FC Kansas City put in a complete performance today at Verizon Wireless Field today as they took care of business and defeated the visiting Portland Thorns for the first time this season, 2-0. From the start, FC Kansas City was all over the Thorns, controlling the early run of play. KC were rewarded for their early pressure in the 10th minute when the Blues grabbed the lead through Lauren Cheney. Cheney was played in by Leigh Ann Robinson to start a 3v3 break for KC. Cheney ended up going herself and firing a shot from 28 yards out that sailed Karina LeBlanc and into the net for Cheney's league leading 8th goal of the season. KC continued to push the game with a northerly wind at their back assisting. Courtney Jones and Robinson were causing all kinds of problems down KC's right side. Portland only showed little glimpses going forward. For all KC's possession and chances though they only went into the half time break up 1-0.
In the second half Portland came out looking to get back into the game. KC's defense though did a great job of shutting down the Thorns high power attack of Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan. The two were limited to only a handful of chances as Lauren Sesselman and Becky Sauerbrunn shut down their attack. KC had chances of their own as well as they would counter off of Portland's attacks. KC did finally find a second goal in the 71st minute. A cross by Robinson was deflected into the box by Angie Kerr. There, substitute, Merritt Mathias beat her defender to the ball and got a touch on the ball, knocking it past LeBlanc and into the net doubling the lead. After that, Portland actually started to get more into the game,creating a few chances, but with just under 10 minutes left, they took another hit. Defender Marian Dougherty had to leave the game with a knee injury. Portland had already used all of their subs, which forced Portland to spend the rest of the game with only 10 men. KC held on and picked up their 7th win of the season. The jumped over Western New York and into 3rd place in the league.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday After Stats
The game was the 50th time that Sporting KC has played the Crew in all competitions. KC is 20-23-7 in those 50 games.
Kevin Ellis became the first home grown player for Kansas City to play in a league game.
Chance Myers made his 100th league appearance for KC, he's the 26th player to hit that mark for KC.
Kei Kamara scored his 10th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Davy Arnaud for the 4th most all time for KC.
Matt Besler made his 115th league appearance, tying him with Jose Burciaga for 16th on that list.
Besler made his 110th league start, tying him with Burciaga for 14th on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen and Graham Zusi both made their 111th league appearance for KC, that ties them with Sean Bowers for 20th on that list.
Nielsen made his 111th league start for KC, breaking his tie with Burciaga for 13th on that list.
Kevin Ellis became the first home grown player for Kansas City to play in a league game.
Chance Myers made his 100th league appearance for KC, he's the 26th player to hit that mark for KC.
Kei Kamara scored his 10th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Davy Arnaud for the 4th most all time for KC.
Matt Besler made his 115th league appearance, tying him with Jose Burciaga for 16th on that list.
Besler made his 110th league start, tying him with Burciaga for 14th on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen and Graham Zusi both made their 111th league appearance for KC, that ties them with Sean Bowers for 20th on that list.
Nielsen made his 111th league start for KC, breaking his tie with Burciaga for 13th on that list.
Getting Back on the Right Foot
Sporting's home form this season has been less than stellar this season, the offense hasn't been clicking and the defense has not looked as good as it has the last two years. Last night against Columbus, Kansas City was able to get back on the right foot, sort of. They took care of business against the Crew, winning 3-2. The game though shouldn't have been that close as two poor defensive plays led to both of the Crew's goals last night.
Soony Saad got a bit of a surprise start at forward in place of the suspended CJ Sapong. Saad caused all sorts of problems for the Crew early in the game. He almost set up a goal early on by beating a man 1v1 on the wing and crossing to Kei Kamara in the box. Kamara should have done better with it as he pushed his header wide. KC almost grabbed the lead in the 10th, again Saad was involved. After a short corner by KC was broken up, Saad picked up the ball around the corner of the box and fired a shot towards the corner. The ball took a bounce right in front of Andy Gruenebaum as he dove to save it and all he could do was push it around the post for a corner. Off that corner KC again almost grabbed the lead as the ball was floated back post for Saad who played it into the middle for Lawrence Olum who slotted Claudio Bieler through. Bieler's curling shot though went just wide of the post. In the 34th minute, KC grabbed a deserved, and not surprisingly Saad was involved in it. Saad received the ball on the right around midfield. Saad played a fantastic cross into the box where Kamara was racing onto it. Kamara took the ball down wonderfully with the outside of his right foot and then blasted it past Gruenebaum with his left to give KC the lead. KC almost came right back down and added a second but Gruenebaum came up with a nice save to keep the score 1-0. The score remained through the half.
Columbus quickly equalized in the second half. A counter by Columbus was started on a long clearance that Federico Higuain headed into the path of Jairo Arrieta. Arrieta raced down the field 1v1 with Matt Besler. KC defenders were recovering, but Arrieta got Besler dive in and beat him and then fired a shot into the corner past Jimmy Nielsen to tie the game. The game wasn't level at 1-1 long though. Only two minutes after Columbus tied the game, KC was back down at the other end in the corner Kamara laid the ball back to Chance Myers. Myers' cross was poorly cleared by Tyson Wahl right into the path of Bieler who fired the ball first time into the corner to make it 2-1. A nice finish by Bieler especially since the ball was close to chest high as he turned and shot. Only two minutes later KC almost made it three as a corner was initially cleared but played right back in to Besler. Besler crossed the ball across the face of goal and it just missed Kamara sliding in and the rebound was then cleared off Graham Zusi's foot. Higuain tried to play in Dominic Oduro, but Seth Sinovic beat him to the ball. Sinovic then attempted to play the ball back to Nielsen, but didn't get enough on his pass. Oduro raced by him, got the ball, rounded Nielsen and leveled the game at 2-2 in the 53rd.
KC continued to push the game after giving up the equalizer and second time, but couldn't find another goal. Finally in the 80th minute KC got their winner. After an attack at the opposite end, KC countered while Crew player Bernardo Anor stayed down in the penalty area with what appeared to be cramps. A cross from the left was flicked on by Bieler towards Kamara at the back post. The ball went to Crew defender, Tyson Wahl instead. Wahl poorly headed it away though right back to Bieler. Bieler directed his header back towards the far post where Kamara still was. Kamara let the ball run across his body and fired the ball under Gruenebaum and into the net making it 3-2 KC. KC almost grabbed a fourth in the 84th minute. KC got the ball out of their end and fed it to substitute Dom Dwyer. Dwyer raced down the field and into the box when a sliding challenge from a Crew defender knocked the ball away. Advantage was called as Zusi raced onto the ball, but his shot was saved by Gruenebaum. The rebound fell to Saad at the top of his box, but Gruenebaum recovered very well after the first save and was able to get back across goal and make another save on Saad's effort to keep it 3-2. Into stoppage time, KC was holding on but looked shakey. A cross into the box was headed up into the air by the Crew. Nielsen came out to punch it but didn't get a good hand on it. The ball fell to Konrad Warzycha. With a number of bodies in the way though Warzycha fired his shot just wide of the post. KC held on and picked up the 3-2 win and for the moment move them into a tie for second.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Yes Kamara scored a brace, but Saad was fantastic yesterday. Every dangerous opportunity by KC in the first half seemed to be coming through Saad in some way. He continued to play very well in the second and was unlucky in the end to only get the one assist on the stat sheet.
Honorable mention - Kei Kamara
Player Ratings - Nielsen 4, Sinovic 4, Collin 4, Besler 4, Myers 5, Olum 6, Rosell 5, Zusi 6, Saad 8, Bieler 7, Kamara 8. Subs Ellis 6, Dwyer 6, Opara NR.
Soony Saad got a bit of a surprise start at forward in place of the suspended CJ Sapong. Saad caused all sorts of problems for the Crew early in the game. He almost set up a goal early on by beating a man 1v1 on the wing and crossing to Kei Kamara in the box. Kamara should have done better with it as he pushed his header wide. KC almost grabbed the lead in the 10th, again Saad was involved. After a short corner by KC was broken up, Saad picked up the ball around the corner of the box and fired a shot towards the corner. The ball took a bounce right in front of Andy Gruenebaum as he dove to save it and all he could do was push it around the post for a corner. Off that corner KC again almost grabbed the lead as the ball was floated back post for Saad who played it into the middle for Lawrence Olum who slotted Claudio Bieler through. Bieler's curling shot though went just wide of the post. In the 34th minute, KC grabbed a deserved, and not surprisingly Saad was involved in it. Saad received the ball on the right around midfield. Saad played a fantastic cross into the box where Kamara was racing onto it. Kamara took the ball down wonderfully with the outside of his right foot and then blasted it past Gruenebaum with his left to give KC the lead. KC almost came right back down and added a second but Gruenebaum came up with a nice save to keep the score 1-0. The score remained through the half.
Columbus quickly equalized in the second half. A counter by Columbus was started on a long clearance that Federico Higuain headed into the path of Jairo Arrieta. Arrieta raced down the field 1v1 with Matt Besler. KC defenders were recovering, but Arrieta got Besler dive in and beat him and then fired a shot into the corner past Jimmy Nielsen to tie the game. The game wasn't level at 1-1 long though. Only two minutes after Columbus tied the game, KC was back down at the other end in the corner Kamara laid the ball back to Chance Myers. Myers' cross was poorly cleared by Tyson Wahl right into the path of Bieler who fired the ball first time into the corner to make it 2-1. A nice finish by Bieler especially since the ball was close to chest high as he turned and shot. Only two minutes later KC almost made it three as a corner was initially cleared but played right back in to Besler. Besler crossed the ball across the face of goal and it just missed Kamara sliding in and the rebound was then cleared off Graham Zusi's foot. Higuain tried to play in Dominic Oduro, but Seth Sinovic beat him to the ball. Sinovic then attempted to play the ball back to Nielsen, but didn't get enough on his pass. Oduro raced by him, got the ball, rounded Nielsen and leveled the game at 2-2 in the 53rd.
KC continued to push the game after giving up the equalizer and second time, but couldn't find another goal. Finally in the 80th minute KC got their winner. After an attack at the opposite end, KC countered while Crew player Bernardo Anor stayed down in the penalty area with what appeared to be cramps. A cross from the left was flicked on by Bieler towards Kamara at the back post. The ball went to Crew defender, Tyson Wahl instead. Wahl poorly headed it away though right back to Bieler. Bieler directed his header back towards the far post where Kamara still was. Kamara let the ball run across his body and fired the ball under Gruenebaum and into the net making it 3-2 KC. KC almost grabbed a fourth in the 84th minute. KC got the ball out of their end and fed it to substitute Dom Dwyer. Dwyer raced down the field and into the box when a sliding challenge from a Crew defender knocked the ball away. Advantage was called as Zusi raced onto the ball, but his shot was saved by Gruenebaum. The rebound fell to Saad at the top of his box, but Gruenebaum recovered very well after the first save and was able to get back across goal and make another save on Saad's effort to keep it 3-2. Into stoppage time, KC was holding on but looked shakey. A cross into the box was headed up into the air by the Crew. Nielsen came out to punch it but didn't get a good hand on it. The ball fell to Konrad Warzycha. With a number of bodies in the way though Warzycha fired his shot just wide of the post. KC held on and picked up the 3-2 win and for the moment move them into a tie for second.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Yes Kamara scored a brace, but Saad was fantastic yesterday. Every dangerous opportunity by KC in the first half seemed to be coming through Saad in some way. He continued to play very well in the second and was unlucky in the end to only get the one assist on the stat sheet.
Honorable mention - Kei Kamara
Player Ratings - Nielsen 4, Sinovic 4, Collin 4, Besler 4, Myers 5, Olum 6, Rosell 5, Zusi 6, Saad 8, Bieler 7, Kamara 8. Subs Ellis 6, Dwyer 6, Opara NR.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Back Home
Sporting Kansas City return home to Sporting Park tomorrow night when they'll take on the Columbus Crew for the first of three meetings this season. Sporting's home form as of late has been anything but stellar, they've won just two of their last seven home games in all competitions. Those two wins game against the dysfunctional Chivas USA who played with 10 men, and a bunch of college kids (Des Moines).
Columbus have won just two of their last eight league games heading into this weekend's match. Last week they lost 2-1 to the Chicago Fire at home. If you thought some Sporting fans were starting to turn on Peter Vermes, more Crew fans are wanting Crew coach, Robert Warzycha canned from his position. The Crew have been hit with some injury issues, losing both Eddie Gaven and Glauber to ACL tears this year. Both are starters if they're healthy. The Crew will also be without Matias Sanchez, who is suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Still the Crew have Federico Higuain, the Columbus designated player who runs their offense and Dominic Oduro who has caused a number of issues for Sporting in the past.
Sporting come into the game relatively healthy. Last week the only injury was Seth Sinovic who had an injury that kept him out. With Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph away with the Haitian national team, Sinovic should be back at left back with Chance Myers on the right. If Sinovic is unable to go, Josh Gardner would be the likely candidate to start at left back. The other question mark is Paulo Nagamura who left last week's game with an injury. If Nagamura can't go, then Lawrence Olum seems the most likely to slot in at his spot. Sporting KC does have Dom Dwyer back from his loan with Orlando City. With CJ Sapong suspended for the game, I expect Dwyer to find a spot on the bench where he could come on if need be.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Zusi
Kamara - Bieler - Peterson
Number to Remember - 1 - That's the number of wins that Sporting KC has over the Columbus Crew since their move to the other side of the state line. Since the move to Kansas before the 2008 season, Kansas City is a dismal 1-4 in league play against the Columbus Crew, scoring three and conceding nine. In all competitions, it's still an unacceptable 1-4-1 at home vs the Crew since the move to Kansas.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Chad Marshall - Marshall has been a consistent rock for the Crew in the back. The question is how Bieler will deal with another talk, physical center back going up against him tomorrow. The service to Bieler this season has lacked, and against a mountain of a center back like Marshall it's going to be tough for Bieler again.
