Comets Sweep St. Louis

From the Comets

 The Missouri Comets closed out their season series against the St. Louis Ambush with their sixth win versus the cross-state rival. Max Touloute led all scorers with five goals while Leo Gibson chipped in with four assists. Altogether, six different players scored for the Comets as they roll to a 27-6 victory.

Missouri got off to a hot start when Alex Megson tapped in a rebound off an early Gibson shot, then Max Touloute scored his first of night 30 seconds later to put the Comets up 4-0 in the first two minutes of the game. Stefan St. Louis and added a score before Touloute closed the opening period with another goal.

Leading 12-0, the Comets did not rest on their laurels and attacked with high pressure. John Sosa scored midway through the quarter and Touloute completed his hat trick towards the end of the half. Gibson assisted on three scores in the first half, helping his side to a 12-0 lead at the midway point.

The second half began just as the first did, with the Comets scoring less than 30 seconds into the period. This time Stefan Stokic found the net. Milan Ivanovic scored another impossible angle shot, followed by yet another Touloute score.

Leading 16-0, veteran goalkeeper Danny Waltman gave way to rookie Brendan Allen for the rest of the night.

The St. Louis Ambush finally got on the board with eight minutes remaining in the third period, but it was too little, too late for the home team.

Leo Gibson put his name in the goal-scorer column twice in the second half, after Touloute notched his fifth goal. The Ambush were able to score twice, but the Comets were never in danger as the finish 6-0 against their rivals from the east, final score 27-6.

Missouri travels to face the Milwaukee Wave at 2:00p.m. CT on Sunday, March 2nd for the final regular season game. With the win tonight, the Comets have secured the third seed in the MISL Playoffs and will face either the Wave or the Baltimore Blast on March 9th in Game 1 of the MISL Semi-Finals.

Sporting Win Two More Preseason Games - Into Disney Soccer Final

Vince Lombardi said "winning is a habit" and Sporting KC is taking that saying to heart this preseason. KC picked up two more win this preseason to improve their record to 8-0-1 this preseason with wins against Indy Eleven and the Montreal Impact.

In both games Sporting KC was forced to come from behind to win the game. In their first game against the NASL side KC scored the first goal from the penalty spot by Claudio Bieler. Before half time though Indy scored two goals through Pedro Mendes. In the second half KC leveled the game as Bieler got his second off an assist from Adnan Gabeljic. Bieler then finished up his hattrick with another goal from the penalty spot, his fourth goal of the preseason. Bieler then turned provider on the fourth goal, feeding Mikey Lopez who touched the ball past the keeper to score. The assist was Bieler's sixth of the preseason. KC ended up winning 4-2. Here are the highlights.



In the second game, KC twice came from behind to top the Montreal Impact 3-2 and book themselves a spot in the final of the Disney Pro Soccer Classic. KC fell behind in the very first minute of the game as Sanna Nyassi beat Jon Kempin. Only a few minutes later though KC earned a penalty kick. Sal Zizzo crossed the ball into the box for Dom Dwyer. The English forward though ended up getting knocked down in the box and a penalty was called. Dwyer stepped up and buried the PK to level the score at 1-1. Montreal would retake the lead from the penalty spot themselves. After KC failed to clear a corner, the ball was crossed back into the box, over the heads of Aureilen Collin and Matt Besler to Collen Warner. Besler attempted to recover and ended up fouling the Montreal midfielder in the box. Felipe stepped up and buried the PK as Montreal retook the lead.

Up to that point the Impact had been the team that had controlled much of the game keeping KC pinned back in their own end. But before the end of the half KC found themselves level again. Seth Sinovic picked out Graham Zusi running towards the end line. Zusi crossed the ball where Dwyer met it with a great snap header that went into the far corner leveling the game at 2-2.

The second half saw KC come out much better. They pressured the Impact and controlled more of the game. Some good goalkeeping by Evan Bush kept Zusi from getting on the score board after a give and go with Dwyer. The rebound fell to Zizzo but he couldn't get his shot on frame from a tight angle. In the 75th minute though KC took the lead. After some really good ball movement by KC that saw them move the ball from one side of the field to the other, the ball then went back into the middle for Alex Martinez. The draft pick slide a through ball into the box for Sinovic. Sinovic then played the ball across the box to an onrushing Zizzo who fired the ball home to take a 3-2 lead. KC continued to have the better of play for the final 15 minutes, but couldn't add to their lead.

With the win, KC advanced to the championship game of the Pro Soccer Classic on Saturday where they'll face the Columbus Crew.

Late John PK Gives Azal A Point - Former SKC Wizards Update

Will John helped rescue a point for his club in Azerbaijan, Azal with a late PK. The PK in the 5th minute of stoppage time earned Azal a 1-1 draw with Khazar Lankaran. In other news, it's the penultimate week of the former Wizards season, as next week will bring an end to the season before the start off the MLS season. Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Scott Sealy
Khari Stephenson
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha

MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Offseason.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Offseason.
Bobby Convey - New York - Offseason.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Offseason.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Offseason.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Offseason.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Offseason.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Offseason
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Offseason.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Offseason

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.

USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.

PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason

Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force

Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Played in all three of Baltimore's games, all wins. Recording an assist in their 22-5 win over Rochester.

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 6-1 loss to Wil. Started and played 45 minutes in Servette's 4-1 win over Chiasso.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - No game until 2/28
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Millwall's 1-0 loss to Barnsley.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Did not play in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Tecos in the Copa Mexico. Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Toluca.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Tampico Madero 2-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Did not dress in Bengaluru's 1-1 draw with Mumbai.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in UAI's 1-0 loss to Nueva Chicago. Started and played 90 minutes in UAI's 1-0 loss to Estudiantes Caseros in the Copa Argentina.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 0-0 draw with Caledonia.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Deportivo's 2-1 win over Deportivo Rionegro.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Came off the bench and played 17 minutes in Wigan's 2-1 win over Brighton.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 13 minutes in Tijuana's 3-0 loss to Chiapas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Boavista's 2-1 loss to Audax Rio. Started and played 90 minutes in Boavista's 3-0 loss to Nova Iguacu.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Came off the bench and played 39 minutes, scoring a goal in Azal's 2-2 draw with Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 67 minutes in Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw with Leeds.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 59 minutes, scoring a goal in San Martin's 4-1 win over Cesar Vallejo in the Copa Inca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 6-1 loss to Wil. Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 4-1 win over Chiasso.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - No game til March.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Next game is 2/28
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Season started 4/6
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 2-1 win over St. Mirren. Started nd played 90 minutes in Ross County's 3-0 loss to Invernes.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Season starts 2/28.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 0-0 draw with Stuttgart II.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Did not play in Lara's 4-1 win over Trujillanos.

