Friday night in Kansas City, Sporting KC dropped a game at home for the 5th time this season. The 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union saw KC equal their loss total at home for the past two years at Sporting Park combined. In 2011, Kansas City lost just twice at home, in 2012, KC lost three times. This year, Kansas City has lost to Portland, Seattle, Montreal, New York, and Philadelphia.
The home losses don't look likely to cost Kansas City when it comes to making the playoffs. In fact, Kansas City could actually clinch a playoff spot this weekend. They need to first defeat the Columbus Crew, and then hope for two of Chicago, New England, and Philadelphia, to lose or draw their games this weekend against DC, New York, and Toronto respectively.
What it does look like KC's home losses will do is cost the team the Supporters' Shield, and probably the top seed in the Eastern Conference. KC, currently on 48 points, trails leaders, New York by four points for the Supporters' Shield and the East. But there are three other teams between KC and New York. Salt Lake and Seattle both sit on 51 points, while Portland has 49.
The other issue, specifically in the East, is that along with trailing New York, the Montreal Impact trail Kansas City by just 2 points, and they still have a game in hand on KC.
Of the 10 teams currently in a playoff position, KC has the most home losses, and is one of only two teams with more than three losses (Philadelphia with four is the other). In fact, KC has double the home losses of the average of the other nine playoff teams. The other nine teams have an average of 2.4 losses at home.
To be fair, KC is the only team in the league currently with a winning record on the road with a 6-5-3 record on the road, and one of only two teams with a positive goal difference on the road. But if Kansas City wants to do much in the post season this year, they're going to need to get their act together at home. In the playoffs it's going to become harder to get a result on the road. So while KC's road form will help, it's the home form that'll be key come playoff time.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The Highlight From Friday
There really weren't a lot of things involved in Friday night's Sporting KC game that KC fans would consider highlights. KC had a few moments of good play that could/should have led to goals, but some poor finishing and saves by Zach MacMath kept KC off the scoreboard.
In fact for the most part there really was only 1 highlight for Sporting KC fans, the national anthem. On Friday Dr. Cameron Smith had the honor of singing the anthem before the nationally televised game. Unfortunately for the Doctor, as he started to sing, the microphone did not work for him. As is tradition in many stadiums as the anthem singer started singing, so did a great number of fans in the stadium. Once it was realized that the microphone wasn't working, there was a second or two of confusion before the fans just took over. Really the volume of the anthem singers seemed to really pick up when the video board showed KC forward CJ Sapong singing the anthem. At that point the rest of the stadium really picked up the volume and it turned into a fantastic moment.
Too bad it was the only highlight of the night for KC.
In fact for the most part there really was only 1 highlight for Sporting KC fans, the national anthem. On Friday Dr. Cameron Smith had the honor of singing the anthem before the nationally televised game. Unfortunately for the Doctor, as he started to sing, the microphone did not work for him. As is tradition in many stadiums as the anthem singer started singing, so did a great number of fans in the stadium. Once it was realized that the microphone wasn't working, there was a second or two of confusion before the fans just took over. Really the volume of the anthem singers seemed to really pick up when the video board showed KC forward CJ Sapong singing the anthem. At that point the rest of the stadium really picked up the volume and it turned into a fantastic moment.
Too bad it was the only highlight of the night for KC.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
S.A.S. Saturday After Stats
Only DC United (8) and Chivas USA (6) have more home losses this year than KC's five this year.
The average number of home losses for the other 9 teams currently in playoff position is 2.4.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 124th league appearance, breaking his tie with Chris Brown and Matt Besler for 13th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 120th league appearance, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez and Uche Okafor for 16th place on that list.
The average number of home losses for the other 9 teams currently in playoff position is 2.4.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 124th league appearance, breaking his tie with Chris Brown and Matt Besler for 13th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 120th league appearance, breaking his tie with Diego Gutierrez and Uche Okafor for 16th place on that list.
Another Poor Home Performance
Seems like I say this way too often, but once again Sporting KC dominated a performance, but couldn't get all 3 points. This time it was the Philadelphia Union that were able to withstand KC's pressure and leave Sporting Park with all three points, the fifth team to do so this year (the most of any team that would currently qualify for the playoffs).
Sporting KC pressured from the start and if not for some good goalkeeping, would have grabbed the lead. In the 14th minute Philadelphia goalkeepeer Zach MacMath made a great save on a free kick from Benny Feilhaber. From about 23 yards out, Feilhaber curled a free kick towards the corner, but MacMath got across the goal and tipped the ball out. In the 25th Feilhaber again almost put KC in front. After working a great 1-2 with CJ Sapong, Feilhaber found himself 1v1 with MacMath. But as Feilhaber tried to slot the ball in the far post, MacMath made a good save to keep it 0-0. A few minutes later MacMath again was called into action. Graham Zusi cut back and forth across the top of the box before finding space and put a shot on goal. MacMath again though made a diving sive to keep the ball out. The ensuing corner was headed over the bar by Dom Dwyer. All the pressure left KC exposed a bit in the back and in the 36th they got hit on the counter. Danny Crus beat Ike Opara for speed before crossing into the box. Aurelien Collin didn't get enough on the ball to clear it and it fell to Conor Casey. Casey though couldn't control the ball and it got knocked away. Michael Farfan was there to put a shot on goal. Jimmy Nielsen made the save but the rebound fell to Casey again and he put the ball home to give the Union the lead.
The second half saw KC continue to throw numbers forward in the attack. They really should have been level in the in the 52nd. Chance Myers was given space to bring the ball into the attack and then played a great cross into the box for Dwyer. Dwyer though with the diving header put it wide of the goal. The Englishman really should have done better with the opportunity. While KC continued to push, Philly almost retook the lead in the 63rd. A nice cross into the box found Farfan at the 6, he one timed his effort on goal, but it was right at Nielsen who made a kick save. KC continued to do what KC does in these situations, hold possession, take a lot of shots, but they really didn't test MacMath a whole lot. Philly substitute almost hit KC on the counter again in stoppage time but fired his shot wide. In the end it was a similar story for KC at home as they could not get the job done against the Union.
Wizards Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - There wasn't really much to cheer about yesterday, but Zusi did a good job of setting up chances for his teammates, unfortunately they weren't finished.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 5, Collin 5, Opara 4, Sinovic 5, Rosell 5, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 6, Peterson 4, Dwyer 5, Sapong 5. Subs Saad 4, Bieler 4, Joseph 4.
Sporting KC pressured from the start and if not for some good goalkeeping, would have grabbed the lead. In the 14th minute Philadelphia goalkeepeer Zach MacMath made a great save on a free kick from Benny Feilhaber. From about 23 yards out, Feilhaber curled a free kick towards the corner, but MacMath got across the goal and tipped the ball out. In the 25th Feilhaber again almost put KC in front. After working a great 1-2 with CJ Sapong, Feilhaber found himself 1v1 with MacMath. But as Feilhaber tried to slot the ball in the far post, MacMath made a good save to keep it 0-0. A few minutes later MacMath again was called into action. Graham Zusi cut back and forth across the top of the box before finding space and put a shot on goal. MacMath again though made a diving sive to keep the ball out. The ensuing corner was headed over the bar by Dom Dwyer. All the pressure left KC exposed a bit in the back and in the 36th they got hit on the counter. Danny Crus beat Ike Opara for speed before crossing into the box. Aurelien Collin didn't get enough on the ball to clear it and it fell to Conor Casey. Casey though couldn't control the ball and it got knocked away. Michael Farfan was there to put a shot on goal. Jimmy Nielsen made the save but the rebound fell to Casey again and he put the ball home to give the Union the lead.
The second half saw KC continue to throw numbers forward in the attack. They really should have been level in the in the 52nd. Chance Myers was given space to bring the ball into the attack and then played a great cross into the box for Dwyer. Dwyer though with the diving header put it wide of the goal. The Englishman really should have done better with the opportunity. While KC continued to push, Philly almost retook the lead in the 63rd. A nice cross into the box found Farfan at the 6, he one timed his effort on goal, but it was right at Nielsen who made a kick save. KC continued to do what KC does in these situations, hold possession, take a lot of shots, but they really didn't test MacMath a whole lot. Philly substitute almost hit KC on the counter again in stoppage time but fired his shot wide. In the end it was a similar story for KC at home as they could not get the job done against the Union.
Wizards Man of the Match - Graham Zusi - There wasn't really much to cheer about yesterday, but Zusi did a good job of setting up chances for his teammates, unfortunately they weren't finished.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Myers 5, Collin 5, Opara 4, Sinovic 5, Rosell 5, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 6, Peterson 4, Dwyer 5, Sapong 5. Subs Saad 4, Bieler 4, Joseph 4.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Sporting Take on Philadelphia
Sporting Kansas City return home to Kansas City for their second to last home game of the season. With just five games left in the season (two at home three on the road), KC really is in a strong position in the final run in for the season. They're on the verge of a playoff birth and could be within a point of clinching if they win tomorrow and get other results to go their way this weekend. But the first thing they have to do to get to that point is top the Philadelphia Union at Sporting Park.
Philadelphia come into this game on a slide that has seem them fall out of a playoff position. The Union haven't won in five league games. In that stretch, the Union have lost three times and drawn twice, they've also scored just a single goal in that stretch (in a 5-1 loss to New England). They're fighting for their playoff lives though, they're currently one point behind fifth place New England in the last playoff spot. Their leading scorer Jack McInerney has actually had some issues finding the net lately.
Sporting KC form wise is the opposite of Philadelphia lately. KC has won their last three league games and are unbeaten in their last five when including the Champions League games. While the last two games haven't shown the best the team has to offer they are getting results. The team looks set to welcome back Claudio Bieler and Oriol Rosell who both missed the game this past weekend in Toronto with different injuries. Both though look set to be back in the 18, if not the starting lineup tomorrow. Paulo Nagamura though will not be back. Meanwhile, the question on whether Aurelien Collin will be allowed to play appears to have been answered with silence. While Toronto fans won't be happy about it, the lack of an announcement today regarding Collin seems to point to him being eligible. Since the disciplinary committee started up, I don't recall a situation where a suspension has been "publicly" handed down the day of the game. Usually the DisCo makes the public announcement of the suspension a day or two in advance. With that window gone I'd be surprised if Collin isn't available for selection tomorrow.
Number to Remember - 1 - The number of goals that Philadelphia have scored in their last five games, that one goal came in a 5-1 dismantling by New England. It's also the number of league shutouts that KC has in the last five league games.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Conor Casey - The physical match up tomorrow is going to once again fall to Collin. Him and Casey have matched up in the past and they've been fun match ups to watch. Collin though is one game away from another suspension due to yellow card suspension.
PREDICTION - This is a game that KC should really win this game, there's no reason not to. KC is on form right now while Philadelphia is in a slump at the moment. Their offense hasn't been doing well at all lately. Meanwhile KC looks like they might be getting another goal scorer into form as CJ Sapong has three goals in his last two league games. With Kei Kamara gone, the goal production needs to pick up from somewhere so hopefully Sapong can keep it up. Down the stretch though, KC is going to need their designated player, Bieler to get back on the scoreboard regularly. But for tomorrow, the two teams are headed in opposite directions and KC should be able to continue moving up at home.
SKC - 2 (Saad, Sapong)
PHI - 0
Philadelphia come into this game on a slide that has seem them fall out of a playoff position. The Union haven't won in five league games. In that stretch, the Union have lost three times and drawn twice, they've also scored just a single goal in that stretch (in a 5-1 loss to New England). They're fighting for their playoff lives though, they're currently one point behind fifth place New England in the last playoff spot. Their leading scorer Jack McInerney has actually had some issues finding the net lately.
Sporting KC form wise is the opposite of Philadelphia lately. KC has won their last three league games and are unbeaten in their last five when including the Champions League games. While the last two games haven't shown the best the team has to offer they are getting results. The team looks set to welcome back Claudio Bieler and Oriol Rosell who both missed the game this past weekend in Toronto with different injuries. Both though look set to be back in the 18, if not the starting lineup tomorrow. Paulo Nagamura though will not be back. Meanwhile, the question on whether Aurelien Collin will be allowed to play appears to have been answered with silence. While Toronto fans won't be happy about it, the lack of an announcement today regarding Collin seems to point to him being eligible. Since the disciplinary committee started up, I don't recall a situation where a suspension has been "publicly" handed down the day of the game. Usually the DisCo makes the public announcement of the suspension a day or two in advance. With that window gone I'd be surprised if Collin isn't available for selection tomorrow.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Olum
Feilhaber -Zusi
Sapong - Bieler - Saad
Number to Remember - 1 - The number of goals that Philadelphia have scored in their last five games, that one goal came in a 5-1 dismantling by New England. It's also the number of league shutouts that KC has in the last five league games.
Key Match Up - Aurelien Collin vs Conor Casey - The physical match up tomorrow is going to once again fall to Collin. Him and Casey have matched up in the past and they've been fun match ups to watch. Collin though is one game away from another suspension due to yellow card suspension.
PREDICTION - This is a game that KC should really win this game, there's no reason not to. KC is on form right now while Philadelphia is in a slump at the moment. Their offense hasn't been doing well at all lately. Meanwhile KC looks like they might be getting another goal scorer into form as CJ Sapong has three goals in his last two league games. With Kei Kamara gone, the goal production needs to pick up from somewhere so hopefully Sapong can keep it up. Down the stretch though, KC is going to need their designated player, Bieler to get back on the scoreboard regularly. But for tomorrow, the two teams are headed in opposite directions and KC should be able to continue moving up at home.