PREDICTION - Neither one of these teams is playing exceptionally well right now. Columbus had a big win over Montreal at home, but other than that haven't lit the world on fire. Sporting KC at the moment is barely hanging onto a playoff spot. With the talent that they have Sporting shouldn't currently be sitting in 5th place in the East. At some point the talent that KC has should start to come out. If not larger questions have to be asked. Against the Crew though I expect Columbus to sit back and look for Oduro on the counter or Higuain off a set piece. Other than that I expect this to be the typical KC home game, control possession, out shoot, out chance. The question is whether Kansas City can find the goals that they've lacked lately.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Bunbury)
CLB - 1 (Oduro)
Columbus have won just two of their last eight league games heading into this weekend's match. Last week they lost 2-1 to the Chicago Fire at home. If you thought some Sporting fans were starting to turn on Peter Vermes, more Crew fans are wanting Crew coach, Robert Warzycha canned from his position. The Crew have been hit with some injury issues, losing both Eddie Gaven and Glauber to ACL tears this year. Both are starters if they're healthy. The Crew will also be without Matias Sanchez, who is suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Still the Crew have Federico Higuain, the Columbus designated player who runs their offense and Dominic Oduro who has caused a number of issues for Sporting in the past.
Sporting come into the game relatively healthy. Last week the only injury was Seth Sinovic who had an injury that kept him out. With Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph away with the Haitian national team, Sinovic should be back at left back with Chance Myers on the right. If Sinovic is unable to go, Josh Gardner would be the likely candidate to start at left back. The other question mark is Paulo Nagamura who left last week's game with an injury. If Nagamura can't go, then Lawrence Olum seems the most likely to slot in at his spot. Sporting KC does have Dom Dwyer back from his loan with Orlando City. With CJ Sapong suspended for the game, I expect Dwyer to find a spot on the bench where he could come on if need be.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Zusi
Kamara - Bieler - Peterson
Number to Remember - 1 - That's the number of wins that Sporting KC has over the Columbus Crew since their move to the other side of the state line. Since the move to Kansas before the 2008 season, Kansas City is a dismal 1-4 in league play against the Columbus Crew, scoring three and conceding nine. In all competitions, it's still an unacceptable 1-4-1 at home vs the Crew since the move to Kansas.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Chad Marshall - Marshall has been a consistent rock for the Crew in the back. The question is how Bieler will deal with another talk, physical center back going up against him tomorrow. The service to Bieler this season has lacked, and against a mountain of a center back like Marshall it's going to be tough for Bieler again.
PREDICTION - Neither one of these teams is playing exceptionally well right now. Columbus had a big win over Montreal at home, but other than that haven't lit the world on fire. Sporting KC at the moment is barely hanging onto a playoff spot. With the talent that they have Sporting shouldn't currently be sitting in 5th place in the East. At some point the talent that KC has should start to come out. If not larger questions have to be asked. Against the Crew though I expect Columbus to sit back and look for Oduro on the counter or Higuain off a set piece. Other than that I expect this to be the typical KC home game, control possession, out shoot, out chance. The question is whether Kansas City can find the goals that they've lacked lately.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Bunbury)
CLB - 1 (Oduro)
More on Zusi Contract and Songo'o Waived
Sporting KC today announced the contract renewal for Graham Zusi. Zusi's new contract keeps him under contract with Sporting KC through 2017. While it's not a guarantee that Zusi will be with KC that long, it does give KC a bargaining chip when it comes to teams looking to buy Zusi's contract. KC will be able to ask for more if Zusi has himself a good World Cup in 2014.
Zusi's contract does not make him a designated player by name, but he basically is. Zusi will be paid designated player money, but because of Sporting using the new "retention fund" policy, Kansas City was able to get Zusi without making him the team's second designated player.
The question many are asking, what is the "retention fund"? This is a new policy that MLS has recently implemented. Back in April, Kevin Payne from Toronto FC made mention to it in an interview (starts around the 13 minute mark). Basically the new policy is a way for teams to use extra allocation money to re-sign certain types of players. Those types of players have to be younger players, at a certain point in their contract. The idea is to allow teams to sign important, promising players, by offsetting some of the cap hit. That's why Zusi is now making DP money but is not a DP. Certainly a bit confusing, especially without MLS making any announcement about this new "retention fund."
Songo'o Waived
In other news, Sporting KC made one roster move ahead of the July 1st waiver deadline. Players waived before July 1 will not have their full salary count against the cap. Today Sporting KC and defender Yann Songo'o mutually agreed to terminate Songo'o's contract with the team. Songo'o is apparently returning to Spain.
The move is a bit of a surprise. Songo'o has started all but one game for Orlando City as he's been on loan with the USL-Pro side. He led the team in minutes and had scored one goal on the season. By all accounts he'd played well for Orlando and had been solid. With it being a mutual termination, one would assume that part of the reason is that Songo'o wanted to return to Europe as well.
This leaves KC with only two players on loan to Orlando at this time, goalkeeper, Jon Kempin and midfielder, Christian Duke. So Sporting will likely be sending two players down to replace Songo'o and Dom Dwyer. With no other center backs to send down it won't be a like for like swap with Songo'o. With Dwyer, Soony Saad would seem to be the favorite to send down. Other possibilities are Kevin Ellis and Kyle Miller who could both use games.
Zusi's contract does not make him a designated player by name, but he basically is. Zusi will be paid designated player money, but because of Sporting using the new "retention fund" policy, Kansas City was able to get Zusi without making him the team's second designated player.
The question many are asking, what is the "retention fund"? This is a new policy that MLS has recently implemented. Back in April, Kevin Payne from Toronto FC made mention to it in an interview (starts around the 13 minute mark). Basically the new policy is a way for teams to use extra allocation money to re-sign certain types of players. Those types of players have to be younger players, at a certain point in their contract. The idea is to allow teams to sign important, promising players, by offsetting some of the cap hit. That's why Zusi is now making DP money but is not a DP. Certainly a bit confusing, especially without MLS making any announcement about this new "retention fund."
Songo'o Waived
In other news, Sporting KC made one roster move ahead of the July 1st waiver deadline. Players waived before July 1 will not have their full salary count against the cap. Today Sporting KC and defender Yann Songo'o mutually agreed to terminate Songo'o's contract with the team. Songo'o is apparently returning to Spain.
The move is a bit of a surprise. Songo'o has started all but one game for Orlando City as he's been on loan with the USL-Pro side. He led the team in minutes and had scored one goal on the season. By all accounts he'd played well for Orlando and had been solid. With it being a mutual termination, one would assume that part of the reason is that Songo'o wanted to return to Europe as well.
This leaves KC with only two players on loan to Orlando at this time, goalkeeper, Jon Kempin and midfielder, Christian Duke. So Sporting will likely be sending two players down to replace Songo'o and Dom Dwyer. With no other center backs to send down it won't be a like for like swap with Songo'o. With Dwyer, Soony Saad would seem to be the favorite to send down. Other possibilities are Kevin Ellis and Kyle Miller who could both use games.
Besler, Zusi Not on Gold Cup Roster and a Look at Who Opponents Lose
Yesterday, Jurgen Klinsmann came out with his roster for the USA for this summer's Gold Cup. Sporting Kansas City will not be represented on the team, at least in the group stage. KC's three players on the preliminary roster, Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, and Graham Zusi were all left off the final 23 man roster.
That doesn't mean though that they can't be called up later. In this year's Gold Cup, CONCACAF is allowing team's the ability to replace up to four players on their squad after the group stage. Those potential four players have to come from the preliminary roster. So any of KC's 3 players could be called up for the knock out rounds.
So KC will only be down two players during the group stage of the Gold Cup, their two Haitians, Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph.
On the other hand, some of the teams that KC will be playing during the Gold Cup stretch will be undermanned.
While Jairo Arrieta has been called up to the Costa Rican national team for the Gold Cup, he will not be missing this weekend's game against Kansas City. He'll report after the game at Sporting Park Saturday.
In KC's match on July 3rd vs Vancouver though, the Whitecaps will be missing two players, Simon Thomas and Russell Teibert. Both have been called up to the Canadian national team. Thomas isn't one KC would have had to worry about anyway, he is Vancouver's 3rd keeper and wouldn't have played against KC anyway. Teibert though is a bit of a loss, the 20 year old has played in 10 games, starting nine of them. He's also scored two goals this season.
KC's next opponent, Chicago could be missing one player for the Gold Cup, Sean Johnson. Johnson was named to the US roster for the tournament. As the likely third keeper though I'm not sure if Johnson will miss time. In the past, Klinsmann has let the team's third keeper remain with his club unless he was needed. So Johnson may be available.
After Chicago, KC play host to Toronto. TFC will be missing four players for the match, all of whom were called up by Canada for the tournament. Defenders Ashtone Morgan and Doneil Henry have both been called in, along with midfielders Kyle Bekker and Jonathan Osorio. Only Osorio though has played the majority of TFC's games so far this season, playing in 14 games, and scoring three goals. The other three combined have appeared in just 16 games this season for TFC.
Should the US advance to the knock out round (which it'd be shocking if they didn't), KC's opponent on July 20th, Real Salt Lake will be undermanned as well. Salt Lake could be missing four starters for the match against Sporting. Salt Lake had three players called into the US team. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, team captain Kyle Beckerman, and wingback, Tony Beltran. Those three will be a tough loss to make up for in Salt Lake. The fourth player that will be missing is forward Alvaro Saborio who was called up for Costa Rica for the tournament.
The only opponent KC play during the entire length of the Gold Cup that won't be missing players due to the Gold Cup is their final opponent in the stretch, Montreal.
That doesn't mean though that they can't be called up later. In this year's Gold Cup, CONCACAF is allowing team's the ability to replace up to four players on their squad after the group stage. Those potential four players have to come from the preliminary roster. So any of KC's 3 players could be called up for the knock out rounds.
So KC will only be down two players during the group stage of the Gold Cup, their two Haitians, Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph.
On the other hand, some of the teams that KC will be playing during the Gold Cup stretch will be undermanned.
While Jairo Arrieta has been called up to the Costa Rican national team for the Gold Cup, he will not be missing this weekend's game against Kansas City. He'll report after the game at Sporting Park Saturday.
In KC's match on July 3rd vs Vancouver though, the Whitecaps will be missing two players, Simon Thomas and Russell Teibert. Both have been called up to the Canadian national team. Thomas isn't one KC would have had to worry about anyway, he is Vancouver's 3rd keeper and wouldn't have played against KC anyway. Teibert though is a bit of a loss, the 20 year old has played in 10 games, starting nine of them. He's also scored two goals this season.
KC's next opponent, Chicago could be missing one player for the Gold Cup, Sean Johnson. Johnson was named to the US roster for the tournament. As the likely third keeper though I'm not sure if Johnson will miss time. In the past, Klinsmann has let the team's third keeper remain with his club unless he was needed. So Johnson may be available.
After Chicago, KC play host to Toronto. TFC will be missing four players for the match, all of whom were called up by Canada for the tournament. Defenders Ashtone Morgan and Doneil Henry have both been called in, along with midfielders Kyle Bekker and Jonathan Osorio. Only Osorio though has played the majority of TFC's games so far this season, playing in 14 games, and scoring three goals. The other three combined have appeared in just 16 games this season for TFC.
Should the US advance to the knock out round (which it'd be shocking if they didn't), KC's opponent on July 20th, Real Salt Lake will be undermanned as well. Salt Lake could be missing four starters for the match against Sporting. Salt Lake had three players called into the US team. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, team captain Kyle Beckerman, and wingback, Tony Beltran. Those three will be a tough loss to make up for in Salt Lake. The fourth player that will be missing is forward Alvaro Saborio who was called up for Costa Rica for the tournament.
The only opponent KC play during the entire length of the Gold Cup that won't be missing players due to the Gold Cup is their final opponent in the stretch, Montreal.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
New Contract Coming for Zusi
Earlier this season there were rumors circulating that Sporting KC was trying to get Graham Zusi signed to a new long term deal with the club. Those rumors fell away shortly after that, and then Zusi had solid performances for the USA in a number of World Cup qualifiers, solidifying himself in Jurgen Klinsmann's starting 11. With that happening, thoughts turned away from rumors of signing him to an extension and instead turned to how long he'd be here before making the jump to Europe.
It seemed inevitable that Zusi would leave for Europe sooner than later. The thought was that if we were lucky he'd be here through the World Cup to help him keep his place on the US World Cup team.
That has changed today though with news from Brian Sciaretta on Yanks Abroad. Sciaretta reported tonight that Zusi had signed a new contract with Sporting KC, that was pending league approval.
If that didn't get you excited enough, then after that article surfaced, Robb Heineman took to Twitter:
The confirmation of Sciaretta's story lifts fans spirits about Zusi's history in KC. And while Zusi can still leave, the signing of a new deal likely raises the transfer fee quite a bit with the extra years on the contract.
The question would be now what Zusi's new contract is worth. In February of 2012, Zusi signed a new contract with Sporting KC that upped his salary from about $42,000 a year to over $100,000 a year.
So what does this contract bump Zusi to? I'm not sure it'll bump him all the way to DP level, but I think it at least probably puts him into the $250,000 to $300,000 per year. Which would still be a very nice bump in salary for the former Maryland man.
Per Tod Palmer with the KC Star, the extension is a 3 year extension, keeping him in KC through the 2017 season if he stays through the end of the contract.
