Teal Bunbury finally got off the mark for the New England Revolution. Since his trade from KC, he'd started each of New England's first games. But facing his former team, Bunbury finally got off the mark. He became the fifth player to score in their first game against KC after leaving the team. Jose Burciaga (Colorado), Jimmy Conrad (Chivas), Scott Sealy (San Jose), and Sasha Victorine (Chivas).
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mechack Jerome
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 4-1 win over Dallas.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in New England's 2-0 win over KC.
Bobby Convey - New York - Did not dress in New York's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 2-2 draw with Vancouver.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Houston.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 51 minutes, recording an assist in DC's 4-1 win over Dallas.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Loaned to Orange County.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-0 win over Chivas.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-1 draw with New York.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-2 win over Indy.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Dressed but did not play in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Charleston.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 64 minutes in Oklahoma City's 2-1 loss to Orlando.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 3-2 loss to Chicago's reserves. Started and played 90 minutes in Charlotte's 2-0 win over Wilmington.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Orange County - Started and played 90 minutes in Orange County's 4-1 win over Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes in Orange County's 3-0 loss to the LA Galaxy II.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in OKC's 2-1 loss to Orlando.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 1-0 win over Charleston.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to Orlando.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 5-1 win over Dayton.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 0-0 draw with Pittsburgh. Dressed but did not play in Charleston's 1-0 loss to Rochester.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Servette's 2-0 loss to Vaduz.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 3-1 loss to TPV.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Did not dress in Hoverla's 2-0 loss to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Dressed but did not play in Hoverla's 1-0 loss to Zorya.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in Millwall's 1-1 draw with QPR.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Monterrey.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Lost to Deportivo Tepic 1-0. Then beat Deportivo Tepic 2-0.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Bengaluru's 2-1 win over Sporting Goa.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in UAI's 3-1 loss to Estudiantes Caseros.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not dress in Cucuta's 1-0 win over Atletico Bucaramanga.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 69 minutes in Wigan's 2-0 loss to Blackpool. Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 1-0 win over Birmingham City.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 2-1 loss to Leon.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in AZAL's 0-0 draw with Revan.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Out injured.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Lost 1-0 to Tiraspol.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dres in San Martin's 3-2 loss to Sport Huancayo.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 2-0 loss to Vaduz.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 2-0 loss to Kuban Krasnodar.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbekidzie's 1-0 win over Cracovia Krakow.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes in Sarajevo's 4-0 win over Vitez.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Munster's 1-1 draw wtih Stuttgarter Kickers.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Lara's 1-0 loss to Deportivo La Guaira.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Orlando Win Affiliate Match Up - Sporting Loan Update
In the first match up between Sporting KC's two affiliate teams, Oklahoma City and Orlando City faced off on Saturday in OKC in the Energy's home opener. In the match up, Orlando City topped the Energy in front of a sell out crowd, topping the Energy 2-1.
Of KC's four players loaned to the two teams, three of them appeared in the game. The one player absent was Christian Duke who has still not returned from his injury. Oklahoma City's two other loaned players, Kevin Ellis and Jon Kempin both started for the Energy. Mikey Lopez came off the bench for OCSC, playing the last five minutes as Orlando held on for the win.
Earlier last week, Orlando had another game, taking on FC Dallas' reserves in Dallas. Once again Lopez came off the bench, playing 12 minutes as the Lions held on for a 3-2 win over FC Dallas.
This coming week the two teams will play the reserve fixture in Orlando as the two teams will play at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Of KC's four players loaned to the two teams, three of them appeared in the game. The one player absent was Christian Duke who has still not returned from his injury. Oklahoma City's two other loaned players, Kevin Ellis and Jon Kempin both started for the Energy. Mikey Lopez came off the bench for OCSC, playing the last five minutes as Orlando held on for the win.
Earlier last week, Orlando had another game, taking on FC Dallas' reserves in Dallas. Once again Lopez came off the bench, playing 12 minutes as the Lions held on for a 3-2 win over FC Dallas.
This coming week the two teams will play the reserve fixture in Orlando as the two teams will play at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sunday After Stats
In the 47th minute, Matt Besler passed Josh Wolff and moved into 12th place for league minutes played for KC. Then in the 77th minute he passed Jimmy Nielsen and moved into 11th place for minutes played. Besler finished the game with 11,511 minutes played.
Besler made his 127th start in league play, breaking his tie with Matt McKeon for 12th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 129th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Jimmy Nielsen for 13th on that list.
Zusi made his 97th start in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Sasha Victorine and moving him into a tie with Kei Kamara for 19th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 141st appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 18th on that list.
Myers made his 119th appearance in league play for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez and Uche Okafor for 17th on that list.
The goal by Teal Bunbury is the fifth time a former KC player has scored in their first game against KC with their new team, joining Jose Burciaga (Colorado), Jimmy Conrad (Chivas), Scott Sealy (San Jose), and Sasha Victorine (Chivas).
Besler made his 127th start in league play, breaking his tie with Matt McKeon for 12th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 129th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Jimmy Nielsen for 13th on that list.
Zusi made his 97th start in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Sasha Victorine and moving him into a tie with Kei Kamara for 19th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 141st appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Francisco Gomez for 18th on that list.
Myers made his 119th appearance in league play for KC, tying him with Diego Gutierrez and Uche Okafor for 17th on that list.
The goal by Teal Bunbury is the fifth time a former KC player has scored in their first game against KC with their new team, joining Jose Burciaga (Colorado), Jimmy Conrad (Chivas), Scott Sealy (San Jose), and Sasha Victorine (Chivas).
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Insult to Injury - Sporting Fall to New England Late
It was not a good night for Sporting KC in the Northeast. Not only did the team lose on the road 2-0 to the New England Revolution, but in the process lost two players to injury as well, as both Toni Dovale and Sal Zizzo both left before the hour mark with injuries.