Comets Get Second Win in 24 Hours

ess than 24 hours after their final regular season home game last night, the Comets traveled nearly 600 miles north to face the league leading Milwaukee Wave. Behind a solid defense that only gave up two goals in the run of play, the Comets got their second victory over the weekend, beating the Wave 15-9 at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

This matchup of the league’s top two scoring teams started out as a defensive showcase. The teams traded stretches of possession with goalkeepers Danny Waltman of the Comets and Marcel Feenstra of the Wave each standing tall in their nets. Missouri’s John Sosa broke the stalemate in the final minute of the opening quarter, as the Comets led 2-0 after the first fifteen minutes

Defender Victor Quiroz got the Wave on the board after he caught Waltman too far off his line and launched a shot from just outside the Milwaukee zone. The Wave’s 3-2 lead only held for 34 seconds as Milan Ivanovic answered back for the Comets. Ivanovic found the net again three minutes later to grow the Comets lead to 6-3.

Just prior to the end of the half, a Milwaukee pass sent across the Comets penalty box careened off the hand of Missouri’s Sosa. The Wave’s Guiliano Oliviero converted the resulting penalty kick to get his team within 6-5 at the halftime break.

Defenses reasserted themselves in the third quarter as these two rivals fought for dominance in the game. The two teams traded goals in the third quarter with Lucas Rodriguez of Missouri and Marcio Leite of Milwaukee each finding the back of the net. After three periods, the Comets held a tight 8-7 lead.

Marcio Leite briefly regained the lead for Milwaukee just after the fourth quarter began, beating Waltman to his right side. Holding a 9-8 lead, the Wave fell into a defensive shell to try and preserve the lead and extend their nineteen game home winning streak.

As the only team to defeat the Wave this season, the Comets were confident down the stretch. Sosa found himself with the ball in the left corner of the Milwaukee end and laid off an easy pass to Lucas Rodriguez who hit the far side netting with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Stefan Stokic and Brian Harris each scored on the Wave’s sixth attacker, giving Missouri the 15-9 victory.

The Comets improve to 12-6 on the season and give them a 1.5 game lead over Syracuse for the third seed in the MISL Playoffs. The Wave drop to 15-3, with all three losses coming at the hands of the Comets.

The Comets are on the road for their final two games of the regular season, February 27th against St. Louis and March 2nd against Milwaukee. Missouri returns home for Game #1 of the MISL Playoffs on March 9th at 3:10p.m. CT. Fans can receive FREE playoff tickets by purchasing 2014-2015 Missouri Comets Season Tickets by March 4th. 

Comets Close Home Schedule With Win

The Missouri Comets closed out their regular season home schedule tonight in a tight game against their cross state rivals the St. Louis Ambush. Neither team was able to get too far ahead throughout the night as the teams traded goals for much of the game. The Ambush got the scoring just over a minute into the game as Danny Waltman tried to cut out a through ball. Unfortunately his sliding clearance hit off of St. Louis forward Corey Adamson and in for a 2-0 lead. The Comets responded immediately as Stefan St. Louis got the ball in the corner and then crossed to the back post where newly acquiured Max Touloute knocked it home to make it 2-2. A little over three minutes in though the Ambush were back in front.  Danny Waltman got caught up field and the Ambush countered. Lucky for Waltman, Andre Braithwaite got back and was able to block the shot. Unfortunately off the insuing restart, Odaine Sinclair was picked out by Michael Roach and the Ambush were back in front. Again the Comets response was immediate and again it came from the combination of St. Louis and Touloute. St. Louis got played through on a break away, but cut back as his defender rushed past him. He squared to Touloute who fired home to make it 4-4. The Ambush high pressured for much of the rest of the quarter. The Ambush also got some help as John Sosa picked up a blue card. Jake Bleyenberg took advantage of the power play and scored to give the Ambush the lead. Before the quarter was through the Ambush had extended their lead to four as Mike Mesle fired a shot into the corner to make it 8-4 Ambush after one quarter.

Early on in the second quarter the Comets had a number of good opportunities, especially for Milan Ivanovic. He had one chance saved by St. Louis goalkeeper Greg Crook and another hit the inside of the post. Finally he found net just two minutes in on a cross by Leo Gibson that IVanovic headed home to cut the St. Louuis lead to 8-6. Just over five minutes in the Comets went on the power play after Gibson was knocked into the boards. It didn't take long for the Comets to take advantage. After passing the ball around at the top of the box, Lucas Rodriguez played the ball into the corner for Bryan Perez. Perez turned and fired a shot into the roof of the net to tie the game at 8-8. Less than a minute later, the Ambush were back on top. After a Comets attack, Sinclair sprung Jeff DiMaria on a counter. He fired a shot from just outside the 3 point line that beat Waltman and made it 11-8 Ambush. Once again the Comets responded almost immediately as Perez got his second goal of the game. A cross by Ramone Palmer was cut out, but Perez was crashing the box and knocked the deflected cross past Crook and into the net to make it 11-10 Ambush.

Shortly after the half way point of the quarter, tempers started to get a little heated. After a foul by Sinclair on Lucas Rodriguez, the Comets midfielder elbowed the Ambush forward earning him a blue card and bringing the teams together in the corner. After the teams were separated and the referees had a chance to talk it over, the Ambush's Roach was also sent to the box for pushing. With the game 4v4 for two minutes, the Comets were the agressors pinning the Ambush in their own end of the field. After the Comets lost the ball in the Ambush end, Gibson won the ball back and played it to Ramone Palmer. Palmer's shot to the back post hit the wall and bounced to an unmarked Alex Megson who tapped the ball home to give the Comets their first lead of the game at 12-11.

One thing over the course of the evening that turned into a problem for the Ambush was their distribution out of the back. They gave the Comets a number of restarts at the top of the arc because of their playing the ball out of bounds. With just under two minutes to play the Comets took advantage of one of those opportunities. Rodriguez touched the ball to John Sosa whose shot went through the wall and into the net to give the Comets a 14-11 lead. The Comets almost added to their lead in the final seconds but Crook made a couple saves and Touloute had a header saved off the line.