It seemed inevitable that Zusi would leave for Europe sooner than later. The thought was that if we were lucky he'd be here through the World Cup to help him keep his place on the US World Cup team.
That has changed today though with news from Brian Sciaretta on Yanks Abroad. Sciaretta reported tonight that Zusi had signed a new contract with Sporting KC, that was pending league approval.
If that didn't get you excited enough, then after that article surfaced, Robb Heineman took to Twitter:
Hope u r ok w @gzusi being around for awhile. I REALLY wanted to leak this, but agents.....anyway....ZEUS!!!! #WowI'mHappy #thanksMyFriend
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) June 28, 2013
The confirmation of Sciaretta's story lifts fans spirits about Zusi's history in KC. And while Zusi can still leave, the signing of a new deal likely raises the transfer fee quite a bit with the extra years on the contract.
The question would be now what Zusi's new contract is worth. In February of 2012, Zusi signed a new contract with Sporting KC that upped his salary from about $42,000 a year to over $100,000 a year.
So what does this contract bump Zusi to? I'm not sure it'll bump him all the way to DP level, but I think it at least probably puts him into the $250,000 to $300,000 per year. Which would still be a very nice bump in salary for the former Maryland man.
Per Tod Palmer with the KC Star, the extension is a 3 year extension, keeping him in KC through the 2017 season if he stays through the end of the contract.
Dwyer Returning to KC
Excited @Ddwyer14 back w us 2day. Should b some good mojo. We appreciate what a great situation he had with team and fans in OC. #thanks
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) June 27, 2013
So according to Robb Heineman this morning, Sporting KC's first round draft pick last year, Dom Dwyer will be returning to Kansas City after Orlando City was knocked out of the US Open Cup last night.
Can't say it's a totally surprising move, Dwyer leads the USL-Pro division in goals this season, with 15 in 13 games. He's added another 3 in the US Open Cup this year. With KC having offensive troubles recently, there have been a few fans that have called for Dwyer to return to KC since he's been hot. I'd thought KC would wait until the USL season ended before recalling him unless a crisis hit, and I'm not sure we've hit that.
A question in response to this move is who KC sends to Orlando to replace Dwyer. Part of KC's deal with Orlando is that there will be 4 players in Orlando. With Dwyer returning that leaves just 3, Christian Duke, Jon Kempin, and Yann Songo'o. So it's a question of who goes back down. My initial thought is on Soony Saad, who with the return of Teal Bunbury has found himself further down the depth chart. But we'll see.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Orlando Knocked Out of US Open Cup - Former SKC Wizards Update
One round after knocking off affiliate club, Sporting KC, Orlando traveled to Chicago to take on the Fire in a quarterfinal match up. Unfortunately for Sporting KC's four loaned players, the game didn't go very well. Orlando lost 5-1 to the Fire. Sporting KC loanee, Yann Songo'o was sent off. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 80 minutes in Toronto's 0-0 draw with Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in the US U20's 4-1 loss to Spain. Started and played 90 minutes in the US U20's 1-1 draw with France.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 73 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-0 win over New York.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 77 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 win over Seattle. Started and played 79 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over Carolina.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Chicago.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Minnesota's 3-2 loss to Carolina.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 86 minutes in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 0-0 draw wiht Dayton.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-0 loss to Dayton.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Started and played 64 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 win over Antigua.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 71 minutes before being red carded in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with the Vancouver reserves.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with Tampa Bay.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' 1-0 win over KC.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Haka's 1-0 win over Kajaani.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - No game this week.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Offseason.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No games until 7/7.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 win over Pacifico.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia -No game until 7/16.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not dress in Fylkir's 2-1 loss to FH.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Llaneros' -0 draw with Deportivo Rionegro.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 80 minutes in Toronto's 0-0 draw with Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in the US U20's 4-1 loss to Spain. Started and played 90 minutes in the US U20's 1-1 draw with France.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 73 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-0 win over New York.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-0 win over Colorado. Did not dress in Portland's 3-2 win over Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 77 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 win over Seattle. Started and played 79 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over Carolina.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Chicago.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Minnesota's 3-2 loss to Carolina.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 86 minutes in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 0-0 draw wiht Dayton.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-0 loss to Dayton.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Started and played 64 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 win over Antigua.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 71 minutes before being red carded in Orlando's 5-1 loss to Chicago.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with the Vancouver reserves.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with Tampa Bay.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' 1-0 win over KC.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Haka's 1-0 win over Kajaani.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - No game this week.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Offseason.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No games until 7/7.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 win over Pacifico.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia -No game until 7/16.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not dress in Fylkir's 2-1 loss to FH.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Llaneros' -0 draw with Deportivo Rionegro.
FCKC Lose Two Goal Lead, Draw Sky Blue
As
the second half of the season begins, every game becomes important in
the battle for playoff positioning. Facing the league leading Sky Blue
FC, FC Kansas City needed a solid performance to keep their place among
the league’s top teams. Erika Tymrak scored her third goal of the
season and Lauren Cheney scored her third goal in the last two games to
give the Kansas City a 2-0 lead. However a strong offensive push
allowed to Sky Blue’s Monica Ocampo to score two late goals and this
match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Originally scheduled to kickoff at 6:00 p.m. CT,
lightning in the area forced the start to be delayed by nearly thirty
minutes. When teams returned to the field, the wet conditions made it
difficult for either team to get a solid footing. Erika Tymrak took
advantage when a Sky Blue defender slipped on the wet field, allowing
her to attack the goalkeeper unopposed and score the only goal of the
first half in the 14th minute.
The
second half began with both teams trying to establish control of game
possession. Lauren Cheney was able to use some fancy footwork and clear
herself of three defenders before slotting a shot far-post to give KC a
2-0 lead in the 74th minute. After having to only face three shots on Sunday,
Nicole Barnhart was very active tonight, making seven saves on nine
shots on goal. In the final moments of the match, Sky Blue sent their
entire team forward in an attempt to salvage the game. Monica Ocampo
was able to score twice, with the final score coming two minutes into
added time, to even the score. As the final whistle blew, both teams
earned a point in the standings with a 2-2 draw.
Jerome and Joseph Called Up for Gold Cup
The Haitian national team has named their roster for the upcoming Gold Cup. Sporting KC's Haitian duo, Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph will both on the team. The two left Kansas City on Tuesday to join their national team in Canada where they are training and playing friendlies ahead of the tournament. Haiti is in group B in the Gold Cup, with Honduras (who they play July 8th), Trinidad and Tobago (July 12th), and El Salvador (July 15th).
During the tournament Jerome and Joseph will miss at least four games, Saturday against the Crew, July 3rd against Vancouver, July 7th in Chicago, and July 13th in Toronto. If Haiti advances, the duo would miss KC's game in Salt Lake on the 20th. The only other game they could miss is if Haiti were to make the final and that'd be KC's trip to Montreal on the 27th.
During the tournament Jerome and Joseph will miss at least four games, Saturday against the Crew, July 3rd against Vancouver, July 7th in Chicago, and July 13th in Toronto. If Haiti advances, the duo would miss KC's game in Salt Lake on the 20th. The only other game they could miss is if Haiti were to make the final and that'd be KC's trip to Montreal on the 27th.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday After Stats
At 35 years and 320 days, Jimmy Nielsen became the 3rd oldest player to ever appear in, or start a game for Kansas City in either league or all competitions. He passed Peter Vermes, who was 35 years, 303 days for his last league appearance/start and was 35 years, 315 days for his last appearance/start in all competitions.
Neilsen made his 110th league start for KC, tying him with Jose Burciaga for 13th place on that list.
Kei Kamara made his 100th start in all competitions for KC.
Kamara scored his 11th away goal in league play for KC, tying him with Teal Bunbury for 6th on that list.
Matt Besler made his 114th league appearance for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 17th on that list.
Besler made his 109th league start, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 15th on that list.
Neilsen made his 110th league start for KC, tying him with Jose Burciaga for 13th place on that list.
Kei Kamara made his 100th start in all competitions for KC.
Kamara scored his 11th away goal in league play for KC, tying him with Teal Bunbury for 6th on that list.
Matt Besler made his 114th league appearance for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 17th on that list.
Besler made his 109th league start, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez for 15th on that list.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Cheney Leads FCKC to Win
In
the first meeting between the Washington Spirit and FC Kansas City, the
home side put together a performance that will be tough for the Spirit
fans and players to forget. The ‘Blues’ sent eighteen shots in on
Spirit goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris. Lauren Cheney scored a goal in each
half and the 3,057 fans in attendance were treated to a dominating 2-0
FC Kansas City victory.
Last
week, with the U.S. National Team and Canadian National teams each
playing international friendlies, FC Kansas City reached into its bench
for a pair of games against Chicago. Erika Tymrak, Melissa Henderson
and Courtney Jones, were stellar in their national player’s absences and
found themselves in today’s starting eleven, even with the return of
Lauren Cheney, Becky Sauerbrunn, Nicole Barnhart, Kristie Mewis, Lauren
Sesselmann and Desiree Scott.
“I
felt that against Washington, and with all that we’ve had going on
lately, this lineup was the best way for us to win today,” said Head
Coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I think the results speak to that, Melissa
(Henderson) gave us a different dimension offensively that we haven’t
had before and then Renae (Cuellar) was fresh and fast when she came in
second half.”
Lauren
Cheney found herself with five shots on the afternoon and Spirit
goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris had to make several acrobatic dives just to
attempt to get in front of them. Cheney’s first goal was blasted from
24 yards out on the right side. Harris got a hand on it, but there was
too much power behind the shot for her to keep it out of the net. In
the second half, Cuellar broke free on a Kansas City counterattack.
After Cuellar’s initial shot was blocked, Merritt Mathias collected the
rebound and popped an easy cross to a wide open Cheney for her second
goal of the match.
FC
Kansas City wins 2-0 to increase their record to record to 6-4-1. With
19 points they are tied for third on the National Women’s Soccer League
table with Western New York Flash. The team travels to New Jersey to
face Sky Blue FC on Wednesday at 6:00p.m. CT before returning back to Verizon Wireless Field on Sunday, June 30th at 3:10p.m. to face Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns.
Late Goals Lead to Draw
If you'd have told me before this weekend that Sporting KC would go into Dallas and take a point off FC Dallas where they haven't loss since July last year, I would have absolutely taken it. And if you'd shown me the stats from last night without the score line I would have gladly taken a draw, Dallas dominated most categories offensively and had almost 60% possession. And then if you'd told me with all those stats, KC also played the final 22 minutes down a man, I would have loved a draw. Unfortunately I didn't love Sporting KC's 2-2 draw with Dallas last night. And the reason for that is because of the way that KC ended up drawing the game, giving up two late goals to go from having a 2-0 lead to only taking one point.
Dallas controlled the early portion of the match, keeping KC on the back foot, especially on set pieces. Jimmy Nielsen had to be alert in the 11th minute when Michel fired a free kick on goal. Nielsen did well to tip the ball over the bar. Only two minutes later, Dallas again almost too the lead as a long ball over the top by Zach Loyd was headed towards goal by Kenny Cooper, but his diving header went into the post and was eventually cleared by Mechack Jerome. Dallas continued to cause Kansas City all kinds of problems in the first half, especially on set pieces. In the 27th minute, David Ferreira lofted a free kick into the box. The ball made it over all the players and bounced into the post. The ball bounced on the line and Chance Myers raced back to clear the ball off the line, keeping the game scoreless. Nielsen was late to react to the free kick, but had to in case a Dallas player did get a head on it. It was a lot of one way traffic in the first half, but in the 42nd, KC woke up a bit. Off a Graham Zusi free kick the ball was knocked to the back post where it took a deflection off a Dallas player and bounced back into the middle. Aurelien Collin was arriving their to try to get his foot on the ball, but he was pulled back just enough to have Mark Geiger point to the spot. Kei Kamara stepped up and buried the PK to give KC the lead heading into the half time break.
In the second half, Dallas came out again and pushed the game on KC. Another corner from Michel was headed just over the bar by George John. KC though doubled their lead in the 57th minute. A Zusi corner kick landed right in the middle of the six yard box. It deflected off the chest of Je-Vaughn Watson and into the net, doubling KC's lead. And even though they didn't look great, KC was ahead 2-0 on the West leaders. Dallas continued to push the game trying to get back into it. Cooper made a great run down the wing in the 65th and fired a shot on Nielsen. Nielsen made the save but the ball stayed in the area. Eventually Collin tried to head the ball back to Nielsen. Cooper though was still in the area causing trouble, and Nielsen ended up making the save but having to fight to keep the ball from going over the line while collecting Collin's back pass. Only a few minutes later though KC found themselves in trouble. After a foul by Myers on Andrew Jacobsen, Jacobsen had stayed down and was being looked at by referee, Mark Geiger. Sapong started running back down the field as the ball was played towards Geiger and Jacobsen. Sapong got a small touch on the ball and knocked the ball into Jacobsen who was lying on the ground. Geiger did not hesitate and went to the back pocket, handing Sapong a red card. Watching replays, arguments can be made for the intent of Sapong's actions. Some say he sped up to catch up with the ball, while others are saying the touch was nothing. Unfortunately in those situations you leave yourself open to the referee's interpretation of your actions, and Geiger loves to imprint himself on games.