Neither team really came out lighting things of fire, the Revs had the best chance early on in the 14th minute as a ball was put through for Jerry Bengtson. There were shouts for an offside call from Sporting, but the flag stayed down. 1v1 with Eric Kronberg though Bengtson pushed his shot wide of the post. While KC had possession, the Revs continued to have the better of the chances as Matt Belser blocked a shot by Teal Bunbury wide of the net. KC had a good chance in the 26th as KC patiently built the play up before it made it wide to Sal Zizzo. With space on the right Zizzo fired over the bar instead of testing Bobby Shuttleworth. The Revolution had another chance through Bunbury in the 32nd. After Kronberg knocked away a cross the ball fell to Bunbury who cut into the middle and after the ball appeared to hit his hand, fired a shot that Kronberg palmed over the goal. Just before half time, KC suffered their first injury blow, as Toni Dovale, in his first start for KC, went down injured and had to be subbed off before half time.
The second half saw Kansas City continue to try to find a way into the game. During one of those attempts though, KC picked up their second injury of the night. On a long ball over the top, Zizzo tried to get onto the end of the ball but couldn't quite reach it. In the process, Zizzo picked up a groin strain and had to be replaced by Jacob Peterson as another Sporting player went down with injury. In the 59th minute, KC had a good chance to take the lead. After some work on the left, the ball broke free for Alex Martinez on the right. Instead of taking the shot first time, Martinez cut back in and forced a corner kick from Shuttleworth, but the argument could be made that a first time effort with the right would have been better. Seconds later, Martinez had another effor that he did string first time, but fired wide. KC's efforts to get something out of the game got harder in the 74th minute. As the Revolution came forward, Aurelien Collin went in for a tackle on Diego Fagundez. Collin didn't get the ball and Fagundez went down. Referee Alan Kelly immediately went to the back pocket and gave Collin the red card. As a bias observer, I thought the red was harsh, but with the way that MLS referees have called games this year it's also not a surprising card. Immediately off the Revs restart KC won the ball and attacked the other way. Dom Dwyer picked out Benny Feilhaber in the middle. Feilhaber cut around his defender, but from the top of the six yard box fired a shot well over and wide of the goal to keep the game scoreless. While down a man, KC continued to have the better of position for much of the rest of the half but really didn't make much of it. As the game entered stoppage time the Revolution got more of the possession and pushed forward. In Stoppage time the Revolution finally made the extra man count as a cross from Darrius Barnes was knocked in by Teal Bunbury. Kronberg made a failed attempt to come for the ball, missing it, setting up the chance for Bunbury. KC tried to push forward and find an equalizer, but it's the Revs that ended up striking again. Off a cleared corner, the Revs broke the other way against KC's defense. Fagundez got in behind KC's defense, but Kronberg ended up making the save, the rebound fell back to Fagundez who headed a ball towards goal, but Oriol Rosell knocked the ball away with his hands, leading to a penalty kick. Lee Nguyen stepped up and buried the PK as Kronberg was frozen to the spot and the Revs went up 2-0. Seconds after the restart, the referee blew for full time and KC fell for the second time on the season (both times on turf).
Wizards Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Held the back line together through most of the match. In stoppage time on the Bunbury goal it appeared that Kronberg called Besler of the play, leading him to side step the cross.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 4, Sinovic 6, Belser 6, Collin 3, Myers 4, Rosell 4, Feilhaber 4, Dovale 3, Zusi 5, Dwyer 3, Zizzo 5. Subs Martinez 4, Peterson 4, Olum 4.
Neither team really came out lighting things of fire, the Revs had the best chance early on in the 14th minute as a ball was put through for Jerry Bengtson. There were shouts for an offside call from Sporting, but the flag stayed down. 1v1 with Eric Kronberg though Bengtson pushed his shot wide of the post. While KC had possession, the Revs continued to have the better of the chances as Matt Belser blocked a shot by Teal Bunbury wide of the net. KC had a good chance in the 26th as KC patiently built the play up before it made it wide to Sal Zizzo. With space on the right Zizzo fired over the bar instead of testing Bobby Shuttleworth. The Revolution had another chance through Bunbury in the 32nd. After Kronberg knocked away a cross the ball fell to Bunbury who cut into the middle and after the ball appeared to hit his hand, fired a shot that Kronberg palmed over the goal. Just before half time, KC suffered their first injury blow, as Toni Dovale, in his first start for KC, went down injured and had to be subbed off before half time.
The second half saw Kansas City continue to try to find a way into the game. During one of those attempts though, KC picked up their second injury of the night. On a long ball over the top, Zizzo tried to get onto the end of the ball but couldn't quite reach it. In the process, Zizzo picked up a groin strain and had to be replaced by Jacob Peterson as another Sporting player went down with injury. In the 59th minute, KC had a good chance to take the lead. After some work on the left, the ball broke free for Alex Martinez on the right. Instead of taking the shot first time, Martinez cut back in and forced a corner kick from Shuttleworth, but the argument could be made that a first time effort with the right would have been better. Seconds later, Martinez had another effor that he did string first time, but fired wide. KC's efforts to get something out of the game got harder in the 74th minute. As the Revolution came forward, Aurelien Collin went in for a tackle on Diego Fagundez. Collin didn't get the ball and Fagundez went down. Referee Alan Kelly immediately went to the back pocket and gave Collin the red card. As a bias observer, I thought the red was harsh, but with the way that MLS referees have called games this year it's also not a surprising card. Immediately off the Revs restart KC won the ball and attacked the other way. Dom Dwyer picked out Benny Feilhaber in the middle. Feilhaber cut around his defender, but from the top of the six yard box fired a shot well over and wide of the goal to keep the game scoreless. While down a man, KC continued to have the better of position for much of the rest of the half but really didn't make much of it. As the game entered stoppage time the Revolution got more of the possession and pushed forward. In Stoppage time the Revolution finally made the extra man count as a cross from Darrius Barnes was knocked in by Teal Bunbury. Kronberg made a failed attempt to come for the ball, missing it, setting up the chance for Bunbury. KC tried to push forward and find an equalizer, but it's the Revs that ended up striking again. Off a cleared corner, the Revs broke the other way against KC's defense. Fagundez got in behind KC's defense, but Kronberg ended up making the save, the rebound fell back to Fagundez who headed a ball towards goal, but Oriol Rosell knocked the ball away with his hands, leading to a penalty kick. Lee Nguyen stepped up and buried the PK as Kronberg was frozen to the spot and the Revs went up 2-0. Seconds after the restart, the referee blew for full time and KC fell for the second time on the season (both times on turf).