Early in the third quarter, the Ambush cut the lead to one point off a restart. The ball was played into the corner for Sinclair who tapped the ball across the box for Mesle who put the ball home to make it 14-13. The Comets continued to control the play in the game, keeping the Ambush pinned deep. Just after the six minute mark the Comets got the lead back to three as Gibson won the ball from Crook in the Ambush end. After turning to face up field he fired a ball to the back post. Sosa was there to turn the ball home and make it 16-13. As the quarter wore on though the Ambush started to get more of the play and they were the ones pinning the Comets in deep. The Comets tried to use Gibson as an outlet, but Crook did good coming off his line. Until with just over a minute left Gibson was used as an outlet and got a touch past Crook. In the corner with no angle at goal, Gibson hit the ball off the wall into the middle where Ramone Palmer had arrived to tap the ball home and give the Comets a five point lead. The Ambush closed the quarter book ending it with a goal in the final minute. Again the Comets were trying to clear their lines. This time the ball ran into the referee who couldn't get out of the way. This left the ball in the Comets end  And Adamson fed the ball to Bleyenberg who hit a turning volley that beat Waltman to make it 18-15.

In the fourth quarter the Ambush continued to push while the Comets relied more on the counter. Again the Comets were using Gibson and it paid off about three and a half minutes in as Waltman played the ball down field to Gibson. The forward turned his man and fired a shot inside Crook's near post to make it 20-15. A couple minutes later the Comets found themselves back on the power play. Chad Vandergriffe had lost the ball to Ramone Palmer at the Comets yellow line. After the ball had been played wide to Stefan Stokic Vandergriffe came in with a sliding challenge that drew a blue card. It took less than 10 seconds for the Comets to take advantage as Rodriguez picked out Gibson just outside the yellow line. He shrugged off two defenders and fired from 3 point range beating Crook to make it 23-15. The Ambush didn't give up though and continued pushing Sinclair got his second goal of the night eight and a half minutes into the fourth quarter when his shot took a deflection and rolled past a wrong footed Waltman. Then Chris Mattingly got on the board to cut the lead to four. After a shot had skimmed around the top of the goal to the far side, Mattingly settled and fired inside Waltman's post to make it 23-19. A minute later though the Comets responded as Brian Harris raced the length of the floor down the sideline before cutting inside and firing a rocket from three point range that beat Crook to make it 26-19.

With the three score game and just two and a half minutes left, Waltman made way for Brendan Allen for his MISL debut. The Ambush controlled much of the play in the final couuple minutes but didn't go with the sixth attacker. With less than 30 seconds left the Ambush cut the lead back to five poinst as a Kory Dowell shot off the boards fell to Richard Schmermund who knocked the ball home to make close out the scoring.

The Comets now head out on the road for their final three games, a pair against Milwaukee with a game in St. Louis sandwiched in between before the playoffs. Current the Comets hold the three seed in the playoffs and would play the Baltimore Blast if the playoffs began today.

Sporting Win Two Preseason Games

Sporting KC picked up 2 more preseason wins today down in Florida. In the morning game, a reserve heavy lineup took on Florida Gulf Coast. Adnan Gabeljic scored a pair of goals and Jacob Peterson added a third. Florida Gulf Coast's goal came from the penalty spot. Only two players not under contract started the game for KC, Gabeljic and goalkeeper, Gorrick (who I assume is Devala Gorrick).

In the afternoon game, Sporting took on Fluminense's U23 team. Fluminense started the game well enough, but didn't really test Jon Kempin, who was getting his first minutes of the preseason. Going forward KC looked the better side. Jimmy Medranda forced a nice save by their keeper that turned into a corner for KC. Shortly after that, CJ Sapong had a fantastic opportunity as the ball was played in to Graham Zusi who took a touch then flicked the ball through to Sapong who got in behind Fluminense's defense, but a recovery tackle and interference from the goalkeeper saw the ball go wide of the goal. Finally in the 40th minute, KC's pressure paid off. Medranda won the ball near midfield and played the ball up field to Claudio Bieler. Bieler picked out Paulo Nagamura who fired a shot from distance. His shot skipped off the wet surface and through the hands of the Fluminense keeper and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

The second half saw KC come out and really control the game. It took only 10 minutes for KC to double their lead. Again it was Medranda helping to set it up, playing a chip in to the back post for Bieler. Bieler headed the ball back across the box to the penalty spot. There was no Sporting player there, but the ball continued to roll across the box to Medranda who fired a shot that went under the Fluminense keeper and into the net. Only three minutes later KC added another goal with Bieler again being involved. Chance Myers played the ball in to Bieler who cut the ball back to an on rushing Nagamura who fired a shot that went through the hands of Fluminense's goalkeeper. The Brazilian side had a few chances down the stretch, but didn't really test Kempin in goal much as KC went to the top of their group at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic with 6 points.

Bieler's three assists, even against inferior competition is very encouraging, and he looked good outside those three assists. He looks to have picked up his energy level on the field to fit more with what Peter Vermes wants out of his forwards. And if he is, that could be big for KC this year. The other player that had an impressive performance was Medranda who was aggressive both physically and attacking wise. He wasn't afraid to take on defenders. On the surface he looks like he'd be well able to take the minutes that KC looks like they could lose from Peterson Joseph.

The Palmer-Brown/Juventus Rumor Continue

The transfer rumors surrounding Sporting KC's youngest player, Erik Palmer-Brown and Juventus continue to swirl. Today, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that "Juventus have moved a step closer to signing" Palmer-Brown. It's a continuation of a story that started last month when it was reported that Sporting turned down a $1 million bid for the teenager by the Italian giants.

At the same time, reports out of Italy at that time had stated that Juventus and Sporting had agreed to a deal that would see the defender move to Italy when he turned 18. Sporting has continually denied that a deal was in place, and earlier this week in a Twitter Q&A, Robb Heineman, when asked if Sporting had agreed to sell Palmer-Brown, said "Noooooo."

But agreeing to sell and negotiating are two separate things. The team has admitted that Juventus has approached Sporting about Palmer-Brown though.  In fact tonight when asked about the ESPN article, Heineman admitted that Juventus is in Orlando watching him.

@BradShapiroKC as straightforward as possible.  They r here in Orlando watching him, and we've not agreed to anything.  And not motivated 2
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 22, 2014

So while Heineman says that the team is not motivated to make a deal with Juventus, the fact that the Italian club came to Orlando to watch Palmer-Brown in preseason, speaks volumes to their interest in Palmer-Brown. What it also means is that this rumor is not going to go away.

Bessone Signs for Millwall - Former SKC Wizards Update

The English Championship is becoming the place to be for former KC players. Today it was announced that former defender, Federico Bessone has signed to play with Championship strugglers, Millwall. Bessone becomes the fourth former Sporting player to be on a Championship roster this season, joining Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Kei Kamara (Middlesbrough), and Yann Songo'o (Blackburn). But with Songo'o on loan in Scotland, Bessone brings the number of active players in the championship to three.