KC sat back further after that and tried to hit on the counter. Substitute Teal Bunbury almost had his first of the season after a break with Kamara, but Bunbury hit the post, and unfortunately was offside anyway. Dallas though continue to push the game. Finally in the 88th minute they got a goal that they richly deserved. After a lot of possession in KC's end, Cooper found Ramon Nunez to the right of Nielsen's goal. Nunez's cross was flicked on by Jacobsen and past Nielsen into the net. Kamara had given Jacobsen too much room to work with in the box and Dallas had life. Dallas continued to push as the game entered stoppage time. In stoppage time, Dallas won a free kick on the side of the field. Ferreira played a free kick right into the middle of the box. Walker Zimmerman had lost Kamara on the play and headed the ball past Nielsen and into the net to make it 2-2. While it wasn't undeserved, the fact that KC gave up the two goals so late made the draw feel like a loss when Geiger blew the final whistle.
Wizards Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - He played in some good free kicks last night, helping set of both of Sporting's goals. He continued his good run of form. It wasn't a great performance from Zusi, but no one else stood out either.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 5, Besler 5, Collin 4, Jerome 5, Nagamura 4, Rosell 5, Zusi 6, Kamara 4, Bieler 4, Sapong 3. Subs Olum 5, Bunbury 4, Peterson NR.
Dallas controlled the early portion of the match, keeping KC on the back foot, especially on set pieces. Jimmy Nielsen had to be alert in the 11th minute when Michel fired a free kick on goal. Nielsen did well to tip the ball over the bar. Only two minutes later, Dallas again almost too the lead as a long ball over the top by Zach Loyd was headed towards goal by Kenny Cooper, but his diving header went into the post and was eventually cleared by Mechack Jerome. Dallas continued to cause Kansas City all kinds of problems in the first half, especially on set pieces. In the 27th minute, David Ferreira lofted a free kick into the box. The ball made it over all the players and bounced into the post. The ball bounced on the line and Chance Myers raced back to clear the ball off the line, keeping the game scoreless. Nielsen was late to react to the free kick, but had to in case a Dallas player did get a head on it. It was a lot of one way traffic in the first half, but in the 42nd, KC woke up a bit. Off a Graham Zusi free kick the ball was knocked to the back post where it took a deflection off a Dallas player and bounced back into the middle. Aurelien Collin was arriving their to try to get his foot on the ball, but he was pulled back just enough to have Mark Geiger point to the spot. Kei Kamara stepped up and buried the PK to give KC the lead heading into the half time break.
In the second half, Dallas came out again and pushed the game on KC. Another corner from Michel was headed just over the bar by George John. KC though doubled their lead in the 57th minute. A Zusi corner kick landed right in the middle of the six yard box. It deflected off the chest of Je-Vaughn Watson and into the net, doubling KC's lead. And even though they didn't look great, KC was ahead 2-0 on the West leaders. Dallas continued to push the game trying to get back into it. Cooper made a great run down the wing in the 65th and fired a shot on Nielsen. Nielsen made the save but the ball stayed in the area. Eventually Collin tried to head the ball back to Nielsen. Cooper though was still in the area causing trouble, and Nielsen ended up making the save but having to fight to keep the ball from going over the line while collecting Collin's back pass. Only a few minutes later though KC found themselves in trouble. After a foul by Myers on Andrew Jacobsen, Jacobsen had stayed down and was being looked at by referee, Mark Geiger. Sapong started running back down the field as the ball was played towards Geiger and Jacobsen. Sapong got a small touch on the ball and knocked the ball into Jacobsen who was lying on the ground. Geiger did not hesitate and went to the back pocket, handing Sapong a red card. Watching replays, arguments can be made for the intent of Sapong's actions. Some say he sped up to catch up with the ball, while others are saying the touch was nothing. Unfortunately in those situations you leave yourself open to the referee's interpretation of your actions, and Geiger loves to imprint himself on games.
KC sat back further after that and tried to hit on the counter. Substitute Teal Bunbury almost had his first of the season after a break with Kamara, but Bunbury hit the post, and unfortunately was offside anyway. Dallas though continue to push the game. Finally in the 88th minute they got a goal that they richly deserved. After a lot of possession in KC's end, Cooper found Ramon Nunez to the right of Nielsen's goal. Nunez's cross was flicked on by Jacobsen and past Nielsen into the net. Kamara had given Jacobsen too much room to work with in the box and Dallas had life. Dallas continued to push as the game entered stoppage time. In stoppage time, Dallas won a free kick on the side of the field. Ferreira played a free kick right into the middle of the box. Walker Zimmerman had lost Kamara on the play and headed the ball past Nielsen and into the net to make it 2-2. While it wasn't undeserved, the fact that KC gave up the two goals so late made the draw feel like a loss when Geiger blew the final whistle.
Wizards Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - He played in some good free kicks last night, helping set of both of Sporting's goals. He continued his good run of form. It wasn't a great performance from Zusi, but no one else stood out either.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 5, Besler 5, Collin 4, Jerome 5, Nagamura 4, Rosell 5, Zusi 6, Kamara 4, Bieler 4, Sapong 3. Subs Olum 5, Bunbury 4, Peterson NR.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Back to Action
After two weeks off, Sporting KC is heading back to league play tomorrow when they take on FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium. Sporting KC's form has been a huge question for KC lately. Kansas City has won just one of their last five league games, and just two of their last seven. At the same time they've been knocked out of the US Open Cup by affiliate club, Orlando City.
Dallas on the other hand is coming into KC in some good form. Yes they dropped their last game on the road against Portland, but Dallas as a whole has been extremely strong this season. They are undefeated at home and are allowing just .5 goals per game in those eight home games. Not the sort of situation that will fill KC fans with confidence after Sporting's ineffectiveness in the offensive third lately. New goalkeeper, Raul Fernandez has done an extremely good job in the Dallas net. He's been helped by the likes of George John and Matt Hedges in front of him. Offensively, Dallas should have both Kenny Cooper and Blas Perez back for the game tomorrow. Cooper missed last week's game due to family issues, while Perez was with the Panamanian national team. They will be without Jair Benitez, who was suspended by the disciplinary committee for his headbutt on Frederic Piquionne in last week's game.
Peter Vermes has his healthiest roster of the season. There's no one on the current injury report for Kansas City for the first time this season. Although that may not be totally true, as Chance Myers has not appeared on the injury reports for a few weeks, but has been dealing with a quad injury. But on paper it would appear that Sporting is missing only one player, Mikey Lopez, who is with the US U20 team. Kansas City will welcome back Matt Besler and Graham Zusi who have returned from national team duty with the US. The question is whether those two will help Kansas City to reverse their current poor form that has seen them win just two of their last seven in all competitions.
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of losses that Dallas has at home this season. They're 7-0-1 in league play this season. In fact, Dallas hasn't lost at home since a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy on July 28th of last year.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs David Ferreira - Ferreira is one of the most fouled players in the league, while Kansas City has committed close to the most. Ferreira makes Dallas go, Sporting is going to have to stop him and try to force someone else to beat them tomorrow.
PREDICTION - Dallas' home record and KC's current form does not fill me with confidence heading into this game. The gave the Portland Timbers all they could handle at Jeld-Wen Field this past week. With Besler and Zusi back in the lineup I think Kansas City will be better off than they were without them. And Kansas City will have 600+ traveling supporters there to support them, but I just don't feel like KC is going to turn their form around tomorrow.
SKC - 1 (Bieler)
FCD - 3 (Cooper, Perez, Ferreira)
Dallas on the other hand is coming into KC in some good form. Yes they dropped their last game on the road against Portland, but Dallas as a whole has been extremely strong this season. They are undefeated at home and are allowing just .5 goals per game in those eight home games. Not the sort of situation that will fill KC fans with confidence after Sporting's ineffectiveness in the offensive third lately. New goalkeeper, Raul Fernandez has done an extremely good job in the Dallas net. He's been helped by the likes of George John and Matt Hedges in front of him. Offensively, Dallas should have both Kenny Cooper and Blas Perez back for the game tomorrow. Cooper missed last week's game due to family issues, while Perez was with the Panamanian national team. They will be without Jair Benitez, who was suspended by the disciplinary committee for his headbutt on Frederic Piquionne in last week's game.
Peter Vermes has his healthiest roster of the season. There's no one on the current injury report for Kansas City for the first time this season. Although that may not be totally true, as Chance Myers has not appeared on the injury reports for a few weeks, but has been dealing with a quad injury. But on paper it would appear that Sporting is missing only one player, Mikey Lopez, who is with the US U20 team. Kansas City will welcome back Matt Besler and Graham Zusi who have returned from national team duty with the US. The question is whether those two will help Kansas City to reverse their current poor form that has seen them win just two of their last seven in all competitions.
Nielsen
Jerome - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Joseph
Kamara - Bieler - Zusi
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of losses that Dallas has at home this season. They're 7-0-1 in league play this season. In fact, Dallas hasn't lost at home since a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy on July 28th of last year.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs David Ferreira - Ferreira is one of the most fouled players in the league, while Kansas City has committed close to the most. Ferreira makes Dallas go, Sporting is going to have to stop him and try to force someone else to beat them tomorrow.
PREDICTION - Dallas' home record and KC's current form does not fill me with confidence heading into this game. The gave the Portland Timbers all they could handle at Jeld-Wen Field this past week. With Besler and Zusi back in the lineup I think Kansas City will be better off than they were without them. And Kansas City will have 600+ traveling supporters there to support them, but I just don't feel like KC is going to turn their form around tomorrow.
SKC - 1 (Bieler)
FCD - 3 (Cooper, Perez, Ferreira)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Some Thoughts on Sporting KC and Their Current Issues
I've previously posted about my frustrations with Kansas City's home form and the thought of it being a fortress. But really what is causing this, especially lately, when KC has won a grand total of two of their last seven games at Sporting Park. Those two wins being against 10 man Chivas USA and the Des Moines Menace. Not exactly high profile wins on your resume.
The one of the big issues for Kansas City at home is an issue that has plagued them for a while, and that's scoring. Removing the win against Chivas (because come on, it's Chivas) and Des Moines (a bunch of college kids), KC has scored just seven goals at home in all competitions. Surprisingly, opponents have scored eight at Sporting Park in those same games (seven goals allowed in league play). They also have a losing record in all competitions at home of 2-4-2, (2-3-2 in league play without the Chivas win).
KC has trailed at home this season in five games in all competitions, they've managed to pick up one point from a losing position at home this season (1-1 draw with Houston). In fact in eight games both home and away this season when they've trailed they've only picked up four points (3-1 season opener vs Philadelphia are the other points KC has picked up from a losing position) from losing positions.
On the other hand, they've led at one point in 10 games this season. In those 10 games, they've coughed up eight points (losses to Portland and Montreal after leading, and a draw with DC). Six of those eight points have been given up at home.
Yet in 10 of the 17 games KC has played this season in all competitions, they have been able to out shoot, have more shots on goal and out possess teams. Even with the statistical advantage, KC's record in all competitions this year is 7-6-4. One would think that with such an advantage that KC would have a better record.
What's becoming more obvious is that if KC can't score early, then they're going to struggle to break down a defense that comes to KC and sits back. When they have scored later in the game it's taken some individual brilliance to make it happen, Soony Saad setting up Claudio Bieler against DC for example. The longer games go scoreless, especially at Sporting Park, the more teams are going to set up an arc around their penalty area and force KC to try to break them down. This is what DC and Chicago basically did, this is absolutely what Orlando did, even Richmond a few years ago did it. They let KC have all the possession in the world around the top of the box and on the wings, forcing KC into long shots or crosses and those got eaten for breakfast for the most part.
On the other hand some teams have come to play at Sporting Park. Portland came in and took KC's high pressure and shoved it right back down KC's throat taking the game to KC and striking on the counter. Montreal came in and while they didn't take KC's game to them, they came in and played their style. The first time the teams met, KC's early goal unsettled the Impact and KC took the game to them after that. In the rematch, Montreal changed their tactics a bit and really were able to control the game against KC up until the Alessandro Nesta red card.
One of the keys to success for these teams that have come in and taken care of business at Sporting Park has been because of KC's struggles in midfield. Benny Feilhaber up to this point has not lived up to expectations, and the one time he has (the first game against Montreal), KC looked like the class of the league. Unfortunately he hasn't really shown up since. And then against Orlando was subbed out before the hour mark for Lawrence Olum. That would certainly seem to speak volumes to the way he'd played in the game. It's not like he was being pulled to rest him for a league game 10 days later or something.
Against Orlando that left KC facing a team that was sitting back not allowing a lot of passing lanes, without probably the one guy on the roster that night can play a ball that splits defenders. Not saying that Feilhaber would have if he'd stayed on the field. But he's arguably the only player on against Orlando that could do it. That again would seem to speak of how Vermes saw his play up to that point that he preferred having Paulo Nagamura and Oriol Rosell do more of the playmaking. Which by itself is another mistake, because neither one of them is really able to play that offensive of a role.
The roles of Nagamura and Rosell have been an issue against the other two styles that KC has seen come in at Sporting Park. Matched up against Portland, both teams played a high pressure style, which Portland exploited to perfection a couple times. Part of that problem is how far forward that Nagamura and Rosell were getting in that game. Vermes has done more to allow all three central midfielders a chance to get forward this year. Last year Julio Cesar sat back more as the stop gap between the midfield and the defense. Neither Rosell or Nagamura play that role in the current system. There was also Roger Espinoza in front of Cesar, playing that "controlled chaos" role that he plays so well. While Nagamura is a serviceable box-to-box midfielder, he's no Espinoza (but to be fair there's maybe only one midfielder in the league I'd put up against Espinoza's style, and that's Osvaldo Alonso). Both are given the ability to get forward more and at times it's left KC's two center backs exposed on the break.
The big thing right now is getting the midfield under control. With Bieler up top I know that goals will come, although it may be as frustrating as previous years when KC's shot percentage is one of the worst in the league, but goals will come. The main thing right now is fix the midfield. Whether Vermes give some more defined roles or bring in more players.
