This blog is mainly a place for news regarding Sporting Kansas City, but from time to time I like to throw in a little historical perspective in there as well. With Toronto FC going to 0-7 over the weekend, matching the record of the Kansas City Wizards in 1999 for futility.
So let's take a trip back through KC's history to compare Toronto's 0-7 start to Kansas City's 0-7 start in the 1999 season. During KC's run, the Wizards scored a grab total of 2 goals, while giving up 11, for a -9 goal difference. In fact, KC didn't score a goal until the 3rd game of the season, through Chris Brown. Toronto on the other hand has scored 6 goals while conceding 16 for a -10 goal difference.
The big difference between KC's 0-7 start and Toronto's 0-7 start is that in today's MLS, KC wouldn't have been 0-7. KC drew the 4th game of the season 1-1 with San Jose and the 5th game 1-1 with Colorado, but KC lost both games in the shootout, contributing to their 0-7 record. That really puts into perspective just what is happening for Toronto. KC during that stretch was bad, and ended up only winning 8 games during the season. Definitely not the thing that TFC fans want to hear. Potential bright side? During the 99 season, KC had their biggest win in team history, 6-0 over New York, who finished even worse than KC did.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Closing Arguments: Sporting KC vs KC Royals
Here are some responses this week to the posting I made regarding Sporting KC's success vs the KC Royals struggles.
Anonymous
I brought a friend to the Real Salt Lake game...he said that it was the best game day atmosphere he had ever been to and that he wanted to come back on Cinco De Mayo...
Next thing I know he starts blowing up and talking smack because of an own goal. Others did the same on the cauldron site.
While the hope for a 102 point perfect season faded away, SKC is in awesome position, especially considering the unbalanced schedule.
Please come and love the wizards, support SKC and follow...and not bring the nasty stinking thinking from the other teams
hartley
I just wish the local media would break from their programming mantra and actually talk about Sporting KC games, lineups, etc. Yeah the media are reporting, but that's it.
Hours upon hours are spent talking about a team that keeps losing. No wonder this town seems like a bunch of losers, that's all we seem to want to talk about. Yawn. Let's talk about winners.
Let's hear pre-game chatter. Let's hear half time analysis. Let's hear second guessing on substitutions and starting lineups. All that kind of talk makes sense in soccer too.
Go Sporting!
Ben
A baseball fan can't be converted into a soccer fan. But for people with interest in both sports, well its not uncommon for fans to give up on a team for a season.
In the long run, I think MLB's imbalance helps MLS in Kansas City and in most cities.
Anonymous
I brought a friend to the Real Salt Lake game...he said that it was the best game day atmosphere he had ever been to and that he wanted to come back on Cinco De Mayo...
Next thing I know he starts blowing up and talking smack because of an own goal. Others did the same on the cauldron site.
While the hope for a 102 point perfect season faded away, SKC is in awesome position, especially considering the unbalanced schedule.
Please come and love the wizards, support SKC and follow...and not bring the nasty stinking thinking from the other teams
hartley
I just wish the local media would break from their programming mantra and actually talk about Sporting KC games, lineups, etc. Yeah the media are reporting, but that's it.
Hours upon hours are spent talking about a team that keeps losing. No wonder this town seems like a bunch of losers, that's all we seem to want to talk about. Yawn. Let's talk about winners.
Let's hear pre-game chatter. Let's hear half time analysis. Let's hear second guessing on substitutions and starting lineups. All that kind of talk makes sense in soccer too.
Go Sporting!
Ben
A baseball fan can't be converted into a soccer fan. But for people with interest in both sports, well its not uncommon for fans to give up on a team for a season.
In the long run, I think MLB's imbalance helps MLS in Kansas City and in most cities.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Best Draft Classes
Seeing a lot of tweets tonight about the first round of the NFL draft, it got me thinking about the draft history for Kansas City when it comes to the Wizards/Sporting KC.
First, some honorable mentions, 1998, specifically for the drafting of Chris Klein, who appeared 200 times for the club. The other, 2009, which could very well move of this list quickly. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi have appeared in 152 league games, while Neal Kitson is playing in England and Akeem Priestley is playing in the USL.
Now here's my list of the top 5 draft classes for KC.
5. 2002
Really this class isn't great, but is on this list for 1 pick that has turned out great for the team. KC didn't have a pick in the draft until the 3rd round, but still had 7 picks. Only two of those picks though made appearances for KC. O'Neil Peart, Dominic DePra, Brian Lavin, Dane Erickson, and Mark Spears never made the team. Chris Brunt, KC's second 3rd round pick played only 9 games for the club. But the reason that this class is on the list, is because of their 5th round pick, Davy Arnaud. Arnaud has appeared in more league games for KC than any other player, 240.
4. 2007
This class has been led by Michael Harrington, who has played 139 games for KC in his career so far. Kurt Morsink and Aaron Hohlbein each played in over 40 games for KC. Morsink is still hanging around DC while Hohlbein, at least for the moment is out of the game after spending time with Fort Lauderdale. Michael Kraus also hung around KC for a little while, appearing in 11 games. The rest of the class isn't as successful though. Michael Todd spent time in the PDL after being drafted by appears to now be out of the league. Chris Konopka spent time in the Irish league before becoming a league keeper last year and signed with Philadelphia this past offseason. AJ Godbolt and Willy Guardarrama spent a year with KC, but neither contributed to more than reserve games. And then you have Eric Frimpong, who the team doesn't even recognize in media guides as being drafted by the team after he was arrested and imprisoned for rape.
3. 2008
This class is really now starting to come good, especially KC's two first round picks. Chance Myers has finally started to find the form that made him the first overall pick, while Roger Espinoza is fast becoming one of the better midfielders in the league, really helping in the midfield. KC also got 33 appearances from Jonathan Leathers before losing him in last year's expansion draft. Matt Marquess and Rauwshan McKenzie both had a handful of appearances, and McKenzie is still hanging around MLS, having started each of Chivas' games so far this season. Yomby William, Tom Gray, and Pat Healy have spent quite a bit of time playing in the US' lower divisions of soccer, while Vicente Arze has played in the USL, Bolivia, and is now in Hungary. Andrew Kartunen was an MLS pool keeper for one year.
2. 1996
Yes it's a little hard to judge this class because of how early it was, but there was plenty of consistent performers for the club in this class. The club got over 100 appearances from one of their first round picks, Matt McKeon (144) and second round pick, Diego Gutierrez (119). The team also got 83 appearances from supplemental pick, Paul Wright. Not a horrible haul. KC's other picks weren't as successful, but Chris Snitko played 26 games for the team, and Pat Harrington was KC's first starting goalkeeper. The other two, Dion Sebwe and David Moxom never made the club.
1. 2000
And it's really not even close, drafts don't get much better than the 2000 draft. While the majority of the draft is forgettable, Tom Zawislan and Casey Sweeney never appeared for the club, while John Wilson (who was also drafted by the team in 1999) and Peter Byaruhanga made a combined9 appearances for the club. What makes this the best draft in team history was the drafting of Nick Garcia with the 2nd pick of the draft and then selecting Kerry Zavagnin in the 3rd round. The two combined for over 450 appearances in league play and played over 40,000 minutes. You've be hard pressed to find another draft that good.
First, some honorable mentions, 1998, specifically for the drafting of Chris Klein, who appeared 200 times for the club. The other, 2009, which could very well move of this list quickly. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi have appeared in 152 league games, while Neal Kitson is playing in England and Akeem Priestley is playing in the USL.
Now here's my list of the top 5 draft classes for KC.
5. 2002
Really this class isn't great, but is on this list for 1 pick that has turned out great for the team. KC didn't have a pick in the draft until the 3rd round, but still had 7 picks. Only two of those picks though made appearances for KC. O'Neil Peart, Dominic DePra, Brian Lavin, Dane Erickson, and Mark Spears never made the team. Chris Brunt, KC's second 3rd round pick played only 9 games for the club. But the reason that this class is on the list, is because of their 5th round pick, Davy Arnaud. Arnaud has appeared in more league games for KC than any other player, 240.
4. 2007
This class has been led by Michael Harrington, who has played 139 games for KC in his career so far. Kurt Morsink and Aaron Hohlbein each played in over 40 games for KC. Morsink is still hanging around DC while Hohlbein, at least for the moment is out of the game after spending time with Fort Lauderdale. Michael Kraus also hung around KC for a little while, appearing in 11 games. The rest of the class isn't as successful though. Michael Todd spent time in the PDL after being drafted by appears to now be out of the league. Chris Konopka spent time in the Irish league before becoming a league keeper last year and signed with Philadelphia this past offseason. AJ Godbolt and Willy Guardarrama spent a year with KC, but neither contributed to more than reserve games. And then you have Eric Frimpong, who the team doesn't even recognize in media guides as being drafted by the team after he was arrested and imprisoned for rape.
3. 2008
This class is really now starting to come good, especially KC's two first round picks. Chance Myers has finally started to find the form that made him the first overall pick, while Roger Espinoza is fast becoming one of the better midfielders in the league, really helping in the midfield. KC also got 33 appearances from Jonathan Leathers before losing him in last year's expansion draft. Matt Marquess and Rauwshan McKenzie both had a handful of appearances, and McKenzie is still hanging around MLS, having started each of Chivas' games so far this season. Yomby William, Tom Gray, and Pat Healy have spent quite a bit of time playing in the US' lower divisions of soccer, while Vicente Arze has played in the USL, Bolivia, and is now in Hungary. Andrew Kartunen was an MLS pool keeper for one year.
2. 1996
Yes it's a little hard to judge this class because of how early it was, but there was plenty of consistent performers for the club in this class. The club got over 100 appearances from one of their first round picks, Matt McKeon (144) and second round pick, Diego Gutierrez (119). The team also got 83 appearances from supplemental pick, Paul Wright. Not a horrible haul. KC's other picks weren't as successful, but Chris Snitko played 26 games for the team, and Pat Harrington was KC's first starting goalkeeper. The other two, Dion Sebwe and David Moxom never made the club.
1. 2000
And it's really not even close, drafts don't get much better than the 2000 draft. While the majority of the draft is forgettable, Tom Zawislan and Casey Sweeney never appeared for the club, while John Wilson (who was also drafted by the team in 1999) and Peter Byaruhanga made a combined9 appearances for the club. What makes this the best draft in team history was the drafting of Nick Garcia with the 2nd pick of the draft and then selecting Kerry Zavagnin in the 3rd round. The two combined for over 450 appearances in league play and played over 40,000 minutes. You've be hard pressed to find another draft that good.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's another week of former SKC Wizards updates for you.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 2-1 win over Colorado.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-1 loss to San Jose. Started and played 55 minutes in Salt Lake's 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Vancouver. Did not dress in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Salt Lake.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over KC.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 89 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-1 win over New York.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Vancouver. Started and played 68 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with RSL.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal and an assist in San Jose's 3-1 win over Salt Lake.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - No game this week.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-1 win over New York.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 4-3 win over Edmonton.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio. Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - No game this week.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 90 minutes in Dayton's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Started and played 63 minutes in Diosgyor's 2-0 loss to Gyori.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 72 minutes in Cruz Azul's 5-2 win over Tecos.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Beat Argentino Merlo 1-0.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 57 minutes in Santos' 3-0 win over Tigres. Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Santos' 2-1 win over Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Started and played 45 minutes in Vasas' 1-1 draw with Papa.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Waterhouse.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 1-0 loss to Vitoria da Conquista. Did not play in Bahia's 0-0 draw with Portuguesa.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Defeated Junak 2-0.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Northampton's 0-0 draw with Hereford United.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 1-1 draw with Sfintul Gheorghe.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Krasnodar's 1-0 win over Terek Grozny.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Started and played 60 minutes in Thrasyvoulos' 4-3 win over Fokikos. Lost 3-1 to Iraklis Psachna.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Paderborn's 2-0 loss to Karlsruher.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Tom Gray
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - No game this week.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 2-1 win over Colorado.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-1 loss to San Jose. Started and played 55 minutes in Salt Lake's 1-1 draw with Dallas.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Vancouver. Did not dress in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Salt Lake.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over KC.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 89 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-1 win over New York.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Dallas' 1-0 loss to Vancouver. Started and played 68 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with RSL.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal and an assist in San Jose's 3-1 win over Salt Lake.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - No game this week.
Josh Wolff - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-1 win over New York.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 4-3 win over Edmonton.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio. Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - No game this week.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 90 minutes in Dayton's 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Started and played 63 minutes in Diosgyor's 2-0 loss to Gyori.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 72 minutes in Cruz Azul's 5-2 win over Tecos.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Beat Argentino Merlo 1-0.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Started and played 57 minutes in Santos' 3-0 win over Tigres. Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Santos' 2-1 win over Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Started and played 45 minutes in Vasas' 1-1 draw with Papa.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Waterhouse.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 1-0 loss to Vitoria da Conquista. Did not play in Bahia's 0-0 draw with Portuguesa.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Defeated Junak 2-0.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Northampton's 0-0 draw with Hereford United.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 1-1 draw with Sfintul Gheorghe.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Krasnodar's 1-0 win over Terek Grozny.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Started and played 60 minutes in Thrasyvoulos' 4-3 win over Fokikos. Lost 3-1 to Iraklis Psachna.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Paderborn's 2-0 loss to Karlsruher.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
The Haitian Xavi Returns
While I was waiting for the reserve game to start yesterday, someone next to me asked who number 19 was that was warming up close to our side of the field. It took me a minute to realize, but it was the Haitian Xavi, Peterson Joseph back in KC. No one had really seen Joseph with the team since the team left for Arizona for that phase of preseason. He didn't play in any of KC's preseason games and hadn't been at training either, but yesterday he was back with the team. Joseph came into the game at half time for Luke Sassano. Joseph didn't do too bad, but certainly looked like someone that hadn't played much competitive soccer lately.
Today we got the story on where Joseph had been. We'd been told he was away on personal issues, and in multiple podcasts, Thad and I have discussed it being a family issue. We find out now that it was the passing of his mother that caused Joseph to miss the time. A family tragedy that hopefully the Haitian international can get by and work to get himself into competition for first team time.