Also added to the list this week is Teal Bunbury, who, if you missed it earlier, was traded to New England today.

Here's the rest of this week's upudate.

Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Scott Sealy
Khari Stephenson
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha

MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Offseason.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Offseason.
Bobby Convey - New York - Offseason.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Offseason.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Offseason.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Offseason.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Offseason.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Offseason
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Offseason.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Offseason

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.

USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.

PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason

Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force

Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - No game this week.

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 73 minutes in Servette's 3-2 loss to Vaduz.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - No game until 2/28
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Just signed for Millwall.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring 2 goals in Chivas' 2-1 win over Queretaro.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Lost 1-0 to Real Cuautitlan.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - No game until 2/22
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not play in UAI's 2-1 win over Barracas Central.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Came this week was postponed.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cucuta's 2-1 win over Barranquilla.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Wigan's 2-1 win over Cardiff in the FA Cup. Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 win over Barnsley.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in Tijuana's 3-2 loss to Santos.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Did not play in Boavista's 4-1 loss to Fluminense.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Azal's 2-1 loss to Qarabag. Started and played 90 minutes in Azal's 2-1 loss to Qabala.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 6 minutes in Middlesbrough's 1-0 loss to Watford.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 67 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 win over Cienciano.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 85 minutes in Servette's 3-2 loss to Vaduz.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - No game til March.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Next game is 2/28
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Season started 4/6
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 2-1 loss to Hibernian.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Season starts 2/28.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 2-1 win over Elversberg.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Did not play in Lara's 0-0 draw with Deportivo Petare.

Three Friendlies

It was a day full of friendlies for Sporting KC and it's players. Counting an international appearance for Soony Saad, there were three for Sporting KC today.

The first game of the day was Saad's friendly with Lebanon against Pakistan in Beirut. Saad started for his country, his third time appearing for Lebanon. Lebanon jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 14 minutes. Pakistan pulled one back in the 16th before Lebanon scored a late goal to win 3-1. Lebanon will now begin to prepare for their March 5th game against Thailand. A game that Lebanon must win, and then get help from China in hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

The second game of the day saw a team made up of Sporting's reserves take on Eastern Florida State College. A 60 minute game saw Sporting not score until the final 10 minutes. Second round draft pick, Adnan Gabeljic scored on a header from a corner kick by fellow draft pick, Alex Martinez. A short time later, Martinez set up a second goal as trialist Carlos Sanchez scored to make it 2-0, the way the game ended.

In the final game of the day, Sporting opened the Disney Pro Soccer Classic with a 1-0 win over conference rival New York. The first half saw both teams put out close to their first XI lineup, minus a few pieces (Matt Besler, Thierry Henry, and Graham Zusi as a few examples). Both teams had chances in the first half, KC's best probably coming when a failed clearance fell to Dom Dwyer but he couldn't get a good shot off. New York on the other hand, had a goal called back after Loyd Sam was ruled to have been offside.

In the second half, New York made a number of changes while KC stuck with the same team until the 60th minute. With the new lineup out there, their high pressure paid off in the 64th. Claudio Bieler forced an errant clearance up field that got knocked into the path of Christian Duke. Duke tried to played the through to Jacob Peterson, but a Red Bulls' defender cut it out. The touch was poor though and a sliding Peterson was able to connect with the ball and put it in to give KC the 1-0 lead. Shortly after that, Kevin Ellis almost set up another goal. A great cross found Bieler in the middle, but his volley was blocked and Gabeljic couldn't turn in the rebound.

Check out the full highlights.

Bunbury Traded to New England

In a move that was a little surprising, but not shocking based on his position, Sporting KC traded forward Teal Bunbury to the New England Revolution today for the Revs 2015 first round draft pick and allocation money.

In the end the move makes sense for all parties involved. Sporting KC remains stacked at center forward, and Bunbury was likely behind Claudio Bieler and Dom Dwyer for playing time with KC. He'd struggled to regain some form after his return from his ACL tear in the 2012 season. For New England they add a young forward to help them try to replace Juan Agudelo. And for Bunbury he gets the chance to hopefully get more playing time. If he can regain his form from pre-surgery he'll be a solid contributor for the Revs.

The big loss for KC in my opinion is that they lose their "over the top" threat in Bunbury. Of KC's center forward options (Bieler, Dwyer and even CJ Sapong and Soony Saad) Bunbury was really the only one that had break away pace that could race behind a defense. KC might get that back some in Adnan Gabeljic, but he seems to be settling into a wing position for Sporting.

Another good thing for KC though is that they'll be getting at least a portion of Bunbury's salary off their books. He made $110,000 last year per the players union, but if this Tweet is to be believed, was due for a big raise, which makes getting him off the books seem a lot more straight forward, especially if he wasn't going to be one of the top two forwards.

He departs KC as one of the team's top scorers in both league play and all competitions, scoring 19 league goals (the most among active players before his trade) and a total of 24 in all competitions. Both put him in 10th place all time for Kansas City goalscorers.

Honestly while Bunbury sometimes frustrated, I can't help but wish the guy luck simply because how he carried himself as a professional.

A Look at Heineman's Q/A on Twitter Tonight

Tonight while on his way to Orlando, Robb Heineman did another one of his impromptu Twitter Q/A's. As always, there were a number of lighthearted questions and some trolling, but there were some good questions in there as well that he answered.

One of the early questions that Heineman was asked had to do with the team adding players to the current squad. A number of fans have questioned whether KC would add to their roster and if they could possibly fall behind other teams. Heineman's response to the question doesn't sound to optimistic at least at this moment.

Hard 2 say....summer window more likely RT @zachbettis: @RobbHeineman Any more signings before the start of the season?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014

In regards to the recent rumors about Juniors signing, Erik Palmer-Brown and Juventus, Heineman responded "Noooooo" when asked if the team had agreed to sell him abroad. And take it for what you will, but Heineman also had some high praise for the 16 year old later:

Epb RT @JaredSevers: @RobbHeineman Which young players do you expect to contribute this year that didn't last year? #skctweetandfly
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014

He also fielded questions about the state of the league as it is now. Specifically he was asked if he felt he was concerned that KC hadn't done enough to improve while other teams like Toronto and DC had. Heineman said he wasn't concerned about that. But when questioned further about whether he was concerned about smaller market teams being "out-priced," Heineman responded with an affirmative. And it's certainly a concern that I think many KC fans feel, especially having seen similar things happen with the Royals over the years as the team has been "out-priced" (plenty of that of their own doing). Another question in that same vein asked if a 4th designated player spot was inevitable, to which Heineman responded no. That topic had come up for discussion recently with the fact that the Seattle Sounders had been linked with Didier Drogba. With them already having three DP's on their roster, assumption immediately turned to the league adding another DP spot for teams to use for Seattle to bring in the Ivory Coast international.