SKC - 2 (Saad, Sapong)
PHI - 0
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Ryan Smith Retires - Former SKC Wizards Update
Former KC midfielder, Ryan Smith has called it a career when it comes to playing. After spending last season in Greece, Smith has retired and moved into a career in player consulting. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 71 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-0 win over Dallas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal in Seattle's 1-1 draw with LA.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 59 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 75 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-0 loss to New York.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Edmonton.
USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - 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 minute sin Haka's 3-1 win over PK-35 Vantaa.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not play in Charleroi's 2-0 win over Cercle Brugge. Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Charleroi's 1-0 cup win over Westhoek.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Atlas' 3-3 draw with Veracruz. Did not dress in Atlas' 1-0 Copa Mexico win over Morelia.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Game this week was postponed.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not play in UAI's 1-0 win over Fenix.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Arabe Unido. Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 1-0 win over Police FC. Did not dress in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Houston.
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 0-0 draw with Alianza Petrolera. Started and played 90 minutes in Boyaca's 1-1 draw with Deportivo Cali.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 0-0 draw with Zulte-Waregem. Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Started and played 90 minutes in Wigan's 5-0 League Cup loss to Manchester City.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 0-0 draw with Cruz Azul.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in Goianiense's 0-0 draw with Paysandu.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Azal's 3-1 loss to Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Middlesbrough's 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 45 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 win over Dnepr Mogilev.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 3-3 draw with UTC Cajamarca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-1 draw with Winterthur. Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-0 loss to Wil.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow. Started and played 74 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 3-2 win over Krasnodar.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in either of Zilina's games.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 85 minutes in Fylkir's 2-1 win over Vikingur Olafsvik.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Dressed but did not play in Atyrau's 1-1 draw with Taraz.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 65 minutes, scoring a goal in Munster's 2-1 loss to Heidenheim. Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 3-0 cup loss to Augsburg.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 0-0 draw with Atletico Bucaramanga.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 71 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to Vancouver.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-0 win over Dallas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal in Seattle's 1-1 draw with LA.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 win over Colorado.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Started and played 59 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-1 loss to KC.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 3-0 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 75 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-0 loss to New York.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 2-1 win over Edmonton.
USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - 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 minute sin Haka's 3-1 win over PK-35 Vantaa.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not play in Charleroi's 2-0 win over Cercle Brugge. Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Charleroi's 1-0 cup win over Westhoek.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Atlas' 3-3 draw with Veracruz. Did not dress in Atlas' 1-0 Copa Mexico win over Morelia.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Game this week was postponed.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not play in UAI's 1-0 win over Fenix.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Arabe Unido. Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 1-0 win over Police FC. Did not dress in W Connection's 2-0 loss to Houston.
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 0-0 draw with Alianza Petrolera. Started and played 90 minutes in Boyaca's 1-1 draw with Deportivo Cali.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 0-0 draw with Zulte-Waregem. Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Started and played 90 minutes in Wigan's 5-0 League Cup loss to Manchester City.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 0-0 draw with Cruz Azul.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in Goianiense's 0-0 draw with Paysandu.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Azal's 3-1 loss to Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Middlesbrough's 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 45 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 win over Dnepr Mogilev.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 3-3 draw with UTC Cajamarca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-1 draw with Winterthur. Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-0 loss to Wil.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow. Started and played 74 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 3-2 win over Krasnodar.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in either of Zilina's games.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 85 minutes in Fylkir's 2-1 win over Vikingur Olafsvik.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Dressed but did not play in Atyrau's 1-1 draw with Taraz.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 65 minutes, scoring a goal in Munster's 2-1 loss to Heidenheim. Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 3-0 cup loss to Augsburg.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 0-0 draw with Atletico Bucaramanga.
New Players Salaries
The MLS Players Union has released updated salaries for the MLS players. Included in the list are all the players that were signed since the transfer window closed and the roster deadline. For Kansas City there are three additions to the list. Jimmy Medranda and Brendan Ruiz, the two players signed on the day the MLS transfer window closed, and Federico Bessone, who the team signed on the roster freeze date are included.
Medranda and Ruiz are both making the league minimum, $32,125 both base and guaranteed compensation. Bessone, is not making a ton more, he is on $46,500 a year under both categories as well.
Medranda and Ruiz are both making the league minimum, $32,125 both base and guaranteed compensation. Bessone, is not making a ton more, he is on $46,500 a year under both categories as well.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Olimpia Beat Esteli, Sporting Must Get Result on the 23rd
Sporting Kansas City will have work to do in their final CONCACAF Champions League on October 23rd at Sporting Park. Tonight in Honduras, Olimpia defeated Real Esteli 1-0 to bring themselves to 6 points, one point behind Sporting KC, who sit on 7.
The game looked quite similar to Sporting KC's game against Esteli last week. The home side dominated possession throughout the game but some poor finishing kept the Nicaraguan side in it into the second half. Around the half way point of the second half, Anthony Lozano found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The win means that Sporting KC have to get some kind of result in the group finale at Sporting Park. A win or a draw against Olimpia on the 23rd will see Sporting advance to the knock out round in 2014. A loss to the Honduran side will eliminate Sporting from the competition.
The game could come at a difficult time for KC. Sporting should have a playoff spot locked up by then (magic number is 7 points won by KC or dropped by Philly/Chicago), but positioning in the playoffs could still be on the line. The game comes between the home finale on the 18th against DC United and the season finale on the 26th against Philadelphia. If KC needs a league result to clinch home field advantage, the East, or even the Supporters' Shield, Peter Vermes could rest some starters for the league games and hope some of the reserves can pull out the result. Either way, advancement is totally in KC's hands, they control their destiny.
The game looked quite similar to Sporting KC's game against Esteli last week. The home side dominated possession throughout the game but some poor finishing kept the Nicaraguan side in it into the second half. Around the half way point of the second half, Anthony Lozano found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The win means that Sporting KC have to get some kind of result in the group finale at Sporting Park. A win or a draw against Olimpia on the 23rd will see Sporting advance to the knock out round in 2014. A loss to the Honduran side will eliminate Sporting from the competition.
The game could come at a difficult time for KC. Sporting should have a playoff spot locked up by then (magic number is 7 points won by KC or dropped by Philly/Chicago), but positioning in the playoffs could still be on the line. The game comes between the home finale on the 18th against DC United and the season finale on the 26th against Philadelphia. If KC needs a league result to clinch home field advantage, the East, or even the Supporters' Shield, Peter Vermes could rest some starters for the league games and hope some of the reserves can pull out the result. Either way, advancement is totally in KC's hands, they control their destiny.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Sunday After Stats
Stats for you from yesterday's win for Sporting over Toronto.
CJ Sapong's two goals give him 18 for his career in league play, which puts him into 11th place all time.
The two goals give Sapong 24 in all competitions, tying him with Teal Bunbury for 9th place on that list.
Sapong's two goals give him 8 in his career away from home in league playing, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 10th all time on that list.
His goals gave him 9 away from home in all competitions, tying him with Chris Brown and Matt McKeon for 10th all time on that list.
His second goal was his 7th game winner he's scored for KC in league play, tying him with Scott Sealy and Graham Zusi for 7th place on that list.
It was his 9th game winner in all competitions, tying him with Miklos Molnar for 6th on that list.
Chance Myers assist on Sapong's second goal was his 12th league assist, tying him with Paul Wright for 20th on that list.
It was his 13th assist in all competitions, tying him with Wright and Brown for 20th on that list.
Aurelien Collin earn his 11th yellow card of the season, setting a team record.
His 12th yellow in all competitions also set a team record.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 123rd league appearance for KC, tying him with Brown and Matt Besler for 13th all time on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 119th league appearance for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez and Jose Burciaga for 16th all time on that list.
CJ Sapong's two goals give him 18 for his career in league play, which puts him into 11th place all time.
The two goals give Sapong 24 in all competitions, tying him with Teal Bunbury for 9th place on that list.
Sapong's two goals give him 8 in his career away from home in league playing, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 10th all time on that list.
His goals gave him 9 away from home in all competitions, tying him with Chris Brown and Matt McKeon for 10th all time on that list.
His second goal was his 7th game winner he's scored for KC in league play, tying him with Scott Sealy and Graham Zusi for 7th place on that list.
It was his 9th game winner in all competitions, tying him with Miklos Molnar for 6th on that list.
Chance Myers assist on Sapong's second goal was his 12th league assist, tying him with Paul Wright for 20th on that list.
It was his 13th assist in all competitions, tying him with Wright and Brown for 20th on that list.
Aurelien Collin earn his 11th yellow card of the season, setting a team record.
His 12th yellow in all competitions also set a team record.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 123rd league appearance for KC, tying him with Brown and Matt Besler for 13th all time on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 119th league appearance for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez and Jose Burciaga for 16th all time on that list.
Winning in the Rain
Sporting KC put themselves back on top of the Eastern Conference today as they took out Toronto FC at BMO Field in less than ideal conditions. Throughout the game periods of very heavy rain caused plenty of trouble for players keeping their feet. In the end the weather didn't appear to directly lead to any goals.
KC made a number of changes to their lineup with Matt Besler and Soony Saad on the bench while Claudio Bieler and Oriol Rosell didn't even make the 18. KC though came out and dominated play at the beginning of the game. In the 5th minute they almost found the first goal as a Chance Myers cross was flicked on by Dom Dwyer, but his header was wide of the post. Early on, Allen Chapman tried to maintain control and handed out three early yellows, two to Toronto, one to Sporting KC. KC made the early pressure pay off in the 18th minute. KC struck on the counter off a Toronto free kick. The attack actually looked to have died early on as Dwyer played the ball a little too wide for Graham Zusi. Zusi recovered well and played a nice long ball over the top to Dwyer who had continued his run. Dwyer smartly headed the ball back into the middle to a completely unmarked CJ Sapong who headed the ball in to give KC the lead.
After the goal though, Toronto really started to come into the game and they controlled possession. TFC really kept KC pinned in deep and didn't allow KC to get much over the half way line the rest of the half. Alavaro Rey should have leveled the scoring shortly after. Rey coasted into the box at the back post alone, but on the incoming cross he didn't make enough contact and the ball went wide. Aurelin Collin was lucky to stay on the field during this stretch as he easily could have picked up a second yellow or straight red for a foul on Alvaro Rey. As Collin was trying to shield the ball out he threw his elbow up on Rey and appeared to catch Rey in the face with his arm. No yellow as produced though. In the 38th though Toronto pulled level and it was KC's own undoing. Some poor play in the bak saw Jimmy Nielsen attempt to play the ball to Collin. The Frenchman though had to stretch to make the trap and gave the ball away to Rey. Rey squared it into the middle for Darel Russell who made no mistake, beating Nielsen and leveling the score. Just before the half KC was lucky to not fall behind. Off a Toronto corner the ball was headed on goal and had beaten Nielsen, but Jacob Peterson was on the line to clear the ball away.
KC came out in the second and looked to reestablish the lead. It took only seven minutes for them to do it. A quick throw in by Zusi was collected by Myers who played a cross into the box for Sapong. The forward had lost his defender and easily headed a ball past Joe Bendik and into the net, putting KC back on top. Unlike when they scored in the first half though, KC didn't allow Toronto to really control the game. KC didn't really create much in the way of chances but they kept Toronto from doing the same which was key. In the 67th KC probably should have had a PK. On a cross into the box by Set Sinovic, Sapong was barreled over from behind by Steven Caldwell. No call was made though. In the 77th again KC's defense at the back post was called into question, and again the TFC player did poorly with the finish. Doneil Henry was the culprit this time not getting the shot off and the ball went wide. Toronto had more of the play from there, but didn't get much in the way of shots. Then in the 86th Caldwell got himself sent off. On a poor back pass by Kyle Bekker, Josh Gardner tried to beat Caldwell to the ball, he did and in the challenge, Caldwell came in studs up and caught Garnder. Chapman went to his back pocket and produced a red card. Down a man Toronto continued to look for an equalizer and they also had a penalty shout. A long free kick in to the box was flicked on. At the back post Collin went up for the ball with Justin Braun. Collin though was not looking at the ball and knocked Braun over, but as with Sapong no call was made. KC held on and walked out with all three points.
Wizards Man of the Match - CJ Sapong - A brace from Sapong makes three in the last two games. Yes it was against a poor Toronto side, but hopefully this is Sapong rounding into form. KC will need it.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 4, Opara 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 6, Feilhaber 5, Zusi 6, Sapong 7, Dwyer 5, Peterson 5. Subs Joseph 4, Gardner 5, Bunbury NR.
KC made a number of changes to their lineup with Matt Besler and Soony Saad on the bench while Claudio Bieler and Oriol Rosell didn't even make the 18. KC though came out and dominated play at the beginning of the game. In the 5th minute they almost found the first goal as a Chance Myers cross was flicked on by Dom Dwyer, but his header was wide of the post. Early on, Allen Chapman tried to maintain control and handed out three early yellows, two to Toronto, one to Sporting KC. KC made the early pressure pay off in the 18th minute. KC struck on the counter off a Toronto free kick. The attack actually looked to have died early on as Dwyer played the ball a little too wide for Graham Zusi. Zusi recovered well and played a nice long ball over the top to Dwyer who had continued his run. Dwyer smartly headed the ball back into the middle to a completely unmarked CJ Sapong who headed the ball in to give KC the lead.
