Update, plenty of player movement this week. Jonathan Leathers, Rauwshan McKenzie, and Ryan Pore are now without clubs after not being selected in the second stage of the re-entry draft. They're joined by Shavar Thomas who also wasn't selected. Also looking for a new club, is Stephane Auvray whose was let go by the Red Bulls. Omar Bravo joins the list with his move to Cruz Azul, another former Wizard moving in Mexico is Herculez Gomez who is moving to Santos Laguna, his fourth Mexican club since leaving KC. Course in that time he's scored 22 goals for his teams. Other than that there has been little activity this week with most players out of season or on winter break. Sunil Chhetri is really the only one making a big splash as he added 3 more goals as India won the SAFF Championship. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - No game this week.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Played in Kansas' 7-6 win over Illinois.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 12-10 loss to Missouri. Played in Baltimore's 12-9 loss to Syracuse.
Neal Kitson - Rochester Lancers - Was waived by the Lancers.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning -
Boris Pardo - Comets - Did not play for the Comets this week.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 15-4 loss to Missouri.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Did not play in Anaheim's 8-4 win over Phoenix. Played in Anaheim's 6-2 win over Phoenix.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - new season hasn't started.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in India's 3-1 win over Maldives. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 4-0 win over Afghanistan.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Could not find results.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Apertura season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - no game this week.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 2-0 win over Hansa Rostock.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Eddie Johnson
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Rauwshan McKenzie
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Shavar Thomas
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Season is over.
Adam Cristman - LA - Season is over.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Season is over.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Season is over.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Season is over.
Frankie Hejduk - LA - Season is over.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Season is over.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Season is over.
Mike Jones - New York - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - MLS Pool keeper - Season is over.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Season is over.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Season is over.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Season is over.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Season is over.
Josh Wolff - DC - Season is over.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Season is over.
Aaron Hohlbein - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
Amir Lowery - Montreal - Season is over.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Season is over.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Out of season.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Out of season.
Akeem Priestley - LA - Out of season.
Yomby William - Richmond - Out of season.
John Wilson - Charleston - Out of season.
PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Out of season.
Sergei Raad - FC Jax Destroyers - Out of season.
NPSL
Nelson Pizarro - San Diego Flash - Out of season.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Wichita Wings - No game this week.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Played in Kansas' 7-6 win over Illinois.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Played in Baltimore's 12-10 loss to Missouri. Played in Baltimore's 12-9 loss to Syracuse.
Neal Kitson - Rochester Lancers - Was waived by the Lancers.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning -
Boris Pardo - Comets - Did not play for the Comets this week.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Played in Norfolk's 15-4 loss to Missouri.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Did not play in Anaheim's 8-4 win over Phoenix. Played in Anaheim's 6-2 win over Phoenix.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - On winter break
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - new season hasn't started.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in India's 3-1 win over Maldives. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 4-0 win over Afghanistan.
Eloy Colombano - Ferro Carril Sud - Argentina - Could not find results.
Pablo Escobar - Deportivo Cali - Colombia - Did not play for Deportivo Cali.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Apertura season is over.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Honved - Hungary - Did not play in Honved's game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - No game this week.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - no game this week.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - on winter break.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - On winter break.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 2-0 win over Hansa Rostock.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - No game this week.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bravo Leaving KC for Mexico
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
The rumors have been around basically since the season ended. The fact that Omar Bravo had only played 5 minutes in Sporting KC's playoff run certainly did nothing to temper those rumors. In the offseason Bravo's been linked with every club in Guadalajara, from Chivas to cash strapped Tecos. He's also been linked with Club America, Veracruz, and other clubs. In the end though, it is Mexican City side, Cruz Azul that gets the services of the former Mexican international.
Bravo leaves Kansas City having played in 27 games this past season, starting all but one of them. In that time he scored 9 goals and 2 assists in league play. He added another 2 appearances in the US Open Cup and 1 MLS Cup playoff appearance to his total. He tied Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara for the most goals this year.