Today we got the story on where Joseph had been. We'd been told he was away on personal issues, and in multiple podcasts, Thad and I have discussed it being a family issue. We find out now that it was the passing of his mother that caused Joseph to miss the time. A family tragedy that hopefully the Haitian international can get by and work to get himself into competition for first team time.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Reserves Lose, Sinovic Out, Gibson Training with Sporting
It's not a great day news wise for Sporting KC today, with two bits of bad news coming out today. First, Sporting KC's reserves, the Swope Park Rangers, took the field against the Colorado Rapids in reserve league play. From the beginning, KC was the stronger side, controlling the game and attacking consistently, but were unable to grab the lead. The best chances of the first half felt to Korede Aiyegbusi. The first he forced a good save at the near post by Steward Ceus, the second he went just wide from outside the box. The "highlight" of the half came just before the half when the benches emptied and we had a fight basically break out on the far sideline. Kevin Ellis had gone in for a tackle and won the ball. Then Eddie Ababio came in late with a two footed slide tackle into Ellis. This brought both benches to their feet. Jacob Peterson took exception to Ababio's challenge and got into with the Rapids defender. From across the field, it appeared that Peterson threw a few punches. Ababio got his marching orders, while Peterson got a yellow.
In the second half, KC continued to control the game, especially with the man advantage, but couldn't finish. Teal Bunbury had the best of the chances. The first coming from a long ball over the top. The ball was headed on to Bunbury by Dom Dwyer, but Bunbury took one touch too many, and Hunter Freeman recovered very well to tackle the ball away from Bunbury. Later in the half though, the Rapids struck on the counter. Wells Thompson fed the ball to Andre Akpan, who easily held off Konrad Warzycha raced into the box and fired a shot past Jon Kempin at the near post. Some poor defending and poor goalkeeping put KC behind. KC though continued to push and should have equalized very late through Bunbury. Shawn Singh played a ball towards Bunbury who headed it on to Dwyer. The Englishman controlled off his chest and flicked the ball over the defender to Bunbury. His first touch got Ceus to go off his feet, but instead of trying to slot the ball under Ceus, he chipped it over the Rapids goalkeeper and the ball hit the top of the bar. Off a late corner, the ball fell to Paulo Nagamura who fired just wide of the goal. In the end, KC fell 1-0 to drop to 1-2-1 on the reserve season. Here are the highlights:
Sinovic Out
The bad news continued for KC today with the Tuesday release of the injury report. Starting left back, Seth Sinovic appears on the latest report as out. A broken hand has put the outside back on the injury list, an injury that he picked up in the loss against Portland. When I got back from Portland on Sunday, I road to The Parking Spot on the same bus as Sinovic. At the time, he had an ace wrap on his hand, but it didn't seem to be bothering him too much. Hopefully it's only a minor break that allows him to continue to play but with a cast. Maybe the time off this week will allow Sinovic to recover enough to play against Montreal. If he can't, than this is good news for Michael Harrington, who would be the lead candidate to replace Sinovic in the starting lineup. Harrington though played well tonight and I'm not sure it'll be a big problem should Harrington have to start.
Gibson Back Training with KC
In some small good news today, Leo Gibson is back with Kansas City training again. Gibson had trained with KC last year and had played in a few reserve games. The Comets defender was also on the bench tonight, but did not get in for the Rangers in their 1-0 loss to Colorado. I'd expect him to hang around for most of the season, at least as a body.
In the second half, KC continued to control the game, especially with the man advantage, but couldn't finish. Teal Bunbury had the best of the chances. The first coming from a long ball over the top. The ball was headed on to Bunbury by Dom Dwyer, but Bunbury took one touch too many, and Hunter Freeman recovered very well to tackle the ball away from Bunbury. Later in the half though, the Rapids struck on the counter. Wells Thompson fed the ball to Andre Akpan, who easily held off Konrad Warzycha raced into the box and fired a shot past Jon Kempin at the near post. Some poor defending and poor goalkeeping put KC behind. KC though continued to push and should have equalized very late through Bunbury. Shawn Singh played a ball towards Bunbury who headed it on to Dwyer. The Englishman controlled off his chest and flicked the ball over the defender to Bunbury. His first touch got Ceus to go off his feet, but instead of trying to slot the ball under Ceus, he chipped it over the Rapids goalkeeper and the ball hit the top of the bar. Off a late corner, the ball fell to Paulo Nagamura who fired just wide of the goal. In the end, KC fell 1-0 to drop to 1-2-1 on the reserve season. Here are the highlights:
Sinovic Out
The bad news continued for KC today with the Tuesday release of the injury report. Starting left back, Seth Sinovic appears on the latest report as out. A broken hand has put the outside back on the injury list, an injury that he picked up in the loss against Portland. When I got back from Portland on Sunday, I road to The Parking Spot on the same bus as Sinovic. At the time, he had an ace wrap on his hand, but it didn't seem to be bothering him too much. Hopefully it's only a minor break that allows him to continue to play but with a cast. Maybe the time off this week will allow Sinovic to recover enough to play against Montreal. If he can't, than this is good news for Michael Harrington, who would be the lead candidate to replace Sinovic in the starting lineup. Harrington though played well tonight and I'm not sure it'll be a big problem should Harrington have to start.
Gibson Back Training with KC
In some small good news today, Leo Gibson is back with Kansas City training again. Gibson had trained with KC last year and had played in a few reserve games. The Comets defender was also on the bench tonight, but did not get in for the Rangers in their 1-0 loss to Colorado. I'd expect him to hang around for most of the season, at least as a body.
Opening Arguments: Sporting KC vs KC Royals
Does the Kansas City Royals poor start to the season hurt, help, or not matter to Sporting KC's success off the field?
For those that don't watch a ton of baseball (myself included), the Kansas City Royals are in the midst of a very long losing streak right now. Eleven straight losses, ten of those at home, not the way that you want to start a season that many felt would finally see the Royals be a little more competitive in the Central Division. Now the Royals are 3-13, already 7 games out of first place. And after last night's loss, I saw the @SportingKC mentions and the #SportingKC time line blow up with multiple posts from people. Some people saying how they were glad that they were Sporting fans and not Royals fans, but a lot of them seemed to be people saying they need to check out Sporting since it's the "same old Royals" or saying they need to get a soccer for dummies book and check out Sporting. Either way, the frustration with the Royals is becoming readily apparent.
The question this week is, does the Royals struggles this season combined with Sporting KC's good start help, hurt, or not matter to Sporting's success in the stands, in the media, and in other off the field measures? For me, I think it's more of Sporting's good start that is contributing the most to their success. As I mentioned last night, KC is hungry for a winner, the Chiefs haven't won a playoff game since Joe Montana was quarterback back in 1993, and the Royals haven't been a potential playoff contender since the 1994 MLB strike (aside from one season when they flirted with it before falling away under Tony Pena). Then while I enjoy the Missouri Comets, and the Missouri Mavericks and KC T-Bones have success, they all are minor league teams. And while the Wizards won a title in 2000 and the US Open Cup in 2004, they weren't exactly getting much media attention during that time. Now Sporting is pulling in the local media, they are getting consistent TV coverage and are drawing well in their own stadium. It's been a long time since there's been a winner in this city that people have gotten behind. And since KC's stadium has opened they've lost only 4 regular season games since it did would seem to classify them as a winner.
More than anything, it is Sporting's winning that is leading to Sporting's success off the field, but it's also due to good brand building off it as well. There's been a number of articles, not just in KC, but throughout the US talking about the things that the club has been doing off the field to grow the team and the brand. OnGoal has made the club one of the model franchises of the league, and have made the team the blue print for turning around struggling MLS sides.
The Royals struggles though have contributed to Sporting's success a little bit though, as people like to support winners. Just look at the fan bases of the New York Yankees, the LA Lakers, Manchester United, they have huge fan bases not just in their own cities, but around the world. Success brings TV coverage (although NY and LA being huge cities helps too). For more recent examples, look at how many more Chelsea fans there are now compared to 10-15 years ago, before the Russian oil money came in. Or the sudden growth in Manchester City fans (not all, I know a few that were fans before the money really came in). Winning and doing well brings out fans. The Royals are not winning right now, haven't been winning for a long time. This year especially, hopes had been high, but those are falling fast with the way the Royals have been losing lately.
On the other side, you can argue that the Royals losing is hurting Sporting off the field in the media at least. The Royals' struggles are becoming the main talk on sports radio and the news. Not that Sporting was always a topic, but just how much the Royals struggle is the big talking point.
So what do you think? Are the Royals struggles helping Sporting's off field success? Or is it hurting it?
Monday, April 23, 2012
My How Things Change
It's not every day that Sporting KC is mentioned in the New York Times, but today a nice article about the turnaround of the team came out in the New York paper. Plenty of interesting information with regards to the growth of the team since OnGoal took over. There's also an uncredited mention of this blog posting the new logo first.
For me the most interesting part of the article is the comments regarding the growth of the team from 2006 when OnGoal took over to 2012. When OnGoal took over the team there were a total of only around 600 season ticket holders, of which I was one. Now KC has well over 10,000 season ticket holders, a huge increase. And while the majority of those season ticket holders came when the stadium opened, the team still increased the number of season ticket holders even before the stadium opening. It would have been hard not to. The other big number increase is in merchandise sales. In 2006, KC made only about $30,000 merchandise sales. Not overly surprising considering that you were hard pressed to find much Wizards merchandise in the stadium, let alone outside of game days. Now in 2012, KC has already surpassed the $1 million mark. And you are finding Sporting KC merchandise all around the city.
While I still am not the biggest fan of the Sporting KC name, I understand that OnGoal needed the fresh start to get the ball re-rolling towards a better start for building the franchise. And since then they've done a good job of building the franchise. Now it's time for Peter Vermes and the guys on the field to deliver on their side. They have top class facilities, a top class stadium, a rabid growing fan base, and a city that is desperate to get behind a team that can/will bring home a title. It's time to bring home silverware.
For me the most interesting part of the article is the comments regarding the growth of the team from 2006 when OnGoal took over to 2012. When OnGoal took over the team there were a total of only around 600 season ticket holders, of which I was one. Now KC has well over 10,000 season ticket holders, a huge increase. And while the majority of those season ticket holders came when the stadium opened, the team still increased the number of season ticket holders even before the stadium opening. It would have been hard not to. The other big number increase is in merchandise sales. In 2006, KC made only about $30,000 merchandise sales. Not overly surprising considering that you were hard pressed to find much Wizards merchandise in the stadium, let alone outside of game days. Now in 2012, KC has already surpassed the $1 million mark. And you are finding Sporting KC merchandise all around the city.
While I still am not the biggest fan of the Sporting KC name, I understand that OnGoal needed the fresh start to get the ball re-rolling towards a better start for building the franchise. And since then they've done a good job of building the franchise. Now it's time for Peter Vermes and the guys on the field to deliver on their side. They have top class facilities, a top class stadium, a rabid growing fan base, and a city that is desperate to get behind a team that can/will bring home a title. It's time to bring home silverware.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Sunday After Stats (Times Two)
Here are some stats for KC's two games in the Pacific Northwest.
Bobby Convey's start against Portland was his 175th in all competitions in his MLS career.
Roger Espinoza made his 75th career MLS start against Portland.
The loss to Portland was Kansas City's 200th loss in team history, the team is 201-200-100 in league play.
The own goal by Chance Myers was the 400th goal conceded away from home by Kansas City in MLS play.
Kei Kamara's goal in Vancouver was his 6th for KC away from home in league play, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 13th on that list.
It was also his 6th away goal for KC in all competitions, tying him with Claudio Lopez and Jose Burciaga for 15th on that list.
Kamara's goal was also his 25th in all competitions for KC. He's the 8th player to hit that mark.
The win over Vancouver was Jimmy Nielsen's 31st in all competitions for KC, tying him with Kevin Hartman for 4th on that list of keepers.
Bobby Convey's start against Portland was his 175th in all competitions in his MLS career.
Roger Espinoza made his 75th career MLS start against Portland.
The loss to Portland was Kansas City's 200th loss in team history, the team is 201-200-100 in league play.
The own goal by Chance Myers was the 400th goal conceded away from home by Kansas City in MLS play.
Kei Kamara's goal in Vancouver was his 6th for KC away from home in league play, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 13th on that list.
It was also his 6th away goal for KC in all competitions, tying him with Claudio Lopez and Jose Burciaga for 15th on that list.
Kamara's goal was also his 25th in all competitions for KC. He's the 8th player to hit that mark.
The win over Vancouver was Jimmy Nielsen's 31st in all competitions for KC, tying him with Kevin Hartman for 4th on that list of keepers.
All Good Things Must End
People may not have wanted to admit it, but Sporting KC's winning streak was going to end eventually. They weren't going to go 34-0, eventually they were going to have a bad night, things weren't going to go their way, or a team was going to come out and beat them. Last night in Portland, things just didn't go Sporting's way, and the Timber defeated KC 1-0 on an own goal from Chance Myers.
Sporting KC started the game well enough, and Kei Kamara probably should have put KC on top in the 9th minute as CJ Sapong danced along the line and played a ball into the middle for Kamara. Kamara's shot though was right at Troy Perkins though and he collected the shot. KC continued to push the game, but couldn't find a goal. As half got closer, KC seemed to tire a little bit and Portland got more of the game. And as Portland got more game, Portland forced KC into a mistake that led to a goal. A long ball was only partially cleared by Matt Besler and was sent back in by Portland. Kris Boyd ran onto the ball as it headed to the corner. Boyd played a cross in towards the back post and Darlington Nagbe. Both Myers and Julio Cesar were racing back to cover the play. The two though, while watching the ball didn't see each other and collided at the same time. Myers got a head on the ball, but headed past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net. Cesar and Myers have to take some blame for not communicating, but Nielsen also needs to bare some responsibility as well. As a goalkeeper, Nielsen sees the whole field and needs to give a call of warning in that situation as well. Sapong had a late opportunity off of a Besler throw in, but it was blocked by Boyd.
Almost immediately after half time, Portland should have doubled their lead through Boyd. Diego Chara started a break and played the ball across the middle to Boyd. Nielsen though was quickly off his line and deflected the shot wide of goal. The game opened up as KC looked to find an equalizer, and Portland tried to hit on the counter. Jack Jewsbury had a good effort deflected wide of the goal in the 66th. KC kept pushing, but struggled to create good chances. They really didn't test Perkins enough, the Portland did a good job of shutting down KC's offense before it got through to Perkins, but KC as a whole also looked gassed after the game on Wednesday in Vancouver. Portland was able to hold off KC's late push, end their 4 game losing streak, and KC's winning streak.