A topic that Heineman has used to troll numerous times in the past is the playing surface, starting the infamous "blue turf" a few years ago. When asked about the surface tonight, he said that the field would be changed to Bermuda grass this summer. When jokingly asked about the blue turf though, Heineman gave a response that I'm sure will cause worry for a number of fans around the league:

If bermuda fails....turf inevitable RT @DoctorJayhawk: @RobbHeineman When does the blue turf go in?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 18, 2014

The bane of many MLS fans' existence, turf. It'd be extremely disappointing if KC were forced to install turf at Sporting Park, especially since only a few years ago Sporting's grounds crew were given awards for the work that they'd done at Community America Ballpark. Hopefully the fungus, or disease, or whatever was causing the problem is resolved with the switch to Bermuda grass and we don't have to see a game played on turf at Sporting Park.

Heineman also reiterated a comment he made in an earlier Q/A in regards to a USL-Pro team for Kansas City. The team recently signed an agreement with the Oklahoma City Energy to be their affiliate, but Heineman said that OnGoal is still working on creating their own USL-Pro team, similar to the LA Galaxy II that was announced recently. Whether this team would be KC based or potentially in another market is certainly something that will likely be discussed.

Another thing in the Q/A tonight that I liked were his comments regarding a TV deal. Heineman was asked about an expanded TV deal that would see KC expand outside the KC area. In the past the team has made references to wanting to be a regional team that could have fans throughout the Midwest. Heineman in response to the question said that they are apparently looking to broadcast games in 5 states. Later in the Q/A when asked by the American Outlaws chapter of Sioux Falls, if they'd be able to watch games on local TV he said yes. So that would mean Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota would seem to be three of the five states. I could also see the likes of Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma being included in that list of five when things are all said and done. I love the idea of KC becoming a more regional team in regards to pulling in fans. They're solidifying themselves in the KC metro area, and with them doing that, they can now look to pull in people from around the region.

The topic that probably brought up the most questions tonight though was the possibility of a summer friendly for Sporting KC this year. Heineman shot down the idea of a friendly against a Bundesliga team and a rematch against Manchester United. But did say Sporting Park when asked about a venue, and that he'd "given plenty of hints"  in regards to the team.

So the question becomes was this Tweet from the 14th a hint:

Tale of 2 cities
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 14, 2014

If so could it be a reference to the rumored Manchester City friendly that Oriol Rosell let slip in an interview? That would make some sense, but then again, City is playing in the Guinness International Champions Cup in the US from July 26th through August 4th. So who knows, it might not have been a hint at all, maybe he just likes Charles Dickens.

On one final question that is a personal crusade of mine, Heineman was asked about the soccer hall of fame and bringing it to KC. This is something I would truly love, specifically the archives (which I would love to work at). In the past it's something that's been brought up, specifically in conjunction with the training complex that OnGoal wants to build with US Soccer. This time Heineman again left the door open for it, but said that the format needs to be considered.

Comets Blow Away the Roar

The Missouri Comets blew out the Pennsylvania Roar in a lopsided win at the Independence Events Center, 24-4 thanks to four goals by Leo Gibson. A little over two minutes into the game, the Comets grabbed the lead. Brian Harris received a pass and set up a 3 point shot. His shot was going wide, but Lucas Rodriguez was at the back post to re-direct the ball into the net to give the Comets a 2-0 lead. The lead didn't last long though as the Roar came back down the field with Max Touloute roofing a shot on Danny Waltman to level the game at 2-2. That's the closest the Roar would get the rest of the night. The Comets regained the lead after four minutes as Ramone Palmer redirected a Gibson shot into the net to make it 4-2. Around the midpoint of the quarter, the Comets found themselves on the power play due to a dangerous play. It took almost the entire penalty but the Comets took advantage as Rodriguez picked out Gibson at the top of the box, his shot took a deflection and went in to make it 6-2. The Comets continued to pressure and just over 11 minutes in, Alex Megson got on the scorers sheet as he turned a rebounded shot by Stefan St. Louis into the net to make it 8-2. With just under two and a half minutes left, the Comets made it 10-2 as John Sosa picked out Bryan Perez unmarked at the back post on a restart and Perez fired home to make it 10-2 after one quarter.

The second quarter saw the Comets continue to pressure and just over six minutes in, Gibson had his second as he fired home from a Sosa free kick to give the Comets a 10 point lead. Just over the half way point in the quarter the Roar got a goal back as Chris Williams and Jerjer Gibson broke on a 2v1 with Danny Waltman. Williams laid it off to Gibson who tapped home to make it 12-4. A little over a minute later though Gibson completed his hattrick. On a long ball over the top, the Roar keeper, Scott Krotee over committed and Gibson was able to touch the ball around him and into the corner. Gibson raced to the ball and had little angle to shoot, but without much support took his chance and the ball hit off a Roar defender and in to make it 14-4. The Comets weren't done in the half either as St. Louis found the net off an assist from Harris. Then with less than a minute left the Comets twice found the net. First Megson won the ball in the corner and squared a pass into the middle where Harris bundled the ball into the net to make it 18-4. Then with 1 second left on a restart, Rodriguez touched the ball to Sosa who fired home to give the Comets 20 points in the first half.

The second half saw the Comets continue to dominate play but really laying back at the same time as the third and fourth quarter saw just two goals scored. The Roar, for their efforts had chances on the break to score, but each time, Waltman would come up with timely saves that would keep the Roar from closing the game. With under five minutes left in the third quarter, the Comets made it 22-4. Gibson scored his fourth of the game off an assist from Sosa, his third of the game. The fourth quarter was much of the same from the Comets, except they scored an early goal this time. Just over four minutes in, the Byron Alvarez picked out Andre Braithwaite after receiving the ball in the corner. Braithwaite fired the ball home to make it 24-4, which is how the game ended.

The Comets close out the home portion of the regular season next Saturday against the St. Louis Ambush.

Medranda Officially Re-Acquired and a Look at the Roster

The rumored re-acquisition of midfielder, Jimmy Medranda was announced today. Sporting KC agreed to a fee with his Colombian club Deportivo Pereira. At the same time as they announced the transfer, Sporting announced that they'd signed Medranda to a multi-year deal. Medranda made one appearance for Sporting KC last year, coming off the bench in stoppage time of KC's 3-0 win over Columbus. He made an immediate impression on KC fans by striking a well hit shot from 30 yards out, that while being saved, showed a willingness to take a chance from distance.