After the goal though, Toronto really started to come into the game and they controlled possession. TFC really kept KC pinned in deep and didn't allow KC to get much over the half way line the rest of the half. Alavaro Rey should have leveled the scoring shortly after. Rey coasted into the box at the back post alone, but on the incoming cross he didn't make enough contact and the ball went wide. Aurelin Collin was lucky to stay on the field during this stretch as he easily could have picked up a second yellow or straight red for a foul on Alvaro Rey. As Collin was trying to shield the ball out he threw his elbow up on Rey and appeared to catch Rey in the face with his arm. No yellow as produced though. In the 38th though Toronto pulled level and it was KC's own undoing. Some poor play in the bak saw Jimmy Nielsen attempt to play the ball to Collin. The Frenchman though had to stretch to make the trap and gave the ball away to Rey. Rey squared it into the middle for Darel Russell who made no mistake, beating Nielsen and leveling the score. Just before the half KC was lucky to not fall behind. Off a Toronto corner the ball was headed on goal and had beaten Nielsen, but Jacob Peterson was on the line to clear the ball away.
KC came out in the second and looked to reestablish the lead. It took only seven minutes for them to do it. A quick throw in by Zusi was collected by Myers who played a cross into the box for Sapong. The forward had lost his defender and easily headed a ball past Joe Bendik and into the net, putting KC back on top. Unlike when they scored in the first half though, KC didn't allow Toronto to really control the game. KC didn't really create much in the way of chances but they kept Toronto from doing the same which was key. In the 67th KC probably should have had a PK. On a cross into the box by Set Sinovic, Sapong was barreled over from behind by Steven Caldwell. No call was made though. In the 77th again KC's defense at the back post was called into question, and again the TFC player did poorly with the finish. Doneil Henry was the culprit this time not getting the shot off and the ball went wide. Toronto had more of the play from there, but didn't get much in the way of shots. Then in the 86th Caldwell got himself sent off. On a poor back pass by Kyle Bekker, Josh Gardner tried to beat Caldwell to the ball, he did and in the challenge, Caldwell came in studs up and caught Garnder. Chapman went to his back pocket and produced a red card. Down a man Toronto continued to look for an equalizer and they also had a penalty shout. A long free kick in to the box was flicked on. At the back post Collin went up for the ball with Justin Braun. Collin though was not looking at the ball and knocked Braun over, but as with Sapong no call was made. KC held on and walked out with all three points.
Wizards Man of the Match - CJ Sapong - A brace from Sapong makes three in the last two games. Yes it was against a poor Toronto side, but hopefully this is Sapong rounding into form. KC will need it.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Myers 6, Collin 4, Opara 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 6, Feilhaber 5, Zusi 6, Sapong 7, Dwyer 5, Peterson 5. Subs Joseph 4, Gardner 5, Bunbury NR.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Sporting Head to Toronto
After the disappointing draw on Tuesday against Real Esteli, Sporting KC head back to league play and back on the road to face Toronto FC tomorrow afternoon. With six games left in the season, Sporting needs to quickly put the Esteli game behind them and get back to the league form that has seen them win their last two. With the Champions League, Sporting is now unbeaten in four in all competitions.
Toronto comes into tomorrow's game officially eliminated from the playoffs this year. They were officially eliminated last week with their loss to New York and other results going against them. It's been another year of turmoil for Toronto as just today they hired their second GM of the season after firing Kevin Payne a few weeks ago. Toronto will be without a few players, included designated player, Matias Laba with a broken toe and Jonathan Osorio who was suspended for two games. Against New York after Kosuke Kimura was fouled and fell to the ground Osorio went to clear the ball right after the whistle went. It appeared Osorio kicked Kimura in the head if only slightly. That will leave Toronto without tow young players who have been contributors for TFC.
Sporting comes into the game in relatively good shape. They will be without Paulo Nagamura again, who injured his ankle, he'd only just returned from an ankle injury. Chance Myers is no where on the injury report, which is a good thing. KC though does have three players that are in yellow card trouble, Claudio Bieler, Oriol Rosell, and Seth Sinovic are all one yellow away from suspension. Only Bieler has the ability to still get good behavior. While many starters got time on Tuesday against Esteli, I'd expect them all to be ready to go tomorrow against TFC. After having last week off, no reason to expect them not to.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Rosell - Joseph
Feilhaber
Zusi - Bieler -Saad
Number to Remember - 11 - That's currently Kansas City's magic number to clinch a playoff spot. Eleven points gained by KC or lost by 6th place Philadelphia and KC is in the playoffs.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Steven Caldwell - Bieler got back on the scoring sheet in KC's last league game against Columbus. It was Bieler's first goal since he scored against Toronto back in July. With Kei Kamara gone, more pressure is back on Bieler to be the goal scorer that KC wanted him to be when they signed him.
PREDICTION - Kansas City really needs to take maximum points tomorrow. If they want to end up one of the top two seeds in the East, taking out an opponent at the opposite end of the table is a must. Toronto isn't that good of a team. The Reds are winless in their last 7 MLS games. Their last win was a month and a half ago against New England on the road. Toronto has won just two home games this season, one of which was their 2-1 win over KC in their home opener back in March. I don't think KC falters in Toronto this time.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Zusi)
TFC - 0
Toronto comes into tomorrow's game officially eliminated from the playoffs this year. They were officially eliminated last week with their loss to New York and other results going against them. It's been another year of turmoil for Toronto as just today they hired their second GM of the season after firing Kevin Payne a few weeks ago. Toronto will be without a few players, included designated player, Matias Laba with a broken toe and Jonathan Osorio who was suspended for two games. Against New York after Kosuke Kimura was fouled and fell to the ground Osorio went to clear the ball right after the whistle went. It appeared Osorio kicked Kimura in the head if only slightly. That will leave Toronto without tow young players who have been contributors for TFC.
Sporting comes into the game in relatively good shape. They will be without Paulo Nagamura again, who injured his ankle, he'd only just returned from an ankle injury. Chance Myers is no where on the injury report, which is a good thing. KC though does have three players that are in yellow card trouble, Claudio Bieler, Oriol Rosell, and Seth Sinovic are all one yellow away from suspension. Only Bieler has the ability to still get good behavior. While many starters got time on Tuesday against Esteli, I'd expect them all to be ready to go tomorrow against TFC. After having last week off, no reason to expect them not to.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Rosell - Joseph
Feilhaber
Zusi - Bieler -Saad
Number to Remember - 11 - That's currently Kansas City's magic number to clinch a playoff spot. Eleven points gained by KC or lost by 6th place Philadelphia and KC is in the playoffs.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Steven Caldwell - Bieler got back on the scoring sheet in KC's last league game against Columbus. It was Bieler's first goal since he scored against Toronto back in July. With Kei Kamara gone, more pressure is back on Bieler to be the goal scorer that KC wanted him to be when they signed him.
PREDICTION - Kansas City really needs to take maximum points tomorrow. If they want to end up one of the top two seeds in the East, taking out an opponent at the opposite end of the table is a must. Toronto isn't that good of a team. The Reds are winless in their last 7 MLS games. Their last win was a month and a half ago against New England on the road. Toronto has won just two home games this season, one of which was their 2-1 win over KC in their home opener back in March. I don't think KC falters in Toronto this time.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Zusi)
TFC - 0
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Kamara Scores First Goal for Middlesbrough - Former SKC Wizards Update
Kei Kamara is making the most of his move to England early on. In only his second appearance for the club, and his first start, Kamara scored the first goal in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. He was joined on the scorers list this week by Yura Movsisyan and Will John. Check out Kamara's goal below and then the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 71 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Columbus. Started and played 63 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to San Jose.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 45 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to Seattle.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-0 win over Toronto.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 win over Salt Lake.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to Seattle.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 win over Montreal.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 2-1 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Edmonton.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-0 loss to New York.
USL
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Contract option not picked up by Orlando.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - 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 dress in Haka's 2-1 loss to Jippo.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not dress in Charleroi's 0-0 draw with OH Leuven.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in either of DPMM's games.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlas' 3-0 loss to Chiapas. Dod mpt dress in Atlas's 1-1 draw with Morelia in the Copa Mexico.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Real Cuautitlan 2-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in UAI's 2-1 loss to Deportivo Merlo. Came off the bench and played 35 minutes in UAI's 1-0 win over Almagro.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Boyaca's 1-0 win over Boyaca Chico.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 55 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 loss to Leicester City.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in either of Atletico's games.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in AZAL's 2-1 loss to Qabala.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in Middlesbrough's 3-1 loss to Ipswich Town. Started and played 80 minutes, scoring a goal in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 90 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 loss to Belshina.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 loss to Juan Aurich. Started and played 58 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 win over Inti Gas.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's cup loss to Lausanne Sport.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 89 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 1-0 win over Volga.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in either of Zilina's games.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 1-0 loss to FH. Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 4-1 loss to KR.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in either of Blackburn's games.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Dressed but did not play in Atyrau's 1-0 win over Vostok.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Munster's 3-2 loss to Unterhaching.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in Llaneros' 2-1 win over Barranquilla.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 71 minutes in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Columbus. Started and played 63 minutes in Montreal's 3-0 loss to San Jose.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 45 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to Seattle.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-0 win over Toronto.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Seattle's 2-0 win over Salt Lake.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Salt Lake's 2-0 loss to Seattle.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-0 loss to New York.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 win over Montreal.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 2-1 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-1 draw with Edmonton.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-0 loss to New York.
USL
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Contract option not picked up by Orlando.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - 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 dress in Haka's 2-1 loss to Jippo.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not dress in Charleroi's 0-0 draw with OH Leuven.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in either of DPMM's games.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlas' 3-0 loss to Chiapas. Dod mpt dress in Atlas's 1-1 draw with Morelia in the Copa Mexico.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Real Cuautitlan 2-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in UAI's 2-1 loss to Deportivo Merlo. Came off the bench and played 35 minutes in UAI's 1-0 win over Almagro.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Boyaca's 1-0 win over Boyaca Chico.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 55 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 loss to Leicester City.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in either of Atletico's games.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in AZAL's 2-1 loss to Qabala.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in Middlesbrough's 3-1 loss to Ipswich Town. Started and played 80 minutes, scoring a goal in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 90 minutes in Slavia's 2-1 loss to Belshina.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 loss to Juan Aurich. Started and played 58 minutes in San Martin's 3-1 win over Inti Gas.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's cup loss to Lausanne Sport.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 89 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 1-0 win over Volga.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not play in either of Zilina's games.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 1-0 loss to FH. Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 4-1 loss to KR.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in either of Blackburn's games.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Dressed but did not play in Atyrau's 1-0 win over Vostok.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Munster's 3-2 loss to Unterhaching.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not play in Llaneros' 2-1 win over Barranquilla.
Sporting Park in Running to Host College Cup
Sporting Park could be a future host of the NCAA men's and women's college cup. Kansas City is bidding for 13 NCAA division 1 and 2 championships in the coming years. Sporting Park would be the host site of three of those potential finals. Not only that, Sporting's training facility at the expanded Swope Park could host two finals as well.
Sporting Park is named as the host site for the NCAA division 1 men's and women's soccer finals and could also play host to the NCAA division 2 football final. Swope could play host to the division 2 men's and women's finals. I'd love the soccer finals to be here in KC, the college cup is always a good opportunity to see future MLS players and some good soccer as well. The division 2 finals would be a bonus and would be a great way to show off the Swope Park facility.
The football final I don't care much about but could be big in KC with the likes of Pittsburg State and Northwest MO State around and consistently good in the division. If KC does host, hopefully by then KC has their field issues under control, even though the final would be in January and the field would likely have time to recover by the time the MLS season starts.
Sporting Park is named as the host site for the NCAA division 1 men's and women's soccer finals and could also play host to the NCAA division 2 football final. Swope could play host to the division 2 men's and women's finals. I'd love the soccer finals to be here in KC, the college cup is always a good opportunity to see future MLS players and some good soccer as well. The division 2 finals would be a bonus and would be a great way to show off the Swope Park facility.
The football final I don't care much about but could be big in KC with the likes of Pittsburg State and Northwest MO State around and consistently good in the division. If KC does host, hopefully by then KC has their field issues under control, even though the final would be in January and the field would likely have time to recover by the time the MLS season starts.
S.A.S. Wednesday After Stats
Some stats from last night.
Jacob Peterson made his 200th appearance of his MLS career in all competitions.
In the 70th minute, Matt Besler passed Diego Gutierrez and moved into 13th place for minutes played in all competitions, Besler finished the game with 12,267 minutes played.
Besler made his 142nd appearance in all competitions, breaking his tie with Francisco Gomez for 15th on that list.
It was Besler's 135th start in all competitions, tying him with Gutierrez for 13th on that list.
Jacob Peterson made his 200th appearance of his MLS career in all competitions.
In the 70th minute, Matt Besler passed Diego Gutierrez and moved into 13th place for minutes played in all competitions, Besler finished the game with 12,267 minutes played.
Besler made his 142nd appearance in all competitions, breaking his tie with Francisco Gomez for 15th on that list.
It was Besler's 135th start in all competitions, tying him with Gutierrez for 13th on that list.
Sporting's Lack of Finishing Haunts Them Again
I've run out of ways to describe my frustrations with Kansas City's home form. On home form alone, Sporting KC sits in 13th place in regards to home points per game, the team's road form has been what has really carried this team. And that's now becoming the story of the team's Champions League run. The team won their first two games in the competition, both on the road, 2-0 and had themselves sitting very pretty. But then last night at Sporting Park, the old home woes came back. Sporting controlled possession and had a number of shots, but couldn't score more than one goal as they had to settle for a draw with Real Esteli.