I'm not sure though that more defined roles in the solution. Rosell isn't a Cesar, he's not going to fit that role. Nagamura can play the box-to-box role, but he's no Espinoza. And Feilhaber up to this point has been the bust most New England fans expected him to be, he'd even lost his starting spot to Peterson Joseph for a time.
The problem is that you can't really move any of those players. Rosell is the class of the group, he's been extremely solid and I think will only continue to grow. Moving him wouldn't be smart. As for the other two, Nagamura and Feilhaber are combined making over $500,000. No team is going to want to take on all that salary, so KC would be forced to eat a portion if they could even find a team that was interested in taking either player on. To compound that, KC would need to find someone to replace one or both of them, should they find someone that will take them.
At this point, those three will be with KC for the rest of the season. The question is whether KC will be able to make any moves that will actually push the current players to up their game to keep their spot.
The one of the big issues for Kansas City at home is an issue that has plagued them for a while, and that's scoring. Removing the win against Chivas (because come on, it's Chivas) and Des Moines (a bunch of college kids), KC has scored just seven goals at home in all competitions. Surprisingly, opponents have scored eight at Sporting Park in those same games (seven goals allowed in league play). They also have a losing record in all competitions at home of 2-4-2, (2-3-2 in league play without the Chivas win).
KC has trailed at home this season in five games in all competitions, they've managed to pick up one point from a losing position at home this season (1-1 draw with Houston). In fact in eight games both home and away this season when they've trailed they've only picked up four points (3-1 season opener vs Philadelphia are the other points KC has picked up from a losing position) from losing positions.
On the other hand, they've led at one point in 10 games this season. In those 10 games, they've coughed up eight points (losses to Portland and Montreal after leading, and a draw with DC). Six of those eight points have been given up at home.
Yet in 10 of the 17 games KC has played this season in all competitions, they have been able to out shoot, have more shots on goal and out possess teams. Even with the statistical advantage, KC's record in all competitions this year is 7-6-4. One would think that with such an advantage that KC would have a better record.
What's becoming more obvious is that if KC can't score early, then they're going to struggle to break down a defense that comes to KC and sits back. When they have scored later in the game it's taken some individual brilliance to make it happen, Soony Saad setting up Claudio Bieler against DC for example. The longer games go scoreless, especially at Sporting Park, the more teams are going to set up an arc around their penalty area and force KC to try to break them down. This is what DC and Chicago basically did, this is absolutely what Orlando did, even Richmond a few years ago did it. They let KC have all the possession in the world around the top of the box and on the wings, forcing KC into long shots or crosses and those got eaten for breakfast for the most part.
On the other hand some teams have come to play at Sporting Park. Portland came in and took KC's high pressure and shoved it right back down KC's throat taking the game to KC and striking on the counter. Montreal came in and while they didn't take KC's game to them, they came in and played their style. The first time the teams met, KC's early goal unsettled the Impact and KC took the game to them after that. In the rematch, Montreal changed their tactics a bit and really were able to control the game against KC up until the Alessandro Nesta red card.
One of the keys to success for these teams that have come in and taken care of business at Sporting Park has been because of KC's struggles in midfield. Benny Feilhaber up to this point has not lived up to expectations, and the one time he has (the first game against Montreal), KC looked like the class of the league. Unfortunately he hasn't really shown up since. And then against Orlando was subbed out before the hour mark for Lawrence Olum. That would certainly seem to speak volumes to the way he'd played in the game. It's not like he was being pulled to rest him for a league game 10 days later or something.
Against Orlando that left KC facing a team that was sitting back not allowing a lot of passing lanes, without probably the one guy on the roster that night can play a ball that splits defenders. Not saying that Feilhaber would have if he'd stayed on the field. But he's arguably the only player on against Orlando that could do it. That again would seem to speak of how Vermes saw his play up to that point that he preferred having Paulo Nagamura and Oriol Rosell do more of the playmaking. Which by itself is another mistake, because neither one of them is really able to play that offensive of a role.
The roles of Nagamura and Rosell have been an issue against the other two styles that KC has seen come in at Sporting Park. Matched up against Portland, both teams played a high pressure style, which Portland exploited to perfection a couple times. Part of that problem is how far forward that Nagamura and Rosell were getting in that game. Vermes has done more to allow all three central midfielders a chance to get forward this year. Last year Julio Cesar sat back more as the stop gap between the midfield and the defense. Neither Rosell or Nagamura play that role in the current system. There was also Roger Espinoza in front of Cesar, playing that "controlled chaos" role that he plays so well. While Nagamura is a serviceable box-to-box midfielder, he's no Espinoza (but to be fair there's maybe only one midfielder in the league I'd put up against Espinoza's style, and that's Osvaldo Alonso). Both are given the ability to get forward more and at times it's left KC's two center backs exposed on the break.
The big thing right now is getting the midfield under control. With Bieler up top I know that goals will come, although it may be as frustrating as previous years when KC's shot percentage is one of the worst in the league, but goals will come. The main thing right now is fix the midfield. Whether Vermes give some more defined roles or bring in more players.
I'm not sure though that more defined roles in the solution. Rosell isn't a Cesar, he's not going to fit that role. Nagamura can play the box-to-box role, but he's no Espinoza. And Feilhaber up to this point has been the bust most New England fans expected him to be, he'd even lost his starting spot to Peterson Joseph for a time.
The problem is that you can't really move any of those players. Rosell is the class of the group, he's been extremely solid and I think will only continue to grow. Moving him wouldn't be smart. As for the other two, Nagamura and Feilhaber are combined making over $500,000. No team is going to want to take on all that salary, so KC would be forced to eat a portion if they could even find a team that was interested in taking either player on. To compound that, KC would need to find someone to replace one or both of them, should they find someone that will take them.
At this point, those three will be with KC for the rest of the season. The question is whether KC will be able to make any moves that will actually push the current players to up their game to keep their spot.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Espinoza and Johnson End International Break - Former SKC Wizards Update
Another week of former SKC Wizards updates this week. Roger Espinoza and Eddie Johnson ended the international break facing off against each other in Sandy, Utah in a World Cup qualifier that the USA won 1-0. Here is the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 77 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 win over DC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - With the US U20 team.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 0-0 draw with LA.
Kevin Hartman - New York - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Dallas. Dressed but did not play in Portland's 0-0 draw with LA.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 87 minutes in the USA's 1-0 win over Honduras.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in either of Portland's games.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 US Open Cup loss to Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 win over Montreal.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Columbus' 2-1 Open Cup loss to Chicago. Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Columbus' 2-0 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to Atlanta.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - No game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to Atlanta.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - No game this week.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 0-0 draw with the Salt Lake reserves.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in the Blues' 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy reserves.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 3-0 win over Tampa. Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Charleston.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 4-0 win over Antigua.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Rochester.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in both of Des Moines' 2-0 losses to Thunder Bay.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Did not play in either of Haka's games.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not play in DPMM's 5-2 win over Tanjong Pagar.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 1-0 loss to the USA.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No games until 7/7.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 58 minutes in San Martin's 2-1 win over Jose Galvez. Started and played 64 minutes in San Martin's 0-0 draw with Cesar Vallejo.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia -No game until 7/16.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not play in either of Fylkir's games.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in either of Llaneros' games.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 77 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 win over DC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - With the US U20 team.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Dallas. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 0-0 draw with LA.
Kevin Hartman - New York - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Dallas. Dressed but did not play in Portland's 0-0 draw with LA.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 87 minutes in the USA's 1-0 win over Honduras.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in either of Portland's games.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 US Open Cup loss to Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 win over Montreal.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Columbus' 2-1 Open Cup loss to Chicago. Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Columbus' 2-0 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Did not play in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to Atlanta.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - No game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 loss to Atlanta.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - No game this week.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 0-0 draw with the Salt Lake reserves.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in the Blues' 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy reserves.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 3-0 win over Tampa. Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Charleston.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 4-0 win over Antigua.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh. Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Rochester.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in both of Des Moines' 2-0 losses to Thunder Bay.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Did not play in either of Haka's games.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not play in DPMM's 5-2 win over Tanjong Pagar.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 1-0 loss to the USA.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - No games until 7/7.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 58 minutes in San Martin's 2-1 win over Jose Galvez. Started and played 64 minutes in San Martin's 0-0 draw with Cesar Vallejo.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia -No game until 7/16.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not play in either of Fylkir's games.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in either of Llaneros' games.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
FCKC End Busy Stretch with Loss
From FC Kansas City.
FC Kansas City and Chicago Red Stars faced off once again after a Kansas City win in Chicago on Thursday. The rematch was played on Verizon Wireless Field in front of 3,421 people and ended with a 3-1 score in favor of Chicago. FC Kansas City players Lauren Cheney, Kristie Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn and Nicole Barnhart were away on international duty for the United States Women’s National Team. Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann were also absent from the ‘Blues’ lineup for Canadian National Team duty. Allocated Mexican forward, Renae Cuellar scored Kansas City’s only goal off of a play up from Courtney Jones in the 3rd minute. For Chicago, Inka Grings, had a goal in the 29th minute assisted by Lori Chalupny. Ella Masar marked a goal in the 58th minute from Taryn Hemmings. Sonja Fuss took credit for the third goal off a penalty kick in the 91st minute. The game was the first home game for FC Kansas City after a three game road trip to Portland, Seattle and Chicago.
The
‘Blues’ were making plays up until the last whistle in tonight’s match.
One extra goal was needed for Kansas City to tie Chicago. In the 91st
minute, Kansas City committed a foul in the box resulting in a penalty
kick and goal for Chicago in the last minutes of play. This moved
Chicago up to 3 goals and not much time to make up the difference for
Kansas City. The ‘Blues’ will be back in action on Verizon Wireless
Field, Sunday, June 23rd against the Washington Spirit.
FC Kansas City and Chicago Red Stars faced off once again after a Kansas City win in Chicago on Thursday. The rematch was played on Verizon Wireless Field in front of 3,421 people and ended with a 3-1 score in favor of Chicago. FC Kansas City players Lauren Cheney, Kristie Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn and Nicole Barnhart were away on international duty for the United States Women’s National Team. Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann were also absent from the ‘Blues’ lineup for Canadian National Team duty. Allocated Mexican forward, Renae Cuellar scored Kansas City’s only goal off of a play up from Courtney Jones in the 3rd minute. For Chicago, Inka Grings, had a goal in the 29th minute assisted by Lori Chalupny. Ella Masar marked a goal in the 58th minute from Taryn Hemmings. Sonja Fuss took credit for the third goal off a penalty kick in the 91st minute. The game was the first home game for FC Kansas City after a three game road trip to Portland, Seattle and Chicago.
When these two clubs met on Thursday, June 13th
the six Kansas City international players were away for duty while
Renae Cuellar was sitting on the bench nursing a leg injury. Chicago
only had two players missing for international duty; Carmelina Moscato
and Erin McLeod were called up to the Canadian Women’s National Team.
This meant that Kansas City was missing seven of the starting eleven
while Chicago was missing two. The ‘Blues’ fought hard and came away
with a 2-0 victory. Casey Loyd and Courtney Jones were credited with the
goals in the first match up. Loyd and Jones were essential part of the
game tonight. Jones had an assist in the first half, and then Loyd took a
beautiful shots on goal after replacing Jones on the pitch in the
second half. Four Kansas City shots were on goal, but Taylor Vancil,
Chicago goalkeeper, saved three.
Friday, June 14, 2013
FCKC End Road Trip With Win
From FC Kansas City
The old saying that a team is only as good as its bench was proven tonight. With six regular starters attending to their national team duties and one nursing an injury, Kansas City Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski went deep into his bench for tonight’s match against the surging Chicago Red Stars. A penalty kick score from Casey Loyd and a top-shelf goal from Courtney Jones gave the visiting ‘Blues’ a 2-0 victory.
The old saying that a team is only as good as its bench was proven tonight. With six regular starters attending to their national team duties and one nursing an injury, Kansas City Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski went deep into his bench for tonight’s match against the surging Chicago Red Stars. A penalty kick score from Casey Loyd and a top-shelf goal from Courtney Jones gave the visiting ‘Blues’ a 2-0 victory.
As
the game started, Chicago looked to take advantage of the new Kansas
City lineup and pressed high hoping the Blues inexperienced lineup would
make a mistake. Jessica McDonald had the first chance of the game,
beating the KC defense on the left side. She sent a cross through the
box to Maribel Dominguez, who took a shot wide of the goal. After that,
offensive opportunities were few and far between as Nia Williams and
Katie Kelly shored up the central defense for the remainder of the
game. In fact, they only allowed three shots on goal in the match, with
all three coming in the final moments as the Red Stars tried to salvage
some scoring opportunities before time ran out.
Andonovski
decided to replace Cuellar tonight with a 1-2 punch of speedsters,
Melissa Henderson and Courtney Jones. Together with Erika Tymrak, they
continuously kept the Chicago defense on their heels running down the
sidelines and defending dangerous crossed. One cross early in the game
found Melissa Henderson at the top of the penalty box, as she drove to
goal she was fouled by Red Stars defender, Sonja Fuss. The resulting
penalty kick was buried by Casey Loyd in the 27th minute, giving FC Kansas City a 1-0 lead that held until halftime.
In
the second half, the Blues hoped to grow their lead early. Tymrak
received the opening kickoff and drove straight to goal, passing
numerous Chicago defenders along the way. Her left footed shot towards
the near post bent in just enough that Red Stars goalkeeper, Taylor
Vancil, was able to make the save. On the night she faced eleven shots
(eight on goal) and made six saves.