Wizards Man of the Match - Roger Espinoza - Hard to pick a man of the match as KC was flat for much of the night, but Espinoza did a good job of controlling the midfield against the Timbers.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 5, Collin 5, Besler 5, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Espinoza 6, Zusi 5, Convey 4, Sapong 5, Kamara 5. Subs Bunbury 5, Nagamura 5.
Sporting KC started the game well enough, and Kei Kamara probably should have put KC on top in the 9th minute as CJ Sapong danced along the line and played a ball into the middle for Kamara. Kamara's shot though was right at Troy Perkins though and he collected the shot. KC continued to push the game, but couldn't find a goal. As half got closer, KC seemed to tire a little bit and Portland got more of the game. And as Portland got more game, Portland forced KC into a mistake that led to a goal. A long ball was only partially cleared by Matt Besler and was sent back in by Portland. Kris Boyd ran onto the ball as it headed to the corner. Boyd played a cross in towards the back post and Darlington Nagbe. Both Myers and Julio Cesar were racing back to cover the play. The two though, while watching the ball didn't see each other and collided at the same time. Myers got a head on the ball, but headed past Jimmy Nielsen and into the net. Cesar and Myers have to take some blame for not communicating, but Nielsen also needs to bare some responsibility as well. As a goalkeeper, Nielsen sees the whole field and needs to give a call of warning in that situation as well. Sapong had a late opportunity off of a Besler throw in, but it was blocked by Boyd.
Almost immediately after half time, Portland should have doubled their lead through Boyd. Diego Chara started a break and played the ball across the middle to Boyd. Nielsen though was quickly off his line and deflected the shot wide of goal. The game opened up as KC looked to find an equalizer, and Portland tried to hit on the counter. Jack Jewsbury had a good effort deflected wide of the goal in the 66th. KC kept pushing, but struggled to create good chances. They really didn't test Perkins enough, the Portland did a good job of shutting down KC's offense before it got through to Perkins, but KC as a whole also looked gassed after the game on Wednesday in Vancouver. Portland was able to hold off KC's late push, end their 4 game losing streak, and KC's winning streak.
Wizards Man of the Match - Roger Espinoza - Hard to pick a man of the match as KC was flat for much of the night, but Espinoza did a good job of controlling the midfield against the Timbers.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 5, Collin 5, Besler 5, Sinovic 5, Cesar 5, Espinoza 6, Zusi 5, Convey 4, Sapong 5, Kamara 5. Subs Bunbury 5, Nagamura 5.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Please Please Win Meow Meow Meow
KC continue their two game Pacific Northwest road swing tomorrow when they'll take on the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field. Portland is struggling quite a bit at the moment. They've lost their last 4 games, and are winless in their last 5. Of course a team that is struggling isn't always the thing you want to face. Because sooner than later, they'll break out of the slump and with this game in Portland there's certainly the threat of it happening to KC. Combine that with the win KC got last year over Portland, including CJ Sapong's celebration in front of the Timbers' Army last year.
After the win over Vancouver, KC has extended their lead atop the league, but KC certainly had some trouble getting the result. Even though they won 3-1, Vancouver challenged KC more than any team so far this season. KC really had trouble with the artificial surface, similar to their situation last year in Vancouver. KC will once again be on turf in Portland, so it could be another rough outing for KC. With Bobby Convey picking up a knock, and Paulo Nagamura cramping up, the team could see more changes to their lineup come tomorrow. If Convey can't go, expect Jacob Peterson to step in. And if Nagamura is unable to go, I'd expect Lawrence Olum to start in his place, unless Julio Cesar is ready to go. I think there's a good chance that they'll start though.
Number to Remember - 6 - This is the end of KC's 6 game stretch against the Western Conference. KC so far is 5-0-0, and guaranteed themselves a winning record against the West with that win against Vancouver.
Key Match Up - Seth Sinovic vs Kalif Alhassan - Alhassan had a big game in the opener against Philadelphia, and will be a handful for Sinovic to deal with. It'll be similar to the match up Sinovic had to face against Vancouver in Atiba Harris. And in that game, Sinovic struggled against the Vancouver winger.
PREDICTION - KC is in for a tough game against the Timbers. The defense will need to be tighter than it was against the Whitecaps. Kris Boyd is a straight finisher and will take advantage of any space that he is given. Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler will need to be on their game to shut down the Scot. In the end though this winning streak will end sooner than later, and I just have a worry it'll end tomorrow. Of course I said the same thing against Vancouver...
KC - 1 (Sapong)
PDX - 1 (Boyd)
After the win over Vancouver, KC has extended their lead atop the league, but KC certainly had some trouble getting the result. Even though they won 3-1, Vancouver challenged KC more than any team so far this season. KC really had trouble with the artificial surface, similar to their situation last year in Vancouver. KC will once again be on turf in Portland, so it could be another rough outing for KC. With Bobby Convey picking up a knock, and Paulo Nagamura cramping up, the team could see more changes to their lineup come tomorrow. If Convey can't go, expect Jacob Peterson to step in. And if Nagamura is unable to go, I'd expect Lawrence Olum to start in his place, unless Julio Cesar is ready to go. I think there's a good chance that they'll start though.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Convey
Number to Remember - 6 - This is the end of KC's 6 game stretch against the Western Conference. KC so far is 5-0-0, and guaranteed themselves a winning record against the West with that win against Vancouver.
Key Match Up - Seth Sinovic vs Kalif Alhassan - Alhassan had a big game in the opener against Philadelphia, and will be a handful for Sinovic to deal with. It'll be similar to the match up Sinovic had to face against Vancouver in Atiba Harris. And in that game, Sinovic struggled against the Vancouver winger.
PREDICTION - KC is in for a tough game against the Timbers. The defense will need to be tighter than it was against the Whitecaps. Kris Boyd is a straight finisher and will take advantage of any space that he is given. Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler will need to be on their game to shut down the Scot. In the end though this winning streak will end sooner than later, and I just have a worry it'll end tomorrow. Of course I said the same thing against Vancouver...
KC - 1 (Sapong)
PDX - 1 (Boyd)
Still Perfect
Seven is heaven. Last night in Vancouver, Sporting Kansas City was able to extend their lead a top not only the Eastern conference but all of MLS, with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. A crowd of Cauldron/Sporting KC fans traveled to Vancouver for the game, with close to 70 traveling for the game, a number that would have been considered a good home attendance Cauldron only about 7 years ago, as the section has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few years.
The early going of the game saw a very hectic going. Neither team really was able to get much meaningful possession or really about to test the other side. Of the two teams though, it was KC that had the better of the play in the early going. When Vancouver did try to strike on the counter, Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler did a good job of breaking down Vancouver's attacks. And when the ball made it through, Jimmy Nielsen did a good job of getting off his line to collect. In the 24th minute, despite the lackluster start, KC grabbed the lead through Aurelien Collin. After a long corner came to nothing, the ball was played back wide to Graham Zusi, whose ball back into the middle was only partially cleared to Roger Espinoza. Espinoza's shot deflected off of CJ Sapong into the path of Collin, who poked the ball hoom in front of Jay DeMerit to give KC the 1-0 lead. After the goal, Vancouver started to get more of the ball, and Sebastien Le Toux had a good opportunity for an equalizer off a header, but Jimmy Nielsen made a simple save. Gershon Koffie had another good chance when Atiba Harris beat Seth Sinovic down the left and laid the ball back to Koffie, but he fired well over the bar. In the 39th, KC had another good chance, as Roger Espinoza broke down the left he found Kei Kamara, but Kamara's header was high and wide of the net. Late in the first half, KC fans felt Eric Hassli was lucky to stay on the field. After picking up a yellow for a kick at Kamara, Hassli kicked out at Collin, but only got a yellow. KC went into the half though up 1-0.
To start the second half, Vancouver came out and controlled the start of the game, bringing the game to Kansas City. On one of KC's chances early on though they doubled their lead. After CJ Sapong did well to force a deep throw in, Matt Besler set up a second goal. Besler's long throw in went towards Collin, but Martin Bonjour directed the throw in past Joe Cannon and into his own net to make it 2-0 KC. Shortly after the goal, Nielsen made his best save of the game, on a shot by his own player, Sinovic. Sinvoic was trying to clear a cross, and instead directed the ball on goal. The ball was looping over Nielsen who was able to get back and knock the ball over the bar for a corner. KC let Vancouver bring the attack to them more and tried to hit on the counter. Kei Kamara had a good chance that he put over the bar, and then Zusi himself had a good chance as he cut inside on both Vancouver defenders, but he too put the shot over the bar. In the 65th minute, KC made it 3-0. Kamara won the ball out wide and fed to Chance Myers. Myers played the ball into the middle, where Kamara had continued his run and he flicked the ball past Cannon to make it 3-0.
At 3-0 you would mostly feel safe, but after last year in Vancouver, KC fans had to feel concerned about KC's leading considering last year in Vancouver, KC blew a 3-0 lead to tie 3-3. And after KC took the 3-0 lead this year, they started to site back more and let Vancouver bring the game to them more. Vancouver took advantage of this and started to really bring it. KC's defense had to be on the game late on as Nielsen was forced to make a number of big saves. In the 79th minute Vancouver found a bit of a life line through Le Toux. A cross into the box found Camilo, whose header hit the cross bar, but Le Toux followed and headed into the net to make it 3-1. Nielsen went crazy, immediately running at the AR, believing that Le Toux was offside, but Myers had kept the Frenchman onside. And all of the sudden KC fans were starting to worry about a repeat of last year. For the last 10 minute, Vancouver bombarded KC's goal. Camilo forced another good save out of Nieslen. Nielsen continued to have a response to other efforts from Vancouver, including a good save on Long Tan. KC continued to hold strong defensively though as the rest of the defense stepped up. In the end, it was enough as KC held on to keep a repeat of last year from happening.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelein Collin - The Frenchman did a great job of shutting down his fellow country men, Hassli and Le Toux. Combine that with getting a goal, and you can't argue with his performance.
Honorable mention: Jimmy Nielsen
Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 7, Besler 7, Collin 8, Sinovic 6, Nagamura 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 7, Kamara 6, Sapong 6, Convey 5. Subs Peterson 5, Bunbury 5, Olum 5.
The early going of the game saw a very hectic going. Neither team really was able to get much meaningful possession or really about to test the other side. Of the two teams though, it was KC that had the better of the play in the early going. When Vancouver did try to strike on the counter, Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler did a good job of breaking down Vancouver's attacks. And when the ball made it through, Jimmy Nielsen did a good job of getting off his line to collect. In the 24th minute, despite the lackluster start, KC grabbed the lead through Aurelien Collin. After a long corner came to nothing, the ball was played back wide to Graham Zusi, whose ball back into the middle was only partially cleared to Roger Espinoza. Espinoza's shot deflected off of CJ Sapong into the path of Collin, who poked the ball hoom in front of Jay DeMerit to give KC the 1-0 lead. After the goal, Vancouver started to get more of the ball, and Sebastien Le Toux had a good opportunity for an equalizer off a header, but Jimmy Nielsen made a simple save. Gershon Koffie had another good chance when Atiba Harris beat Seth Sinovic down the left and laid the ball back to Koffie, but he fired well over the bar. In the 39th, KC had another good chance, as Roger Espinoza broke down the left he found Kei Kamara, but Kamara's header was high and wide of the net. Late in the first half, KC fans felt Eric Hassli was lucky to stay on the field. After picking up a yellow for a kick at Kamara, Hassli kicked out at Collin, but only got a yellow. KC went into the half though up 1-0.
To start the second half, Vancouver came out and controlled the start of the game, bringing the game to Kansas City. On one of KC's chances early on though they doubled their lead. After CJ Sapong did well to force a deep throw in, Matt Besler set up a second goal. Besler's long throw in went towards Collin, but Martin Bonjour directed the throw in past Joe Cannon and into his own net to make it 2-0 KC. Shortly after the goal, Nielsen made his best save of the game, on a shot by his own player, Sinovic. Sinvoic was trying to clear a cross, and instead directed the ball on goal. The ball was looping over Nielsen who was able to get back and knock the ball over the bar for a corner. KC let Vancouver bring the attack to them more and tried to hit on the counter. Kei Kamara had a good chance that he put over the bar, and then Zusi himself had a good chance as he cut inside on both Vancouver defenders, but he too put the shot over the bar. In the 65th minute, KC made it 3-0. Kamara won the ball out wide and fed to Chance Myers. Myers played the ball into the middle, where Kamara had continued his run and he flicked the ball past Cannon to make it 3-0.
At 3-0 you would mostly feel safe, but after last year in Vancouver, KC fans had to feel concerned about KC's leading considering last year in Vancouver, KC blew a 3-0 lead to tie 3-3. And after KC took the 3-0 lead this year, they started to site back more and let Vancouver bring the game to them more. Vancouver took advantage of this and started to really bring it. KC's defense had to be on the game late on as Nielsen was forced to make a number of big saves. In the 79th minute Vancouver found a bit of a life line through Le Toux. A cross into the box found Camilo, whose header hit the cross bar, but Le Toux followed and headed into the net to make it 3-1. Nielsen went crazy, immediately running at the AR, believing that Le Toux was offside, but Myers had kept the Frenchman onside. And all of the sudden KC fans were starting to worry about a repeat of last year. For the last 10 minute, Vancouver bombarded KC's goal. Camilo forced another good save out of Nieslen. Nielsen continued to have a response to other efforts from Vancouver, including a good save on Long Tan. KC continued to hold strong defensively though as the rest of the defense stepped up. In the end, it was enough as KC held on to keep a repeat of last year from happening.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelein Collin - The Frenchman did a great job of shutting down his fellow country men, Hassli and Le Toux. Combine that with getting a goal, and you can't argue with his performance.