Wizards Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Held the back line together through most of the match. In stoppage time on the Bunbury goal it appeared that Kronberg called Besler of the play, leading him to side step the cross.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 4, Sinovic 6, Belser 6, Collin 3, Myers 4, Rosell 4, Feilhaber 4, Dovale 3, Zusi 5, Dwyer 3, Zizzo 5. Subs Martinez 4, Peterson 4, Olum 4.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Match Day 7: A Playoff Rematch
Sporting Kansas City travel to the East Coast this weekend for a rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals with the New England Revolution. Gillette Stadium has been a friendly face for Kansas City to visit throughout the history of the stadium. KC is 8-3-6 there in league play, and 8-4-7 in all competitions. Sporting did lose their last trip there though, falling 2-1 in the first leg before winning the second leg in extra time 3-1.
New England comes into this game with a little bit of trouble depth wise. The team is without a number of potential starters for this game. Kevin Alston is suspended after picking up a red card at the end of the Revolution's 1-1 draw in Chicago. They'll also be without captain Jose Goncalves and midfielder Kelyn Rowe are both injured and will miss the game. Along with that, forward Saer Sene has been given leave this week from the team. On top of all that, the Revs teenage star, Diego Fagundez could miss the game with a back injury. That's five potential starters, almost half of the Revs starting lineup that could be missing, a big blow for the Revs. They will have former KC forward Teal Bunbury leading the line, although he's yet to score this season.
Kansas City will welcome back Oriol Rosell to the team after he sat out the 4-0 win over Montreal after his red card. He'll likely go right back into the starting lineup. The question will be who for. Is it a straight like for like switch with Lawrence Olum making way. Or does Olum drop back to partner Matt Besler in central defense? That question arises depending on the health of Aurelien Collin who left the win over Montreal early with a hamstring. Peter Vermes has said that Collin would be available, but with a very busy month of May ahead that will include losing Besler when he joins the US team, resting Collin to make sure he doesn't hurt his hamstring worse may be a good idea. Dom Dwyer's two goal performance against the Impact earns him another start ahead of designated player, Claudio Bieler.
Kronberg
Myers - Olum - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Feilhaber
Zizzo - Dwyer - Zusi
Number to Remember - 1 - Both KC's goals against average and New England's goals scored average is under the number 1. KC is averaging .67 goals against per game after picking up 3 shutouts. All those shutouts have come at home though, they've given up three in their two away games although two were PKs. The Revs are averaging .71 goals per game.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Teal Bunbury - Bunbury hasn't scored for the Revs since his trade, but his pace is something that has caused problems throughout his time with Kansas City. Besler and the rest of the KC defense can't allow Bunbury to get in behind them tomorrow.
PREDICTION - With the goal scoring record of the Revolution, their home defense which has yet to allow a goal this season, and KC's historical issues scoring goals, this game has the chance to be as bad as last year's regular season match up between the two teams in New England. Maybe KC's offense finally turned the corner after the match up against the Impact, but I'd like a more complete body of work to know for sure. The lack of five potential starters for the Revs could be the thing that tilt the game in KC's favor though, but Sporting has traditionally played down to the level of competition, including when teams are playing without key players.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
NE - 1 (Nguyen)
New England comes into this game with a little bit of trouble depth wise. The team is without a number of potential starters for this game. Kevin Alston is suspended after picking up a red card at the end of the Revolution's 1-1 draw in Chicago. They'll also be without captain Jose Goncalves and midfielder Kelyn Rowe are both injured and will miss the game. Along with that, forward Saer Sene has been given leave this week from the team. On top of all that, the Revs teenage star, Diego Fagundez could miss the game with a back injury. That's five potential starters, almost half of the Revs starting lineup that could be missing, a big blow for the Revs. They will have former KC forward Teal Bunbury leading the line, although he's yet to score this season.
Kansas City will welcome back Oriol Rosell to the team after he sat out the 4-0 win over Montreal after his red card. He'll likely go right back into the starting lineup. The question will be who for. Is it a straight like for like switch with Lawrence Olum making way. Or does Olum drop back to partner Matt Besler in central defense? That question arises depending on the health of Aurelien Collin who left the win over Montreal early with a hamstring. Peter Vermes has said that Collin would be available, but with a very busy month of May ahead that will include losing Besler when he joins the US team, resting Collin to make sure he doesn't hurt his hamstring worse may be a good idea. Dom Dwyer's two goal performance against the Impact earns him another start ahead of designated player, Claudio Bieler.
Kronberg
Myers - Olum - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Feilhaber
Zizzo - Dwyer - Zusi
Number to Remember - 1 - Both KC's goals against average and New England's goals scored average is under the number 1. KC is averaging .67 goals against per game after picking up 3 shutouts. All those shutouts have come at home though, they've given up three in their two away games although two were PKs. The Revs are averaging .71 goals per game.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Teal Bunbury - Bunbury hasn't scored for the Revs since his trade, but his pace is something that has caused problems throughout his time with Kansas City. Besler and the rest of the KC defense can't allow Bunbury to get in behind them tomorrow.
PREDICTION - With the goal scoring record of the Revolution, their home defense which has yet to allow a goal this season, and KC's historical issues scoring goals, this game has the chance to be as bad as last year's regular season match up between the two teams in New England. Maybe KC's offense finally turned the corner after the match up against the Impact, but I'd like a more complete body of work to know for sure. The lack of five potential starters for the Revs could be the thing that tilt the game in KC's favor though, but Sporting has traditionally played down to the level of competition, including when teams are playing without key players.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
NE - 1 (Nguyen)
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Blast From the Past - Sporting Linked with Dayro Moreno Again
Four years ago, the then Kansas City Wizards were linked with Colombian forward, Dayro Moreno. The forward/midfielder was playing with Once Caldas at the time. At the time Caldas wanted $2 million for the forward and KC ended up not signing him, instead sticking with Omar Bravo. In the end it probably worked out for the best as without Moreno to potentially play attacking midfield, it allowed for the emergence of Graham Zusi.
Today though came word that Sporting KC is once again interested in the Colombian. Since Sporting's last interest, the forward has signed for Club Tijuana in Mexico, but spent most of his time there on loan with Colombian clubs, most recently Millonarios. There he led the Colombian league in scoring in the Apertura season with 12 goals. The price for the 28 year old has apparently gone up though. According to the article out of Colombia, it would cost Kansas City double the price back in 2010, $4 million this time around.