Sporting came out from the start and dominated possession. The shot selection early on though was not that great as they didn't get many of their efforts on goal. And early on Esteli looked dangerous on the counter, a good play by Josh Gardner kept it from being 1-0 early on in the game. Soony Saad forced a save from Esteli keeper Justo Lorente that he kept in front of him and covered the rebound. Lorente was on his game as well as later in the first half he made a diving save on a shot by Claudio Bieler and another by Saad. Esteli was also sitting back with numbers behind the ball and many of KC's efforts were blocked. It just seemed a matter of time before Sporting found net.
In the second half though it was Esteli that found the net first. Eric Kronberg tipped a shot by Esteli over the bar to give Esteli a corner. Arguments can be made on whether Kronberg should have caught that instead of tipping it over and both sides are justified, it looked like Kronberg got caught a little too far off his line and to make sure it didn't go in he tipped it over the bar. On the ensuing corner though Rudel Calero got over Matt Besler and headed the ball past Kronberg and into the net making it 1-0 Esteli. KC came back down the field and almost responded immediately. Off a corner Graham Zusi found CJ Sapong whose header was well saved by Lorente. KC really pushed the game down a goal creating a number of chances but having them saved, blocked, or wide of the goal. Back to back free kicks saw Zusi put his effort into the wall and Dom Dwyer curl one wide of the post. In the mean time, KC fans got to see what happens when a Central American team is leading on the road. The stretcher was brought out a number of times as Esteli players dropped every couple minutes. Finally in the 78th minute, KC got a goal. Zusi played a corner on the ground to the near post to Jacob Peterson. Peterson touched the ball past Lorente and into the net to tie the game at 1-1. KC continued to push to try to find a winner. Lorente again was there to stop them. A nice shot by Benny Feilhaber was well saved to keep the game level. The best chance for KC though was probably on the last play of the game. On a simple back pass, Lorente miss hit his clearance off the side of his foot right to Peterson. Peterson raced to the ball and was lining up his shot for the corner. Peterson though put the effort just wide of the post. Seconds later the final whistle blew. Sporting now will wait to see where things stand after Esteli and Olimpia play next Tuesday. KC currently sit four points ahead of the Hondurans. Their final group game is the 23rd of October again at Sporting Park against Olimpia.
Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - Feilhaber did a good job of running the offense tonight from the midfield, it's not his fault that the finishing at the end of it was not enough for KC to grab a goal or two in the first half.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Gardner 5, Besler 5, Opara 5, Sinovic 5, Rosell 6, Joseph 4, Feilhaber 6, Saad 5, Bieler 4, Zusi 6. Subs Sapong 5, Dwyer, 5, Peterson 5.
Sporting came out from the start and dominated possession. The shot selection early on though was not that great as they didn't get many of their efforts on goal. And early on Esteli looked dangerous on the counter, a good play by Josh Gardner kept it from being 1-0 early on in the game. Soony Saad forced a save from Esteli keeper Justo Lorente that he kept in front of him and covered the rebound. Lorente was on his game as well as later in the first half he made a diving save on a shot by Claudio Bieler and another by Saad. Esteli was also sitting back with numbers behind the ball and many of KC's efforts were blocked. It just seemed a matter of time before Sporting found net.
In the second half though it was Esteli that found the net first. Eric Kronberg tipped a shot by Esteli over the bar to give Esteli a corner. Arguments can be made on whether Kronberg should have caught that instead of tipping it over and both sides are justified, it looked like Kronberg got caught a little too far off his line and to make sure it didn't go in he tipped it over the bar. On the ensuing corner though Rudel Calero got over Matt Besler and headed the ball past Kronberg and into the net making it 1-0 Esteli. KC came back down the field and almost responded immediately. Off a corner Graham Zusi found CJ Sapong whose header was well saved by Lorente. KC really pushed the game down a goal creating a number of chances but having them saved, blocked, or wide of the goal. Back to back free kicks saw Zusi put his effort into the wall and Dom Dwyer curl one wide of the post. In the mean time, KC fans got to see what happens when a Central American team is leading on the road. The stretcher was brought out a number of times as Esteli players dropped every couple minutes. Finally in the 78th minute, KC got a goal. Zusi played a corner on the ground to the near post to Jacob Peterson. Peterson touched the ball past Lorente and into the net to tie the game at 1-1. KC continued to push to try to find a winner. Lorente again was there to stop them. A nice shot by Benny Feilhaber was well saved to keep the game level. The best chance for KC though was probably on the last play of the game. On a simple back pass, Lorente miss hit his clearance off the side of his foot right to Peterson. Peterson raced to the ball and was lining up his shot for the corner. Peterson though put the effort just wide of the post. Seconds later the final whistle blew. Sporting now will wait to see where things stand after Esteli and Olimpia play next Tuesday. KC currently sit four points ahead of the Hondurans. Their final group game is the 23rd of October again at Sporting Park against Olimpia.
Wizards Man of the Match - Benny Feilhaber - Feilhaber did a good job of running the offense tonight from the midfield, it's not his fault that the finishing at the end of it was not enough for KC to grab a goal or two in the first half.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 5, Gardner 5, Besler 5, Opara 5, Sinovic 5, Rosell 6, Joseph 4, Feilhaber 6, Saad 5, Bieler 4, Zusi 6. Subs Sapong 5, Dwyer, 5, Peterson 5.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Champions League Returns to KC
For the first time since 2005, the CONCACAF Champions League/Cup returns for a game in Kansas City. KC last played a home game in this competition at a near empty Arrowhead Stadium, with just over 1,200 people in attendance to watch the Wizards take on Costa Rican side, Deportivo Saprissa. The game ended in a 0-0 draw and KC went out 2-1 on aggregate. Tomorrow night KC will look for a different result as they host Nicaraguan side, Real Esteli.
Esteli comes into the game not officially eliminated yet, but would need to win their two remaining games, both on the road, and then hope that Olimpia can beat KC on the road to level everyone on 6 points and hope to win the tie breaker. El Tren del Norte have still yet to win in the competition, and have yet to even record a point on the road in the three previous trips into this competition. In their previous times in this tournament Esteli has lost all four away games, scoring just one goal, while allowing eight goals.
With that in mind KC should really have no business allowing Esteli to hang around tomorrow, score early, score often. A win won't clinch advancement to the knockout rounds for Sporting KC but it would force Olimpia to win it's last two games, including coming to KC and beating KC by three goals. Sporting come into the game well rested as well, having last weekend off from league play. KC does have a league game this weekend in Toronto, but with the game on Tuesday the players will get some rest. I'd expect KC to go with another mixed lineup with some starters getting some time while reserves getting a run out as well.
Number to Remember - 4038 - That's the number of days it's been since Chris Brown scored against Morelia in the semifinals of the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the last goal that KC scored at home in this competition.
Key Match Up - Sporting forwards vs Esteli defense - In the first game these two teams played Esteli looked extremely susceptible to KC's size, at least early on. KC exploited their size on the first goal. Sapong or Bunbury could have a good game if the crosses are coming in well enough.
PREDICTION - I said when KC won in Olimpia that anything less now than advancement is a disappointment for Sporting. Tomorrow is KC's chance to take a big step towards advancement. Esteli really isn't that good of a side. In their first match up, Esteli looked like the worst team KC had played this year (that includes the Des Moines Menace in the Open Cup). While they looked better at home against Olimpia, there's still no reason to think KC shouldn't easily take care of business tomorrow. They can't underestimate Esteli, but I can't see them doing that. The question is whether KC will really step on the neck once they get the lead.
SKC - 4 (Saad x2, Sapong, Bunbury)
RE - 0
Esteli comes into the game not officially eliminated yet, but would need to win their two remaining games, both on the road, and then hope that Olimpia can beat KC on the road to level everyone on 6 points and hope to win the tie breaker. El Tren del Norte have still yet to win in the competition, and have yet to even record a point on the road in the three previous trips into this competition. In their previous times in this tournament Esteli has lost all four away games, scoring just one goal, while allowing eight goals.
With that in mind KC should really have no business allowing Esteli to hang around tomorrow, score early, score often. A win won't clinch advancement to the knockout rounds for Sporting KC but it would force Olimpia to win it's last two games, including coming to KC and beating KC by three goals. Sporting come into the game well rested as well, having last weekend off from league play. KC does have a league game this weekend in Toronto, but with the game on Tuesday the players will get some rest. I'd expect KC to go with another mixed lineup with some starters getting some time while reserves getting a run out as well.
Kronbereg
Jerome - Opara - Besler - Bessone
Rosell - Olum
Feilhaber
Sapong - Bunbury - Saad
Number to Remember - 4038 - That's the number of days it's been since Chris Brown scored against Morelia in the semifinals of the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the last goal that KC scored at home in this competition.
Key Match Up - Sporting forwards vs Esteli defense - In the first game these two teams played Esteli looked extremely susceptible to KC's size, at least early on. KC exploited their size on the first goal. Sapong or Bunbury could have a good game if the crosses are coming in well enough.
PREDICTION - I said when KC won in Olimpia that anything less now than advancement is a disappointment for Sporting. Tomorrow is KC's chance to take a big step towards advancement. Esteli really isn't that good of a side. In their first match up, Esteli looked like the worst team KC had played this year (that includes the Des Moines Menace in the Open Cup). While they looked better at home against Olimpia, there's still no reason to think KC shouldn't easily take care of business tomorrow. They can't underestimate Esteli, but I can't see them doing that. The question is whether KC will really step on the neck once they get the lead.
SKC - 4 (Saad x2, Sapong, Bunbury)
RE - 0
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sporting Park's Surface
With the Flatlands Music Festival over at Sporting Park, the surface covering is off the playing surface and preparations are being made for Tuesday's Champions' League game against Real Esteli. With just that by itself questions would be asked of how exactly the surface will stand up after the concert. But the questions about the way the playing surface has held up has been a question for much longer than that. The questions really started to pick up after the Colorado game when the surface started to come apart a bit more during the game when players would make cuts or moves on the field.
It got worse during the game last weekend against Columbus. So bad in fact, that Columbus blamed three muscle injuries some of their players suffered on the poor surface at Sporting Park. The surface even prompted a response from Robb Heineman after the game.
Heineman's comment though just brought more questions from fans. Mainly fans were asking why in a city where for three months of the season the average low temperature is above 62 degrees they were having a problem with the surface that requires the temperature to be below 62. I understand that it's hard to get grass to grow in the 90 degree heat of the summer that we've had the last couple weeks, but that's been the exception this summer. For the most part this has been a fairly cool summer in KC, it hasn't been deathly hot for a very large period of time, and there had been decent rainfall. Unlike last year when KC had a number of +100 days and a long period of time without rain. Last year the surface held up better than this year with all those heat issues.
This is the second time in the short three year history of the stadium that the field has been a problem. In the stadium's first year everyone blamed it on the condensed home schedule that Sporting was playing and the field not getting enough time to really let the roots take hold. But this year there really isn't much of an excuse, at least in my mind for why the surface is in such poor shape. And this is the same team that back in 2009 had their grounds crew win the award for the "field of the year."
With the World Cup qualifier less than a month away, KC will want to get the field situation taken care of before the US team gets here. You don't want the attention for the game being more paid to the field surface than the play or the atmosphere. And you don't want to potentially piss off a number of US fans by having a player like Michael Bradley hurt his ankle, possibly more seriously and put the player's World Cup in doubt.
I have faith that they'll get the field situation straightened out quickly, but this is becoming a bad habit. All the bells and whistles in and around the stadium won't mean much if the field is a piece of crap. Maybe Heineman should really consider getting that Sporting blue turf he keeps trolling fans with.
It got worse during the game last weekend against Columbus. So bad in fact, that Columbus blamed three muscle injuries some of their players suffered on the poor surface at Sporting Park. The surface even prompted a response from Robb Heineman after the game.
That was beautiful...turf, not so much...as soon as overnight temps back under 62, we'll be fine...
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) September 8, 2013
Heineman's comment though just brought more questions from fans. Mainly fans were asking why in a city where for three months of the season the average low temperature is above 62 degrees they were having a problem with the surface that requires the temperature to be below 62. I understand that it's hard to get grass to grow in the 90 degree heat of the summer that we've had the last couple weeks, but that's been the exception this summer. For the most part this has been a fairly cool summer in KC, it hasn't been deathly hot for a very large period of time, and there had been decent rainfall. Unlike last year when KC had a number of +100 days and a long period of time without rain. Last year the surface held up better than this year with all those heat issues.
This is the second time in the short three year history of the stadium that the field has been a problem. In the stadium's first year everyone blamed it on the condensed home schedule that Sporting was playing and the field not getting enough time to really let the roots take hold. But this year there really isn't much of an excuse, at least in my mind for why the surface is in such poor shape. And this is the same team that back in 2009 had their grounds crew win the award for the "field of the year."
With the World Cup qualifier less than a month away, KC will want to get the field situation taken care of before the US team gets here. You don't want the attention for the game being more paid to the field surface than the play or the atmosphere. And you don't want to potentially piss off a number of US fans by having a player like Michael Bradley hurt his ankle, possibly more seriously and put the player's World Cup in doubt.
I have faith that they'll get the field situation straightened out quickly, but this is becoming a bad habit. All the bells and whistles in and around the stadium won't mean much if the field is a piece of crap. Maybe Heineman should really consider getting that Sporting blue turf he keeps trolling fans with.