The addition of Medranda back to the team puts KC's signed roster at 28 players on it, 26 from last year's MLS Cup team, and two new signings (Sal Zizzo and Andy Gruenebaum). That currently leaves KC with just two open roster spots ahead of the start of the 2014 season. Based on the recent comments made by Peter Vermes regarding Peterson Joseph though, I expect him to be placed on the injured reserve list, which would allow him to not count against the roster capacity, putting KC at 27 signed players.

As of the last roster update and game against Indy Eleven, there are still four trialists in camp. Three draft picks, Adnan Gabeljic, Peter Schmetz, and Alex Martinez, and one trialist, that is likely still Danny Earls (who was outed as Trialist 1 in Sporting's game against Portland). Vermes though has said that more players would be joining the team in Orlando for the second leg of preseason.

Based on the roster currently I think both Gabeljic and Martinez have work to do to make the roster. Gaeljic just because of the sheer number of forwards on KC's roster. But Martinez more so, especially with Medranda back in the fold. The midfield for KC got a little more crowded. Even with the questions still surrounding Joseph, Martinez likely has the biggest hill to climb of the three remaining draft picks.

Aiyegbusi Joins Markovic at Servette - Former SKC Wizards Update

Two former Sporting players are back together again on the same team. Korede Aiyegbusi made a move during the winter transfer window. He moved from FC Haka in Finland to Servette FC in Switzerland. Aiyegbusi joins Neven Markovic with Servette after the Serbian joined the club ahead of their 2013-2014 season. In their first competitive game, Aiyegubsi started ahead of Markovic.

Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Scott Sealy
Khari Stephenson
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha

MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Offseason.
Bobby Convey - New York - Offseason.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Offseason.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Offseason.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Offseason.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Offseason.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Offseason
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Offseason.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Offseason

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.

USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.

PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason

Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force

Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 12-6 win over St. Louis. Had an assist in Baltimore's 18-4 win over Missouri.

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 3-1 loss to FC Schaffhausen.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - No game until 2/28
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 win over Puebla.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Cruz Azul Jasso 1-0.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - No game until 2/22
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not play in either of UAI's games.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 2-2 draw with Central FC.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Deportivo's 1-1 draw with Deportivo Pereira. Started and played 90 minutes in Deportivo's 1-0 loss to Cortulua.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but didn't play in either of Wigan's games.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Started and played 60 minutes in Tijuana's 2-1 win over Monterrey.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Did not dress in Boavista's 4-1 win over Duque De Caxias.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Did not dress in Azal's 2-2 draw with Sumqayit.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw with Blackburn.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Next game is 2/14
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Dressed but did not play in Servette's 3-1 loss to FC Schaffhausen.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - No game til March.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - Next game is 2/28
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Season started 4/6
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Season starts 2/28.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Munster's 3-0 loss to Holstein Kiel.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Started and played 63 minutes in Lara's 1-1 draw with Yaracuyanos.

Medranda Returning, Leichty Signs for OKC

It looks like one question about Sporting KC's roster this preseason is about to be answered. According to his Twitter account and The Daily Wiz, midfielder, Jimmy Medranda, is on his way back to KC. Medranda, had been on loan from Deportivo Pereira last season, making one appearance for Sporting. The question had been whether he would return to KC this season. That question now appears to be answered, the question becomes whether it is now a permanent deal or a continuation of the loan.

In other news, Sporting KC academy product, David Leichty has signed his first professional contract. That contract is not with Sporting KC, but with their USL affiliate, Oklahoma City. It'll be a big step for the midfield academy product. On one hand though it's interesting that he's leaving Sporting's academy to play professionally elsewhere, but you have to assume that should he do well, he'll be back in KC fairly soon with the first team. In Oklahoma City though he'll join up with four former KC players, three players (Cyprian Hedrick, Kyle Miller, and Michael Thomas) and the coach (Jimmy Nielsen). He'll also have two current KC players on the roster from the two players Sporting send down to their affiliate.

This won't be Leichty's first opportunity to play against professionals. Leichty has already played with Sporting's reserves in reserve league play before they moved to affiliate with Orlando City last year. I think while Leichty may not get time immediately, this is his foot in the door professionally and if he does well it's only a matter of time before KC find a way to bring him back to KC.

Comets Clinch Playoff Birth in Loss

From the Comets

The Missouri Comets fell to the Baltimore Blast 18-4 at the Independence Events Center today. The rematch of last season’s championship series was not the thriller many expected. The Comets were missing captain and playmaker Vahid Assadpour with a knee injury and never got in a rhythm on the night. Mike Lookingland led the Blast with a hat trick and seven points for the night while Bryan Perez and Alex Megson scored the Comets’ only two goals. Despite the loss, the Comets still clinched their spot in the 2014 MISL Postseason by virtue of a Rochester Lancers loss earlier in the day.

The first quarter started out slow for both teams. It took a penalty to score the first goal of the game. After Lucas Rodriguez stepped onto the field a little early on a Comets substitution, the Blast were awarded a two minute penalty. Lucio Gonzaga took a shot from outside the three-point arc that ricocheted into the net off a Comets defender.

Baltimore’s Mike Lookingland scored his first goal of the night shortly after the second quarter began. Then Max Ferdinand added another power play goal to the Blast’s tally, giving them a 7-0 lead at the break.

Halftime was dedicated to the men and women who have served our country in the military. U.S. Army Reserve Captain Stephanie Ramos helped swear in new members of the Army after singing a beautiful rendition of God Bless America.

The action started back up on the field with an early goal after Bryan Perez converted on a Comets power play to get Missouri on the board. Lookingland answered with two unassisted goals for Baltimore, one of them on a penalty kick. One more goal from Marco Mangione rounded out the goals in the third quarter.

The Comets’ Alex Megson got the Comets within ten early in the final frame. His goal from Rodriguez cut the score to 14-4. However, Baltimore’s Lucas Roque and Diego Zuniga took credit for the last two goals of the game and the final 18-4 score.

Sporting Win Final Preseason Game in Tucson, Trim Roster

Sporting Kansas City closed out the first leg of their preseason for the 2014 season with a 3-1 win over NASL side, Indy Eleven. Sporting fell behind after just 20 seconds on a goal by one of Indy's trialists. Sporting struck back quickly with a pair of goals in the ninth and eleventh minutes on goals by Claudio Bieler and CJ Sapong. After a short break at the 45 minute mark Sporting came out and pulled the same trick Indy did, scoring an early goal as Sal Zizzo got his second goal of the preseason to make it 3-1 KC. The match, originally scheduled to play 120 minutes ended up going 105 minutes instead. Sporting will now return to Kansas City for a week before heading to Orlando.