So Moreno would come in as a designated player most likely. With KC's current roster, if KC was to bring in Moreno, one would assume that it would be at the expense of the team's other DP, Claudio Bieler.
On the other side of this rumor, with Dom Dwyer already battling Bieler for time and Benny Feilhaber having a great season so far in the attacking midfield position, the thought of adding another guy in those two positions seems a little out of place.
Today though came word that Sporting KC is once again interested in the Colombian. Since Sporting's last interest, the forward has signed for Club Tijuana in Mexico, but spent most of his time there on loan with Colombian clubs, most recently Millonarios. There he led the Colombian league in scoring in the Apertura season with 12 goals. The price for the 28 year old has apparently gone up though. According to the article out of Colombia, it would cost Kansas City double the price back in 2010, $4 million this time around.
So Moreno would come in as a designated player most likely. With KC's current roster, if KC was to bring in Moreno, one would assume that it would be at the expense of the team's other DP, Claudio Bieler.
On the other side of this rumor, with Dom Dwyer already battling Bieler for time and Benny Feilhaber having a great season so far in the attacking midfield position, the thought of adding another guy in those two positions seems a little out of place.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Oshoniyi Gets First Head Coaching Position - Former SKC Wizards Update
Since retiring, former KC Wizards goalkeeper, Bo Oshoniyi has spent the majority of time coaching in the college ranks including Wake Forest and most recently, Penn State. But he'll now get his first head coaching position in college. Oshoniyi was recently named the new head coach at East Tennessee State. He joins a program that won their conference last year and qualified for the NCAA tournament.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Bobby Convey - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-0 win over Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in Salt Lake's 1-0 win over Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 83 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 76 minutes in DC's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-1 draw with DC.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-1 loss to Carolina.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Did not dress in Pittsburgh's 2-2 draw with Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - No game this week.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire reserves.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls reserves.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 1-1 draw with Chiasso.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Dressed but did not play in Hoverla's 2-1 loss to Illichivets.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in either of Millwall's games.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 61 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Pumas.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Drew 0-0 with Orizaba.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Benaluru's 4-2 win over Dempo.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in UAI's 0-0 draw wtih Atlanta. Did not play in UAI's 2-1 win over Deportivo Armenio.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 2-0 win over Universitario Popayan.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 84 minutes in Wigan's 3-0 win over Reading. Did not dress in Wigan's 2-0 loss to Burnley.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Tijuana's 2-1 win over Atlante.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game thsi week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in AZAL's 1-1 draw with Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - out injured.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Beat Dacia 2-1.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 16 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 win over UTC Cajamarca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dressed in Servette's 1-1 draw with Chiasso.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 2-1 loss to Rubin Kazan.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game this weekend.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 85 minutes in Ross County's 2-0 loss to Hearts.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Sarajevo's 3-1 cup win over Zrinjski. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Sarajevo's 3-2 win over Travnik.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 2-0 win over Saarbrucken.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - No game this week.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Bobby Convey - New York - Did not dress in New York's 4-0 win over Houston.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in Salt Lake's 1-0 win over Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 83 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 76 minutes in DC's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 loss to Salt Lake.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 0-0 draw with Colorado.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-1 draw with DC.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-1 loss to Carolina.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Did not dress in Pittsburgh's 2-2 draw with Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - No game this week.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire reserves.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls reserves.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 1-1 draw with Chiasso.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Dressed but did not play in Hoverla's 2-1 loss to Illichivets.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in either of Millwall's games.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 61 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Pumas.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Drew 0-0 with Orizaba.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Benaluru's 4-2 win over Dempo.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 24 minutes in UAI's 0-0 draw wtih Atlanta. Did not play in UAI's 2-1 win over Deportivo Armenio.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 2-0 win over Universitario Popayan.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 84 minutes in Wigan's 3-0 win over Reading. Did not dress in Wigan's 2-0 loss to Burnley.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Tijuana's 2-1 win over Atlante.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game thsi week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in AZAL's 1-1 draw with Khazar Lankaran.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - out injured.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Beat Dacia 2-1.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 16 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 win over UTC Cajamarca.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dressed in Servette's 1-1 draw with Chiasso.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 2-1 loss to Rubin Kazan.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game this weekend.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 85 minutes in Ross County's 2-0 loss to Hearts.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Sarajevo's 3-1 cup win over Zrinjski. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Sarajevo's 3-2 win over Travnik.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 2-0 win over Saarbrucken.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - No game this week.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Ellis Joins OKC on Loan - Sporting Loan Update
Sporting Kansas City announced today that the team had sent a third player on loan to their USL-Pro affiliate, Oklahoma City. The team is sending right back, Kevin Ellis to join Christian Duke and Jon Kempin with the Energy. Ellis had started three league games early in the season and both of the team's Champions League games against Cruz Azul. In those games Ellis had looked strong, like a solid back up to starter Chance Myers. Since the arrival of Igor Juliao though the Brazilian has been making the bench ahead of the home grown player. This move will prove to be a good one for Ellis, this should give him the game times that will give him the chance to continue to develop.
For the rest of KC's players loaned out, it was a quiet week.Mikey Lopez and Orlando City didn't have a game, while Oklahoma City's only game came on Tuesday against FC Dallas' reserves. And only one of KC's loaned players played. Duke missed the game due to the injury he picked up against Arizona last weekend. Kempin was the only player to play. He stopped a first half penalty by Andrew Jacobson to keep the score level at 0-0. OKC did give up a goal in the 53rd minute though and missed a late penalty as the Energy fell 1-0 to Dallas.
This week Orlando will get their turn at the FC Dallas reserves on Tuesday, before the affiliate match up on the weekend when Oklahoma City will host Orlando in their home opener.
For the rest of KC's players loaned out, it was a quiet week.Mikey Lopez and Orlando City didn't have a game, while Oklahoma City's only game came on Tuesday against FC Dallas' reserves. And only one of KC's loaned players played. Duke missed the game due to the injury he picked up against Arizona last weekend. Kempin was the only player to play. He stopped a first half penalty by Andrew Jacobson to keep the score level at 0-0. OKC did give up a goal in the 53rd minute though and missed a late penalty as the Energy fell 1-0 to Dallas.
This week Orlando will get their turn at the FC Dallas reserves on Tuesday, before the affiliate match up on the weekend when Oklahoma City will host Orlando in their home opener.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Sunday After Stats
The game was Peter Vermes' 150th league game in charge of Sporting. He is 65-46-39 as head coach.