Honorable mention: Jimmy Nielsen
Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 7, Besler 7, Collin 8, Sinovic 6, Nagamura 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 7, Kamara 6, Sapong 6, Convey 5. Subs Peterson 5, Bunbury 5, Olum 5.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's this week's former Wizards update for you.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 3-1 win over Portland.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 76 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss to KC.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Montreal
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 74 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to LA.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 66 minutes in Seattle's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Toronto.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 2-1 win over Montreal.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 84 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Josh Wolff - DC - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in DC's 2-1 win over New England.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Started and played 90 minutes in Minnesota's 0-0 draw with Fort Lauderdale.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 4-4 draw with Atlanta. Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-1 draw with Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-1 win over Richmond. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Richmond. Did not dress in Charleston's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charleston. Dressed but did not play in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charleston.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Did not play in Pittsburgh's 1-0 win over Antigua. Did not play in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Antigua.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 88 minutes in Dayton's 0-0 draw with Charlotte.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charleston. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charleston.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 win over Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in Diosgyor's 3-2 loss to Kaposvari Rakoczi.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 82 minutes in Curz Azul's 3-0 win over Toluca. Started and played 68 minutes, scoring a goal in Cruz Azul's 4-1 win over Nacional Asuncion.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Mohun Bagan's 1-1 draw with Salgaocar.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Beat Lujan 3-2.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Did not dress in Santos' 3-1 loss to America. Started and played 90 minutes in Santos' 2-0 loss to Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Started and played 90 minutes in Vasas' 4-1 loss to Videoton
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Boys' Town 2-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 2-1 win over Atletico Alagoinhas.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 2-0 to Solin.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 3-1 loss to Bradford City. Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 3-1 loss to Crawley.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-0 win over CSCA-Rapid.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 1-1 draw with Rostov.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 3-1 win over Energie Cottbus.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 3-1 win over Portland.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 76 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss to KC.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Montreal
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Out recovering from surgery.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 74 minutes in Portland's 3-1 loss to LA.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 66 minutes in Seattle's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Toronto.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Dressed but did not play in DC's 1-1 draw with Montreal.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Dressed but did not play in Dallas' 2-1 win over Montreal.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Started and played 84 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in San Jose's 2-2 draw with New York.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Dallas. started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 1-1 draw with DC.
Josh Wolff - DC - Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in DC's 2-1 win over New England.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Started and played 90 minutes in Minnesota's 0-0 draw with Fort Lauderdale.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 4-4 draw with Atlanta. Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-1 draw with Tampa.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-1 win over Richmond. Did not dress in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Richmond. Did not dress in Charleston's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charleston. Dressed but did not play in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charleston.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Did not play in Pittsburgh's 1-0 win over Antigua. Did not play in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Antigua.
Akeem Priestley - Dayton - Started and played 88 minutes in Dayton's 0-0 draw with Charlotte.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charleston. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 win over Charleston.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 win over Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-0 win over Charlotte.
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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in Diosgyor's 3-2 loss to Kaposvari Rakoczi.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 82 minutes in Curz Azul's 3-0 win over Toluca. Started and played 68 minutes, scoring a goal in Cruz Azul's 4-1 win over Nacional Asuncion.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Mohun Bagan's 1-1 draw with Salgaocar.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Beat Lujan 3-2.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - Trinidad - Season is over.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Did not dress in Santos' 3-1 loss to America. Started and played 90 minutes in Santos' 2-0 loss to Monterrey.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Started and played 90 minutes in Vasas' 4-1 loss to Videoton
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Beat Boys' Town 2-0.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 2-1 win over Atletico Alagoinhas.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost 2-0 to Solin.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 3-1 loss to Bradford City. Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 3-1 loss to Crawley.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Tiraspol's 2-0 win over CSCA-Rapid.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes, scoring a goal in Krasnodar's 1-1 draw with Rostov.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 3-1 win over Energie Cottbus.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Heading West
Sporting KC heads out west for the second time this season for a two game swing in the Pacific Northwest. That swing starts tomorrow when KC take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The Whitecaps come into the game after a week off. On their last outing the Whitecaps fell to the San Jose Earthquakes, in their first loss, and also the first time that they gave up a goal, as San Jose scored 3 goals in the second half to win 3-1. On the season, the Whitecaps are now 2-1-2, but the offense that everyone expected to score a ton of goals has been misfiring so far. The Whitecaps have only scored 4 goals, and it's been their defense that's stepped up. They'd pitched shutouts in their first 4 games before the loss to San Jose.
Heading into these 2 games in 4 days, KC has not made a lot of changes to their lineups in the first 6 games. In KC's first 6 games, 11 players have played 5,660 of KC's 5,940 available minutes this season. That's 95% of KC's minutes this season. Point being, Peter Vermes hasn't been going to his bench a ton. The other is that he's been sticking with what has worked, it's hard to argue when the team is 6-0. Vermes will be forced into at least one change, as Julio Cesar is set to miss the game with a hamstring injury. That means that Paulo Nagamura is likely to get his first start in a Sporting KC uniform. I also wouldn't be surprised with at least one other change from Vermes. I could see Teal Bunbury getting his second start of the season in place of CJ Sapong, giving the second year man a bit of a break after getting beaten up against RSL on Saturday.
Number to Remember - 500 - I posted this last night, but Sporting KC will become the first team to play 500 MLS games tomorrow. KC will hopefully not end the 500 games with a 200-200-100 record.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury/CJ Sapong vs Jay Demerit - However KC chooses to line up tomorrow, Vancouver's former US national team defender, Jay Demerit is going to be the one they'll go against. It'll be a tough match up for either player, Bunbury could be the better option, if he can get behind the defense, but man on man Sapong and Demerit could be a fun one to watch.
PREDICTION - This is going to be a tough 4 day stretch for Kansas City and it starts with a rough one in Vancouver. The Whitecaps are yet to concede a goal at home at BC Place this season and have the offensive fire power to strike quickly. The defense is going to have to keep their good play up as Vancouver's firepower is scary, at least on paper. I think KC will do ok on this road trip, but I think the perfect season comes to an end tomorrow.
KC - 1 (Kamara)
Van - 1 (Le Toux)
Heading into these 2 games in 4 days, KC has not made a lot of changes to their lineups in the first 6 games. In KC's first 6 games, 11 players have played 5,660 of KC's 5,940 available minutes this season. That's 95% of KC's minutes this season. Point being, Peter Vermes hasn't been going to his bench a ton. The other is that he's been sticking with what has worked, it's hard to argue when the team is 6-0. Vermes will be forced into at least one change, as Julio Cesar is set to miss the game with a hamstring injury. That means that Paulo Nagamura is likely to get his first start in a Sporting KC uniform. I also wouldn't be surprised with at least one other change from Vermes. I could see Teal Bunbury getting his second start of the season in place of CJ Sapong, giving the second year man a bit of a break after getting beaten up against RSL on Saturday.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Bunbury - Convey
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Bunbury - Convey
Number to Remember - 500 - I posted this last night, but Sporting KC will become the first team to play 500 MLS games tomorrow. KC will hopefully not end the 500 games with a 200-200-100 record.
Key Match Up - Teal Bunbury/CJ Sapong vs Jay Demerit - However KC chooses to line up tomorrow, Vancouver's former US national team defender, Jay Demerit is going to be the one they'll go against. It'll be a tough match up for either player, Bunbury could be the better option, if he can get behind the defense, but man on man Sapong and Demerit could be a fun one to watch.
PREDICTION - This is going to be a tough 4 day stretch for Kansas City and it starts with a rough one in Vancouver. The Whitecaps are yet to concede a goal at home at BC Place this season and have the offensive fire power to strike quickly. The defense is going to have to keep their good play up as Vancouver's firepower is scary, at least on paper. I think KC will do ok on this road trip, but I think the perfect season comes to an end tomorrow.
KC - 1 (Kamara)
Van - 1 (Le Toux)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Landmark Games
For those that missed my Sunday After Stats, Saturday against Real Salt Lake was a milestone day for Sporting KC. And like that game, Wednesday in Vancouver will be a milestone as well. On Saturday, Sporting KC played their 250th home game in the team's history. And this Wednesday in Vancouver, KC will play their 500th league game. So being the stat guy that I am, here are a few stats.
At home, KC is 135-72-43 overall in league play, that includes a record of 103-57-25 at Arrowhead (that includes 8 shootout wins in the win total), 19-13-12 at Community America Ballpark, and 13-2-6 at Livestrong Sporting Park. KC has scored 324 goals at Arrowhead, 63 at CAB, and 36 at LSP. KC has currently played the LA Galaxy more than any other team in the league at home in those 250 games, playing them 26 times, going 13-8-5 overall, including 1 shootout win.
Wednesday in Vancouver, KC will become the first MLS team to play 500 league games. The reason for this is because coming into this season, KC and New England had played one more game than the other original teams still in the league. This is because when the events of September 11th, 2001 happened, KC and New England had already played 27 games, while the other 7 original teams that are still around had only played 26. Both KC and New England have played 6 games already this season, putting them both on 499 games played, but with KC taking the field Wednesday, they'll be the first to 500 games.
In the previous 499 that KC have played, KC is a VERY average 200-199-100. A loss in Vancouver would see KC with a .500 record after 500 games. In those previous 499 games, KC has scored 704 goals, while conceding 709. The team that they've played the most in league play, is the LA Galaxy, 51 times, going 18-22-11, 2 shootout wins.
At home, KC is 135-72-43 overall in league play, that includes a record of 103-57-25 at Arrowhead (that includes 8 shootout wins in the win total), 19-13-12 at Community America Ballpark, and 13-2-6 at Livestrong Sporting Park. KC has scored 324 goals at Arrowhead, 63 at CAB, and 36 at LSP. KC has currently played the LA Galaxy more than any other team in the league at home in those 250 games, playing them 26 times, going 13-8-5 overall, including 1 shootout win.
Wednesday in Vancouver, KC will become the first MLS team to play 500 league games. The reason for this is because coming into this season, KC and New England had played one more game than the other original teams still in the league. This is because when the events of September 11th, 2001 happened, KC and New England had already played 27 games, while the other 7 original teams that are still around had only played 26. Both KC and New England have played 6 games already this season, putting them both on 499 games played, but with KC taking the field Wednesday, they'll be the first to 500 games.
In the previous 499 that KC have played, KC is a VERY average 200-199-100. A loss in Vancouver would see KC with a .500 record after 500 games. In those previous 499 games, KC has scored 704 goals, while conceding 709. The team that they've played the most in league play, is the LA Galaxy, 51 times, going 18-22-11, 2 shootout wins.
Athletics Qualify for US Open Cup
KC will have two teams in the US Open Cup proper for the first time, at least in the modern era. In the past Sporting KC has qualified, in 2007 when the Wizards didn't, the KC Brass did. And in 2010 when the Wizards didn't the KC Athletics did. This year, both Sporting and the Athletics have qualified for the Open Cup.
The Athletics qualified for the US Open Cup first round by defeating the Cincy Saints on Saturday night in Chicago. Last year the Athletics fell to the Iowa Menace 7-1 with only 10 players. This year the Athletics were again unfortunate to field 10 players. The good news for the Athletics though, was that the Saints only traveled 8 with them. The Athletics destroyed the 8 man Saints, winning 10-2 in the "win and you're in" match up. They ran out to a 6-0 lead at the half and never looked back. The Athletics will now enter the first round of the Open Cup on May 15th. With US Soccer usually doing a regional set up, I would not be surprised to see the Athletics take on the PDL Des Moines Menace in the first round.
KCA: Peter Kariotis – 13th minute
KCA: Chris Markey – 20th minute
KCA: Jesse Baker – 25th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 30th minute
KCA: Chris Markey – 36th minute
KCA: Matt Germain – 40th minute
CIN: Adam Tenhundfeld – 46th minute
CIN: Adam Tenhundfeld – 49th minute
KCA: Kyle Perkins – 50th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 67th minute
KCA: Steven Grow – 69th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 74th minute
The Athletics qualified for the US Open Cup first round by defeating the Cincy Saints on Saturday night in Chicago. Last year the Athletics fell to the Iowa Menace 7-1 with only 10 players. This year the Athletics were again unfortunate to field 10 players. The good news for the Athletics though, was that the Saints only traveled 8 with them. The Athletics destroyed the 8 man Saints, winning 10-2 in the "win and you're in" match up. They ran out to a 6-0 lead at the half and never looked back. The Athletics will now enter the first round of the Open Cup on May 15th. With US Soccer usually doing a regional set up, I would not be surprised to see the Athletics take on the PDL Des Moines Menace in the first round.
KCA: Peter Kariotis – 13th minute
KCA: Chris Markey – 20th minute
KCA: Jesse Baker – 25th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 30th minute
KCA: Chris Markey – 36th minute
KCA: Matt Germain – 40th minute
CIN: Adam Tenhundfeld – 46th minute
CIN: Adam Tenhundfeld – 49th minute
KCA: Kyle Perkins – 50th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 67th minute
KCA: Steven Grow – 69th minute
KCA: Martin Johnston – 74th minute
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Home Average After 4 Games
KC had another standing room only crowd for last night's game against Real Salt Lake, the 4th SRO crowd of the season. The 19,422 actually puts Sporting KC ahead of last seasons attendance rate which was the highest attended game ever. Here's a look at the rest of the 4th home game attendances in team history.
1996 - Arrowhead
8,916
Wednesday 5/22/1996 vs New York 2-1 win
Average - 14,153
1997 - Arrowhead
9,154
Sunday 4/27/1997 vs Tampa 2-2 (3-4) shootout loss
Average - 8,508
1998 - Arrowhead
4,406
Wednesday 4/29/1998 vs Los Angeles 0-2 loss
Second lowest attendance in team history.
Average - 7,584
1999 - Arrowhead
6,069
Wednesday 4/28/1999 vs Columbus 0-1 loss
Average - 8,677
2000 - Arrowhead
10,053
Saturday 4/22/2000 vs Tampa 1-0 win
Average - 7,556
2001 - Arrowhead
7,873
Thursday 5/24/2001 vs New York 1-0 win
Average - 9,964
2002 - Arrowhead
9,877
Saturday 5/18/2002 vs Los Angeles 2-1 win
Average - 13,396
2003 - Arrowhead
9,096
Wednesday 5/14/2003 vs New England 1-1 draw
Average - 15,523
2004 - Arrowhead
11,094
Saturday 5/8/2004 vs Chicago 2-2 draw
Average - 17,244
2005 - Arrowhead
7,129
Wednesday 5/25/2005 vs New York 1-0 win
Average - 10,657
2006 - Arrwohead
10,945
Saturday 5/27/2006 vs DC 1-3 loss
Average - 11,416
2007 - Arrowhead
13,875
Saturday 6/2/2007 vs New York 3-2 win
Eddie Johnson's second hattrick in a row.