The continuous pressure paid off for the Blues in the 66th
minute. Erika Tymrak received a clearance from Jen Buczkowski and had a
wide open lane in front of her. As she dribbled towards goal, drawing
the defense towards her, she laid an easy pass to Courtney Jones on the
right side. Jones attacked the goalkeeper and rocketed a shot into the
top of the net, giving Kansas City a 2-0 victory.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Johnson and Movsisyan Score in Qualifier, Bravo Called Up for Gold Cup - Former SKC Wizards Update
It's World Cup qualifier time, that means a number of former Wizards are representing their national team. The highlight for former Wizards was Eddie Johnson scoring the second goal for the United States in their 2-0 win over Panama and Yura Movsisyan scoring a brace in Armenia's 4-0 win over Denmark.. And while Omar Bravo wasn't named to the roster for Mexico's World Cup qualifiers, he has been named to Mexico's roster for this summer's Gold Cup. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - With the US U20 team.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Did not dress in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-2 loss to New England.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in the USA's 2-1 win over Jamaica. Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 2-0 win over Panama.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-1 loss to DC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 70 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-1 win over LA. Came off the bench and played 57 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 5-2 win over Charleston.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - No game this week.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - No game this week.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Minnesota.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 69 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Minnesota.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 82 minutes, scoring a goal in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoneix. Started and played 66 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 2-0 loss to Orlando. Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Came off the bench and played 20 minutes in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Montreal reserves.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with Wilmington.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 120 minutes in Charleston's 5-2 loss to Salt Lake. Dressed but did not play in Charleston's 4-1 win over Houston's reserves.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Sarted and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' 1-0 loss to Springfield.
Michael Kraus - Tucson - Did not dress for Tucson.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Started and played 28 minutes in Haka's 0-0 draw with SJK.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not play in either of DPMM's games.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 1-0 loss to Estonia.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 win over Jamaica.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not play in either of the USA's game, has left camp due to an injury.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 70 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to the USA. Dressed but did not play in Jamaica's 2-0 loss to Honduras.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 1-1 draw with Vasco da Gama.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Armenia's 1-0 loss to Malta. Started and played 84 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Armenia's 4-0 win over Denmark.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in Llaneros' 2-0 loss to Union Magdalena. Started and played 90 minutes in Llaneros 1-0 win over America de Cali.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - With the US U20 team.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Did not dress in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-2 loss to New England.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes in the USA's 2-1 win over Jamaica. Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 2-0 win over Panama.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-1 loss to DC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 2-2 draw with Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 70 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-1 win over LA. Came off the bench and played 57 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 5-2 win over Charleston.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - No game this week.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - No game this week.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Minnesota.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 69 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Minnesota.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 82 minutes, scoring a goal in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoneix. Started and played 66 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 2-0 loss to Orlando. Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Came off the bench and played 20 minutes in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Montreal reserves.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-0 win over Phoenix. Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 2-0 win over Antigua. Did not dress in Orlando's 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with Wilmington.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 120 minutes in Charleston's 5-2 loss to Salt Lake. Dressed but did not play in Charleston's 4-1 win over Houston's reserves.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Sarted and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' 1-0 loss to Springfield.
Michael Kraus - Tucson - Did not dress for Tucson.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Started and played 28 minutes in Haka's 0-0 draw with SJK.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not play in either of DPMM's games.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 1-0 loss to Estonia.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Apertura season is over.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 win over Jamaica.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not play in either of the USA's game, has left camp due to an injury.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 70 minutes in Jamaica's 2-1 loss to the USA. Dressed but did not play in Jamaica's 2-0 loss to Honduras.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not dress in Bahia's 1-1 draw with Vasco da Gama.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Armenia's 1-0 loss to Malta. Started and played 84 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Armenia's 4-0 win over Denmark.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - No game this week.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in Llaneros' 2-0 loss to Union Magdalena. Started and played 90 minutes in Llaneros 1-0 win over America de Cali.
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
Sporting KC has won just 2 of their last 7 home games. One against a bunch of college kids, the other vs the dysfunctional team known as Chivas USA. But Sporting Park is a fortress...
Eric Kronberg and CJ Sapong made their 10th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying them with Jimmy Conrad, Chris Klein, and Matt Besler for 7th on that list.
Kronberg started his 10th game in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 3rd on that list.
The loss was Kronberg's 3rd in the US Open Cup, the most for any KC goalie.
Aurelien Collin made his 8th start in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Klein, Besler Davy Arnaud, Matt McKeon, and Teal Bunbury for 7th on that list.
It was Collin's 7th start in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with Arnaud and Preki for 6th on that list.
Eric Kronberg and CJ Sapong made their 10th appearance in all US Open Cup competitions, tying them with Jimmy Conrad, Chris Klein, and Matt Besler for 7th on that list.
Kronberg started his 10th game in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 3rd on that list.
The loss was Kronberg's 3rd in the US Open Cup, the most for any KC goalie.
Aurelien Collin made his 8th start in all US Open Cup competitions, tying him with Klein, Besler Davy Arnaud, Matt McKeon, and Teal Bunbury for 7th on that list.
It was Collin's 7th start in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with Arnaud and Preki for 6th on that list.
Disappointed, Frustrated, Pissed Off, Embarassed
Those are probably some of the best words to describe the mood of Sporting KC fans after tonight's 1-0 loss to Orlando City that knocks Sporting Kansas City out of the US Open Cup. A second minute goal from Long Tan was all that Orlando City needed to take down the defending US Open Cup champs as Sporting KC looked again to lack creativity in the final third.
KC barely got the ball out of their own end before they were down 1-0. A give away by Paulo Nagamura in his own defensive third led to the goal. Adama Mbengue won the ball and fed it wide to Tan. The Chinese forward had beaten his mark and placed the ball into the far corner past Eric Kronberg to give Orlando the early 1-0 lead. Orlando had opportunities over the course of the rest of the half to double the lead but had a few counters cut short due to offside calls and once Kronberg was called on to make another save on Tan who had again gotten behind the KC defense.
KC though controlled the half and dominated play but could only create two shots on goal in the first half. Their best opportunities came through Jacob Peterson and Claudio Bieler. On one opportunity a cross into the box was flicked on towards the back post by Bieler, but it just missed the target. KC had a number of chances, but the majority of them ended up being high or wide of the goal.
At half time Peter Vermes replaced Josh Gardner with CJ Sapong and Sporting continued to attack. As the game wore on though Orlando began to sit deeper and deeper. Vermes subbed in Lawrence Olum for Benny Feilhaber in a bit of a head scratching sub. Feilhaber had played poorly, but he was one of the only players on the field that could really break down a defense with one pass. With Feilhaber off the field more of KC's offense became playing the ball wide to the wingbacks or wingers who then played a cross into the box. That cross would be cleared and while Orlando conceded the midfield KC recollected and attempted the same thing again. Orlando basically created an arc around the penalty area that they allowed Kansas City to possess all they want, but the clogged passing lanes kept KC from creating chances through the middle. This forced KC to continue to hope for headers from crosses or long distance shots. Seth Sinovic had a few that he put just over the bar. Sporting did force Miguel Gallardo in the Orlando net into a few very nice saves as the half wore on, but for the most part, KC again struggled to put shots on net. Late on it was actually Orlando who broke out and almost added a second, and probably should have if not for some poor finishing.
In the end Kansas City wasn't good enough, many of the players tonight looked like they were just going through the motions and didn't want to be there.
Wizards Man of the Match - Seth Sinovic - One of the few players tonight who actually looked like they were playing tonight, he was up and down the wing all night. He played in a number of good crosses and came close with a few shots of his own.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Ellis 5, Opara 4, Collin 4, Sinovic 6, Rosell 6, Nagamura 3, Feilhaber 3, Peterson 5, Bieler 5, Gardner 1. Subs Sapong 4, Olum 5, Bunbury 5
KC barely got the ball out of their own end before they were down 1-0. A give away by Paulo Nagamura in his own defensive third led to the goal. Adama Mbengue won the ball and fed it wide to Tan. The Chinese forward had beaten his mark and placed the ball into the far corner past Eric Kronberg to give Orlando the early 1-0 lead. Orlando had opportunities over the course of the rest of the half to double the lead but had a few counters cut short due to offside calls and once Kronberg was called on to make another save on Tan who had again gotten behind the KC defense.
KC though controlled the half and dominated play but could only create two shots on goal in the first half. Their best opportunities came through Jacob Peterson and Claudio Bieler. On one opportunity a cross into the box was flicked on towards the back post by Bieler, but it just missed the target. KC had a number of chances, but the majority of them ended up being high or wide of the goal.
At half time Peter Vermes replaced Josh Gardner with CJ Sapong and Sporting continued to attack. As the game wore on though Orlando began to sit deeper and deeper. Vermes subbed in Lawrence Olum for Benny Feilhaber in a bit of a head scratching sub. Feilhaber had played poorly, but he was one of the only players on the field that could really break down a defense with one pass. With Feilhaber off the field more of KC's offense became playing the ball wide to the wingbacks or wingers who then played a cross into the box. That cross would be cleared and while Orlando conceded the midfield KC recollected and attempted the same thing again. Orlando basically created an arc around the penalty area that they allowed Kansas City to possess all they want, but the clogged passing lanes kept KC from creating chances through the middle. This forced KC to continue to hope for headers from crosses or long distance shots. Seth Sinovic had a few that he put just over the bar. Sporting did force Miguel Gallardo in the Orlando net into a few very nice saves as the half wore on, but for the most part, KC again struggled to put shots on net. Late on it was actually Orlando who broke out and almost added a second, and probably should have if not for some poor finishing.
In the end Kansas City wasn't good enough, many of the players tonight looked like they were just going through the motions and didn't want to be there.
Wizards Man of the Match - Seth Sinovic - One of the few players tonight who actually looked like they were playing tonight, he was up and down the wing all night. He played in a number of good crosses and came close with a few shots of his own.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Ellis 5, Opara 4, Collin 4, Sinovic 6, Rosell 6, Nagamura 3, Feilhaber 3, Peterson 5, Bieler 5, Gardner 1. Subs Sapong 4, Olum 5, Bunbury 5
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Back to Action for Sporting KC
It's been a week and a half since Sporting KC last took the field against the Montreal Impact at Sporting Park. That's a week and a half that they've had to stew over the 2-1 loss to the Impact that gave them their third home loss of the season in only their 8th home game. Now they get to take on their USL affiliate club, Orlando City in the US Open Cup.
The big discussion the past few weeks has been that affiliation and Sporting's four players that are playing with Orlando on loan. The will they be allowed to play or won't they was a topic of discussion from the time the potential draw was announced. Shortly after the match up was confirmed though Sporting KC came out and said that Sporting's four loaned players would not be allowed to play against Sporting in the fourth round. That decision touched off plenty of anger as Sporting was seen as cowardly and bullying for not letting Christian Duke, Jon Kempin, Yann Songo'o, and especially Dom Dwyer play in the game. But their decision was perfectly in line with the terms of other loan deals around the world.
The big losses for Orlando will be Dwyer and Songo'o. Songo'o has started all but one of Orlando's games, playing every minute of the 12 games he has played in. Dwyer has appeared in all 13 games so far for Orlando City and has already set the USL-Pro record for goals in a season. He currently sits on 15. Orlando though will be a very formidable opponent for Kansas City. They still have Denis Chin, who caused Sporting Kansas City all sorts of headaches and scored Orlando's second goal in their 3-2 loss last year in KC. The Lions will also have Jamie Watson who has helped to set up a number of Dwyer's goals this season. So to say that Orlando will be a push over without Sporting's 4 loanees is to underestimate tomorrow's opponent.
With Sporting have the extended break, there's no reason for Sporting to field anything less than their best eleven. Of course their best eleven right now is lacking a number of players. Six Sporting players will be missing from the team tomorrow due to their national team commitments. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi with the US, Peterson Joseph and Mechack Jerome with Haiti, Kei Kamara with Sierra Leone, and Mikey Lopez with the US U20 team. Meanwhile, Soony Saad, who it was originally thought would miss this game while representing Lebanon, has returned and will be available for the game against Orlando. Without those six internationals though there is still plenty of talent available on KC's roster. Enough that they should be able to take down Orlando City. With Kansas City's next game not until the 22nd they have time to recoup as well.
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of wins KC has in their history in the US Open Cup in games after beating a PDL team. In 2005 and 2006 the Wizards beat the Des Moines Menace. They then lost their next game in the tournament to Minnesota and Chicago respectively. In 2011, Sporting defeated the Chicago Fire PDL team and then lost in the next round to the Richmond Kickers. This year Kansas City has beaten another PDL team so they'll be looking to reverse their history tomorrow.
Key Match Up - KC defense vs Orlando offense - Yes they don't have their leading scorer in Dwyer, who has scored 15 of their 34 league goals and 18 of their 39 goals in all competitions, but Orlando is still a dangerous attacking team, which was seen last year with the fits that Chin caused Kansas City's back line.
PREDICTION - Even with KC missing 6 players, this is a game that Kansas City should take. With this game coming in the middle of an extended break, there's no reason for the best available players to not be on the field. While Orlando is a very good team, with the talent KC will have available there's no reason for them to not take this game. Although with the way that KC has played lately, especially at home, that's definitely not a guarantee. And KC will likely make it tougher than it should be.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Sapong)
OCSC - 1 (Watson)
The big discussion the past few weeks has been that affiliation and Sporting's four players that are playing with Orlando on loan. The will they be allowed to play or won't they was a topic of discussion from the time the potential draw was announced. Shortly after the match up was confirmed though Sporting KC came out and said that Sporting's four loaned players would not be allowed to play against Sporting in the fourth round. That decision touched off plenty of anger as Sporting was seen as cowardly and bullying for not letting Christian Duke, Jon Kempin, Yann Songo'o, and especially Dom Dwyer play in the game. But their decision was perfectly in line with the terms of other loan deals around the world.