Aurelien Collin scored his 16th goal in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 20th place on that list. It also tied Collin with Francisco Gomez for 19th on that list.
This is the sixth time in club history that an own goal has proven to be the game winning goal.
In the first minute, Matt Besler broke his tie with Tony Meola for 13th place for minutes played in league play. Besler finished the game with 11,421 minutes played.
Besler made his 126th start in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for 13th, and tying Matt McKeon for 12th all time.
In the 12th minute, Graham Zusi passed Kei Kamara for minutes played in league play for KC. Zusi finished the game with 8,988 minutes played in league play.
Zusi made his 128th league appearance for KC, tying him with Jimmy Nielsen for 13th all time on that list.
Zusi started his 96th league game for KC, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 20th all time.
In the 26th minute, Chance Myers moved past Jose Burciaga and into 17th place for minutes played in all competitions for KC. Myers finished the game with 10,689 minutes played.
Myers made his 114th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Sean Bowers for 19th on that list.
Aurelien Collin scored his 16th goal in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, and Jack Jewsbury for 20th place on that list. It also tied Collin with Francisco Gomez for 19th on that list.
This is the sixth time in club history that an own goal has proven to be the game winning goal.
In the first minute, Matt Besler broke his tie with Tony Meola for 13th place for minutes played in league play. Besler finished the game with 11,421 minutes played.
Besler made his 126th start in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Tony Meola for 13th, and tying Matt McKeon for 12th all time.
In the 12th minute, Graham Zusi passed Kei Kamara for minutes played in league play for KC. Zusi finished the game with 8,988 minutes played in league play.
Zusi made his 128th league appearance for KC, tying him with Jimmy Nielsen for 13th all time on that list.
Zusi started his 96th league game for KC, tying him with Sasha Victorine for 20th all time.
In the 26th minute, Chance Myers moved past Jose Burciaga and into 17th place for minutes played in all competitions for KC. Myers finished the game with 10,689 minutes played.
Myers made his 114th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Sean Bowers for 19th on that list.
Sporting Lay Four on the Impact
It took a while to get things going last night for Kansas City, but when they did they were able to sweep aside the Montreal Impact, keeping them winless on the season and picking up their third win of the season themselves.
KC controlled the game early on against the Impact, as they seemed to sit back, playing the style many expected from Frank Klopas' team. Unlike those Fire games though, the Impact looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack. In fact they were the better team in creating chances. With KC putting numbers forward as the Impact allowed it, Felipe broke on a 2v1 break with only Aurelien Collin back for KC. Collin did well cutting off the pass to Marco Di Vaio in the middle until Eric Kronberg committed to Felipe. When Felipe did find Di Vaio, Collin had retreated to cover the goal line and knocked away Di Vaio's effort as Felipe squared the ball to him. The rebound fell to Collen Warner who shot right at Kronberg, who covered the shot up. KC continued to pressure the Impact, keeping the ball in the Impact's end on their way to 65% possession in the first half. Benny Feilhaber continued his fine run of form and continued to push to try to make the World Cup roster with another good performance. In the 26th minute he played a perfect through ball on the ground behind the Impact defense for Sal Zizzo. Troy Perkins was quick off his line though and blocked Zizzo's effort. The pressure finally paid off with a goal in the 31st minute. Matt Besler on a long throw in looked to pick out Lawrence Olum or Collin on the play. The ball was just above Olum, but ended up hitting off the head of Impact midfielder, Callum Mallace. His headed looped into the air and dropped into the far corner behind Perkins, giving KC a 1-0 lead. The Impact almost responded immediately down KC's right side, but the pass back to Di Vaio was then fired just wide of the target by the Italian.
The second half saw the Impact make an immediate adjustment, bringing on Andres Romero for Justin Mapp. In the process it looked like Felipe moved up and the Impact started playing with two forwards. Whatever they ended up doing though, it seemed to completely negate what Felipe had done in the first half as he was a none factor in the second. KC continued to pressure early in the second looking for goal number two. In the 67th minute, Feilhaber again played a great through ball, this one to Dom Dwyer. His effort was saved by Perkins' face. The rebound fell to Graham Zusi, but he fired his effort right into Perkins' chest. Shortly after that KC had another opportunity as Zusi got free down the left and played a ball across field to Zizzo, who would have been in alone on goal but Zizzo couldn't catch up with the pass. Finally in the 71st minute KC grabbed a second goal. It again came off of a Besler long through. The ball pinged around the box a little bit, with Dwyer keeping the ball held in. Right when Montreal looked like they'd get it clear, Olum knocked the ball back to Collin who fired a shot that went through a number of players and beat Perkins at his near post to double the advantage. Perkins didn't look good on the replay, but replays after the goal showed just how badly screened he was on the play, making it near impossible to see the ball until it was too late. Just a few minutes later, in the 74th, KC made it 3-0. A long free kick went past every player and into the corner where Jacob Peterson raced it down. He then played a ball on the ground towards the near post where Collin had raced in. Collin though dummied the ball, letting it roll through his legs to Dwyer who slid the ball past Perkins and into the net to make it 3. KC didn't back off and found a fourth in the 86th. Zusi played a nice looping ball to the back post where Dwyer headed it past Perkins for his second of the game and the team's fourth on the night. It was Dwyer's last action of the night as he made way for Claudio Bieler. Bieler almost made it 5-0 seconds after coming on as he received a nice through ball, but his shot went just wide of the far post. KC cruised to victory. Offensively the team didn't look it's best but they controlled possession and limited Montreal throughout.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - One goal, one dummy to set up another goal, a fantastic recovery run to save a ball off the line. Collin had a superb game for Kansas City. Him and the rest of KC's defense limited the Impact to just three shots, and only two on goal. This from the team that was leading the league in shots averaging 16 per game and six on goal per game. Hopefully the tightness that he experienced that led to his sub
Honorable Mention - Dom Dwyer
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Sinovic 7, Besler 7, Collin 8, Myers 7, Olum 7, Nagamura 7, Feilhaber 7, Zusi 7, Dwyer 8, Zizzo 6. Subs Peterson 6, Martinez 6, Bieler NR.