Average - 9,720
2008 - Community America Ballpark
9,627
Saturday 4/12/2008 vs Houston 0-0 draw
Last home for about 2 months as the field at CAB was redone.
Average - 9,210
2009 - Community America Ballpark
9,077
Wednesday 5/6/2009 vs DC 1-1 draw
Average - 9,192
2010 - Community America Ballpark
8,155
Saturday 5/15/2010 vs Chicago 2-2 draw
Kamara's late equalizer in the rain for the brace.
Average - 9,703
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
15,209
Wednesday 7/6/2011 vs Colorado 1-1 draw
Average - 18,017
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,422
Saturday 4/14/2012 vs Salt Lake 1-0 win
Average - 18,671
Here's a further look at how the averages stack up.
1. 2012 - 18,671 (+2)
2. 2011 - 18,017 (-)
3. 2004 - 17,244 (-2)
4. 2003 - 15,523 (-)
5. 1996 - 14,153 (-)
6. 2002 - 13,396 (-)
7. 2006 - 11,416 (+1)
8. 2005 - 10,657 (-1)
9. 2001 - 9,964 (-)
10. 2007 - 9,720 (+5)
11. 2010 - 9,703 (-1)
12. 2008 - 9,210 (+1)
13. 2009 - 9,192 (-1)
14. 1999 - 8,677 (-3)
15. 1997 - 8,508 (+1)
16. 1998 - 7,584 (-2)
17. 2000 - 7,556 (-)
1996 - Arrowhead
8,916
Wednesday 5/22/1996 vs New York 2-1 win
Average - 14,153
1997 - Arrowhead
9,154
Sunday 4/27/1997 vs Tampa 2-2 (3-4) shootout loss
Average - 8,508
1998 - Arrowhead
4,406
Wednesday 4/29/1998 vs Los Angeles 0-2 loss
Second lowest attendance in team history.
Average - 7,584
1999 - Arrowhead
6,069
Wednesday 4/28/1999 vs Columbus 0-1 loss
Average - 8,677
2000 - Arrowhead
10,053
Saturday 4/22/2000 vs Tampa 1-0 win
Average - 7,556
2001 - Arrowhead
7,873
Thursday 5/24/2001 vs New York 1-0 win
Average - 9,964
2002 - Arrowhead
9,877
Saturday 5/18/2002 vs Los Angeles 2-1 win
Average - 13,396
2003 - Arrowhead
9,096
Wednesday 5/14/2003 vs New England 1-1 draw
Average - 15,523
2004 - Arrowhead
11,094
Saturday 5/8/2004 vs Chicago 2-2 draw
Average - 17,244
2005 - Arrowhead
7,129
Wednesday 5/25/2005 vs New York 1-0 win
Average - 10,657
2006 - Arrwohead
10,945
Saturday 5/27/2006 vs DC 1-3 loss
Average - 11,416
2007 - Arrowhead
13,875
Saturday 6/2/2007 vs New York 3-2 win
Eddie Johnson's second hattrick in a row.
Average - 9,720
2008 - Community America Ballpark
9,627
Saturday 4/12/2008 vs Houston 0-0 draw
Last home for about 2 months as the field at CAB was redone.
Average - 9,210
2009 - Community America Ballpark
9,077
Wednesday 5/6/2009 vs DC 1-1 draw
Average - 9,192
2010 - Community America Ballpark
8,155
Saturday 5/15/2010 vs Chicago 2-2 draw
Kamara's late equalizer in the rain for the brace.
Average - 9,703
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
15,209
Wednesday 7/6/2011 vs Colorado 1-1 draw
Average - 18,017
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
19,422
Saturday 4/14/2012 vs Salt Lake 1-0 win
Average - 18,671
Here's a further look at how the averages stack up.
1. 2012 - 18,671 (+2)
2. 2011 - 18,017 (-)
3. 2004 - 17,244 (-2)
4. 2003 - 15,523 (-)
5. 1996 - 14,153 (-)
6. 2002 - 13,396 (-)
7. 2006 - 11,416 (+1)
8. 2005 - 10,657 (-1)
9. 2001 - 9,964 (-)
10. 2007 - 9,720 (+5)
11. 2010 - 9,703 (-1)
12. 2008 - 9,210 (+1)
13. 2009 - 9,192 (-1)
14. 1999 - 8,677 (-3)
15. 1997 - 8,508 (+1)
16. 1998 - 7,584 (-2)
17. 2000 - 7,556 (-)
Sunday After Stats
The win was KC's 200th in league play. They're the 5th MLS team to hit 200 wins.
The win also put KC over the .500 record. The team is currently 200-199-100 in league play. Wednesday in Vancouver will be the team's 500th game.
The game was the 250th league home game for KC. The team is 135-72-43 in league play at home.
Graham Zusi's assist was his 6th of the season and 14th of his career, tying him with Francisco Gomez and Diego Gutierrez for 15th most in team history.
It was Zusi's 17th assist in all competitions, tying him with Claudio Lopez for 14th on that list.
Aurelien Collin's goal was his 3rd game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Gomez, Gutierrez, Frank Klopas, Chris Henderson, and CJ Sapong for 18th on that list.
It was his 4th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Mark Chung and CJ Sapong for 18th place on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen's shutout last night was his 22nd in league play for KC, tying him with Kevin Hartman and Bo Oshoniyi for second all time. (I count his combined shutout in last year's opener separately.)
The win also put KC over the .500 record. The team is currently 200-199-100 in league play. Wednesday in Vancouver will be the team's 500th game.
The game was the 250th league home game for KC. The team is 135-72-43 in league play at home.
Graham Zusi's assist was his 6th of the season and 14th of his career, tying him with Francisco Gomez and Diego Gutierrez for 15th most in team history.
It was Zusi's 17th assist in all competitions, tying him with Claudio Lopez for 14th on that list.
Aurelien Collin's goal was his 3rd game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Gomez, Gutierrez, Frank Klopas, Chris Henderson, and CJ Sapong for 18th on that list.
It was his 4th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Mark Chung and CJ Sapong for 18th place on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen's shutout last night was his 22nd in league play for KC, tying him with Kevin Hartman and Bo Oshoniyi for second all time. (I count his combined shutout in last year's opener separately.)
We're the Best in the League... For Now
photo courtesy of Jarred Donalson
Last night, KC proved, at least for now, that they are the best team in the league, with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The win moves KC to 6-0 with 18 points, and an 8 point advantage on second place New York in the East. The two top teams in the league went toe to toe last night, and KC almost made it through another game without a shot on goal. If not for one in second half stoppage time (that was actually offside, but the flag was waived off cause Jimmy Nielsen caught it), it'd have been 3 straight games without a shot on goal by Kansas City's opponents. KC continues to do a great job of disrupting teams' offenses in their defensive half of the field. Salt Lake had some decent possession, but had trouble breaking down KC when they got into their half of the field.KC controlled much of the early possession, but chances were hard to come by for KC. There were a few half chances, but overall, the game was played mainly in the midfield. RSL had trouble connecting passes, Roger Espinoza and Julio Cesar did a good job of breaking up the midfield play of Kyle Beckerman and Luis Gil. KC's controlling play earned them quite a few corners, but Bobby Convey and Graham Zusi seemed intent on playing all their corners to the back side. And each time the corner seemed to get played too long. Late on in the half it appeared that KC had grabbed the lead as Convey played a lofted ball to the back post for CJ Sapong. Sapong rose and looped a header over Nick Rimando and into the net. Referee, Kevin Stott, though waived off the call, saying the Jamison Olave had been fouled by Sapong on the play. Upon replay it appeared more like Olave was doing his cliff diving impersonation. KC went into the half tied 0-0 in a half that lacked some excitement.
KC kept the pressure up in the second half still looking for an opener. Kei Kamara raced in behind RSL's defense, but got pulled back by Will Johnson. Johnson earned himself a yellow and KC got a dangerous free kick. Roger Espinoza stepped up and took the free kick, driving it low, under the wall to the near post where Sapong met it. Sapong though turned the shot just to the outside of the near post keeping the game 0-0. KC continued to push the game, spending much of the time in KC's half. Zusi almost got a nice look on goal after getting played in behind by Kamara, but Olave did a good job of recovering and knocking the ball out for a corner. Unfortunately for RSL, on the ensuing corner, KC took the lead. Zusi found Aurelien Collin totally unmarked at the back post and Collin headed past Rimando to make it 1-0 KC. Collin's mark, Alvaro Saborio basically stood there as Collin ran by and headed in the goal. KC continued to push and in the 75th almost scored off another corner. Zusi picked out Kamara in the middle of the box, but Kamara's strong header was very well saved by Rimando to keep Salt Lake in the game. Late on, KC started conceding more possession to RSL and sitting further back. This allowed Salt Lake to get more chances, but didn't test Nielsen until a header by Nat Borchers was easily saved.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - Collin did a very good job of containing Fabian Espindola throughout the game and grabbed the winner thanks to some very lax marking by RSL. Collin continues to really control the center of the park for KC in defense.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 6, Collin 8, Besler 7, Sinovic 6, Cesar 6, Espinoza 7, Zusi 7, Kamara 7, Sapong 7, Convey 6. Subs Nagamura 5, Peterson NR, Harrington NR
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Weather Could be Fun
While Sporting KC is prepares for tonight's game, I'm sure that the staff at Livestrong Sporting Park is going over their severe weather policy. As you can see above, KC is right smack in the middle of the red, the area with the greatest chance of severe storms, including tornadoes. Wanted to post this to help make people aware, as if they weren't already. Still, better to be safe than sorry if you are coming out to LSP tonight.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Game of the Week... Again
Record vs Real Salt Lake - 6-5-3
Record at home - 4-1-2
Last game - 9/17/2011 - 0-1 (Borchers 54)
Last week against the LA Galaxy, Sporting KC's game was considered the game of the week. This week again at Livestrong Sporting Park, KC will not only play the game of the week again, but they'll play what's been called the game of the season so far against Real Salt Lake. The league is calling the match up the "Quest for the Shield" a little early considering the two teams have 29 and 28 games left respectively. So calling it the "Quest for the Shield" is a bit misplaced.
Salt Lake comes into the game having played one more game than KC, 5-1 currently, their one loss a 1-0 defeat to Chivas at home, when Salt Lake ended up dominating play. They come in on the back of a 2-0 win over their Rocky Mountain Cup rivals, Colorado. They could be without two of their main contributors in midfield though, Javier Morales and Ned Grabavoy both limped off in the win against Colorado and look unlikely to participate in the game tomorrow. Even without those two, Salt Lake is still a dangerous team, they still have forwards like Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola. Their defense is still very strong with Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers along with Nick Rimando in goal.
Undefeated with 1 goal allowed, and no shots on goal in almost 250 minutes of soccer, it's unlikely that KC will see any changes to their lineups. KC though is very likely to face a much stiffer challenge tomorrow. The defense is going to have to be on their game. While guys like Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic will need to get into the attack to pressure Salt Lake, they're going to have to be mindful of Salt Lake's counters and their attacks. They're going to have to be defensively sound. Salt Lake is the most balanced team that KC has faced, at the moment the two teams are the best in the league.
Number to Remember - 245 - KC's streak without a shot on goal. While the stat is a little misleading as a whole, it's still amazing that an official shot on goal has not been recorded in that long. I've honestly stopped paying attention to the save of the week because Nielsen hasn't been up for it in a while.
Key Match Up - Graham Zusi vs Kyle Beckerman - Zusi is going up against fellow national teamer Beckerman tomorrow. Zusi's going to have to try and find space against one of the better d-mids in the league. It's not going to be easy, but if Zusi can control the game for KC they'll control the game.
PREDICTION - The toughest challenge of the year for KC so far. This should be a good match up on face value. Both teams play an attractive style of soccer and both teams do well passing the ball around the midfield. The weather though could play a factor with their still be the potential for storms in KC tomorrow could disrupt the flow of the game though. As a whole though this has the potential to be the best game you see all season in the league.
KC - 2 (Kamara, Zusi)
RSL - 1 (Espindola)
Record at home - 4-1-2
Last game - 9/17/2011 - 0-1 (Borchers 54)
Last week against the LA Galaxy, Sporting KC's game was considered the game of the week. This week again at Livestrong Sporting Park, KC will not only play the game of the week again, but they'll play what's been called the game of the season so far against Real Salt Lake. The league is calling the match up the "Quest for the Shield" a little early considering the two teams have 29 and 28 games left respectively. So calling it the "Quest for the Shield" is a bit misplaced.
Salt Lake comes into the game having played one more game than KC, 5-1 currently, their one loss a 1-0 defeat to Chivas at home, when Salt Lake ended up dominating play. They come in on the back of a 2-0 win over their Rocky Mountain Cup rivals, Colorado. They could be without two of their main contributors in midfield though, Javier Morales and Ned Grabavoy both limped off in the win against Colorado and look unlikely to participate in the game tomorrow. Even without those two, Salt Lake is still a dangerous team, they still have forwards like Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola. Their defense is still very strong with Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers along with Nick Rimando in goal.
Undefeated with 1 goal allowed, and no shots on goal in almost 250 minutes of soccer, it's unlikely that KC will see any changes to their lineups. KC though is very likely to face a much stiffer challenge tomorrow. The defense is going to have to be on their game. While guys like Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic will need to get into the attack to pressure Salt Lake, they're going to have to be mindful of Salt Lake's counters and their attacks. They're going to have to be defensively sound. Salt Lake is the most balanced team that KC has faced, at the moment the two teams are the best in the league.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Convey
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Convey
Number to Remember - 245 - KC's streak without a shot on goal. While the stat is a little misleading as a whole, it's still amazing that an official shot on goal has not been recorded in that long. I've honestly stopped paying attention to the save of the week because Nielsen hasn't been up for it in a while.
Key Match Up - Graham Zusi vs Kyle Beckerman - Zusi is going up against fellow national teamer Beckerman tomorrow. Zusi's going to have to try and find space against one of the better d-mids in the league. It's not going to be easy, but if Zusi can control the game for KC they'll control the game.
PREDICTION - The toughest challenge of the year for KC so far. This should be a good match up on face value. Both teams play an attractive style of soccer and both teams do well passing the ball around the midfield. The weather though could play a factor with their still be the potential for storms in KC tomorrow could disrupt the flow of the game though. As a whole though this has the potential to be the best game you see all season in the league.