All but two players on Sporting's roster have played in at least one preseason game now. The two that haven't are third string goalkeeper, Jon Kempin, and midfielder Peterson Joseph, who has not played since he collapsed in practice last November. The absence of Mikey Lopez and Ike Opara since the preseason opener is also interesting though.

Sporting Release Five

Before the game today, Sporting announced that they'd trimmed their preseason roster by five and currently sit at 29 players. Of those waived was former Sporting KC Junior goalkeeper, Jacole Turner, a long shot originally to make the roster with three goalkeepers already on the roster. Also waived was fourth round draft pick, Reinaldo Brenes, the Costa Rican forward, former Philadelphia Union defender/forward Don Anding, undrafted midfielder, Dante Marini, and Palbo Punyed, drafted in the 2012 Supplemental draft.

All but Turner had made at least one appearance for Sporting so far this preseason. Punyed and Marini both appeared in KC's first two preseason games. Anding and Brenes both made just a single appearance for Sporting.

Their departure leaves Sporting with four players not under contract in camp, draft picks Adnan Gabeljic, Peter Schmetz, Alex Martinez, and the infamous "Trialist 1" who according to the stream of the Portland game is former Colorado defender, Danny Earls. Peter Vermes has said that they'd be bringing in more players when the team goes to Orlando, but at this time there are just four roster spots to be grabbed at this time.

FCKC Release Their Schedule

FC Kansas City's schedule for the 2014 season has been released. The 24 game season will kick off at home for FCKC against Sky Blue FC. They'll also be the home opener for defending champions, Portland two weeks later as the Blues will play four of their first six games on the road. They'll end the season with three of their last five at home at UMKC.

For those worried about missing live soccer in person during the World Cup, the Blues will have three games while MLS teams are taking a break during the group stage. Two of those three, on June 7th and June 21st are at home.

And for those concerned about Sporting games conflicting with FC Kansas City, there is very little worry. For the second straight year, the league has avoided scheduling the Blues and Sporting at home on the same day. There are five dates when the two teams play on the same day though. All of them are FCKC road dates, but one. April 19th, while the Blues take on Washington on the road, Sporting have a home game against Montreal. A week later, on the 26th while FCKC is in Portland, Sporting plays at New England. May 14th the Blues are in Seattle while Sporting hosts Philadelphia. May 18th sees the Blues hosting Houston while Sporting is in Chicago. The final date is July 6th when FCKC play Sky Blue and Sporting hosts Chicago. None of the games start at the same time so it's conceivable that a fan could catch both games on each date. And if I was FCKC I'd be setting up a watch party at a nearby bar for their home game against Houston so fans can watch Sporting and then head over to UMKC.

Here's the full schedule:

April 12 - 7:00pm - SKY BLUE FC - KANSAS CITY, MO
April 19 - 5:30pm - Washington Spirit - Boyds, MD
April 26 - 9:00pm - Portland Thorns FC - Portland, OR
April 30 - 7:00pm - CHICAGO RED STARS - KANSAS CITY, MO
May 3 - 7:00pm - Houston Dash - Houston, TX
May 7 - 6:00pm - Western New York Flash - Rochester, NY
May 11 - 5:00pm - WASHINGTON SPIRIT - KANSAS CITY, MO
May 14 - 9:00pm - Seattle Reign FC - Seattle, WA
May 18 - 4:00pm - HOUSTON DASH - KANSAS CITY, MO
May 21 - 7:00pm - SEATTLE REIGN FC - KANSAS CITY, MO
May 25 - 6:00pm - Boston Breakers - Boston, MA
June 4 - 7:00pm - WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH - KANSAS CITY, MO
June 7 - 7:00pm - BOSTON BREAKERS - KANSAS CITY, MO
June 14 - 8:00pm - Houston Dash - Houston, TX
June 21 - 7:00pm - CHICAGO RED STARS - KANSAS CITY, MO
June 28 - 7:00pm - PORTLAND THORNS FC - KANSAS CITY, MO
July 6 - 5:00pm - Sky Blue FC - Piscataway, NJ
July 13 - 4:00pm - Portland Thorns FC - Portland, OR
July 18 - 6:30pm - Western New York Flash - Rochester, NY
July 27 - 5:00pm - SKY BLUE F - KANSAS CITY, MO
July 30 - 6:00pm - Washington Spirit - Boyds, MD
August 2 - 7:00pm - SEATTLE REIGN FC - KANSAS CITY, MO
August 6 - 7:00pm - BOSTON BREAKERS - KANSAS CITY, MO
August 9 - 7:00pm - Chicago Red Stars - Lisle, IL

OKC Sign Two More Former KC Players - Former SKC Wizards Update

Oklahoma City announced three more signings today as they get closer to their first season. And building off of his own playing career, two of the three players Jimmy Nielsen has brought in he's played with in Kansas City. Cyprian Hedrick and Kyle Miller, both 2012 draft picks by Kansas City were announced today along with Nate Shiffman bringing the total number of Energy players to four along with Michael Thomas.  Here's the rest of this week's update.

Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Brian Fekete
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Scott Sealy
Khari Stephenson
Ivan Trujillo
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha

MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Offseason.
Bobby Convey - New York - Offseason.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Offseason.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Offseason.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Offseason.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Offseason.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Offseason
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Offseason.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Offseason

NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.

USL
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - Offseason.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Nelson Pizarro - Los Angeles - Offseason.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Offseason.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Offseason.
Yomby William - Richmond - Offseason.
John Wilson - Charleston - Offseason.

PDL
Scott Angevine - Des Moines - Offseason

Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force

Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Scored a goal in Baltimore's 12-10 win over Syracuse.

International
Korede Aiyegbusi - FC Haka - Finland - Offseason.
Vicente Arze - Sporting Charleroi - Did not dress in Sporting's 1-0 loss to KV Oostende.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 76 minutes in Chivas' 2-0 loss to Cruz Azul. Did not dress in Chivas' 2-1 Copa Mexico loss to Tecos.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Tied Ocelotes UNACH 2-2.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - No game until 2/22
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - No game until 2/7
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Came off the bench and played 35 minutes in W Connection's 2-1 loss to Point Forin.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Deportivo's 1-0 loss to America de Cali.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 2-1 win over Charlton.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Started and played 73 minutes in Tijuana's 3-0 loss to Pumas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Did not dress in either of Boavista's games.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 85 minutes in Azal's 2-1 loss to Inter Baki.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Came off the bench and played 2 minutes in Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw with Doncaster.
Igor Kostrov - Slavia - Belarus - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Offseason.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Game against Chiasso was postponed.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - No game til March.
Michal Mravec - Zilina - Slovakia - No games until February.
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Ross County's 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Season starts 2/28.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Started and played 67 minutes in Munster's 1-0 loss to Wehen Wiuesbaden.