KC controlled the game early on against the Impact, as they seemed to sit back, playing the style many expected from Frank Klopas' team. Unlike those Fire games though, the Impact looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack. In fact they were the better team in creating chances. With KC putting numbers forward as the Impact allowed it, Felipe broke on a 2v1 break with only Aurelien Collin back for KC. Collin did well cutting off the pass to Marco Di Vaio in the middle until Eric Kronberg committed to Felipe. When Felipe did find Di Vaio, Collin had retreated to cover the goal line and knocked away Di Vaio's effort as Felipe squared the ball to him. The rebound fell to Collen Warner who shot right at Kronberg, who covered the shot up. KC continued to pressure the Impact, keeping the ball in the Impact's end on their way to 65% possession in the first half. Benny Feilhaber continued his fine run of form and continued to push to try to make the World Cup roster with another good performance. In the 26th minute he played a perfect through ball on the ground behind the Impact defense for Sal Zizzo. Troy Perkins was quick off his line though and blocked Zizzo's effort. The pressure finally paid off with a goal in the 31st minute. Matt Besler on a long throw in looked to pick out Lawrence Olum or Collin on the play. The ball was just above Olum, but ended up hitting off the head of Impact midfielder, Callum Mallace. His headed looped into the air and dropped into the far corner behind Perkins, giving KC a 1-0 lead. The Impact almost responded immediately down KC's right side, but the pass back to Di Vaio was then fired just wide of the target by the Italian.
The second half saw the Impact make an immediate adjustment, bringing on Andres Romero for Justin Mapp. In the process it looked like Felipe moved up and the Impact started playing with two forwards. Whatever they ended up doing though, it seemed to completely negate what Felipe had done in the first half as he was a none factor in the second. KC continued to pressure early in the second looking for goal number two. In the 67th minute, Feilhaber again played a great through ball, this one to Dom Dwyer. His effort was saved by Perkins' face. The rebound fell to Graham Zusi, but he fired his effort right into Perkins' chest. Shortly after that KC had another opportunity as Zusi got free down the left and played a ball across field to Zizzo, who would have been in alone on goal but Zizzo couldn't catch up with the pass. Finally in the 71st minute KC grabbed a second goal. It again came off of a Besler long through. The ball pinged around the box a little bit, with Dwyer keeping the ball held in. Right when Montreal looked like they'd get it clear, Olum knocked the ball back to Collin who fired a shot that went through a number of players and beat Perkins at his near post to double the advantage. Perkins didn't look good on the replay, but replays after the goal showed just how badly screened he was on the play, making it near impossible to see the ball until it was too late. Just a few minutes later, in the 74th, KC made it 3-0. A long free kick went past every player and into the corner where Jacob Peterson raced it down. He then played a ball on the ground towards the near post where Collin had raced in. Collin though dummied the ball, letting it roll through his legs to Dwyer who slid the ball past Perkins and into the net to make it 3. KC didn't back off and found a fourth in the 86th. Zusi played a nice looping ball to the back post where Dwyer headed it past Perkins for his second of the game and the team's fourth on the night. It was Dwyer's last action of the night as he made way for Claudio Bieler. Bieler almost made it 5-0 seconds after coming on as he received a nice through ball, but his shot went just wide of the far post. KC cruised to victory. Offensively the team didn't look it's best but they controlled possession and limited Montreal throughout.
Wizards Man of the Match - Aurelien Collin - One goal, one dummy to set up another goal, a fantastic recovery run to save a ball off the line. Collin had a superb game for Kansas City. Him and the rest of KC's defense limited the Impact to just three shots, and only two on goal. This from the team that was leading the league in shots averaging 16 per game and six on goal per game. Hopefully the tightness that he experienced that led to his sub
Honorable Mention - Dom Dwyer
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Sinovic 7, Besler 7, Collin 8, Myers 7, Olum 7, Nagamura 7, Feilhaber 7, Zusi 7, Dwyer 8, Zizzo 6. Subs Peterson 6, Martinez 6, Bieler NR.
FC Kansas City Fall on the Road
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City lost for the first time in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season tonight to the Washington Spirit. Amy Rodriguez scored in her second straight match for Kansas City, but it wasn’t enough as Diana Matheson notched two goals for the Spirit as she led her team to a 3-1 victory.
Washington caught Kansas City off guard early. In the fourth minute Crystal Dunn beat Nikki Phillips to a ball in the midfield and raced down the field. At the last moment she dished a pass to Diana Matheson who found the near post open for the 1-0 lead.
FC Kansas City looked to rebound right away after a streaking Amy Rodriguez was taken down in the box and awarded a Penalty Kick in the seventh minute. Normally automatic at the penalty spot, Lauren Holiday was unable to convert the kick, keeping her side down by a goal.
Able to regroup themselves, FC Kansas City returned to their possession-style attack right away. In the 29th minute Liz Bogus received a pass from her midfield and drove straight to goal with Amy Rodriguez on her right and Lauren Holiday on her left. With the defense coming to her, Bogus laid it off to Rodriguez who hit a great shot right away. Spirit goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris was able to make the save on the initial shot, but Rodriguez followed that up with a shot that Harris had no chance on.
The game was turned in the 38th minute when Dunn was once again able to come across the Kansas City defense and find Matheson at the top of the penalty box. Matheson hit a one-time shot that curled away and into the upper left corner of the goal.
Right at the end of the half, Spirit forward Jodie Taylor was fouled just outside of the Kansas City penalty box. Christine Nairn hit her free kick into nearly the same exact spot of the goal as Matheson had minutes earlier. The restart goal gave Washington a 3-1 lead in the final minute of the half.
Just prior to the final goal, defender Nikki Phillips collided with a Spirit forward on a clearance attempt. She was attended to by the trainers and unable to return, being replaced by Nia Williams.
Neither side was able to capitalize on opportunities in the second half. FC Kansas City midfielder Frances Silva made her NWSL debut when she and Jenna Richmond were inserted into the lineup midway through the period. While both players were able to help Kansas City increase pressure on the Spirit, the team was unable to find the back of the net.
The loss is the first of the season for FC Kansas City, who heads to the Pacific Northwest next weekend for a battle with their rival, Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00p.m. CT
. The team returns home on April 30 at 7:00p.m. CT against the Chicago Red Stars. Tickets are available by calling 855.4KC.GOAL or email at tickets@kcprosoccer.com
FC Kansas City lost for the first time in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season tonight to the Washington Spirit. Amy Rodriguez scored in her second straight match for Kansas City, but it wasn’t enough as Diana Matheson notched two goals for the Spirit as she led her team to a 3-1 victory.