KC - 2 (Kamara, Zusi)
RSL - 1 (Espindola)
Concert and Game Back to Back Days
Posted today on the KC Star's music blog, Back to Rockville, is the comment that Journey, Pat Benatar, and Loverboy will be coming to Livestrong Sporting Park on August 31st. That's not out of the ordinary, LSP has hosted concerts in the past and will be hosting concerts this summer, including another Buzz Beach Ball on Saturday June 2nd.
The difference between Buzz Beach Ball and this Journey show is the fact that Buzz Beach Ball is is on a weekend when KC has no game. In fact KC doesn't have a game the following weekend either. Their next home game after the June 2nd show is on June 16th, 14 days later. The Journey show though is THE DAY BEFORE Sporting KC is scheduled to take on Toronto FC at LSP. I know that Sporting KC has basically the same grounds crew that won an award a few years ago, but I can't see the field being in very good condition when KC is supposed to take the field the next night. Having the grass cover on the field to protect during the concert and then turning around and taking it off for a game the next day just doesn't strike me as a good idea.
The difference between Buzz Beach Ball and this Journey show is the fact that Buzz Beach Ball is is on a weekend when KC has no game. In fact KC doesn't have a game the following weekend either. Their next home game after the June 2nd show is on June 16th, 14 days later. The Journey show though is THE DAY BEFORE Sporting KC is scheduled to take on Toronto FC at LSP. I know that Sporting KC has basically the same grounds crew that won an award a few years ago, but I can't see the field being in very good condition when KC is supposed to take the field the next night. Having the grass cover on the field to protect during the concert and then turning around and taking it off for a game the next day just doesn't strike me as a good idea.
Closing Arguments
Below are some of the responses that I received on Twitter and in the comments of my post on the opening arguments on the question of whether Sporting KC fans are becoming cocky and over confident in the team. Seems a lot of people believe I am overreacting in ways, but there were quite a few that have agreed with me that there are fans that are starting to get over confident in the team.
Reepicheep
The Chivas/Dallas/Columbus (to name a few) attendance woes are pathetic because they have very nice soccer specific stadiums. Two of these teams are in markets WAY bigger than KC. Yes KC's attendance has been historically poor, but our venues have been horrible. But still, I take your overall point and agree it is too early to be making a space at Livestrong for the cup.
bfos
I agree on both issues. Despite the impressive stats, anyone watching these games know that we have been on the fortunate end of several dangerous opportunities that didn't find the net for our opponents.
We might also want to give it some time before we beat our chests on attendance. We are likely still seeing a bounce just in the fact that we have a very impressive, new stadium which just so happens to have opened right as the team has become one of the best (and the most entertaining) in the league. When we are packing a stadium that is no longer considered new and when we aren't quite picking up 3 points a game at home, then we can crow.
Nathan Martin
Bless my heart: SKC fans as the new Seattle, a welcomed backhanded compliment.
Just as it is too early to award the silverware, it is too early to permanently define the fanbase. Up to this point, the excitement has been a marked improvement over fan apathy. However per your wariness, it is the responsibility of veteran fans and team management to comport themselves in a way that shows enthusiasm isn't the same as braggadocio.
As fans, I hope we take our cues from players like CJ Sapong and not petulant whiners like Benny Feilhaber.
Anonymous
I think ultimately we are all collectively trying to will the ball to continue rolling. We want this town to talk about this team and we are willing to hype things up a bit to do it. I think a lot of the core of this fan base grew up playing soccer, watched the team form when we were young, spent years wanting this team to mean something to this city and get covered by at least the local media, and now we are all in our 20s and 30s and able to afford things like jerseys and season tickets and we have an amazing new stadium and a great fun to watch team and are rightfully enjoying the moment after so long wondering if the team and the league would even last.
hartley
I pretty much agree with you. But I would like to point out one thing. The SKC fans are the only ones really doing the talking in this town.
The media in this area has been better about "mentioning" Sporting KC. But they still only barely talk about the best team in town before moving on to the Royals or the Chiefs. It's pretty sad when you hear two or three callers to sports talk shows talking up Sporting KC and the stadium and the show's hosts have almost nothing to add.
As a fan, I feel I must be stoked. I must hype and talk. I don't want to be like Sounders fans. I do appreciate that this great start has had some very fortunate moments. I also recognize that the team is going to go through some rough parts this season. I also know that this team hasn't even come close to playing its best. Each season is a work in progress.
So, let's shout! Our team is hot. Our team is playing great right now. And if we don't talk about them around here, no one else will.
Go Sporting!
Morry
I don't know if you are over reacting or not because I haven't spent a ton of time on facebook or twitter on this topic but I have been the one leading the BigSoccer push for redefining our expectations of this season.
To be fair to me and my ranting, I did so much earlier in the season and so far it appears that I have been correct. I did analysis on our schedule, the new workings of MLS Playoffs and came to a conclusion that this team should expect to win the Supporters Shield and by doing so should be playing the MLS Cup in KC. I honestly don't think we should win anything just because we are 5-0-0, I think a good amount of that is or could be purely luck. However I do thing over the course of 34 games we should be the best in the East, the EAST which is assumed to be pretty weak. I have never said we are the best team in the league, or that we would beat Santos or Monterrey, just simply that we should win the East and by doing so that we should win the Supporters Shield and earning home field advantage.
Ben
The soccer season, it's so long. To win the cup, the team must be hot in autumn, a very long time from now. But Kansas City is obviously a good team and I'm enjoying the winning streak.
I think fans should take pride in the home game atmosphere. But I've always thought competitiveness over attendance is unbecoming. Every city has its sports traditions, and soccer is more popular some places than others, and what is the relevance? When KC was at the ballpark and only sat 11k, it didn't stop me from enjoying the games or the Cauldron from chanting.
jtreg
Seattle would say we could never be the new Seattle fans ...
I think you're slightly over reacting, but admit I'm not as wired as everybody else. I don't have a facebook account so I may not really have an idea of the extent to which our fan base is becoming the annoying "look at us" types.
I think it's safe to say that our a large portion fan base, while probably not ignorant to the sport, are very 'new'. People are excited about this new amazing thing they found and want to flaunt it. It's only natural. Of course talking about the treble at this stage is bonkers and every fan base has those guys.
But for the most part, I believe Kansas Citians are a very humble people (almost to a fault), and this will all even out come the dog days. Of course if SKC continue on to a 15+ unbeaten run, we may just have to shrug our shoulders and admit that we really are the cat's pajamas, but haven't won anything yet.
Travis
Mike- I commend you for your conservative approach. However, as a passionate and confident, not over confident fan, I see nothing wrong with be excited for things to come. If we falter and win nothing then guess what? Nothing. You hope for next season. I just think taking the conservative approach is a negative and doubful feeling towards your team's success. So instead of saying "we might" say "We will". But then again its up to you. I Believe WE WILL Win. Believe Mike. WE WILL win the Supporters Shield. WE WILL win the 2012 MLS Cup. WE WILL.
Nathan Martin
Wearing down the starters is a big risk over the season.
SKC substitutes have only played 172 minutes. The 9 other teams who have played 5 games average 276 minutes of substitute play (median of ~271).
szazzy
Maybe a bit pessimistic but spot on about any room for attendance smack. Anyone doing that to Dallas fans - shut the hell up
oliverkahn987
We wont undefeated all season, but if we don't hype Sporting no one will. Let the fans be irrational until we lose. #IBelieve
Reepicheep
The Chivas/Dallas/Columbus (to name a few) attendance woes are pathetic because they have very nice soccer specific stadiums. Two of these teams are in markets WAY bigger than KC. Yes KC's attendance has been historically poor, but our venues have been horrible. But still, I take your overall point and agree it is too early to be making a space at Livestrong for the cup.
bfos
I agree on both issues. Despite the impressive stats, anyone watching these games know that we have been on the fortunate end of several dangerous opportunities that didn't find the net for our opponents.
We might also want to give it some time before we beat our chests on attendance. We are likely still seeing a bounce just in the fact that we have a very impressive, new stadium which just so happens to have opened right as the team has become one of the best (and the most entertaining) in the league. When we are packing a stadium that is no longer considered new and when we aren't quite picking up 3 points a game at home, then we can crow.
Nathan Martin
Bless my heart: SKC fans as the new Seattle, a welcomed backhanded compliment.
Just as it is too early to award the silverware, it is too early to permanently define the fanbase. Up to this point, the excitement has been a marked improvement over fan apathy. However per your wariness, it is the responsibility of veteran fans and team management to comport themselves in a way that shows enthusiasm isn't the same as braggadocio.
As fans, I hope we take our cues from players like CJ Sapong and not petulant whiners like Benny Feilhaber.
Anonymous
I think ultimately we are all collectively trying to will the ball to continue rolling. We want this town to talk about this team and we are willing to hype things up a bit to do it. I think a lot of the core of this fan base grew up playing soccer, watched the team form when we were young, spent years wanting this team to mean something to this city and get covered by at least the local media, and now we are all in our 20s and 30s and able to afford things like jerseys and season tickets and we have an amazing new stadium and a great fun to watch team and are rightfully enjoying the moment after so long wondering if the team and the league would even last.
hartley
I pretty much agree with you. But I would like to point out one thing. The SKC fans are the only ones really doing the talking in this town.
The media in this area has been better about "mentioning" Sporting KC. But they still only barely talk about the best team in town before moving on to the Royals or the Chiefs. It's pretty sad when you hear two or three callers to sports talk shows talking up Sporting KC and the stadium and the show's hosts have almost nothing to add.
As a fan, I feel I must be stoked. I must hype and talk. I don't want to be like Sounders fans. I do appreciate that this great start has had some very fortunate moments. I also recognize that the team is going to go through some rough parts this season. I also know that this team hasn't even come close to playing its best. Each season is a work in progress.
So, let's shout! Our team is hot. Our team is playing great right now. And if we don't talk about them around here, no one else will.
Go Sporting!
Morry
I don't know if you are over reacting or not because I haven't spent a ton of time on facebook or twitter on this topic but I have been the one leading the BigSoccer push for redefining our expectations of this season.
To be fair to me and my ranting, I did so much earlier in the season and so far it appears that I have been correct. I did analysis on our schedule, the new workings of MLS Playoffs and came to a conclusion that this team should expect to win the Supporters Shield and by doing so should be playing the MLS Cup in KC. I honestly don't think we should win anything just because we are 5-0-0, I think a good amount of that is or could be purely luck. However I do thing over the course of 34 games we should be the best in the East, the EAST which is assumed to be pretty weak. I have never said we are the best team in the league, or that we would beat Santos or Monterrey, just simply that we should win the East and by doing so that we should win the Supporters Shield and earning home field advantage.
Ben
The soccer season, it's so long. To win the cup, the team must be hot in autumn, a very long time from now. But Kansas City is obviously a good team and I'm enjoying the winning streak.
I think fans should take pride in the home game atmosphere. But I've always thought competitiveness over attendance is unbecoming. Every city has its sports traditions, and soccer is more popular some places than others, and what is the relevance? When KC was at the ballpark and only sat 11k, it didn't stop me from enjoying the games or the Cauldron from chanting.
jtreg
Seattle would say we could never be the new Seattle fans ...
I think you're slightly over reacting, but admit I'm not as wired as everybody else. I don't have a facebook account so I may not really have an idea of the extent to which our fan base is becoming the annoying "look at us" types.
I think it's safe to say that our a large portion fan base, while probably not ignorant to the sport, are very 'new'. People are excited about this new amazing thing they found and want to flaunt it. It's only natural. Of course talking about the treble at this stage is bonkers and every fan base has those guys.
But for the most part, I believe Kansas Citians are a very humble people (almost to a fault), and this will all even out come the dog days. Of course if SKC continue on to a 15+ unbeaten run, we may just have to shrug our shoulders and admit that we really are the cat's pajamas, but haven't won anything yet.
Travis
Mike- I commend you for your conservative approach. However, as a passionate and confident, not over confident fan, I see nothing wrong with be excited for things to come. If we falter and win nothing then guess what? Nothing. You hope for next season. I just think taking the conservative approach is a negative and doubful feeling towards your team's success. So instead of saying "we might" say "We will". But then again its up to you. I Believe WE WILL Win. Believe Mike. WE WILL win the Supporters Shield. WE WILL win the 2012 MLS Cup. WE WILL.
Nathan Martin
Wearing down the starters is a big risk over the season.
SKC substitutes have only played 172 minutes. The 9 other teams who have played 5 games average 276 minutes of substitute play (median of ~271).
szazzy
Maybe a bit pessimistic but spot on about any room for attendance smack. Anyone doing that to Dallas fans - shut the hell up
oliverkahn987
We wont undefeated all season, but if we don't hype Sporting no one will. Let the fans be irrational until we lose. #IBelieve
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's another week of former Wizards updates.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 loss to KC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 82 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a shutout in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 4-1 loss to New York.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with DC.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas 2-1 win over Portland.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Recovering from surgery.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Did not dress in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Came off the bench and played 44 minutes, recording 2 assists in Chivas' 2-1 win over Portland.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 22 minutes in San Jose's 3-1 win over Vancouver.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Josh Wolff - DC - Dressed but didn't play in DC's 0-0 draw with DC.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 0-0 draw wtih Carolina.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - 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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Diosgyor's 2-1 loss to Paksi SE.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 65 minutes in Cruz Azul's 2-1 loss to Queretaro.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Mohun Bagan's 0-0 draw with HAL. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals and getting an assist in Mohun Bagan's 6-1 win over Shillong Lajong.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Defeated San Miguel 3-2.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Did not dressed in Santos' 1-1 draw with Tecos.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Dressed but did not play in Vasas' 4-2 loss to Kecskemeti TE.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied Portmore United 1-1.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 3-2 win over Bahia de Feira.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Defeated Imotski 3-1.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 2-1 win over Oxford. Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 1-0 loss to Swindon.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Tiraspol's 3-2 loss to Nistru. Lost 1-0 to Dacia in the cup.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Did not dress in Krasnodar's 3-1 win over Tom' Tomsk.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Thrasyvoulos' 0-0 draw with Agrotikos Asteras.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Paderborn's 2-2 draw with 1860 Munich. Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 2-0 win over Erzgebirge Aue.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
Active without a club or unknown
Stephane Auvray
Chris Brunt
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Pablo Escobar
Mauro Fuzetti
AJ Godbolt
Willy Guadarrama
Santiago Hirsig
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Michael Kraus
Jonathan Leathers
Carlos Marinelli
Ryan McMahen
Michal Mravec
Anthony Noriega
Ryan Pore
Ofori Sarkodie
Sam Scales
Milos Stojcev
Ivan Trujillo
Lance Watson
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Adam Cristman - LA - Did not dress in LA's 1-0 loss to KC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 82 minutes in RSL's 2-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a shutout in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 4-1 loss to New York.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Seattle's 0-0 draw with DC.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Chivas - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas 2-1 win over Portland.