Friday, September 13, 2013
A Look Towards the Rest of the Season
With Sporting Kansas City off this weekend from league play, I thought I'd take a look at the rest of the season for Sporting KC and how it looks to shake for KC vs the rest of the team's they're fighting with in the East.
Here is how the East currently stands:
Kansas City currently sits tied for first place in the East on 45 points with Montreal and New York. All three are six points clear of 4th place Philadelphia.
Here's how the East breaks down, starting with Kansas City.
Sporting KC - 45 points - 8 games left (4 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/17 vs Real Esteli (CCL), 9/27 vs Philadelphia, 10/18 vs DC, 10/23 vs Olimpia (CCL)
Away - 9/21 at Toronto, 10/5 at Columbus, 10/9 at Houston, 10/26 at Philadelphia
Average PPG of opponents - 1.11
KC has the fewest home games in league play of any team in the East, with just 2 left. They also have two Champions' League games to worry about. Of the teams in the East though, KC has the easiest schedule, with the teams KC is facing averaging 1.11 points per game. KC also has a little luxury in their CCL group, not only with both games at home but having taken three points in both of their road games puts them in a very good position for advancing.
Montreal - 45 points - 10 games left (5 home, 5 road)
Home - 9/14 vs Columbus, 9/21 vs Vancouver, 9/24 vs Heredia (CCL), 10/12 vs New England, 10/19 vs Philadelphia.
Away - 9/17 at San Jose (CCL), at Chicago 9/28, 10/4 at Houston, 10/16 at LA, 10/26 at Toronto
Average PPG of opponents - 1.3
The Impact have played the few league games of any team in the league, they still have 8 league games left, but they also have two Champions League games left during the final month and a half of the regular season. That will put them in a fairly congested schedule late this season. Starting Saturday, Montreal starts a stretch of 4 games in 11 days. Three of those four games are at home, but they have a cross country flight to play San Jose.
New York - 45 points - 6 games left (4 home, 2 road)
Home - 9/14 vs Toronto, 9/22 vs Dallas, 10/5 vs New England, 10/27 vs Chicago
Away - 9/29 at Seattle, 10/20 at Houston
Average PPG of opponents - 1.35
New York doesn't have the extra league games that Montreal and KC have so their stretch run is less congested. They also have just two away games left. The down side is that they have the second toughest remaining schedule PPG wise of the eight teams I looked at.
Philadelphia - 39 points - 6 games left (3 home, 3 away)
Home - 9/14 vs Houston, 10/5 vs Toronto, 10/26 vs KC
Away - 9/27 at KC, 10/12 at DC, 10/19 at Montreal
Average PPG of opponents - 1.27
Half of Philadelphia's remaining six games are against teams that are currently tied for first place in the East. Two of those three are on the road, traveling to KC and Montreal, while hosting KC to end the season.
Those will be tough match ups for the Union and they'll need to take advantage of their other three games, especially the Houston game especially with the Dynamo only two points back, but currently sitting outside the playoffs.
New England - 37 points - 7 games left (3 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/21 vs DC, 9/28 vs Houston, 10/19 vs Columbus
Away - 9/14 at Chicago, 10/5 at New York, 10/12 at Montreal, 10/27 at Columbus
Average PPG of opponents - 1.26
The Revolution have quietly worked themselves into a playoff position right now. They have more games left to catch and pass Philadelphia, but do have to travel more. Like Philadelphia, they have two trips to teams currently tied for first in the East traveling to New York and Montreal on consecutive weekends.
Houston - 37 points - 9 games left (5 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/21 vs Chivas, 9/25 vs W Connection (CCL), 10/4 vs Montreal, 10/9 vs KC, 10/20 vs New York
Away - 9/14 at Philadelphia, 9/28 at New England, 10/24 at Arabe Unido (CCL), 10/27 at DC
Average PPG of opponents - 1.3
Houston has seven league games and two CCL games left this season. The certainly have the chance to make up plenty of ground in the table, of their seven remaining league games, five of them are against teams ahead of them in the table, including hosting all three teams at the top of the East in consecutive home games from 10/4 through 10/20.
Chicago - 36 points - 7 games left (3 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/14 vs New England, 9/28 vs Montreal, 10/19 vs Toronto
Away - 9/21 at Columbus, 10/4 at DC, 10/12 at Dallas, 10/27 at New York
Average PPG of opponents - 1.24
Chicago has a good chance to make up ground in the race. Not only do they have a few games against the bottom teams in the conference, at DC and vs Toronto, but they also have the chance to catch teams ahead of them with games against New England, Montreal, and New York.
Columbus - 32 points - 6 games left (3 home, 3 away)
Home - 9/21 vs Chicago, 10/5 vs KC, 10/27 vs New England
Away - 9/14 at Montreal, 9/29 at Dallas, 10/19 at New England
Average PPG of opponents - 1.48
The Crew have the toughest stretch of any of the teams I've listed here. Each team that Columbus play for the rest of the season currently have more points than they do. They're really going to need to have a very good run of form if they are going to climb into the playoffs this year.
CONCLUSION - While KC has the fewest home games of any team left, they still have a very good chance of getting a top seed, or finishing in the top two. Montreal is going to have their hands full with eight league games left, plus having two CCL games and needing to probably win both to guarantee their advancement to the knockout stages. New York with their games at home will be tough to keep pace with for KC, even though Sporting has the "easier" schedule. For the other playoff teams, Philadelphia is going to have the hardest time I think, Houston plays all three top teams, but at home, where they've had a fairly decent record, unlike KC handed them their first loss. I rarely ever bet against Dominic Kinnear when it comes to making the playoffs.
Here is how the East currently stands:
Kansas City currently sits tied for first place in the East on 45 points with Montreal and New York. All three are six points clear of 4th place Philadelphia.
Here's how the East breaks down, starting with Kansas City.
Sporting KC - 45 points - 8 games left (4 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/17 vs Real Esteli (CCL), 9/27 vs Philadelphia, 10/18 vs DC, 10/23 vs Olimpia (CCL)
Away - 9/21 at Toronto, 10/5 at Columbus, 10/9 at Houston, 10/26 at Philadelphia
Average PPG of opponents - 1.11
KC has the fewest home games in league play of any team in the East, with just 2 left. They also have two Champions' League games to worry about. Of the teams in the East though, KC has the easiest schedule, with the teams KC is facing averaging 1.11 points per game. KC also has a little luxury in their CCL group, not only with both games at home but having taken three points in both of their road games puts them in a very good position for advancing.
Montreal - 45 points - 10 games left (5 home, 5 road)
Home - 9/14 vs Columbus, 9/21 vs Vancouver, 9/24 vs Heredia (CCL), 10/12 vs New England, 10/19 vs Philadelphia.
Away - 9/17 at San Jose (CCL), at Chicago 9/28, 10/4 at Houston, 10/16 at LA, 10/26 at Toronto
Average PPG of opponents - 1.3
The Impact have played the few league games of any team in the league, they still have 8 league games left, but they also have two Champions League games left during the final month and a half of the regular season. That will put them in a fairly congested schedule late this season. Starting Saturday, Montreal starts a stretch of 4 games in 11 days. Three of those four games are at home, but they have a cross country flight to play San Jose.
New York - 45 points - 6 games left (4 home, 2 road)
Home - 9/14 vs Toronto, 9/22 vs Dallas, 10/5 vs New England, 10/27 vs Chicago
Away - 9/29 at Seattle, 10/20 at Houston
Average PPG of opponents - 1.35
New York doesn't have the extra league games that Montreal and KC have so their stretch run is less congested. They also have just two away games left. The down side is that they have the second toughest remaining schedule PPG wise of the eight teams I looked at.
Philadelphia - 39 points - 6 games left (3 home, 3 away)
Home - 9/14 vs Houston, 10/5 vs Toronto, 10/26 vs KC
Away - 9/27 at KC, 10/12 at DC, 10/19 at Montreal
Average PPG of opponents - 1.27
Half of Philadelphia's remaining six games are against teams that are currently tied for first place in the East. Two of those three are on the road, traveling to KC and Montreal, while hosting KC to end the season.
Those will be tough match ups for the Union and they'll need to take advantage of their other three games, especially the Houston game especially with the Dynamo only two points back, but currently sitting outside the playoffs.
New England - 37 points - 7 games left (3 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/21 vs DC, 9/28 vs Houston, 10/19 vs Columbus
Away - 9/14 at Chicago, 10/5 at New York, 10/12 at Montreal, 10/27 at Columbus
Average PPG of opponents - 1.26
The Revolution have quietly worked themselves into a playoff position right now. They have more games left to catch and pass Philadelphia, but do have to travel more. Like Philadelphia, they have two trips to teams currently tied for first in the East traveling to New York and Montreal on consecutive weekends.
Houston - 37 points - 9 games left (5 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/21 vs Chivas, 9/25 vs W Connection (CCL), 10/4 vs Montreal, 10/9 vs KC, 10/20 vs New York
Away - 9/14 at Philadelphia, 9/28 at New England, 10/24 at Arabe Unido (CCL), 10/27 at DC
Average PPG of opponents - 1.3
Houston has seven league games and two CCL games left this season. The certainly have the chance to make up plenty of ground in the table, of their seven remaining league games, five of them are against teams ahead of them in the table, including hosting all three teams at the top of the East in consecutive home games from 10/4 through 10/20.
Chicago - 36 points - 7 games left (3 home, 4 away)
Home - 9/14 vs New England, 9/28 vs Montreal, 10/19 vs Toronto
Away - 9/21 at Columbus, 10/4 at DC, 10/12 at Dallas, 10/27 at New York
Average PPG of opponents - 1.24
Chicago has a good chance to make up ground in the race. Not only do they have a few games against the bottom teams in the conference, at DC and vs Toronto, but they also have the chance to catch teams ahead of them with games against New England, Montreal, and New York.
Columbus - 32 points - 6 games left (3 home, 3 away)
Home - 9/21 vs Chicago, 10/5 vs KC, 10/27 vs New England
Away - 9/14 at Montreal, 9/29 at Dallas, 10/19 at New England
Average PPG of opponents - 1.48
The Crew have the toughest stretch of any of the teams I've listed here. Each team that Columbus play for the rest of the season currently have more points than they do. They're really going to need to have a very good run of form if they are going to climb into the playoffs this year.
CONCLUSION - While KC has the fewest home games of any team left, they still have a very good chance of getting a top seed, or finishing in the top two. Montreal is going to have their hands full with eight league games left, plus having two CCL games and needing to probably win both to guarantee their advancement to the knockout stages. New York with their games at home will be tough to keep pace with for KC, even though Sporting has the "easier" schedule. For the other playoff teams, Philadelphia is going to have the hardest time I think, Houston plays all three top teams, but at home, where they've had a fairly decent record, unlike KC handed them their first loss. I rarely ever bet against Dominic Kinnear when it comes to making the playoffs.
Sporting Sign Left Back Bessone
Today is the MLS roster freeze deadline, it's the last day that teams can sign players until after the season. Sporting Kansas City moved today to get them some depth on the left side of their back line. They announced the signing of Argentine left back, Federico Bessone.
The 29 year old Bessone is a product of the Barcelona youth system, although the highest he made it there was to Barcelona's C team (Oriol Rosell made B). Since leaving Barcelona, he's spent most of his playing career in England, playing with Swansea City, Leeds, Charlton, Swindon, and most recently Oldham Athletic. He has played a whole lot at any of the locations though.
He's likley mainly going to be a depth signing for left back, but he'll also be pushing Seth Sinovic hopefully at the same time. Of course I thought similar things about Neven Markovic last year, he played 2 games and is now in the Swiss Second Division.
This moves looks like it could be KC's only one today. With the signing and the return of KC's players in Orlando, that puts Sporting at the roster limit of 30. To bring anyone else in, they'd need to send someone else out. The window to sign players is until 4pm Central Time today.
The 29 year old Bessone is a product of the Barcelona youth system, although the highest he made it there was to Barcelona's C team (Oriol Rosell made B). Since leaving Barcelona, he's spent most of his playing career in England, playing with Swansea City, Leeds, Charlton, Swindon, and most recently Oldham Athletic. He has played a whole lot at any of the locations though.
He's likley mainly going to be a depth signing for left back, but he'll also be pushing Seth Sinovic hopefully at the same time. Of course I thought similar things about Neven Markovic last year, he played 2 games and is now in the Swiss Second Division.