The big losses for Orlando will be Dwyer and Songo'o. Songo'o has started all but one of Orlando's games, playing every minute of the 12 games he has played in. Dwyer has appeared in all 13 games so far for Orlando City and has already set the USL-Pro record for goals in a season. He currently sits on 15. Orlando though will be a very formidable opponent for Kansas City. They still have Denis Chin, who caused Sporting Kansas City all sorts of headaches and scored Orlando's second goal in their 3-2 loss last year in KC. The Lions will also have Jamie Watson who has helped to set up a number of Dwyer's goals this season. So to say that Orlando will be a push over without Sporting's 4 loanees is to underestimate tomorrow's opponent.
With Sporting have the extended break, there's no reason for Sporting to field anything less than their best eleven. Of course their best eleven right now is lacking a number of players. Six Sporting players will be missing from the team tomorrow due to their national team commitments. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi with the US, Peterson Joseph and Mechack Jerome with Haiti, Kei Kamara with Sierra Leone, and Mikey Lopez with the US U20 team. Meanwhile, Soony Saad, who it was originally thought would miss this game while representing Lebanon, has returned and will be available for the game against Orlando. Without those six internationals though there is still plenty of talent available on KC's roster. Enough that they should be able to take down Orlando City. With Kansas City's next game not until the 22nd they have time to recoup as well.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Opara - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Feilhaber
Sapong - Bieler - Peterson
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of wins KC has in their history in the US Open Cup in games after beating a PDL team. In 2005 and 2006 the Wizards beat the Des Moines Menace. They then lost their next game in the tournament to Minnesota and Chicago respectively. In 2011, Sporting defeated the Chicago Fire PDL team and then lost in the next round to the Richmond Kickers. This year Kansas City has beaten another PDL team so they'll be looking to reverse their history tomorrow.
Key Match Up - KC defense vs Orlando offense - Yes they don't have their leading scorer in Dwyer, who has scored 15 of their 34 league goals and 18 of their 39 goals in all competitions, but Orlando is still a dangerous attacking team, which was seen last year with the fits that Chin caused Kansas City's back line.
PREDICTION - Even with KC missing 6 players, this is a game that Kansas City should take. With this game coming in the middle of an extended break, there's no reason for the best available players to not be on the field. While Orlando is a very good team, with the talent KC will have available there's no reason for them to not take this game. Although with the way that KC has played lately, especially at home, that's definitely not a guarantee. And KC will likely make it tougher than it should be.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Sapong)
OCSC - 1 (Watson)
Monday, June 10, 2013
Voting for All Star Game Open
Today voting for the MLS All Star Game opened for fans to vote in their picks for the First XI for the July 31st match up against AS Roma. Each team has six players that have been picked by media to be available for selection.
Sporting KC's six players are Matt Besler, Claudio Bieler, Aurelien Collin, Jimmy Nielsen, Oriol Rosell, and Graham Zusi. Since each team needed to have six players it's hard to argue with these six players based on the first part of the season. The only argument that I'd really make is for the inclusion of Seth Sinovic in the list, probably over Rosell.
In the end though I'll be doing the same thing that I do every year when it's time to vote for the all star game. I won't be voting for any of the available Sporting players. With the game being a midweek affair in the middle of a busy stretch for Kansas City, extra games is going to be the best for fitness late on. There will only be a certain number of players who will dress for the game, but per the collective bargaining agreement, more players will earn the bonus for being an all star. If KC players are playing well enough they will still get the deserved bonus.
Me, I'll be voting for as many Red Bulls players as possible, as they'll be in KC playing Sporting only 3 days after the all star game.
Sporting KC's six players are Matt Besler, Claudio Bieler, Aurelien Collin, Jimmy Nielsen, Oriol Rosell, and Graham Zusi. Since each team needed to have six players it's hard to argue with these six players based on the first part of the season. The only argument that I'd really make is for the inclusion of Seth Sinovic in the list, probably over Rosell.
In the end though I'll be doing the same thing that I do every year when it's time to vote for the all star game. I won't be voting for any of the available Sporting players. With the game being a midweek affair in the middle of a busy stretch for Kansas City, extra games is going to be the best for fitness late on. There will only be a certain number of players who will dress for the game, but per the collective bargaining agreement, more players will earn the bonus for being an all star. If KC players are playing well enough they will still get the deserved bonus.
Me, I'll be voting for as many Red Bulls players as possible, as they'll be in KC playing Sporting only 3 days after the all star game.
FCKC End Losing Streak with 1-0 Win in Seattle
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City concludes its Pacific Northwest tour with a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Reign. Erika Tymrak scored the game’s only goal in the 63rd minute, her second goal in as many games. Nicole Barnhart records her fourth win of the season, all of them by shutout, in front of 1,377 fans at Seattle’s Starfire Stadium.
FC Kansas City concludes its Pacific Northwest tour with a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Reign. Erika Tymrak scored the game’s only goal in the 63rd minute, her second goal in as many games. Nicole Barnhart records her fourth win of the season, all of them by shutout, in front of 1,377 fans at Seattle’s Starfire Stadium.
After losing a tough, physical and emotionally-draining game against the Portland Thorns on Thursday
night, FC Kansas City needed to come out of this game with some points
in order to keep in the top half of the National Women’s Soccer League
table. The task would be especially difficult tonight with the loss of
leading scorer, Renae Cuellar, who was injured in Thursday night’s match.
Both
teams began play hoping to control the midfield, with FC Kansas City’s
Desiree Scott and Kristie Mewis battling to keep the ball in the ‘Blues’
possession. While both teams were able to put together dangerous
attacks, Kansas City was able to hit five shots on goal. Seattle was
only able to muster one. At halftime, the teams went into the locker
room with a 0-0 tie.
Although
not quite at the halfway point of the season, a draw would not help
Kansas City in their attempts to stay on the top half of the NWSL
standings. A win would catapult them above the Boston Breakers, who
lost to the Chicago Red Stars today, into fourth place. Coach Vlatko
Andonovski pushed his players to fight through the fatigue (five Kansas
City players were playing in their third game in seven days due to the
U.S.A. vs. Canada friendly last Sunday) and push for the first goal.
Erika
Tymrak got her second start of the season, tonight filling in for the
injured Cuellar. She made every minute count as she continuously was
able to bring the ball up the field with speed and creativity. Midway
through the second half, Lauren Cheney found Tymrak on the right side
with a lofting cross. Tymrak controlled the ball and carried it up the
byline towards the waiting Reign goalkeeper, Hope Solo. Shooting
near-post, Tymrak caught Solo off guard and the ball bounced off the
goalkeeper into the net. Although officially scored at game time as an
own-goal, it likely will be credited to Tymrak upon review from league
officials.
Rather
than sit back to preserve the 1-0 victory, Andonovski inserted speedy
Courtney Jones to try and push the attack right back towards the Seattle
defense. Kansas City was able to get off nine shots in the second
half, although only the one from Tymrak found the inside of the goal.
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Sporting KC Internationals Busy this Weekend
Sporting KC has recently had 7 of their players on international duty, representing their country, and this past weekend was busy for all of them.
On Friday it was announced that Sporting KC's first round pick in the super draft this year, Mikey Lopez had been selected to the roster for this summer's U20 World Cup in Turkey. He's flown straight from France, competing in the Toulon tournament with the U20 team to Portugal, where the team is holding their training preparing for the World Cup.
The news wasn't as good for Soony Saad though. Saad, who scored on his debut for Lebanon had been asked to stay on ahead of Lebanon's 2 World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Iran. Saad was set to play a role in those games, but because of paper work issues with his one time FIFA switch, he was unable to play in Lebanon's 1-1 draw with South Korea that eliminated Lebanon from World Cup qualifying. Saad has returned to Sporting KC at this time because the paper work issue will not be resolved by the time of Lebanon's other qualifier against Iran.
Friday night, Sporting's two full US internationals were both in the starting lineup as the US took on Jamaica in Jamaica. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi both started for the US in their 2-1 win at "The Office." Both players handled the situation well, Besler remains undefeated when starting for the US now with a 2-0-1 record. Handled the Jamaican attack quite well throughout the game. Zusi also had himself a strong game and was a danger throughout. He set up the first goal of the game doing very well on the right wing before playing in a perfect cross to Jozy Altidore who headed the ball in to give the US a 1-0 lead in the first half. On the opposite side though he gave away the foul that led to the Jamaica goal. And on that play Zusi picked up his second yellow of the Hex, meaning he has to sit out the game this coming Tuesday against Panama in Seattle.
On Saturday, Kei Kamara and Sierra Leone took the field in a virtual must win qualifier in Freetown against Tunisia. A loss would have eliminated Sierra Leone from World Cup qualification. Kamara scored his 3rd international goal of his career as the Leone Stars grabbed a 1-0 lead. They kept the lead until a 44th minute penalty from Tunisia tied the game. Sierra Leone regained the lead in the 72nd though and looked to be on their way to a big win. Unfortunately Tunisia equalized again in stoppage time again to make it 2-2. With that result, Sierra Leone remain 5 points behind Tunisia with only 2 games left to play. This means Sierra Leone needs to win out and Tunisia needs to lose out for the Leone Stars to advance in World Cup qualifying.
Also on Saturday, Haiti took on the world champs, Spain in a friendly in Miami, Florida. Peterson Joseph started the game for Haiti. Joseph ended up being subbed out just before the hour mark, being replaced by his Sporting teammate, Mechack Jerome. Haiti surprisingly kept the result close as they only fell to Spain 2-1.
Things remain busy for Sporting's internationals this week as well. Besler and Zusi have the qualifier against Panama. Sierra Leone face a must win qualifier on the road against Cape Verde. Joseph and Jerome will make their way to Brazil where they will take on the previous World Cup champs, Italy.
On Friday it was announced that Sporting KC's first round pick in the super draft this year, Mikey Lopez had been selected to the roster for this summer's U20 World Cup in Turkey. He's flown straight from France, competing in the Toulon tournament with the U20 team to Portugal, where the team is holding their training preparing for the World Cup.
The news wasn't as good for Soony Saad though. Saad, who scored on his debut for Lebanon had been asked to stay on ahead of Lebanon's 2 World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Iran. Saad was set to play a role in those games, but because of paper work issues with his one time FIFA switch, he was unable to play in Lebanon's 1-1 draw with South Korea that eliminated Lebanon from World Cup qualifying. Saad has returned to Sporting KC at this time because the paper work issue will not be resolved by the time of Lebanon's other qualifier against Iran.
Friday night, Sporting's two full US internationals were both in the starting lineup as the US took on Jamaica in Jamaica. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi both started for the US in their 2-1 win at "The Office." Both players handled the situation well, Besler remains undefeated when starting for the US now with a 2-0-1 record. Handled the Jamaican attack quite well throughout the game. Zusi also had himself a strong game and was a danger throughout. He set up the first goal of the game doing very well on the right wing before playing in a perfect cross to Jozy Altidore who headed the ball in to give the US a 1-0 lead in the first half. On the opposite side though he gave away the foul that led to the Jamaica goal. And on that play Zusi picked up his second yellow of the Hex, meaning he has to sit out the game this coming Tuesday against Panama in Seattle.
On Saturday, Kei Kamara and Sierra Leone took the field in a virtual must win qualifier in Freetown against Tunisia. A loss would have eliminated Sierra Leone from World Cup qualification. Kamara scored his 3rd international goal of his career as the Leone Stars grabbed a 1-0 lead. They kept the lead until a 44th minute penalty from Tunisia tied the game. Sierra Leone regained the lead in the 72nd though and looked to be on their way to a big win. Unfortunately Tunisia equalized again in stoppage time again to make it 2-2. With that result, Sierra Leone remain 5 points behind Tunisia with only 2 games left to play. This means Sierra Leone needs to win out and Tunisia needs to lose out for the Leone Stars to advance in World Cup qualifying.
Also on Saturday, Haiti took on the world champs, Spain in a friendly in Miami, Florida. Peterson Joseph started the game for Haiti. Joseph ended up being subbed out just before the hour mark, being replaced by his Sporting teammate, Mechack Jerome. Haiti surprisingly kept the result close as they only fell to Spain 2-1.
Things remain busy for Sporting's internationals this week as well. Besler and Zusi have the qualifier against Panama. Sierra Leone face a must win qualifier on the road against Cape Verde. Joseph and Jerome will make their way to Brazil where they will take on the previous World Cup champs, Italy.
Friday, June 07, 2013
Lopez Called Up for U20 World Cup
Tab Ramos announced the US U20 team that will represent the US in the U20 World Cup coming up in Turkey. Sporting KC's Mikey Lopez has been named to the roster for the tournament that starts June 21st. Lopez, who had been playing in the Toulan Tournament with the team has moved with the team to Portugal for their final preparations.
If the US are eliminated in group play, Lopez will likely miss two league games against Dallas on the 22nd and probably Columbus on the 29th. He could also miss two US Open Cup games, against Orlando on the 12th, and on the 26th against Chicago or Columbus if KC win. Depending on how far the US progress he could miss league games against Vancouver (7/3), Chicago (7/7), and Toronto (713).
FC Kansas City Fall in First Game of Road Trip
A high scoring offensive battle between FC Kansas City and the Portland Thorns saw the Blues come up just a goal short after falling behind 2-0 early as they lost 4-3 in Portland. The game is the first of 3 on the road, and the first of two this weekend as the Blues now travel for a game in Seattle on Sunday.