Bravo's departure opens up not only a designated player spot, but also an international spot. That leaves KC with 6 of their 7 international slots currently filled. The designated player spot I 100% expect to be filled by the time that next season starts. I also wouldn't be surprised if there were 2 DPs on the field when KC take the field.
The move involved Sporting getting a fee from the Mexican club for Bravo's services. Although the official status of Bravo's move has not been published. It's possible that the move could be just a loan of some kind. Either way KC retains Bravo's MLS rights, but I doubt we'll see the Mexican back in MLS.
REENTRY DRAFT
In other Sporting KC news today, the second phase of the reentry draft took place today. Sporting KC was one of 14 teams that chose not to select anyone from the list of players available in the draft. On the other end of the draft, now former Sporting KC player, Shavar Thomas was not selected at all by any of the teams and is now a free agent able to sign to any team in the league.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Comets Cruise to Win Over Sharx
After a hard fought, dramatic late game victory over the Baltimore Blast on Friday night, the Comets went into Norfolk for the second game of their road trip with high hopes. The Sharx have still yet to win a game in the league this season, and in most of the games they've played they've not been close. The Comets didn't seem to ever take it out of first gear. And in reality they didn't have to. Two and a half minutes into the game, the Comets grabbed the lead as Byron Alvarez played a ball into the box for Vahid Assadpour who just had to tap the ball into the empty net to make it 2-0. The Comets made it look too easy. A minute and a half later, Assadpour returned the favor, finding Alvarez who fired home to make it 4-0. It appeared that the route was well and truely on, but only about 30 seconds after Alvarez's goal, the Sharx were back in the game as Matt Clare fired a shot past Danny Waltman and into the net.
In the second quarter is when the Comets pulled away, Neto scored inside the first minute of the quarter to make it 6-2. Shortly after that goal, Geison got himself two goals that basically killed the game off before half time. The first goal came on a header from a Coady Andrews pass. The second a tidy finish into the corner. The Sharx had some chances though, Waltman came up big on a 1v1 situation after a Sharx player collected the ball at the top of the box after he'd been camping behind MO's defense. The Comets went into the the half up 10-2.
In the second half, the Comets really took their foot off the pedal and it led to the Sharx getting more possession and chances, but rarely were those chances threatening to the Comets. Even with their foot off the gas, the Comets were still able to extend their lead. Just over a minute into the half, an Assadpour shot hit off the glass and bounced to John Sosa at the top of the box. Sosa collected and fired and shot into the net to make it 12-2. With about 5 minutes left in the half, the Sharx found their second goal of the game as they allowed Brady Bryant to dribble the length of the field and fire a shot past Waltman as Stefan Stokic and Alvarez back pedaled to stay with their men. A short time later on a power play, the Comets put the game beyond doubt as Assadpour fed Lucas Rodriguez, whose long range 3 point blast went into the back of the net to make it 15-4.
The fourth quarter saw both teams create some chances, specifically the Sharx, but there was no scoring. The Comets became a little sloppy with their defending and play against their inferior opponent and it almost cost them a few goals if Norfolk could finish. It's something that the team is going to need to clean up before their trip back to Baltimore next week. Hopefully it's just tired legs due to the game the night before, but we shall see. Still the Comets did enough to kill the game off and won 15-4.
In the second quarter is when the Comets pulled away, Neto scored inside the first minute of the quarter to make it 6-2. Shortly after that goal, Geison got himself two goals that basically killed the game off before half time. The first goal came on a header from a Coady Andrews pass. The second a tidy finish into the corner. The Sharx had some chances though, Waltman came up big on a 1v1 situation after a Sharx player collected the ball at the top of the box after he'd been camping behind MO's defense. The Comets went into the the half up 10-2.