This moves looks like it could be KC's only one today. With the signing and the return of KC's players in Orlando, that puts Sporting at the roster limit of 30. To bring anyone else in, they'd need to send someone else out. The window to sign players is until 4pm Central Time today.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Orlando Win USLPro Title - Former SKC Wizards Update
Dom Dwyer's loan back to Orlando City really paid off for Orlando City in their title game against the Charlotte Eagles. Dwyer scored four goals for Orlando City in their 7-4 win. Christian Duke also started the final game. Jon Kempin did not dress for the Lions, while former draft pick, Brian Fekete was an unused sub. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 80 minutes in Montreal's 4-2 win over New England.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 4-0 loss to Portland. Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-1 win over Houston.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in the USA's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica. Started and played 76 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 2-0 win over Mexico.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 loss to San Jose.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 4-0 loss to Portland. Did not dress in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 loss to KC.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 3-0 loss to KC.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with San Antonio.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with Edmonton.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 69 minutes in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 89 minutes, scoring four goals and assisting on another in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - No game this week.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - No game this week.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 1-0 win over Woodlands Wellington.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Atlas' 2-2 draw with Santos Laguna.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Lost 3-0 to Cruz Azul Jasso.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Missed some of these from last week. Started and played 90 minutes in India's 1-0 win over Pakistan. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 1-1 draw with Bangladesh. Started and played 90 minutes in India's 2-1 loss to Nepal. Did not dress in India's 1-0 win over Moldova.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in UAI's 3-0 loss to Chacarita Juniors.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 2-0 loss to Itagui.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-1 win over Mexico. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Honduras' 2-2 draw with Panama.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in Atletico's 2-1 loss to Joinville.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - No game this week.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Sierra Leone's 3-2 win over Equatorial Guinea.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. Did not dress in Armenia's 1-0 loss to Denmark.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - No game this week.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 2-0 loss to America de Cali.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Started and played 80 minutes in Montreal's 4-2 win over New England.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 4-0 loss to Portland. Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-1 win over Houston.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 32 minutes in the USA's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica. Started and played 76 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 2-0 win over Mexico.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 1-0 loss to San Jose.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 4-0 loss to Portland. Did not dress in Toronto's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 3-0 loss to KC.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 3-0 loss to KC.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with San Antonio.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 1-1 draw with Edmonton.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 69 minutes in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Dom Dwyer - Orlando (Loan) - Started and played 89 minutes, scoring four goals and assisting on another in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 7-4 win over Charlotte.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - St. Louis - Offseason
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason
Craig Rocastle - Missouri - Offseason
Paul Wright - San Diego - Offseason
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - No game this week.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - No game this week.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 1-0 win over Woodlands Wellington.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Atlas' 2-2 draw with Santos Laguna.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Lost 3-0 to Cruz Azul Jasso.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Missed some of these from last week. Started and played 90 minutes in India's 1-0 win over Pakistan. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in India's 1-1 draw with Bangladesh. Started and played 90 minutes in India's 2-1 loss to Nepal. Did not dress in India's 1-0 win over Moldova.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in UAI's 3-0 loss to Chacarita Juniors.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 2-0 loss to Itagui.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-1 win over Mexico. Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Honduras' 2-2 draw with Panama.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Did not dress in Atletico's 2-1 loss to Joinville.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - No game this week.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 21 minutes in Sierra Leone's 3-2 win over Equatorial Guinea.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - No game this week.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. Did not dress in Armenia's 1-0 loss to Denmark.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - No game this week.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - No game this week.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 2-0 loss to America de Cali.
Monday, September 09, 2013
Why Besler's Suspended
You've probably seen the above gif at some point today, if you haven't, the above is what got Sporting KC defender, Matt Besler his yellow card on Friday night in Costa Rica. The yellow, Besler's second of the qualifying cycle, will force him to miss tomorrow's qualifier in Columbus against Mexico.
Joel Campbell, the Arsenal player on loan to Olympiacos, is the Costa Rican player who took the dive that got the booking and has been taking plenty deserved abuse for it today. For the US though, there is no recourse to get Besler's yellow card rescinded. The only way a yellow can be rescinded is in the case of mistaken identity.
Many questions have been asked about the assistant referee in this case. Center referee, Marco Antonio Rodriguez I thought had a good game as a whole, but here had to rely on his assistant as the ball was at the opposite end of the field when the "foul" occurred. According to reports, the referee didn't even raise his flag, but when Rodriguez confirmed with his assistant via his headset, the AR confirmed that it was Besler. My guess is that the AR didn't actually see the incident (or else Campbell would have gotten the yellow). But what I think happened is that he probably caught just enough out of the corner of his eye that when Rodriguez conversed with him the AR fingered Besler as the one that was next to him.
Besler broke his silence regarding the cards today on Twitter, and his response was pretty much what I expected, but said exactly what most people were thinking.
It's difficult putting into words the feeling, but watching the video confirms what I already knew
— Matt Besler (@mbesler) September 9, 2013
I'm extremely disappointed this is the reason I won't get a chance to represent my country in another Mexico match, with a chance to qualify
— Matt Besler (@mbesler) September 9, 2013
Having said that, I'm excited to support my teammates, and am fully confident we will get the job done tomm night
— Matt Besler (@mbesler) September 9, 2013
With Besler suspended along with Jozy Altidore and Geoff Cameron, and Michael Bradley injured, the US will have to step up tomorrow, but with a huge crowd the US can still clinch a World Cup spot tomorrow.
Sunday, September 08, 2013
Sunday After Stats
At 19 years, 212 days, Jimmy Medranda became the 6th youngest player to make their debut for KC in league play. He became the 7th youngest in all competitions to appear for KC.
Claudio Bieler's goal was his 8th league goal at home for KC, tying him with Claudio Lopez, Jose Burciaga, and Teal Bunbury for 17th on that list.
It was his 9th home goal for KC in all competitions, tying him with Lopez and Matt McKeon for 19th on that list.
CJ Sapong's goal was his 16th league goal for KC, tying him with Graham Zusi for 16th on that list.
It was his 22nd in all competitions, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 10th on that list.
The goal was his 10th in league play for KC at home, tying him for 14th place with Jack Jewsbury and Eddie Johnson.
It was his 15th home goal in all competitions for KC, tying him with Igor Simutenkov for 9th on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 131st appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Burciaga, Uche Okafor, and Roger ESpinoza for 18th on that list.
Claudio Bieler's goal was his 8th league goal at home for KC, tying him with Claudio Lopez, Jose Burciaga, and Teal Bunbury for 17th on that list.
It was his 9th home goal for KC in all competitions, tying him with Lopez and Matt McKeon for 19th on that list.
CJ Sapong's goal was his 16th league goal for KC, tying him with Graham Zusi for 16th on that list.
It was his 22nd in all competitions, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 10th on that list.
The goal was his 10th in league play for KC at home, tying him for 14th place with Jack Jewsbury and Eddie Johnson.
It was his 15th home goal in all competitions for KC, tying him with Igor Simutenkov for 9th on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 131st appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Burciaga, Uche Okafor, and Roger ESpinoza for 18th on that list.
Sporting Take Care of Business vs Columbus
Sporting Kansas city, at least for the day was back in sole possession of first place in the MLS Eastern Conference after a dominating 3-0 win over an undermanned Columbus Crew side. Sporting was also undermanned, but KC was much more capable with overcoming their absences as the Crew just looked completely out of sorts last night.
KC pressured the game early and in just the 6th minute, won a penalty kick. Benny Feilhaber played a short corner to Oriol Rosell. Feilhaber received the ball back and cut into the middle towards goal. He got into the box and made another cut where he was brought down. No hesitation from the referee as he pointed to the spot. Claudio Bieler sent Matt Lampson the wrong way to score his first goal in almost two months as KC went on top. KC continued to pressure and control the game against the Crew and in the 19th minute almost doubled the lead. After a good string of possession where KC switched the field around the back, the ball ended up on the right with Soony Saad. The ball was squared into the middle for Josh Gardner. Gardner fired a shot at the near post but was just wide. With about 5 minutes left in the half, KC doubled the lead. A poor first touch by the Crew defense allowed Paulo Nagamura to come in and break up the play knocking the ball to Bieler. Bieler led a 3v3 break with Saad and Nagamura, playing the ball wide to Saad. Saad received the ball and cut back against his defender before curling a shot into the far corner making it 2-0.
KC continued to pressure at the start of the second half and in the 55th minute made it 3-0. After working the ball down the left, the ball was brought back to Rosell. The Spaniard lofted a ball into the box towards CJ Sapong. Sapong was marked by Tyson Wahl and goalkeeper Lampson also came for the ball, but Sapong beat both of them to the ball getting his head to the ball and past Lampson into the unguarded net making it 3-0. KC took their foot off the gas a bit. The Crew got into the game a bit and should have pulled a goal back in the 64th. A long throw into the area was flicked on and deflected off a Crew player into the path of Ryan Finley. From just outside the 6 yard box though Finley fired his shot well over the goal. The Crew continued to push but didn't get much pressure on the KC goal. Their only shot on goal came in the 78th minute when Jairo Arrieta's shot almost snuck past Jimmy Nielsen, but the Dane made the save and covered the rebound. Late on KC almost added a fourth through substitute Jimmy Medranda. The 19 year old Colombian fired a shot from long range. Lampson made the save but it was a very good effort from the player on his debut.
Wizards Man of the Match - Claudio Bieler - Broke his goal drought from the penalty spot and set up Saad's goal was well. Bieler has now scored 7 goals in 11 games when Kamara's not been with the team, he only scored 3 goals in the 17 games between Kamara's return from Norwich and departure for Middlesbrough.
Honorable Mention - Soony Saad, Paulo Nagamura
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Gardner 5, Collin 7, Opara 7, Sionvic 6, Rosell 6, Nagamura 7, Feilhaber 7, Saad 8, Bieler 8, Sapong 7. Subs Peterson 5, Bunbury 5, Medranda NR
KC pressured the game early and in just the 6th minute, won a penalty kick. Benny Feilhaber played a short corner to Oriol Rosell. Feilhaber received the ball back and cut into the middle towards goal. He got into the box and made another cut where he was brought down. No hesitation from the referee as he pointed to the spot. Claudio Bieler sent Matt Lampson the wrong way to score his first goal in almost two months as KC went on top. KC continued to pressure and control the game against the Crew and in the 19th minute almost doubled the lead. After a good string of possession where KC switched the field around the back, the ball ended up on the right with Soony Saad. The ball was squared into the middle for Josh Gardner. Gardner fired a shot at the near post but was just wide. With about 5 minutes left in the half, KC doubled the lead. A poor first touch by the Crew defense allowed Paulo Nagamura to come in and break up the play knocking the ball to Bieler. Bieler led a 3v3 break with Saad and Nagamura, playing the ball wide to Saad. Saad received the ball and cut back against his defender before curling a shot into the far corner making it 2-0.
KC continued to pressure at the start of the second half and in the 55th minute made it 3-0. After working the ball down the left, the ball was brought back to Rosell. The Spaniard lofted a ball into the box towards CJ Sapong. Sapong was marked by Tyson Wahl and goalkeeper Lampson also came for the ball, but Sapong beat both of them to the ball getting his head to the ball and past Lampson into the unguarded net making it 3-0. KC took their foot off the gas a bit. The Crew got into the game a bit and should have pulled a goal back in the 64th. A long throw into the area was flicked on and deflected off a Crew player into the path of Ryan Finley. From just outside the 6 yard box though Finley fired his shot well over the goal. The Crew continued to push but didn't get much pressure on the KC goal. Their only shot on goal came in the 78th minute when Jairo Arrieta's shot almost snuck past Jimmy Nielsen, but the Dane made the save and covered the rebound. Late on KC almost added a fourth through substitute Jimmy Medranda. The 19 year old Colombian fired a shot from long range. Lampson made the save but it was a very good effort from the player on his debut.
Wizards Man of the Match - Claudio Bieler - Broke his goal drought from the penalty spot and set up Saad's goal was well. Bieler has now scored 7 goals in 11 games when Kamara's not been with the team, he only scored 3 goals in the 17 games between Kamara's return from Norwich and departure for Middlesbrough.
Honorable Mention - Soony Saad, Paulo Nagamura
Player Ratings - Nielsen 6, Gardner 5, Collin 7, Opara 7, Sionvic 6, Rosell 6, Nagamura 7, Feilhaber 7, Saad 8, Bieler 8, Sapong 7. Subs Peterson 5, Bunbury 5, Medranda NR
Friday, September 06, 2013
Sporting Look to Overcome Absences
Sporting Kansas City head into tomorrow night's game against the Columbus Crew undermanned. The club will be without five players and recently sold a sixth in Kei Kamara. Kansas City needs to continue to get results at home, with how close the entire Eastern Conference is, and with a number of teams having games in hand, KC cannot afford to lose points at home.
The Crew will come into Kansas City playing their third game in a little over a week. They've split those two games, losing at home to Seattle before beating Houston on Wednesday this week. The big news for the Crew this week was the dismissal of head coach, Robert Warzycha. He was fired on Monday, replaced by the club's technical director, Brian Bliss. Bliss, Kansas City's former interim head coach after Bob Gansler in 2006. The other big news for the Crew will be the return of Federico Higuain. The Argentine designated player has missed the last two games due to a suspension but will be back in action tomorrow night when they play KC.
Kansas City will have to make lineup changes. As mentioned above, KC will be missing five players for tomorrow's game with Matt Besler, Mechack Jerome, Peterson Joseph, and Graham Zusi all on national team duty, and Dom Dwyer loaned back to Orlando City for the USL Pro finals. Combine that with KC selling Kamara to Middlesbrough on Monday and KC is fairly undermanned heading into this game. Benny Feilhaber has started to finally play like the player that KC fans were hoping for when they brought in the former US international. With Zusi away with the US team, Feilhaber will be relied on more to be a creative influence for Sporting tomorrow. The forward line should be able to survive the absences, although Kamara's will be the toughest to overcome.
Number to Remember - 5 - The number of points between first place in the Eastern Conference from 6th place in the conference. Three teams are tied on 42 points, one team on 39, and two more on 37, the conference is tight.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs Federico Higuain - If Higuain is pulling the strings in the midfield, it's going to be mainly on Nagamura to shut down the designated player. He'll try to sit between KC's midfield and defense to play through Columbus' forwards.