Alex Morgan gave the Thorns the lead in the 13th minute before Courtney Wetzel doubled the lead in the 20th. FCKC was missing Lauren Sesselmann in the center of defense partnering Becky Sauerbrunn due to her red card in the team's last game against Sky Blue FC. The Blues got back into the game in the 31st minute. Renae Cuellar raced towards goal after being played in, but she was fouled from behind by Rachel Buehler. Lauren Cheney stepped up and buried the PK to make it 2-1. Unfortunately for KC, Cuellar was unable to continue the game due to the injury she suffered on the foul and was replaced by Courtney Jones.
The Cuellar loss could be big blow depending on how serious it is. After the game FCKC coach Vlatko Andonovski said that x-rays on the ankle were negative so they're just calling it a sprain at the moment. Here status for Sunday in Seattle is unclear.
Very early in the second half, Portland restored their 2 goal lead as Morgan set up Danielle Foxhoven in the 48th to make it 3-1. FCKC continued to hang around though and less than 10 minutes later were back within a goal as Leigh Ann Robinson set up Cheney for her second of the night and getting KC back within 1. The Thorns though were able to take advantage of the Blues pushing numbers forward looking for the equalizer and in the 66th minute, Morgan had her brace as the Thorns again restored their 2 goal lead. FCKC though would find another goal in the 81st. Robinson was again the provider, this time setting up Erika Tymrak for her first professional goal to make it 4-3. The Blues continued to search for an equalizer but couldn't find a 4th themselves as the two teams played to the highest scoring game in the NWSL's short history.
They'll be back at it Sunday in Seattle and then head to Chicago for the first of a home and home with the Red Stars on Thursday.
Alex Morgan gave the Thorns the lead in the 13th minute before Courtney Wetzel doubled the lead in the 20th. FCKC was missing Lauren Sesselmann in the center of defense partnering Becky Sauerbrunn due to her red card in the team's last game against Sky Blue FC. The Blues got back into the game in the 31st minute. Renae Cuellar raced towards goal after being played in, but she was fouled from behind by Rachel Buehler. Lauren Cheney stepped up and buried the PK to make it 2-1. Unfortunately for KC, Cuellar was unable to continue the game due to the injury she suffered on the foul and was replaced by Courtney Jones.
The Cuellar loss could be big blow depending on how serious it is. After the game FCKC coach Vlatko Andonovski said that x-rays on the ankle were negative so they're just calling it a sprain at the moment. Here status for Sunday in Seattle is unclear.
Very early in the second half, Portland restored their 2 goal lead as Morgan set up Danielle Foxhoven in the 48th to make it 3-1. FCKC continued to hang around though and less than 10 minutes later were back within a goal as Leigh Ann Robinson set up Cheney for her second of the night and getting KC back within 1. The Thorns though were able to take advantage of the Blues pushing numbers forward looking for the equalizer and in the 66th minute, Morgan had her brace as the Thorns again restored their 2 goal lead. FCKC though would find another goal in the 81st. Robinson was again the provider, this time setting up Erika Tymrak for her first professional goal to make it 4-3. The Blues continued to search for an equalizer but couldn't find a 4th themselves as the two teams played to the highest scoring game in the NWSL's short history.
They'll be back at it Sunday in Seattle and then head to Chicago for the first of a home and home with the Red Stars on Thursday.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
A Look at Sporting's Home Form
We're just about half way through the MLS season for Sporting KC, and just about half way through their slate of 17 home games. Unfortunately for Kansas City it hasn't been the home season that many were expecting. Sporting KC has a 3-3-2 (W-L-D) record at home this season and have won just one of their last 4 home games. The three losses matches a record for losses at home for Kansas City at the new stadium since it opened. And KC still has 9 more games before the end of the season.
Since the opening of the stadium, Sporting Park has been considered one of the toughest places for an opposing team to come play. Opponent after opponent has come to Kansas City and talked up the atmosphere at the stadium talking about what a difficult place it is to play. And it's been seen in the way that teams come to Kansas City and play. For the most part over the past few years teams have come in and sat back, looking to kill the game off and limit Kansas City's chances. Up until recently when Portland, Houston, and Montreal have shown how teams can come in and play more their style against KC.
But really has Sporting Park been one of the toughest places in the league to play? Sure there's a fantastic atmosphere that the opposing team has to deal with, but is it that hard to come in and get results? The stats don't totally back it up. Since Sporting Park opened in 2011, Kansas City is tied for the 7th best home record (in points per game), tied with FC Dallas at 1.86 points per game. KC has a record of 22-8-12 record since the start of the 2011 season.
Ahead of Sporting KC is Montreal (2.13), LA (2.12), Houston (2.1), Salt Lake (2.02), New York (1.93), and Seattle (1.9). It could certainly be worse for KC, they could be Chivas (.95) or Toronto (1.07). But as a whole Sporting Park isn't the fortress that it's been made out to be by people.
The other thing with that is worrisome is Sporting's struggles at home vs how things look historically for the team. Through 8 games, Sporting has picked up a total of 11 points in those games. In KC's history, Sporting has never made the playoffs when having picked up less than 13 points through their first 8 home games. Currently Sporting KC occupy the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, just 3 points ahead of New England, who have two games in hand on Sporting KC. Sporting's home form has to improve the rest of the season if Sporting is going to get something out of this season. Especially with further schedule congestion coming.
Here's a look at the first 8 games throughout KC's history, the record, points earned, and goals scored vs conceded. Ones with stars are playoff years.
2013 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 11-7
2012 - 6-2-0 - 18 - 11-5*
2011 - 4-0-4 - 16 - 12-6*
2010 - 3-4-1 - 10 - 10-8
2009 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 10-9
2008 - 4-2-2 - 14 - 9-9*
2007 - 4-3-1 - 13 - 10-7*
2006 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 12-13
2005 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-10
2004 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-6*
2003 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 21-13*
2002 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-9*
2001 - 5-2-1 - 16 - 11-14*
2000 - 7-0-1 - 21 - 16-3*
1999 - 3-5 - 9 - 13-10
1998 - 5-3 - 13 - 7-6
1997 - 6-2 - 16 - 20-12*
1996 - 6-2 - 18 - 24-14*
Since the opening of the stadium, Sporting Park has been considered one of the toughest places for an opposing team to come play. Opponent after opponent has come to Kansas City and talked up the atmosphere at the stadium talking about what a difficult place it is to play. And it's been seen in the way that teams come to Kansas City and play. For the most part over the past few years teams have come in and sat back, looking to kill the game off and limit Kansas City's chances. Up until recently when Portland, Houston, and Montreal have shown how teams can come in and play more their style against KC.
But really has Sporting Park been one of the toughest places in the league to play? Sure there's a fantastic atmosphere that the opposing team has to deal with, but is it that hard to come in and get results? The stats don't totally back it up. Since Sporting Park opened in 2011, Kansas City is tied for the 7th best home record (in points per game), tied with FC Dallas at 1.86 points per game. KC has a record of 22-8-12 record since the start of the 2011 season.
Ahead of Sporting KC is Montreal (2.13), LA (2.12), Houston (2.1), Salt Lake (2.02), New York (1.93), and Seattle (1.9). It could certainly be worse for KC, they could be Chivas (.95) or Toronto (1.07). But as a whole Sporting Park isn't the fortress that it's been made out to be by people.
The other thing with that is worrisome is Sporting's struggles at home vs how things look historically for the team. Through 8 games, Sporting has picked up a total of 11 points in those games. In KC's history, Sporting has never made the playoffs when having picked up less than 13 points through their first 8 home games. Currently Sporting KC occupy the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, just 3 points ahead of New England, who have two games in hand on Sporting KC. Sporting's home form has to improve the rest of the season if Sporting is going to get something out of this season. Especially with further schedule congestion coming.
Here's a look at the first 8 games throughout KC's history, the record, points earned, and goals scored vs conceded. Ones with stars are playoff years.
2013 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 11-7
2012 - 6-2-0 - 18 - 11-5*
2011 - 4-0-4 - 16 - 12-6*
2010 - 3-4-1 - 10 - 10-8
2009 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 10-9
2008 - 4-2-2 - 14 - 9-9*
2007 - 4-3-1 - 13 - 10-7*
2006 - 3-3-2 - 11 - 12-13
2005 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-10
2004 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-6*
2003 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 21-13*
2002 - 5-1-2 - 17 - 15-9*
2001 - 5-2-1 - 16 - 11-14*
2000 - 7-0-1 - 21 - 16-3*
1999 - 3-5 - 9 - 13-10
1998 - 5-3 - 13 - 7-6
1997 - 6-2 - 16 - 20-12*
1996 - 6-2 - 18 - 24-14*
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Gomez and Bravo Moving to New Clubs - Former SKC Wizards Update
This week two former SKC Wizards are on their way moving to new clubs. Just yesterday the announcement came out that Omar Bravo will be returning to Chivas Guadalajara. And today it's announced that Herculez Gomez is officially moving to Club Tijuana. That means that Gomez will continue to play in the CONCACAF Champions League and potentially continue to score goals for fun against MLS sides. And another former Wizard, Scott Sealy was on trial with Real Salt Lake recently. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Philadelphia.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 22 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over San Jose.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 74 minutes in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not play in New York's game.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in the USA's 4-3 win over Germany.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 68 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over San Jose.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with Houston. Started and played 45 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Columbus' 1-1 draw with Houston. Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Carolina.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-0 loss to San Antonio.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Carolina.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - No game this week.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 1-0 loss to Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 2-1 loss to Wilmington.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Started and played 90 minutes in LA's 2-2 draw with Rochester. Started and played 72 minutes in LA's 0-0 draw with Dayton.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Rochester's 2-2 draw with LA. Started and played 68 minutes in Rochester's 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Phoenix.
John Wilson - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 6 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Harrisburg. Play Charlotte tonight.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' win over Winnipeg and loss to Thunder Bay. Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' win over KC.
Michael Kraus - Tucson - Did not play in Tucson's games.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Dressed but did not play in Haka's 1-1 draw with PK-35 Vantaa. Started and played 63 minutes in Haka's 3-0 win over Ilves.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 4-0 win over Lao Police Club.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Tied Fenix 0-0.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 4-0 loss to Romania.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Did not play in Huila's 1-1 draw with Santa Fe.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 59 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 loss to Israel.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in the USA's 4-3 win over Germany.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 1-0 loss to Mexico.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 2-1 win over Internacional.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Lost 2-1 to Costuleni.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 51 minutes, scoring a goal in San Martin's 3-1 win over Union Comercio.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not dress in Fylkir's 3-1 loss to IBV.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 3-2 loss to Deportivo Rionegro.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Birahim Diop
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Neven Markovic
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Out injured.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Philadelphia.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 22 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over San Jose.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 74 minutes in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not play in New York's game.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in the USA's 4-3 win over Germany.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 1-1 draw with Toronto. Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Portland's 5-1 win over Wilmington.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 68 minutes in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over San Jose.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with Houston. Started and played 45 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Columbus' 1-1 draw with Houston. Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Carolina.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not play in Minnesota's 2-0 loss to San Antonio.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Carolina.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - No game this week.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 1-0 loss to Richmond. Started and played 90 minutes in Phoenix's 2-1 loss to Wilmington.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Started and played 90 minutes in LA's 2-2 draw with Rochester. Started and played 72 minutes in LA's 0-0 draw with Dayton.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Rochester's 2-2 draw with LA. Started and played 68 minutes in Rochester's 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh.
Yann Songo'o - Orlando (Loan) - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Phoenix.
John Wilson - Charleston - Came off the bench and played 6 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 loss to Harrisburg. Play Charlotte tonight.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' win over Winnipeg and loss to Thunder Bay. Started and played 90 minutes in Des Moines' win over KC.
Michael Kraus - Tucson - Did not play in Tucson's games.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Syracuse - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Dressed but did not play in Haka's 1-1 draw with PK-35 Vantaa. Started and played 63 minutes in Haka's 3-0 win over Ilves.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 4-0 win over Lao Police Club.
Vicente Arze - Esteghlal - Iran - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Tied Fenix 0-0.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 4-0 loss to Romania.
Pablo Escobar - Atletico Huila - Colombia - Did not play in Huila's 1-1 draw with Santa Fe.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 59 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 loss to Israel.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in the USA's 4-3 win over Germany.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Started and played 90 minutes in Jamaica's 1-0 loss to Mexico.
Jeferson - Bahia - Brazil - Did not play in Bahia's 2-1 win over Internacional.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - Dacia - Moldova - Lost 2-1 to Costuleni.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 51 minutes, scoring a goal in San Martin's 3-1 win over Union Comercio.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Did not dress in Fylkir's 3-1 loss to IBV.
Ryan Smith - Skoda Xanthi - Greece - Offseason
Milos Stojcev - FK Leotar Trebinje - Bosnia - Offseason
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 3-2 loss to Deportivo Rionegro.
If Sporting Beat Orlando, They'll Travel for Quarters
US Soccer today announced the potential quarterfinal pairings of this year's US Open Cup. Should Sporting KC beat their USL affiliate, Orlando City, Sporting will head on the road for their quarterfinal match up. The winner of Sporting KC and Orlando will meet the winner of the Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew on June 26th. It'll be only the second time that Sporting has played an away game in the US Open Cup proper since 2009.
First though KC will need to get past Orlando City next Wednesday the 12th. If KC win that game, they'll then face playing 3 games in 8 days in 3 cities. They'll play Dallas in Dallas on the 22nd, an away US Open Cup on the 26th and home against the Crew on the 29th.
First though KC will need to get past Orlando City next Wednesday the 12th. If KC win that game, they'll then face playing 3 games in 8 days in 3 cities. They'll play Dallas in Dallas on the 22nd, an away US Open Cup on the 26th and home against the Crew on the 29th.
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