Kurt Morsink - DC - Recovering from surgery.
Scott Sealy - Dallas - Did not dress in Dallas' 1-0 win over New England.
Ryan Smith - Chivas - Came off the bench and played 44 minutes, recording 2 assists in Chivas' 2-1 win over Portland.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 22 minutes in San Jose's 3-1 win over Vancouver.
Shavar Thomas - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Tyson Wahl - Montreal - Started and played 90 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
Josh Wolff - DC - Dressed but didn't play in DC's 0-0 draw with DC.
NASL
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 0-0 draw wtih Carolina.
Scott Lorenz - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Abe Thompson - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.
USL
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Out of season.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Out of season.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - 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 - Season is over.
Nick Garcia - Kansas Magic - Season is over.
Pat Healey - Baltimore Blast - Season is over.
Mike Jones - Illinois Piasa - Season is over.
JT Murray - Louisville Lightning - Season is over.
Boris Pardo - Comets - Season is over.
Yomby William - Norfolk SharX - Season is over.
Paul Wright - Anaheim Bolts - Season is over.
International
Vicente Arze - Diosgyor - Hungary - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Diosgyor's 2-1 loss to Paksi SE.
Omar Bravo - Cruz Azul - Mexico - Started and played 65 minutes in Cruz Azul's 2-1 loss to Queretaro.
Sunil Chhetri - Mohun Bagan - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Mohun Bagan's 0-0 draw with HAL. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals and getting an assist in Mohun Bagan's 6-1 win over Shillong Lajong.
Eloy Colombano - Defensores de Cambaceres - Argentina - Defeated San Miguel 3-2.
Daneil Cyrus - 1st FC Santa Rosa - No game this week.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Season is over.
Herculez Gomez - Santos Laguna - Mexico - Did not dressed in Santos' 1-1 draw with Tecos.
Zoltan Hercegfalvi - Vasas - Hungary - Dressed but did not play in Vasas' 4-2 loss to Kecskemeti TE.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied Portmore United 1-1.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 3-2 win over Bahia de Feira.
Will John - Vinogradar - Croatia - Defeated Imotski 3-1.
Neal Kitson - Northampton Town - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 2-1 win over Oxford. Started and played 90 minutes in Northampton's 1-0 loss to Swindon.
Igor Kostrov - FC Tiraspol - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Tiraspol's 3-2 loss to Nistru. Lost 1-0 to Dacia in the cup.
Yura Movsisyan - FC Krasnodar - Russia - Did not dress in Krasnodar's 3-1 win over Tom' Tomsk.
Pablo Punyed - Fjolnir - Iceland - Season has not started yet.
Craig Rocastle - Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Thrasyvoulos' 0-0 draw with Agrotikos Asteras.
Matt Taylor - SC Paderborn 07 - Germany - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in Paderborn's 2-2 draw with 1860 Munich. Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Paderborn's 2-0 win over Erzgebirge Aue.
Diego Walsh - TOT SC - Thailand - Season is over.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Rangers Beat Chicago
Sporting KC got an early goal from Soony Saad off an assist from Luke Sassano, and that was all the Swope Park Rangers needed to get the 1-0 win. Things got testy towards the end, as two Chicago Fire players, Daniel Paladini and Kwame Watson-Sirboe both picked up red cards in the 87th minute as the Fire finished with 9 men. Michael Harrington picked up a yellow card in the situation as well.
The only other news really from the game, was trialist, Jairo Rodrigues Peixoto, a Brazilian center back to played in Santos' youth system. Not going to speculate on the likelihood of a signing, but I like that there are more CB's coming in to camp as I still believe that's the weakest part of our team, CB depth.
The only other news really from the game, was trialist, Jairo Rodrigues Peixoto, a Brazilian center back to played in Santos' youth system. Not going to speculate on the likelihood of a signing, but I like that there are more CB's coming in to camp as I still believe that's the weakest part of our team, CB depth.
Opening Arguments
I'm starting a new thing that I'm going to try to do weekly to increase more conversation both here and on Twitter. What I'll do is I'll take some of the best comments and post them in a follow up post later in the week. I'd wanted to get this out yesterday, but today will have to do.
This week, the topic of discussion is Sporting KC fans themselves. Are Sporting KC fans becoming cocky, over confident, etc. in the team? Whether it's on Bigsoccer, Twitter, Facebook, or any other number of social media locations around the net, and even in person, you see a lot of KC fans really talking up the team. And talking up the team is to be expected, the team is 5-0-0, the first team to have that record in the post shootout era of the league. They haven't allowed a shot on goal in 245 minutes. Some great stats. But there comes a point when the talking up becomes arrogant, cocky, and over confident.
I see talk of KC going out and winning everything, taking the Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup, and US Open Cup, all because the team has won 5 games in a row. There are still 29 games left in the season for KC plenty of time to slip up and not win anything at all. Yes the team is playing well right now, yes there's a lot of cohesion with the team. But what happens if Graham Zusi, Roger Espinoza, or Matt Besler/Aurelien Collin go down? Those guys have been key parts of the team. Losing any of them for an extended period of time is going to be a big loss. What happens if/when the scoring dries up? We've been taking tons of shots but haven't been converting the vast majority of them. Kei Kamara is leading the league in shots (even has more than some teams), but only 3 goals. No one on the team has scored more than 10 goals in a season in their professional career, there's going to be a point when this offense does struggle to get shots off and put balls in the net. Then what happens?
For me it is way too early in the season for any of this talk. KC has traditionally been a fast starter and then slowed down as the season's gone on. So I'm more on the wait and see approach when it comes to this team. Can they be good? Absolutely. Will they win trophies? That remains to be seen. But temper the excitement a little bit. I know that KC as a whole hasn't really had a professional sports team that has done well in recent memory, but that's no reason to overhype what's there.
On another thing with regards to KC fans being overconfident, is the team's attendance. KC's attendance has been fantastic since the opening of Livestrong Sporting Park. Last year was in the top half of the league attendance wise, a great achievement for a team that has in the past usually occupied the bottom or near bottom of the attendance rankings. It's amazing now to see KC fans blasting other teams for their attendance woes, considering the team's history. All time KC averages around 11,500, that's the second worst in league history behind only the now defunct Miami Fusion. I know it's great to talk up how good KC is doing attendance wise, but it wasn't so long ago KC was in a boat very similar, or even worse than Chivas or Dallas.
So am I overacting to KC fans being confident? Or are KC fans the new Seattle Sounders fans in a way?
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Home Attendance After 3 Games
Another over capacity crowd at Livestrong Sporting Park in the third game of the season. Time to take a look at the attendance for the third home game throughout Kansas City's history.
1996 - Arrowhead
17,706
Saturday 5/11/1996 vs Dallas Burn 2-3 loss
Average - 15,898
1997 - Arrowhead
6,272
Friday 4/18/1997 vs Dallas Burn 2-1 win
Average - 8,292
1998 - Arrowhead
11,500
Saturday 4/18/1998 vs LA Galaxy 1-2 loss
Average - 8,643
1999 - Arrowhead
4,815
Saturday 4/10/1999 vs San Jose Clash 1-1 (0-2) shootout loss
Average - 9,546
2000 - Arrowhead
7,380
Saturday 4/15/2000 vs San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 win
Average - 6,723
2001 - Arrowhead
14,521
Saturday 4/28/2001 vs San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 draw
Average - 10,661
2002 - Arrowhead
21,301
Saturday 5/4/2002 vs LA Galaxy 1-2 overtime loss
Average - 14,569
2003 - Arrowhead
16,006
Saturday 5/3/2003 vs Columbus Crew 2-2 draw
Average - 17,665
2004 - Arrowhead
27,969
Saturday 5/1/2004 vs Colorado Rapids 2-0 win
Average - 19,293
2005 - Arrowhead
10,007
Saturday 5/7/2005 vs FC Dallas 3-3 draw
Average - 11,833
2006 - Arrowhead
8,138
Saturday 5/6/2006 vs Chicago Fire 1-1 draw
Average - 11,572
2007 - Arrowhead
10,141
Saturday 5/12/2007 vs FC Dallas 1-2 loss
Average - 8,335
2008 - Community America Ballpark
8,096
Wednesday 4/9/2008 vs New England Revolution 1-3 loss
Average - 9,071
2009 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Thursday 4/23/2009 vs New York Red Bulls 1-0 win
The first ESPN game from Community America Ballpark
Average - 9,231
2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,045
Saturday 4/24/2010 vs LA Galaxy 0-0 draw
Average - 10,219
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
18,467
Saturday 6/25/2011 vs Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 win
Average - 18,953
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
20,323
Saturday 4/7/2012 vs LA Galaxy 1-0 win
Average - 18,420
Here are the rankings of the average attendance through 3 games.
1. 2004 - 19,293 (+4)
2. 2011 - 18,953 (-1)
3. 2012 - 18,420 (-)
4. 2003 - 17,665 (-2)
5. 1996 - 15,898 (-1)
6. 2002 - 14,569 (+3)
7. 2005 - 11,833 (-)
8. 2006 - 11,572 (-2)
9. 2001 - 10,661 (+4)
10. 2010 - 10,219 (-)
11. 1999 - 9,546 (-3)
12. 2009 - 9,231 (+2)
13. 2008 - 9,071 (-2)
14. 1998 - 8,643 (+2)
15. 2007 - 8,335 (-)
16. 1997 - 8,292 (-4)
17. 2000 - 6,723 (-)
1996 - Arrowhead
17,706
Saturday 5/11/1996 vs Dallas Burn 2-3 loss
Average - 15,898
1997 - Arrowhead
6,272
Friday 4/18/1997 vs Dallas Burn 2-1 win
Average - 8,292
1998 - Arrowhead
11,500
Saturday 4/18/1998 vs LA Galaxy 1-2 loss
Average - 8,643
1999 - Arrowhead
4,815
Saturday 4/10/1999 vs San Jose Clash 1-1 (0-2) shootout loss
Average - 9,546
2000 - Arrowhead
7,380
Saturday 4/15/2000 vs San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 win
Average - 6,723
2001 - Arrowhead
14,521
Saturday 4/28/2001 vs San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 draw
Average - 10,661
2002 - Arrowhead
21,301
Saturday 5/4/2002 vs LA Galaxy 1-2 overtime loss
Average - 14,569
2003 - Arrowhead
16,006
Saturday 5/3/2003 vs Columbus Crew 2-2 draw
Average - 17,665
2004 - Arrowhead
27,969
Saturday 5/1/2004 vs Colorado Rapids 2-0 win
Average - 19,293
2005 - Arrowhead
10,007
Saturday 5/7/2005 vs FC Dallas 3-3 draw
Average - 11,833
2006 - Arrowhead
8,138
Saturday 5/6/2006 vs Chicago Fire 1-1 draw
Average - 11,572
2007 - Arrowhead
10,141
Saturday 5/12/2007 vs FC Dallas 1-2 loss
Average - 8,335
2008 - Community America Ballpark
8,096
Wednesday 4/9/2008 vs New England Revolution 1-3 loss
Average - 9,071
2009 - Community America Ballpark
10,385
Thursday 4/23/2009 vs New York Red Bulls 1-0 win
The first ESPN game from Community America Ballpark
Average - 9,231
2010 - Community America Ballpark
10,045
Saturday 4/24/2010 vs LA Galaxy 0-0 draw
Average - 10,219
2011 - Livestrong Sporting Park
18,467
Saturday 6/25/2011 vs Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 win
Average - 18,953
2012 - Livestrong Sporting Park
20,323
Saturday 4/7/2012 vs LA Galaxy 1-0 win
Average - 18,420
Here are the rankings of the average attendance through 3 games.
1. 2004 - 19,293 (+4)
2. 2011 - 18,953 (-1)
3. 2012 - 18,420 (-)
4. 2003 - 17,665 (-2)
5. 1996 - 15,898 (-1)
6. 2002 - 14,569 (+3)
7. 2005 - 11,833 (-)
8. 2006 - 11,572 (-2)
9. 2001 - 10,661 (+4)
10. 2010 - 10,219 (-)
11. 1999 - 9,546 (-3)
12. 2009 - 9,231 (+2)
13. 2008 - 9,071 (-2)
14. 1998 - 8,643 (+2)
15. 2007 - 8,335 (-)
16. 1997 - 8,292 (-4)
17. 2000 - 6,723 (-)
Sunday After Stats
Here are stats from yesterday';s game.
Kei Kamara made his 150th MLS appearance yesterday.
Kamara's goal was his 18th at home for Sporting in league play, tying him with Scott Sealy for 6th on that list.
Kamara's goal was his 7th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Scott Sealy for 6th on that list.
It was Kamara's 7th in all competitions as well, tying him with Chris Brown for 9th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 50th start in all competitions for KC. He's the 42nd player to hit that mark.
The game was KC's 60th against LA in all competitions, KC is 21-27-12 in those games scoring 76 while conceding 92.
Kei Kamara made his 150th MLS appearance yesterday.
Kamara's goal was his 18th at home for Sporting in league play, tying him with Scott Sealy for 6th on that list.
Kamara's goal was his 7th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Scott Sealy for 6th on that list.
It was Kamara's 7th in all competitions as well, tying him with Chris Brown for 9th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 50th start in all competitions for KC. He's the 42nd player to hit that mark.
The game was KC's 60th against LA in all competitions, KC is 21-27-12 in those games scoring 76 while conceding 92.