Washington caught Kansas City off guard early. In the fourth minute Crystal Dunn beat Nikki Phillips to a ball in the midfield and raced down the field. At the last moment she dished a pass to Diana Matheson who found the near post open for the 1-0 lead.
FC Kansas City looked to rebound right away after a streaking Amy Rodriguez was taken down in the box and awarded a Penalty Kick in the seventh minute. Normally automatic at the penalty spot, Lauren Holiday was unable to convert the kick, keeping her side down by a goal.
Able to regroup themselves, FC Kansas City returned to their possession-style attack right away. In the 29th minute Liz Bogus received a pass from her midfield and drove straight to goal with Amy Rodriguez on her right and Lauren Holiday on her left. With the defense coming to her, Bogus laid it off to Rodriguez who hit a great shot right away. Spirit goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris was able to make the save on the initial shot, but Rodriguez followed that up with a shot that Harris had no chance on.
The game was turned in the 38th minute when Dunn was once again able to come across the Kansas City defense and find Matheson at the top of the penalty box. Matheson hit a one-time shot that curled away and into the upper left corner of the goal.
Right at the end of the half, Spirit forward Jodie Taylor was fouled just outside of the Kansas City penalty box. Christine Nairn hit her free kick into nearly the same exact spot of the goal as Matheson had minutes earlier. The restart goal gave Washington a 3-1 lead in the final minute of the half.
Just prior to the final goal, defender Nikki Phillips collided with a Spirit forward on a clearance attempt. She was attended to by the trainers and unable to return, being replaced by Nia Williams.
Neither side was able to capitalize on opportunities in the second half. FC Kansas City midfielder Frances Silva made her NWSL debut when she and Jenna Richmond were inserted into the lineup midway through the period. While both players were able to help Kansas City increase pressure on the Spirit, the team was unable to find the back of the net.
The loss is the first of the season for FC Kansas City, who heads to the Pacific Northwest next weekend for a battle with their rival, Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00p.m. CT
. The team returns home on April 30 at 7:00p.m. CT against the Chicago Red Stars. Tickets are available by calling 855.4KC.GOAL or email at tickets@kcprosoccer.com
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Quito Interested in Re-Acquiring Bieler?
Sporting KC designated player, Claudio Bieler has seen his minutes this season split between himself and Dom Dwyer. The two have alternated starts for the first seven games of Sporting's season. The split time as well as his lack of playing time in the second half of the 2013 season has led to plenty of speculation on Bieler's exit from KC, with former club, LDU Quito being the location that comes up regularly in discussions.
Those discussions picked up again this past week in the Ecuadorian media. In an interview, the club's president, Esteban Paz discussed the possibility of bringing back the Argentine who is a hero for the club. The story though seems to be one that the media there is building up, as Paz said that the possibility of Bieler returning is "remote." The reason for that Paz says has to do with Bieler's current wages. He would have to take a pay cut to return and Quito would likely need to get rid of some players to accommodate him.
Paz did mention that Sporting still owes the club money for when they purchased Bieler's contract from the club. Stating that they have opened discussions with MLS. The assumption here isn't that KC hasn't paid the transfer fee, if they hadn't, you would expect FIFA to be involved in the lack of payment. This situation more appears to be a situation where Sporting is staggering the fee out over a longer period of time than just paying it all up front.
An article yesterday indicated that Bieler would have to take a 50% pay cut from his current salary with Sporting KC if he wanted to return. The original article mentions that Bieler has had an argument with Peter Vermes and that could be seen as a reason for him wanting to leave KC.
But as I stated earlier, this whole thing seems to be a creation by the media in Ecuador as it was not something that was directly brought up by Paz, it was instead asked by media.
Those discussions picked up again this past week in the Ecuadorian media. In an interview, the club's president, Esteban Paz discussed the possibility of bringing back the Argentine who is a hero for the club. The story though seems to be one that the media there is building up, as Paz said that the possibility of Bieler returning is "remote." The reason for that Paz says has to do with Bieler's current wages. He would have to take a pay cut to return and Quito would likely need to get rid of some players to accommodate him.
Paz did mention that Sporting still owes the club money for when they purchased Bieler's contract from the club. Stating that they have opened discussions with MLS. The assumption here isn't that KC hasn't paid the transfer fee, if they hadn't, you would expect FIFA to be involved in the lack of payment. This situation more appears to be a situation where Sporting is staggering the fee out over a longer period of time than just paying it all up front.
An article yesterday indicated that Bieler would have to take a 50% pay cut from his current salary with Sporting KC if he wanted to return. The original article mentions that Bieler has had an argument with Peter Vermes and that could be seen as a reason for him wanting to leave KC.
But as I stated earlier, this whole thing seems to be a creation by the media in Ecuador as it was not something that was directly brought up by Paz, it was instead asked by media.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Sporting Welcome the East
Sporting KC has spent the entirety of the early MLS season playing the Western Conference. The team's first five games have all been against the Western Conference, with Sporting earning a 2-1-2 record against the West going 1-1 on the road and 1-0-2 at home. But now Kansas City steps back into conference play as the team's next 10 games are against the Eastern Conference. Every team that KC plays between now and the team's break for the 2014 World Cup will be against a conference rival, starting this Saturday against Montreal.
The Impact come into tomorrow's game winless on the season, with a 0-3-3 record after drawing with the Chicago Fire 1-1 last week in Montreal. The Impact have two dangerous goal scorers now up top as they have Marco Di Vaio who scored 20 goals last year, and the recently acquired Jack McInerney, who scored in the team's draw last weekend. Another new face for the Impact is their coach, Frank Klopas. The former KC player moved to take over the job in Montreal after leaving the Chicago Fire at the end of last season. The big question on Montreal heading into this game is if the team will be adopting Klopas' tactics he's deployed the last few years at Sporting Park. This has involved packing it in, slowing the game down and trying to hit on the counter. This has led to two 0-0 draws and just three goals scored in the last four times these teams have met at Sporting Park. With that strategy picking up a point on the road, I'd expect similar tactics to be deployed by the Impact tomorrow.