In the second half, the Comets really took their foot off the pedal and it led to the Sharx getting more possession and chances, but rarely were those chances threatening to the Comets. Even with their foot off the gas, the Comets were still able to extend their lead. Just over a minute into the half, an Assadpour shot hit off the glass and bounced to John Sosa at the top of the box. Sosa collected and fired and shot into the net to make it 12-2. With about 5 minutes left in the half, the Sharx found their second goal of the game as they allowed Brady Bryant to dribble the length of the field and fire a shot past Waltman as Stefan Stokic and Alvarez back pedaled to stay with their men. A short time later on a power play, the Comets put the game beyond doubt as Assadpour fed Lucas Rodriguez, whose long range 3 point blast went into the back of the net to make it 15-4.
The fourth quarter saw both teams create some chances, specifically the Sharx, but there was no scoring. The Comets became a little sloppy with their defending and play against their inferior opponent and it almost cost them a few goals if Norfolk could finish. It's something that the team is going to need to clean up before their trip back to Baltimore next week. Hopefully it's just tired legs due to the game the night before, but we shall see. Still the Comets did enough to kill the game off and won 15-4.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
What to do in the Offseason
So the offseason has calmed down just a little bit, and while there will be the occasional rumor that pops up, there is unlikely to be a ton of movement until the draft in January and preseason beginning. Until then and with less than 100 days until the home opener on March 17th, what can you do? Well here's a list of some things that I've put together that you could look to do during the rest of the MLS offseason.
Attend a Comets game. Yes it's not Sporting KC, it's not outdoor soccer, but it's still a good time. The level of play isn't MLS level, but it's an entertaining evening and a great place to learn some of the Cauldron chants you may not know if you hang out with Hector and those guys.
Play the game yourself. There are plenty of indoor facilities around the city that have leagues during the week that you can go and sign up for. There's been some talk about starting a Cauldron team at one or two facilities around the city. Check out the Cauldron Facebook page and I'm sure you'll find some information.
Read blogs. It's amazing when I started this blog 5 years I don't know if there really were any other KC Wizards bloggers, now there are more than I even know about. Plenty of good ones out there.
Down the Byline - You're here so you're reading my blog, I'll have updated stats coming up this offseason that you'll be able to check out along with your news. And I'll also continue to cover the Comets.
Sporting Times - When James writes it's always thoughtful, insightful, and in-depth, each one of his writings is a must read.
The Back Post - Thad has taken to mainly posting photos on the blog, but he always gets good shots of the Comets games.
The Front Men, Footy Chronicles, and the other young bloggers. The next generation of Sporting KC fans the two guys in charge of The Front Men and Footy Chronicles are just two of many in a growing number of high school age SKC bloggers.
KC Star. The coverage on the Star is light years better than it was when I started the blog, Gooch, Terez, Pete, and all the others that work on it have made it a place to go to get Wizards news now, instead of reading stuff you knew about a few days ago.
Get on Twitter. Yes the thing that your kid uses to talk with their friends. It's actually turned into the quickest way to get news in today's world. And obviously you'll want to follow me.
Books - I loved reading forever, then in college I got away from it, and now I'm back to reading basically every day now that I get to do it for fun. But seriously there are tons or really good soccer books out there to read. Here's just a sampling of a few soccer books that I own and have read recently.
The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer by David Goldblatt - The most in-depth look at the history of the game world wide that you're likely to ever find. Well over 800 pages, it's not an easy read, but it's absolutely amazing to look at the progression of the game throughout history. My one big problem with this book is it's lack of talking about North America as a whole.
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinniss - A book most soccer fans know about and have read. It's a great read with the look into one of the non-glamorous clubs of soccer. The big draw back is how much the author seems to want to insert himself into the player selection. It also talks about a topic that is the basis of the next book on my list.
The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime by Declan Hill - A shocking look at how much match fixing has worked it's way into the sport of soccer. Even into MLS (although not fixing, but getting information from players on clubs). I've really started to look at some games differently after reading this book. The Lyon-Dinamo Zagreb game this past week immediately made me think of this book. It even gets to the point of talking about World Cup games being fixed.
Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism by Andrei Markovits and Steven Hellerman - Should be required reading for US soccer fans, especially those in favor of pushing promotion and relegation into the US. It's basically a look into why soccer did not develop to the level the sport did in other countries, and why it continues to struggle. The book is a little outdated at this point (published in 2001 so before the expansion boom that MLS has seen in the past 5-6 years).
Any Chance of a Game? A season at the ugly end of park football by Barney Ronay - I imagine that this book would basically be me if I grew up in England. It's an autobiographical book about a season with his park football team.
The Game of Their Lives by Geoffrey Douglas - The book that spawned the movie. The book (as is often the case) is so much better than the movie. Has interviews in it with some of the players on the team that are still alive, gives a real look into not just the game but how those players got there. Also doesn't act like the England game was the USA's first game as the movie does.
Seeing Red by Graham Poll - Poll's autobiography is great, it makes you take a look at the game through the eyes of the referee and try to see what they're seeing. Makes you have at least some respect for officials now.
Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby - This book really needs no introduction, but for those that don't know, this is a look at the authors love affair with Arsenal. It's the the picture that most soccer fans have now of the die hard fan. I don't put myself to the extreme that Hornby is about Arsenal, but I have no doubts that I'm closer to being a "Hornby" than a "sod-that-for-a-lark floating punter". Still a good read though.
The Beckham Experiment by Grant Wahl - A great look into MLS and Beckham's deal with the Galaxy. As I said in my original review of the book, I enjoyed it more for the look into the league as a whole.
Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski - Statistics, numbers and how they relate to the game. Basically Moneyball for soccer in many ways.
Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports are Played and Games are Won by Tobias J. Moskowitz and L. Jon Wertheim - Another book on numbers, this one about not just soccer but sports in general. It basically breaks down some of the preconceived notions on sports. Read my full write up on it here.
23 Days in Korea by Andy Gustafson - A look at the USA's trip to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. A light hearted book that, at least to me, has you reliving the excitement of the USA's run. It gets a little corny at times with the author's story, but still a fun read.
Managing My Life: My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson - Before I was a KC fan I was a Manchester United fan. I still like United but KC is far and away my favorite club, but the autobiography of Ferguson's life is a very interesting read.
Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino by Tony Cascarino and Paul Kimmage - Never got to see Cascarino play, but this book I imagine is a lot like the lives of many players who weren't "superstars" but were stars in their own rights.
Ronaldo! by Wensley Clarkson - A biography on "fat" Ronaldo before he was fat. Talks about his growing up and some of the mystery behind his performance in the 1998 World Cup final.
Attend a Comets game. Yes it's not Sporting KC, it's not outdoor soccer, but it's still a good time. The level of play isn't MLS level, but it's an entertaining evening and a great place to learn some of the Cauldron chants you may not know if you hang out with Hector and those guys.
Play the game yourself. There are plenty of indoor facilities around the city that have leagues during the week that you can go and sign up for. There's been some talk about starting a Cauldron team at one or two facilities around the city. Check out the Cauldron Facebook page and I'm sure you'll find some information.
Read blogs. It's amazing when I started this blog 5 years I don't know if there really were any other KC Wizards bloggers, now there are more than I even know about. Plenty of good ones out there.
Down the Byline - You're here so you're reading my blog, I'll have updated stats coming up this offseason that you'll be able to check out along with your news. And I'll also continue to cover the Comets.
Sporting Times - When James writes it's always thoughtful, insightful, and in-depth, each one of his writings is a must read.
The Back Post - Thad has taken to mainly posting photos on the blog, but he always gets good shots of the Comets games.
The Front Men, Footy Chronicles, and the other young bloggers. The next generation of Sporting KC fans the two guys in charge of The Front Men and Footy Chronicles are just two of many in a growing number of high school age SKC bloggers.