Staying On Top
For the first time in the post shootout era of MLS, an MLS team has started the season with 5 straight wins. KC became that team on Saturday with a 1-0 win that wasn't as close as the score showed. KC dominated possession for long stretches of time, especially in the first half when they had about 68% possession of the ball. Even with KC controlling the game in the first half, it was the Galaxy that created the first chance, through Robbie Keane. Keane received the ball and ran at Aurelien Collin and Chance Myers. With those two back pedaling, Keane laid the ball off to Mike Magee as he ran past the two KC defenders. In alone on Jimmy Nielsen though, Magee put his shot wide off the net keeping the game tied. KC continued to push the game against the Galaxy and in the 25th minute, KC almost grabbed the lead themselves. Roger Espinoza did a good job on the left wing cutting back before playing in a cross that got past CJ Sapong and Kei Kamara to Chance Myers, whose one time was heading into the net, but Josh Saunders got down well to parry the chance away for a corner. The goal was coming though, and finally in the 40th minute, it came. Espinoza found Bobby Convey out wide on the right hand side. Convey cut inside on his defender and lofted a ball to the back post, where Kamara had lost Sean Franklin and with a free header just had to redirect it past Saunders to give KC a 1-0 half time lead. Magee almost responded immediately for LA, but his shot went wide of the post as the teams went into the half up 1-0.
KC continued to push the game in the early part of the second half, and Espinoza almost grabbed his first goal of the season, collecting a pass from about 25 yards out and letting fly, but his shot went just wide of the post. Shortly after Espinoza's chance, Kamara almost got his second of the game. After receiving the ball at midfield, Kamara got space to dribble and took the ball right at AJ De La Garza. Went De La Garza went down, Kamara was in alone on Saunders, but Saunders made the save at the near post with his feet. KC started to sit back a little more as the game went on, letting LA dictate more of the game. KC's defense though shut down LA's offense very well for the most part, limiting them to very few chances, including zero shots on goal. The best late chance for LA unfortunately for them, fell to Chad Barrett in the 82nd as he got played in behind KC's defense, but Barrett pulled a Barrett and pushed the shot wide keeping it 1-0 KC. Late on in stoppage time KC had another opportunity for an insurance goal, when substitute Teal Bunbury got in behind LA's defense, but like Kamara earlier, he went near post and Saunders beat the shot away for a corner. But the corner killed enough time to end the game, giving KC another win.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - There are a number of players that could have gotten this award for the game yesterday, Collin, Espinoza, Seth Sinovic, just to name a few. But I'm giving the aware to the Frenchman this week. He played Edson Buddle out off the game so well that he was subbed out before the hour mark. He had two absolute text book tackles to win the ball against Buddle and assisted in keeping Robbie Keane in check as well.
Honorable Mention - Roger Espinoza, Seth Sinovic
Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Myers 8, Collin 8, Besler 8, Sinovic 8, Cesar 7, Espinoza 8, Zusi 7, Kamara 8, Sapong 8, Convey 7. Subs Peterson 6, Nagamura 6, Bunbury NR.
KC continued to push the game in the early part of the second half, and Espinoza almost grabbed his first goal of the season, collecting a pass from about 25 yards out and letting fly, but his shot went just wide of the post. Shortly after Espinoza's chance, Kamara almost got his second of the game. After receiving the ball at midfield, Kamara got space to dribble and took the ball right at AJ De La Garza. Went De La Garza went down, Kamara was in alone on Saunders, but Saunders made the save at the near post with his feet. KC started to sit back a little more as the game went on, letting LA dictate more of the game. KC's defense though shut down LA's offense very well for the most part, limiting them to very few chances, including zero shots on goal. The best late chance for LA unfortunately for them, fell to Chad Barrett in the 82nd as he got played in behind KC's defense, but Barrett pulled a Barrett and pushed the shot wide keeping it 1-0 KC. Late on in stoppage time KC had another opportunity for an insurance goal, when substitute Teal Bunbury got in behind LA's defense, but like Kamara earlier, he went near post and Saunders beat the shot away for a corner. But the corner killed enough time to end the game, giving KC another win.
WIZARDS Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - There are a number of players that could have gotten this award for the game yesterday, Collin, Espinoza, Seth Sinovic, just to name a few. But I'm giving the aware to the Frenchman this week. He played Edson Buddle out off the game so well that he was subbed out before the hour mark. He had two absolute text book tackles to win the ball against Buddle and assisted in keeping Robbie Keane in check as well.
Honorable Mention - Roger Espinoza, Seth Sinovic
Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Myers 8, Collin 8, Besler 8, Sinovic 8, Cesar 7, Espinoza 8, Zusi 7, Kamara 8, Sapong 8, Convey 7. Subs Peterson 6, Nagamura 6, Bunbury NR.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Game of the Week
Tomorrow at Livestrong Sporting Park, Sporting KC compete in what is being called the biggest game of the early season MLS schedule, when they take on the LA Galaxy in their 5th league game of the season. KC will look to continue their best start in team history against the Galaxy who are currently 1-2 after their 3-1 loss to New England last week. Now the Galaxy face their first road test of the season, at a location that is quickly become a place many teams don't like to play. They'll be doing it without midfielder, David Beckham, who didn't even travel to Kansas City for the game. LA did travel US international, Landon Donovan for the game after he missed last week's game against New England. Donovan though is still listed as questionable and may not be able to play tomorrow. The biggest lost, early in the season at least, for LA was the loss of Omar Gonzalez to a torn ACL before preseason even started. With him not anchoring the LA defense, they've struggled to shut down opponents. Against a high powered offense like KC, it'll make for an interesting match up tomorrow. On the other end of the field LA is still dangerous, even without Donovan and Beckham. Their forward line still consists of Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle, both of which are able to score goals at will.
Kansas City is off to the best start in the team's history after their 1-0 win over Chivas. The team is currently out pacing the 2000 team, the team's second best start through 4 games (3-0-1). The team remains healthy, save for Eric Kronberg's back injury and should be able to put out their best lineup once again. The 11 I expect to start tomorrow are the same 11 who have played in each of the past 4 games this season. And while the offense has started well, the defense is just as impressive. The back 4 and Jimmy Nielsen, along with Julio Cesar and Roger Espinoza have done well to shut down offenses. The one goal against through 4 games is tied for the lowest goals against in team history with the 2004 and 2010 seasons. The offense for LA though is going to be the most talented they've faced all season by far, certainly a tough test, this time especially for Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler in the middle of defense.
Number to Remember - 4 - That's the number of games in Kansas City is unbeaten against the LA Galaxy. Unfortunately the last 3 years have seen draws between the two teams (1-1, 0-0, 2-2). The last win was a 2-0 win at Arrowhead, best known for Davy Arnaud's rocket of a shot.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler vs Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle - Through 4 games, Collin and Besler have faced no where close to the attack that they'll face tomorrow in Keane and Buddle. KC's defense has done well in shutting down teams, but they've still been giving up some decent chances to opponents. So far the opposition forwards haven't been able to make KC pay for the mistakes. Against forwards like Keane and Buddle though, they'll punish KC. Collin and Besler need to be on their game.
PREDICTION - KC are definitely the in form team in the league currently. And LA after the loss to New England would seem to be in some of the worst form. I think a lot of fans though are getting over confident in this game after seeing the 3-1 loss to New England. Unfortunately I am not sure it's going to be a high scoring affair tomorrow. Bruce Arena is one of the best coaches in the league. After seeing the loss to the Revolution I'm sure the teams going to be a bit more defensive minded and sit back a bit more. I think this is going to be a much tighter game.
KC - 1 (Kamara)
LA - 0
Kansas City is off to the best start in the team's history after their 1-0 win over Chivas. The team is currently out pacing the 2000 team, the team's second best start through 4 games (3-0-1). The team remains healthy, save for Eric Kronberg's back injury and should be able to put out their best lineup once again. The 11 I expect to start tomorrow are the same 11 who have played in each of the past 4 games this season. And while the offense has started well, the defense is just as impressive. The back 4 and Jimmy Nielsen, along with Julio Cesar and Roger Espinoza have done well to shut down offenses. The one goal against through 4 games is tied for the lowest goals against in team history with the 2004 and 2010 seasons. The offense for LA though is going to be the most talented they've faced all season by far, certainly a tough test, this time especially for Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler in the middle of defense.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Convey
Myers - Collin Besler - Sinovic
Cesar - Espinoza
Zusi
Kamara - Sapong - Convey
Number to Remember - 4 - That's the number of games in Kansas City is unbeaten against the LA Galaxy. Unfortunately the last 3 years have seen draws between the two teams (1-1, 0-0, 2-2). The last win was a 2-0 win at Arrowhead, best known for Davy Arnaud's rocket of a shot.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin and Matt Besler vs Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle - Through 4 games, Collin and Besler have faced no where close to the attack that they'll face tomorrow in Keane and Buddle. KC's defense has done well in shutting down teams, but they've still been giving up some decent chances to opponents. So far the opposition forwards haven't been able to make KC pay for the mistakes. Against forwards like Keane and Buddle though, they'll punish KC. Collin and Besler need to be on their game.
PREDICTION - KC are definitely the in form team in the league currently. And LA after the loss to New England would seem to be in some of the worst form. I think a lot of fans though are getting over confident in this game after seeing the 3-1 loss to New England. Unfortunately I am not sure it's going to be a high scoring affair tomorrow. Bruce Arena is one of the best coaches in the league. After seeing the loss to the Revolution I'm sure the teams going to be a bit more defensive minded and sit back a bit more. I think this is going to be a much tighter game.
KC - 1 (Kamara)
LA - 0
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Rumors From No Where
It's always funny how rumors come out of no where and are really based off of nothing. The Birahim Diop to Colombia rumors started out of nothing but a running joke that Diop would look to continue to follow Ocatvio Zambrano as he had quite a few times in his career. Today another rumor really based off of nothing has come up. That being Herculez Gomez returning to the US. Gomez, the US international scored 2 goals and had an assist in Santos Laguna's 6-2 win over Toronto last night.
Comments on Twitter this morning basically started with the question from a few people wondering which teams would be interested in trying to get Gomez as a designated player for their team. There are many teams in the league that could use a guy like Gomez, especially in the form that he's in. But there's really nothing to the rumor.
Still that has led to people digging in to what would be the process for Gomez to re-enter the league. If a team wants to bring Gomez in, that team would need to negotiate with Sporting KC, because the team holds his MLS rights. The reason for that is because after the 2009 season when Gomez was out of contract, the Wizards offered Gomez a new contract. Since the contract was deemed a "bona fide" offer, KC held on to his MLS rights. This is a similar situation to the one Kansas City was in with Kevin Hartman. KC made Hartman a bona fide offer and held his MLS rights, even though they ended up signing Jimmy Nielsen. KC ended up trading Hartman's rights to Dallas, but Gomez ended up going to Mexico, and KC ended up holding his rights. This sort of situation was one of the key points of the CBA negotiations the other year. The players wanted free agency, as a compromise, they got the re-entry draft.
To clear up some of confusion, this is not a 2 year rights holding as teams get with draft picks that they don't pick up. It's permanent because of the offer he was given.
The realization of this by more mainstream media has gotten the whole discussion starting again. Grant Wahl, Herculez Gomez, and Jimmy Conrad all got into it, discussing the fact that KC still held his rights. Gomez first expressed surprise that he wouldn't go through the allocation process, and as Wahl brought up that MLS says he (Gomez) turned down the offer, Gomez hints at an underlying conflict with Peter Vermes regarding the situation. Conrad, who at the time was still captain of the Wizards, and one of the team's reps with the player's union, said how the team didn't even want Gomez, but that making him an offer was in their best interest in case he leaves and does well (which he has).
It's interesting to see the topic of player rights being brought up (Portland holds Jonathan Bornstein and Robbie Findley's MLS rights in a similar fashion to Kansas City holding Gomez's rights). And it's amazing how all this has led to rumors starting to come up of Gomez returning to MLS. But remember, there's currently nothing in the rumors, and it'd likely cost an MLS team almost $3 million to sign Gomez, who would require a transfer fee for Santos (who will likely require no less than the $1.8 million transfer fee they paid for him) and making him a designated player as he reportedly is making in the upper 6 figures. And that's before you get into what the interested team would need to give to KC.
Comments on Twitter this morning basically started with the question from a few people wondering which teams would be interested in trying to get Gomez as a designated player for their team. There are many teams in the league that could use a guy like Gomez, especially in the form that he's in. But there's really nothing to the rumor.
Still that has led to people digging in to what would be the process for Gomez to re-enter the league. If a team wants to bring Gomez in, that team would need to negotiate with Sporting KC, because the team holds his MLS rights. The reason for that is because after the 2009 season when Gomez was out of contract, the Wizards offered Gomez a new contract. Since the contract was deemed a "bona fide" offer, KC held on to his MLS rights. This is a similar situation to the one Kansas City was in with Kevin Hartman. KC made Hartman a bona fide offer and held his MLS rights, even though they ended up signing Jimmy Nielsen. KC ended up trading Hartman's rights to Dallas, but Gomez ended up going to Mexico, and KC ended up holding his rights. This sort of situation was one of the key points of the CBA negotiations the other year. The players wanted free agency, as a compromise, they got the re-entry draft.
To clear up some of confusion, this is not a 2 year rights holding as teams get with draft picks that they don't pick up. It's permanent because of the offer he was given.
The realization of this by more mainstream media has gotten the whole discussion starting again. Grant Wahl, Herculez Gomez, and Jimmy Conrad all got into it, discussing the fact that KC still held his rights. Gomez first expressed surprise that he wouldn't go through the allocation process, and as Wahl brought up that MLS says he (Gomez) turned down the offer, Gomez hints at an underlying conflict with Peter Vermes regarding the situation. Conrad, who at the time was still captain of the Wizards, and one of the team's reps with the player's union, said how the team didn't even want Gomez, but that making him an offer was in their best interest in case he leaves and does well (which he has).
It's interesting to see the topic of player rights being brought up (Portland holds Jonathan Bornstein and Robbie Findley's MLS rights in a similar fashion to Kansas City holding Gomez's rights). And it's amazing how all this has led to rumors starting to come up of Gomez returning to MLS. But remember, there's currently nothing in the rumors, and it'd likely cost an MLS team almost $3 million to sign Gomez, who would require a transfer fee for Santos (who will likely require no less than the $1.8 million transfer fee they paid for him) and making him a designated player as he reportedly is making in the upper 6 figures. And that's before you get into what the interested team would need to give to KC.
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