Josh Gardner's Comments Overshadow Preseason Game

Sporting KC played to a 1-1 draw with FC Tucson tonight in Arizona in the team's second preseason game.  Soony Saad scored early off a cross from Chance Myers.  Shortly after that Tucson equalized.  It was actually Tucson who had some of the better chances, putting a shot just wide and hitting the cross bar.  KC though controlled most of the first half and probably should have scored another goal or two.  KC made full scale changes plugging in many of the new players, trialists, and draftees in a lineup that played without a true forward.  KC had much of the play in the second but couldn't find a winner as KC played to it's second draw of the preseason.

The most interesting part of the game came in the second half when Sporting KC midfielder/defender Josh Gardner joined the broadcast booth.  Gardner was asked about joining Sporting and his playing style and how it fit it.  Gardner mentioned his getting forward and crossing ability and then said "we'll miss Kei a little bit with his size." 

A short while later when about Sporting's national team players and specifically Graham Zusi, and where he fits in, Gardner finished a comment saying "with Kei leaving."

Nothing officially has been stated from Sporting regarding Kamara's status, but he hasn't played in either of Sporting's two preseason games and from comments people have made it sounds like he is actually in Kansas City currently, not Tucson.

Earlier in the broadcast, the two calling the game for the MLS stream made it sound like Kamara's deal to Norwich would only be a short term loan deal instead of a permanent deal.  A loan would likely see Kamara leave Kansas City until May or so and then returning to KC.

Any move for Kamara would have to be completed before the close of the transfer window in England, which ends on Thursday around 5pm Central time. 

The loss of Kamara would be a rough one for Sporting to recover from.  Kamara's speed and size on the wing causes all kinds of problems for defenses and he has the ability to finish as well.  He's been at least joint leading scorer for KC each of the last 3 seasons, including a career high of 11 this past season.