Saad Called Up, Juniors Commitments

Two bits of Sporting KC news today.

Saad called up by Lebanon

Sporting KC forward, Soony Saad will miss the majority of the rest of Sporting's preseason. He's been called up to represent Lebanon in a pair of games. The first is a friendly against Pakistan on February 19th. The second game is an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Thailand on March 5th. Saad will not return to Sporting until after that game, just ahead of the season opener against Seattle on March 8th.

Lebanon still has a shot at qualifying for the 2015 Asian Cup, but will need to beat Thailand, and probably need help. They are currently locked into third place in their group with 5 points. The top two teams in each of the five group qualify automatically along with the best third place team of all the groups. Currently Lebanon is the second best third place team behind Iraq, who is on 6 points. So for Lebanon to even have a chance they must beat Thailand.

The good news for Lebanon is Iraq's opponent is China, who is in second place in their group on 8 points. So for China to clinch qualification, they will need to beat or draw with Iraq. The bad news is that the game is in Iraq. All isn't bad though, because a win by Lebanon and a loss by China would put them level on points. But for that to happen, there will need to be a six goal swing in goal difference (Lebanon is currently at -5 GD while China is on +1). So it's certainly an uphill battle, but against a winless Thailand team it's possible.

Sporting Juniors Commit on National Signing Day

On national signing day it's football that gets the big headlines as high school football players commit to their college future. But the day is not just for college football. All athletes are eligible to sign their letters of intent to play college sports today. That includes soccer, and 12 Sporting Academy players signed their letters of intent to play college ball.

Nine of the twelve players have committed to playing division one soccer. Three of those players have committed to playing in the competitive ACC.

Here's the full list:
Darby Cronin (Missouri-Kansas City)
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State)
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines)
Heath Honold (Wake Forest)
Mason Leonard (Drake)
Blake Levine (Baker)
Matthew Lewis (Fordham)
Andy Lopez (North Carolina)
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia)
Cole Stevenson (Denver)
Austin Williamson (Northeastern State University)
Zach Wright (North Carolina)

Who Should be Sporting's Next Captain?

There have been two big questions for Sporting KC since the retirement of Jimmy Nielsen after the end of the 2013 season. Who would take over in net for the White Puma. And who would take over as the club's captain. The first question we are in the process of answering. Peter Vermes has given Eric Kronberg the number 1 jersey and he seems to have the inside track to be the starter over recently acquired Andy Gruenebaum.

The second question though is further up in the air. With Nielsen starting 79 of KC's 86 competitive games in the last two years since been named the club's captain after the trade of Davy Arnaud. In those seven games, Sporting KC has had four different players wear the arm band. Kronberg has worn the arm band twice this past year, once in the Open Cup against Des Moines and against Olimpia in Honduras. Paulo Nagamura has also captained the club twice, KC's two match ups against Orlando City over the last two years. Matt Besler captained Kansas City in their two home games of the CCL this past year. The last captain was Aurelien Collin, who wore the arm band against Real Esteli.

If we're looking at who is going to be the next captain of the club I think the best place to start are those four players. One player I think we can eliminate from the list is Collin. While I like Collin, and he's a player that you put into the lineup every chance he's available, that's the one question, his availability. This past season Collin he picked up 13 yellow cards and was suspended due to accumulation three times in the 2013 season. I'm not sure you want your full time club captain to be that sort of liability. While he's never picked up a red card officially for KC (the one he did pick up was rescinded due to mistaken identity) it's just too much for me to say he should be captain.

Another player that I think we can eliminate from the list is Kronberg. The most tenured player on KC's roster, this will be his 9th season with the club. Not only has he captained Sporting two of the seven times over the last two years, he's also been captain before that in other Open Cup and Open Cup qualifier games. The thing that really works against Kronberg in my opinion is his lack of experience. He's played just five league games in his eight year career so far and another 14 more games in all other competitions. Not enough for me to see him given the arm band.

That leaves us with two players that have captained the team in Nielsen's absence, Besler and Nagamura. These are the two players I feel could captain the team and I think both will over the course of the year.

For me though I think the player that should join the likes of Nielsen, Preki, Tony Meola, Diego Gutierrez, and Jimmy Conrad as club captain, is local KC boy, Matt Besler. The Notre Dame product was a candidate to take over the position after the trade of Arnaud before it was given to Nielsen. The US national teamer has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league and has proven to be a leader on the field. I think Besler is the best candidate on the roster at this time to take over the arm band.

As I said though, Nagamura could very well get the opportunity to wear the arm band as well. As long as Nagamura can remain healthy, I think he's the one that wears the arm band while Besler is away with the US team at the World Cup.

Sporting Draw, US Win

Sporting Kansas City played their second preseason game of the year tonight in Tucson against the Portland Timbers. Sporting grabbed the lead in the 31st minute as Sal Zizzo flicked a header from a Claudio Bieler free kick into the net to give KC an early lead.

Shortly after Zizzo's goal, Sporting found themselves down a man as Aurelien Collin picked up a second yellow and was dismissed. A bit surprising for a preseason game, Sporting did not (or was not allowed to) replace the Frenchman, and for just under an hour, Sporting KC played a man down to the Timbers. It took until late in the second half before the Timbers were able to find the net though to level the game at 1-1. This is how the game ended. Sporting have one more game in Tucson before returning to KC. Next Friday they will take on NASL side, Indy Eleven.

Earlier in the day, the US national team kicked off the World Cup year with a 2-0 win over fellow World Cup 2014 participant, South Korea 2-0 thanks to a pair of goals by Chris Wondolowski. Sporting KC's Matt Besler and Graham Zusi started the game for the US. Zusi helped set up both goals. On the first goal, Zusi played in a cross that Brad Davis put on goal to force a save. The rebound fell to Wondolowski who put the ball in to make it 1-0 in just the 4th minute.

South Korea had much of the play during the half, but Nick Rimando came up with some good saves and the US back line held firm keeping Korea off the board. At the hour mark, Zusi helped create the second goal. Zusi played a cross into the box that Landon Donovan flicked on to Wondolowski who fired home to make it 2-0. After the goal Besler made way for Clarence Goodson and fellow Sporting KC player, Benny Feilhaber entered for Mix Diskerud. The US held on for their first win of 2014 defeating the Koreans in their first match up since the 2002 World Cup.