PREDICTION - As I said last week, KC needs to get maximum points from their home games. The Crew are currently outside the playoffs looking in, but with a new coach they'll be looking to ride that bump with the return of Higuain tomorrow in KC. Sporting will need to survive the numerous absences, and hope that Claudio Bieler can find form again. Since the return of Kamara, Bieler's form has dipped, hopefully he can pick up the form again, KC will need it.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Saad)
CLB - 1 (Higuain)
The Crew will come into Kansas City playing their third game in a little over a week. They've split those two games, losing at home to Seattle before beating Houston on Wednesday this week. The big news for the Crew this week was the dismissal of head coach, Robert Warzycha. He was fired on Monday, replaced by the club's technical director, Brian Bliss. Bliss, Kansas City's former interim head coach after Bob Gansler in 2006. The other big news for the Crew will be the return of Federico Higuain. The Argentine designated player has missed the last two games due to a suspension but will be back in action tomorrow night when they play KC.
Kansas City will have to make lineup changes. As mentioned above, KC will be missing five players for tomorrow's game with Matt Besler, Mechack Jerome, Peterson Joseph, and Graham Zusi all on national team duty, and Dom Dwyer loaned back to Orlando City for the USL Pro finals. Combine that with KC selling Kamara to Middlesbrough on Monday and KC is fairly undermanned heading into this game. Benny Feilhaber has started to finally play like the player that KC fans were hoping for when they brought in the former US international. With Zusi away with the US team, Feilhaber will be relied on more to be a creative influence for Sporting tomorrow. The forward line should be able to survive the absences, although Kamara's will be the toughest to overcome.
Nielsen
Myers - Collin - Opara - Sinovic
Rosell - Nagamura
Feilhaber
Sapong - Bieler - Saad
Number to Remember - 5 - The number of points between first place in the Eastern Conference from 6th place in the conference. Three teams are tied on 42 points, one team on 39, and two more on 37, the conference is tight.
Key Match Up - Paulo Nagamura vs Federico Higuain - If Higuain is pulling the strings in the midfield, it's going to be mainly on Nagamura to shut down the designated player. He'll try to sit between KC's midfield and defense to play through Columbus' forwards.
PREDICTION - As I said last week, KC needs to get maximum points from their home games. The Crew are currently outside the playoffs looking in, but with a new coach they'll be looking to ride that bump with the return of Higuain tomorrow in KC. Sporting will need to survive the numerous absences, and hope that Claudio Bieler can find form again. Since the return of Kamara, Bieler's form has dipped, hopefully he can pick up the form again, KC will need it.
SKC - 2 (Bieler, Saad)
CLB - 1 (Higuain)
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Kamara Joins List of Former SKC Wizards - Former SKC Wizards Update
It's been the big news the last few days, Kei Kamara joining the list of former SKC Wizards for good with his move to Middlesbrough. He is now one of three former SKC players to join an English Championship side, joining Roger Espinoza (Wigan) and Yann Songo'o (Blackburn). Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Montreal's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 72 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 4-2 win over Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-1 win over DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 61 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 1-0 win over Columbus.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 0-0 draw with Montreal.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 4-2 win over Portland.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-1 draw with New England.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-0 loss to Seattle.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Columbus' 1-0 loss to Seattle.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 3-2 win over San Antonio.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over Carolina.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-2 loss to Orlando.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
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 0-0 draw with Ilves.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not dress in Charleroi's 1-1 draw with Genk.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 3-1 loss to Warriors.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlas' 0-0 draw with Monterrey.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Started and played 65 minutes in UAI's 1-1 draw with Villa Dalmine.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 3-0 win over Deportes Quindio.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 64 minutes in Wigan's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Atletico's 4-0 win over Oeste. Did not dress in Atletico's 2-0 loss to Guaratingueta.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in AZAL's 1-0 win over Qarabag.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Just moved to Middlesbrough.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 90 minutes in Slavia's 2-2 draw with Belshina.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Leon de Huanuco.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 4-1 win over Lugano.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 4-2 loss to St. Gallen. Started and played 89 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 2-1 win over Tom' Tomsk.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not dress in Zilina's 2-1 loss to Senica.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 4-1 win over Breidablik.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in Blackburn's 4-1 win over Bolton.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Started and played 45 minutes in Atyrau's 0-0 draw with Zhetysu.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 2-2 draw with Elversberg. Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 3-1 loss to Stuttgart II.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 2-1 loss to Cortulua.
Active without a club or unknown
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Doug DeMartin
Edson Elcock
Mauro Fuzetti
Willy Guadarrama
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Jonathan Leathers
Scott Lorenz
Amir Lowery
Akeem Priestly
Scott Sealy
Ryan Smith
Diego Walsh
MLS
Davy Arnaud - Montreal - Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Montreal's 0-0 draw with Philadelphia.
Bobby Convey - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 1-1 draw with New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 72 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 4-2 win over Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Kevin Hartman - New York - Did not dress in New York's 2-1 win over DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Eddie Johnson - Seattle - Started and played 61 minutes, scoring a goal in Seattle's 1-0 win over Columbus.
Chris Konopka - Philadelphia - Did not dress in Philadelphia's 0-0 draw with Montreal.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-2 loss to Salt Lake.
Khari Stephenson - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 4-2 win over Portland.
Michael Thomas - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-1 draw with New England.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-0 loss to Seattle.
Konrad Warzycha - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Columbus' 1-0 loss to Seattle.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over Carolina.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 3-2 win over San Antonio.
Shavar Thomas - Fort Lauderdale - Did not dress in Fort Lauderdale's 1-0 win over Carolina.
USL
Christian Duke - Orlando (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Brian Fekete - Orlando - Did not dress in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Cyprian Hedrick - Phoenix - Offseason.
Jon Kempin - Orlando (Loan) - Did not dress in Orlando's 3-2 win over Charleston.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-1 loss to Charlotte.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-2 loss to Orlando.
PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
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 0-0 draw with Ilves.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Belgium - Did not dress in Charleroi's 1-1 draw with Genk.
Stephane Auvray - DPMM FC - Brunei (Singapore League) - Did not dress in DPMM's 3-1 loss to Warriors.
Omar Bravo - Atlas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlas' 0-0 draw with Monterrey.
Sunil Chhetri - Churchill Brothers - India - Season begins in October.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Started and played 65 minutes in UAI's 1-1 draw with Villa Dalmine.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Offseason
Pablo Escobar - Patriotas Boyaca - Colombia - Did not dress in Boyaca's 3-0 win over Deportes Quindio.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 64 minutes in Wigan's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Gary Glasgow - North East Stars - Trinidad - Offseason
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Out Injured
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Offseason.
Jeferson - AC Goianiense - Brazil - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Atletico's 4-0 win over Oeste. Did not dress in Atletico's 2-0 loss to Guaratingueta.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in AZAL's 1-0 win over Qarabag.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Just moved to Middlesbrough.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Started and played 90 minutes in Slavia's 2-2 draw with Belshina.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 1-0 win over Leon de Huanuco.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 4-1 win over Lugano.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 4-2 loss to St. Gallen. Started and played 89 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 2-1 win over Tom' Tomsk.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Did not dress in Zilina's 2-1 loss to Senica.
Pablo Punyed - Fylkir - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Fylkir's 4-1 win over Breidablik.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Did not dress in Blackburn's 4-1 win over Bolton.
Milos Stojcev - Atyrau - Kazakhstan - Started and played 45 minutes in Atyrau's 0-0 draw with Zhetysu.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 2-2 draw with Elversberg. Started and played 90 minutes in Munster's 3-1 loss to Stuttgart II.
Ivan Trujillo - Llaneros - Colombia - Did not dress in Llaneros' 2-1 loss to Cortulua.
Dwyer Returning to Orlando for Final this Weekend
It was announced today that Dom Dwyer will be returning to Orlando City this weekend for their USL Pro Championship game against the Charlotte Eagles. Dwyer had been named to the USL Pro's all league team for scoring 15 league goals in just 13 games with the club.
The effort to bring back Dwyer had apparently been worked on for a few days from reading the Tweets from Orlando City president Philip Rawlins, who when asked on the 2nd if it was too late to get Dwyer back for the finals said "We are speaking to SKC, fingers crossed."
Today Rawlins broke the news on his Twitter account before the official announcement.
The news was greeted by frustration from the KC side of things. Comments I initially saw on Twitter were upset with Dwyer being gone for an important game this weekend against the Columbus Crew. Dwyer's absence compounds KC's current roster issues, as they'll be missing not just Dwyer, but four players on national team duty (Matt Besler and Graham Zusi with the US, Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph with Haiti). That combined with the recent departure of Kei Kamara leaves KC with a thinner squad to choose from. But while Dwyer has been a key contributor off the bench mainly since his return from Orlando, KC does have depth to cover for him. With Soony Saad and Claudio Bieler likely to start, that still leaves KC with three forwards, Teal Bunbury, Jacob Peterson, and CJ Sapong, one of which will start in Kamara's spot. The other two will likely be available off the bench.
The timing is certainly bad but I'm not mad about the move. The affliate association this year with Orlando has been fairly one-sided. Especially since the recalling of Dwyer and waiving of Yann Songo'o. Kevin Ellis and CJ Sapong went down to replace the two after a while, but Sapong has been up and down a few times depending on KC's needs. Ellis has played a little and is at the moment back in Kansas City. So for the majority of Orlando's stretch run, Orlando has had just Christian Duke and Jon Kempin on their roster from KC. The original agreement was that there would be four for the majority of the season. As Peter Vermes said in today's release "we feel it's important that we provide them every opportunity out of the partnership that we agreed to."
So making Dwyer available was the right thing to do for KC. As for KC this weekend vs the Crew, I still think KC should be fine. Bieler should be back from his illness that caused Vermes to hold him out Saturday. And if KC needs to spell him, Bunbury will likely be available on the bench to come in.
I will say that this is a raw deal for Charlotte. Orlando is adding a player that they did not expect to be available, but because of the USL roster rules, Dwyer played in enough games to qualify to be available for the playoffs. Still, Charlotte couldn't have expected Kansas City to release Dwyer for this game. From their perspective, this whole thing just feels wrong.
Monday, September 02, 2013
Farewell to Kamara
Both teams have made the announcement, Kei Kamara is officially on his way to England to play for Middlesbrough FC, currently in the Championship. Boro, who is currently in 15th place in the Championship in this very young season has signed the Sierra Leone striker to a 2 year contract with an option for a third (although their post on the club's site has a picture of Teal Bunbury instead of Kamara). Neither team stated the amount of the transfer fee, but reports out of the UK is that Middlesbrough paid £900,000 for Kamara's services, which is $1,398,960. That means, with Kansas City getting 2/3rds of the fee, KC will get $932,460 in allocation money for the deal.
The down side of that deal is that Sporting KC loses all rights to Kamara. So should he return to MLS at some point, he would not necessarily come back to Kansas City. Unlike Roger Espinoza who Sporting keep the rights for, if Kamara returns he will go through the allocation process.
Since Kansas City traded for him late in the 2009 season, Kamara has grown into a fan favorite here. From setting up a snow ball fight in 2011 to buying Chipotle for fans upon his return to Kansas City from his loan with Norwich, Kamara has endeared himself to the fans of Kansas City. For me, that started the day KC traded for him. When I heard about the trade I immediately went to Facebook and decided to friend KC's newest striker, because at the time that's what plenty of KC fans did because there weren't a ton of us. With my request I sent him a message welcoming him to Kansas City, because I personally was excited to have him (which had as much to do with KC trading Abe Thompson as it did acquiring Kamara). To my surprise I got a response from Kamara. He thanked me and said he'd always remember it because it was the first message he got. I don't know if it's true, and honestly I don't really care if he remembers that or not. The fact that he took the time to respond made him a favorite in my book. Even with the frustrations he some times caused with his shot selection and some of his dribbling.
And in his departure from KC, he let KC fans know what they meant, and I have no doubt that the feelings were true. In his arrival in KC, it was obvious he didn't want to be here, and he almost left after that looking to spend time abroad. But as Kamara said in an interview after the US Open Cup final, "obviously Kansas City has been the best place for me ever."
He came to KC with rumors of being a locker room cancer and having an attitude problem, but here in KC he developed into a player that looked to be an MLS lifer to one that spent time on loan in the English Premier League and now has been sought after enough to require a transfer fee.
Kamara got to be here to oversee the great turnaround in KC support for the game and Kansas City becoming what it is today. I wish him luck in the future.
The down side of that deal is that Sporting KC loses all rights to Kamara. So should he return to MLS at some point, he would not necessarily come back to Kansas City. Unlike Roger Espinoza who Sporting keep the rights for, if Kamara returns he will go through the allocation process.
Since Kansas City traded for him late in the 2009 season, Kamara has grown into a fan favorite here. From setting up a snow ball fight in 2011 to buying Chipotle for fans upon his return to Kansas City from his loan with Norwich, Kamara has endeared himself to the fans of Kansas City. For me, that started the day KC traded for him. When I heard about the trade I immediately went to Facebook and decided to friend KC's newest striker, because at the time that's what plenty of KC fans did because there weren't a ton of us. With my request I sent him a message welcoming him to Kansas City, because I personally was excited to have him (which had as much to do with KC trading Abe Thompson as it did acquiring Kamara). To my surprise I got a response from Kamara. He thanked me and said he'd always remember it because it was the first message he got. I don't know if it's true, and honestly I don't really care if he remembers that or not. The fact that he took the time to respond made him a favorite in my book. Even with the frustrations he some times caused with his shot selection and some of his dribbling.