KC Star. The coverage on the Star is light years better than it was when I started the blog, Gooch, Terez, Pete, and all the others that work on it have made it a place to go to get Wizards news now, instead of reading stuff you knew about a few days ago.
Get on Twitter. Yes the thing that your kid uses to talk with their friends. It's actually turned into the quickest way to get news in today's world. And obviously you'll want to follow me.
Books - I loved reading forever, then in college I got away from it, and now I'm back to reading basically every day now that I get to do it for fun. But seriously there are tons or really good soccer books out there to read. Here's just a sampling of a few soccer books that I own and have read recently.
The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer by David Goldblatt - The most in-depth look at the history of the game world wide that you're likely to ever find. Well over 800 pages, it's not an easy read, but it's absolutely amazing to look at the progression of the game throughout history. My one big problem with this book is it's lack of talking about North America as a whole.
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinniss - A book most soccer fans know about and have read. It's a great read with the look into one of the non-glamorous clubs of soccer. The big draw back is how much the author seems to want to insert himself into the player selection. It also talks about a topic that is the basis of the next book on my list.
The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime by Declan Hill - A shocking look at how much match fixing has worked it's way into the sport of soccer. Even into MLS (although not fixing, but getting information from players on clubs). I've really started to look at some games differently after reading this book. The Lyon-Dinamo Zagreb game this past week immediately made me think of this book. It even gets to the point of talking about World Cup games being fixed.
Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism by Andrei Markovits and Steven Hellerman - Should be required reading for US soccer fans, especially those in favor of pushing promotion and relegation into the US. It's basically a look into why soccer did not develop to the level the sport did in other countries, and why it continues to struggle. The book is a little outdated at this point (published in 2001 so before the expansion boom that MLS has seen in the past 5-6 years).
Any Chance of a Game? A season at the ugly end of park football by Barney Ronay - I imagine that this book would basically be me if I grew up in England. It's an autobiographical book about a season with his park football team.
The Game of Their Lives by Geoffrey Douglas - The book that spawned the movie. The book (as is often the case) is so much better than the movie. Has interviews in it with some of the players on the team that are still alive, gives a real look into not just the game but how those players got there. Also doesn't act like the England game was the USA's first game as the movie does.
Seeing Red by Graham Poll - Poll's autobiography is great, it makes you take a look at the game through the eyes of the referee and try to see what they're seeing. Makes you have at least some respect for officials now.
Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby - This book really needs no introduction, but for those that don't know, this is a look at the authors love affair with Arsenal. It's the the picture that most soccer fans have now of the die hard fan. I don't put myself to the extreme that Hornby is about Arsenal, but I have no doubts that I'm closer to being a "Hornby" than a "sod-that-for-a-lark floating punter". Still a good read though.
The Beckham Experiment by Grant Wahl - A great look into MLS and Beckham's deal with the Galaxy. As I said in my original review of the book, I enjoyed it more for the look into the league as a whole.
Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski - Statistics, numbers and how they relate to the game. Basically Moneyball for soccer in many ways.
Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports are Played and Games are Won by Tobias J. Moskowitz and L. Jon Wertheim - Another book on numbers, this one about not just soccer but sports in general. It basically breaks down some of the preconceived notions on sports. Read my full write up on it here.
23 Days in Korea by Andy Gustafson - A look at the USA's trip to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. A light hearted book that, at least to me, has you reliving the excitement of the USA's run. It gets a little corny at times with the author's story, but still a fun read.
Managing My Life: My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson - Before I was a KC fan I was a Manchester United fan. I still like United but KC is far and away my favorite club, but the autobiography of Ferguson's life is a very interesting read.
Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino by Tony Cascarino and Paul Kimmage - Never got to see Cascarino play, but this book I imagine is a lot like the lives of many players who weren't "superstars" but were stars in their own rights.
Ronaldo! by Wensley Clarkson - A biography on "fat" Ronaldo before he was fat. Talks about his growing up and some of the mystery behind his performance in the 1998 World Cup final.