And in his departure from KC, he let KC fans know what they meant, and I have no doubt that the feelings were true. In his arrival in KC, it was obvious he didn't want to be here, and he almost left after that looking to spend time abroad. But as Kamara said in an interview after the US Open Cup final, "obviously Kansas City has been the best place for me ever."
He came to KC with rumors of being a locker room cancer and having an attitude problem, but here in KC he developed into a player that looked to be an MLS lifer to one that spent time on loan in the English Premier League and now has been sought after enough to require a transfer fee.
To KC, #SKCNation,#SKCfamily I Love u all so much, U helped me become a Man. U no what u mean to me. U ll always be in my #HeartShapedHandsKamara ends his career in KC with plenty of honors and a strong place on many of Kansas City's offensive lists. In his career he led KC in scoring three times, only Preki (five times) led the team in scoring more. He also is the only player to lead KC in scoring three straight years. He finishes his career fifth in league goals with 38, only one behind Chris Klein, and fifth in all competitions with 41, two behind Klein. He was tied for the third most league game winners with Josh Wolff with 11, and was tied for fourth with Wolff in all competitions with 12. He also leaves KC 19th all time in league minutes played with 8,909 for KC and 19th in all competitions with 9,967. Kamara was also 19th in starts in league play (97) and starts in all competitions (108).
— KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) September 3, 2013
Kamara got to be here to oversee the great turnaround in KC support for the game and Kansas City becoming what it is today. I wish him luck in the future.
Kei Kamara Transfer Deadline Day Tracking UPDATE DEAL DONE
Here's a break down of how transfer deadline day in the UK has gone with regards to Sporting Kansas City forward, Kei Kamara.
First thing this morning while most KC fans were still in bed, word came out of northern England that Kamara was on a flight to England to finalize a deal for a move to Middlesbrough in the English Championship. Sky Sports shortly after picked up on the news and added the names Crystal Palace, Danish club FC Copenhagen, and Spanish club Rayo Vallecano to the list of potential targets for the Sierra Leone international.
Initially when reading these comments this morning, I laughed them off. The reason for this was the fact that Kamara was already headed to Europe because he was on his way to join the Sierra Leone national team. And to get to Freetown, Sierra Leone he has always had to travel to Europe first. So the news that he was headed to Europe wasn't a big surprise and nothing to get too worked up about. I held that feeling until this:
With Heineman's comments it turned the situation from speculative into likely. Fans started to really go through the five stages of grief on Twitter and on the Cauldron Facebook page. Worries of how the team would cope with his leaving and who would step up.
As the afternoon has worn on in the US, news continues to trickle out regarding what was going on with Kamara. First the reports that he was at the Newcastle airport on his way for a medical at Middlesbrough, which really killed my theory of him just flying over on his way to Sierra Leone.
Now here we sit a little over an hour from the deadline and the latest reports are that Kamara is set to sign a two year deal at the Riverside.
I'll continue to update this the rest of the day regarding Kamara's transfer that at this point looks inevitable.
UPDATE: Less than 20 minutes before the deadline, the Kamara deal to Middlesbrough is done per Sky Sports. A two year deal. The rumored transfer fee earlier today was just above $2 million.
Kamara has confirmed the deal is done on Twitter.
First thing this morning while most KC fans were still in bed, word came out of northern England that Kamara was on a flight to England to finalize a deal for a move to Middlesbrough in the English Championship. Sky Sports shortly after picked up on the news and added the names Crystal Palace, Danish club FC Copenhagen, and Spanish club Rayo Vallecano to the list of potential targets for the Sierra Leone international.
Initially when reading these comments this morning, I laughed them off. The reason for this was the fact that Kamara was already headed to Europe because he was on his way to join the Sierra Leone national team. And to get to Freetown, Sierra Leone he has always had to travel to Europe first. So the news that he was headed to Europe wasn't a big surprise and nothing to get too worked up about. I held that feeling until this:
This is not easy, but sometimes in sports you have to make tough, unpopular decisions. This is one of those days. #skcnation
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) September 2, 2013
With Heineman's comments it turned the situation from speculative into likely. Fans started to really go through the five stages of grief on Twitter and on the Cauldron Facebook page. Worries of how the team would cope with his leaving and who would step up.
As the afternoon has worn on in the US, news continues to trickle out regarding what was going on with Kamara. First the reports that he was at the Newcastle airport on his way for a medical at Middlesbrough, which really killed my theory of him just flying over on his way to Sierra Leone.
Kamara just name-dropped on Sky Sports News, said to have just landed at Newcastle Airport, on his way to Boro for contract talks.
— Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS) September 2, 2013
Now here we sit a little over an hour from the deadline and the latest reports are that Kamara is set to sign a two year deal at the Riverside.
A report from Transfer News Central in England says Kei Kamara is nearing a two-year agreement with Middlesbrough FC. #SportingKC
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) September 2, 2013
I'll continue to update this the rest of the day regarding Kamara's transfer that at this point looks inevitable.
UPDATE: Less than 20 minutes before the deadline, the Kamara deal to Middlesbrough is done per Sky Sports. A two year deal. The rumored transfer fee earlier today was just above $2 million.
Kamara has confirmed the deal is done on Twitter.
Very happy and thankful for this new chapter of my career with Middlesbrough FC (@Boro). Can't wait to meet the boys/fans and get started. 🙏
— KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) September 2, 2013
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Sunday After Stats
Plenty of stats and milestones for you from last night's Sporting KC game.
Graham Zusi and Chance Myers made their 100th start in all competitions for Sporting KC last night. They are the 25th and 26th players to hit that mark.
The goal was Zusi's 16th league goal for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown, and CJ Sapong for 13th place on that list.
It was his 18th in all competitions for KC, tying him with Matt McKeon for 14th on that list.
Zusi's goal was his 11th in league play at home, tying him with Igor Simutenkov and Brown for 11th on that list.
It was his 12th at home in all competitions, giving him sole possession of 14th place on that list.
It was Zusi's 7th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Scott Sealy for the 7th most all time.
It was his 7th game winner in all competitions as well, tying him with Teal Bunbury and Brown for 11th on that list.
The assist on the game winning goal was Myers' 5th game winning assist, tying him with Michael Harrington, Diego Gutierrez, and Paul Wright for 15th on that list.
It was Myers' 6th game winning assist in all competitions, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 14th on that list.
Dom Dwyer made his first start in MLS play.
Matt Besler made his 141st appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 15th on that list.
Besler made his 123rd league appearance for KC, tying him with Brown for 13th place on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 130th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him for 18th place wtih Jose Burciaga, Uche Okafor, and Roger Espinoza.
Graham Zusi and Chance Myers made their 100th start in all competitions for Sporting KC last night. They are the 25th and 26th players to hit that mark.
The goal was Zusi's 16th league goal for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown, and CJ Sapong for 13th place on that list.
It was his 18th in all competitions for KC, tying him with Matt McKeon for 14th on that list.
Zusi's goal was his 11th in league play at home, tying him with Igor Simutenkov and Brown for 11th on that list.
It was his 12th at home in all competitions, giving him sole possession of 14th place on that list.
It was Zusi's 7th game winner in league play for KC, tying him with Scott Sealy for the 7th most all time.
It was his 7th game winner in all competitions as well, tying him with Teal Bunbury and Brown for 11th on that list.
The assist on the game winning goal was Myers' 5th game winning assist, tying him with Michael Harrington, Diego Gutierrez, and Paul Wright for 15th on that list.
It was Myers' 6th game winning assist in all competitions, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 14th on that list.
Dom Dwyer made his first start in MLS play.
Matt Besler made his 141st appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 15th on that list.
Besler made his 123rd league appearance for KC, tying him with Brown for 13th place on that list.
Jimmy Nielsen made his 130th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him for 18th place wtih Jose Burciaga, Uche Okafor, and Roger Espinoza.
Sporting Score Late, End Rapids Unbeaten Run
Sporting KC were facing a virtual must win game last night at Sporting Park against the Colorado Rapids. They left it late, but Sporting was able to take out the Rapids 2-1 and climb back into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Sporting KC came out and controlled the game from the opening whistle but didn't create much in the way of chances. Colorado almost gifted a goal for KC early on. A poor back pass to Clint Irwin forced him into a hurried clearance that went off of Benny Feilhaber. The ball though went wide of the net. Colorado almost hit Kansas City on the counter in the 22nd. A long ball was played over the top to Deshorn Brown who had gotten in behind KC's defense. Brown headed the long ball on goal but Jimmy Nielsen was well positioned and made a good save. Finally in the 33rd KC grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top by KC was cut out by Colorado's defense. Dom Dwyer and Hendry Thomas arrived at the same time for the header. Dwyer got a touch on the ball knocking it into the path of Feilhaber. He took a touch to control the ball and then fired a shot with the outside of his foot that curled past Irwin and into the net. A fantastic strike from Feilhaber left Irwin with no chance. The Rapids had a few chances for the equalizer just before half time. Brown again had the first opportunity, after some work down KC's left the ball got played across to the right where Brown fired a shot that Nielsen just got a finger tip on. On the ensuing corner, Colorado again almost equalized. First Thomas met the corner and put his header into the ground and it bounced up and off the bar. The ball then pinged around in the box with both teams getting a few touches on it before it got knocked off a Colorado player and out for a goal kick.
In the second half the Rapids continued their push for an equalizer. Gabriel Torres fired a shot from an extreme angle that went wide of Nielsen's post in the 49th minute. The Rapids again forced Nielsen into a save in the 63rd minute with a long shot from distance by Martin Rivero. Nielsen saved the shot but gave up a rebound. Aurelien Collin though reacted first and cleared the ball away. the equalizer was coming for Colorado though and they got it in the 77th. A cross by Rivero was headed clear by KC but only to Edson Buddle near the top of the box. Buddle hit the ball out of the air first time. Nielsen looked like he'd have the shot covered until it took a deflection off Matt Besler and went into the opposite corner tying the game at 1-1. The Rapids almost grabbed the lead in the 83rd on a KC mistake. KC was playing the ball around the back when Collin's touch got away from him. Buddle raced onto it and won the ball. He fired a shot that Nielsen knocked the shot away keeping the game level. In the 88th minute KC got back on top. A ball over the top by Oriol Rosell found Chance Myers on the wing, he one timed the ball into the box towards CJ Sapong. Sapong headed the ball back into the path of Graham Zusi who fired the shot into the corner putting KC back on top. The goal was enough to give KC the win.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - A number of big saves throughout the game to keep Colorado from scoring. Abosolutely no fault on the goal that the Rapids did score.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 6, Sinovic 6, Rosell 5, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 7, Zusi 7, Dwyer 6, Saad 5. Subs Bunbury 5, Sapong 6, Kamara NR.
Sporting KC came out and controlled the game from the opening whistle but didn't create much in the way of chances. Colorado almost gifted a goal for KC early on. A poor back pass to Clint Irwin forced him into a hurried clearance that went off of Benny Feilhaber. The ball though went wide of the net. Colorado almost hit Kansas City on the counter in the 22nd. A long ball was played over the top to Deshorn Brown who had gotten in behind KC's defense. Brown headed the long ball on goal but Jimmy Nielsen was well positioned and made a good save. Finally in the 33rd KC grabbed the lead. A long ball over the top by KC was cut out by Colorado's defense. Dom Dwyer and Hendry Thomas arrived at the same time for the header. Dwyer got a touch on the ball knocking it into the path of Feilhaber. He took a touch to control the ball and then fired a shot with the outside of his foot that curled past Irwin and into the net. A fantastic strike from Feilhaber left Irwin with no chance. The Rapids had a few chances for the equalizer just before half time. Brown again had the first opportunity, after some work down KC's left the ball got played across to the right where Brown fired a shot that Nielsen just got a finger tip on. On the ensuing corner, Colorado again almost equalized. First Thomas met the corner and put his header into the ground and it bounced up and off the bar. The ball then pinged around in the box with both teams getting a few touches on it before it got knocked off a Colorado player and out for a goal kick.
In the second half the Rapids continued their push for an equalizer. Gabriel Torres fired a shot from an extreme angle that went wide of Nielsen's post in the 49th minute. The Rapids again forced Nielsen into a save in the 63rd minute with a long shot from distance by Martin Rivero. Nielsen saved the shot but gave up a rebound. Aurelien Collin though reacted first and cleared the ball away. the equalizer was coming for Colorado though and they got it in the 77th. A cross by Rivero was headed clear by KC but only to Edson Buddle near the top of the box. Buddle hit the ball out of the air first time. Nielsen looked like he'd have the shot covered until it took a deflection off Matt Besler and went into the opposite corner tying the game at 1-1. The Rapids almost grabbed the lead in the 83rd on a KC mistake. KC was playing the ball around the back when Collin's touch got away from him. Buddle raced onto it and won the ball. He fired a shot that Nielsen knocked the shot away keeping the game level. In the 88th minute KC got back on top. A ball over the top by Oriol Rosell found Chance Myers on the wing, he one timed the ball into the box towards CJ Sapong. Sapong headed the ball back into the path of Graham Zusi who fired the shot into the corner putting KC back on top. The goal was enough to give KC the win.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - A number of big saves throughout the game to keep Colorado from scoring. Abosolutely no fault on the goal that the Rapids did score.
Player Ratings - Nielsen 8, Myers 6, Collin 6, Besler 6, Sinovic 6, Rosell 5, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 7, Zusi 7, Dwyer 6, Saad 5. Subs Bunbury 5, Sapong 6, Kamara NR.
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