And with the way that KC has finished chances at home, it's not overly surprising if they do. Sporting has yet to score from the run of play at home in league play this season. Their last goal at home from the run of play was in the Eastern Conference finals against Houston, a span of 505 minutes since Dom Dwyer beat Tally Hall that KC has gone without a goal in the run of play against MLS competition (their goal against Cruz Azul in the Champions League was a run of play goal though). The team has always struggled a bit offensively to put the ball away while generating a number of chances, but the team can't keep relying on penalty kicks or set pieces, someone needs to start finding goals from the run of play. The big question for Kansas City will be who is going to start up top for KC. Whether it'll be Dwyer or the team's designated player, Claudio Bieler. So far this season Peter Vermes has rotated the two with them alternating starts over the course of the first seven games in all competitions. If Vermes keeps to that pattern, Bieler should start this weekend. But the argument can be made that the lack of consistency is one of the things that is causing problems for the forwards. I think Vermes will try to correct that tomorrow and start Dwyer.
Number to Remember - 4 - In the theory of win at home, draw on the road, KC has dropped four points so far this season at home after draws with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake. It goes back to the team's lack of finishing.
Key Match Up - Lawrence Olum vs Felipe - With Oriol Rosell suspended for this game a lot will fall on the shoulders of Olum to fill that gap. Olum has done well in that position when called upon, including coming off the bench after only eight minutes in last year's MLS Cup final. Still Olum will need to be on his game tomorrow, Felipe can cause KC a number of issues in the midfield.
PREDICTION - I expect this game to be like the Fire games the past few years at Sporting Park. Which is to say I expect it to be a fairly ugly game unless KC can score early. In Klopas' tenure as Fire coach, KC's one win at Sporting Park came when they scored in the opening 10 minutes. The longer the game goes scoreless the further back Klopas had his team sit. I expect similar from Montreal. The difference with the Impact is that KC will have to be more mindful of the counter. With the likes of Di Vaio and McInerney, the Impact have more of an ability to hit back at KC when they push numbers forward than the Fire did against KC. The Impact though have been allowing a number of goals so far this year and that is something that will hopefully help KC confidence wise to find the net a couple times tomorrow night. With the extra break and more finishing practice over the past few weeks, I'd expect KC to come out on top of this one though.
SKC - 2 (Dwyer, Zusi)
MTL - 0
The Impact come into tomorrow's game winless on the season, with a 0-3-3 record after drawing with the Chicago Fire 1-1 last week in Montreal. The Impact have two dangerous goal scorers now up top as they have Marco Di Vaio who scored 20 goals last year, and the recently acquired Jack McInerney, who scored in the team's draw last weekend. Another new face for the Impact is their coach, Frank Klopas. The former KC player moved to take over the job in Montreal after leaving the Chicago Fire at the end of last season. The big question on Montreal heading into this game is if the team will be adopting Klopas' tactics he's deployed the last few years at Sporting Park. This has involved packing it in, slowing the game down and trying to hit on the counter. This has led to two 0-0 draws and just three goals scored in the last four times these teams have met at Sporting Park. With that strategy picking up a point on the road, I'd expect similar tactics to be deployed by the Impact tomorrow.
And with the way that KC has finished chances at home, it's not overly surprising if they do. Sporting has yet to score from the run of play at home in league play this season. Their last goal at home from the run of play was in the Eastern Conference finals against Houston, a span of 505 minutes since Dom Dwyer beat Tally Hall that KC has gone without a goal in the run of play against MLS competition (their goal against Cruz Azul in the Champions League was a run of play goal though). The team has always struggled a bit offensively to put the ball away while generating a number of chances, but the team can't keep relying on penalty kicks or set pieces, someone needs to start finding goals from the run of play. The big question for Kansas City will be who is going to start up top for KC. Whether it'll be Dwyer or the team's designated player, Claudio Bieler. So far this season Peter Vermes has rotated the two with them alternating starts over the course of the first seven games in all competitions. If Vermes keeps to that pattern, Bieler should start this weekend. But the argument can be made that the lack of consistency is one of the things that is causing problems for the forwards. I think Vermes will try to correct that tomorrow and start Dwyer.
Kronberg
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Olum - Nagamura
Feilhaber
Zusi - Dwyer - Zizzo
Number to Remember - 4 - In the theory of win at home, draw on the road, KC has dropped four points so far this season at home after draws with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake. It goes back to the team's lack of finishing.
Key Match Up - Lawrence Olum vs Felipe - With Oriol Rosell suspended for this game a lot will fall on the shoulders of Olum to fill that gap. Olum has done well in that position when called upon, including coming off the bench after only eight minutes in last year's MLS Cup final. Still Olum will need to be on his game tomorrow, Felipe can cause KC a number of issues in the midfield.
PREDICTION - I expect this game to be like the Fire games the past few years at Sporting Park. Which is to say I expect it to be a fairly ugly game unless KC can score early. In Klopas' tenure as Fire coach, KC's one win at Sporting Park came when they scored in the opening 10 minutes. The longer the game goes scoreless the further back Klopas had his team sit. I expect similar from Montreal. The difference with the Impact is that KC will have to be more mindful of the counter. With the likes of Di Vaio and McInerney, the Impact have more of an ability to hit back at KC when they push numbers forward than the Fire did against KC. The Impact though have been allowing a number of goals so far this year and that is something that will hopefully help KC confidence wise to find the net a couple times tomorrow night. With the extra break and more finishing practice over the past few weeks, I'd expect KC to come out on top of this one though.
SKC - 2 (Dwyer, Zusi)
MTL - 0
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Sporting Anounce Prices for Manchester City Games
Sporting KC announced the prices for tickets for this summer's friendly against EPL side, Manchester City. As you'd expect with a game against one of the big EPL clubs played at a venue that has a maximum capacity of 21,650, the ticket prices are not cheap. Prices vary from $30 for standing room only tickets all the way to $350 for tickets in the Field Club in section F1. The Members' Stand is the second least expensive ticket at $50 and the South Stand comes in at $10 higher at $60.
Here's the full pricing structure.
Season ticket holders will get first stab at the tickets starting on Monday the 21st. The season ticket holder presale will run through Thursday. During that window they'll only have the ability to buy their current number of tickets. After that presale, season ticket holders will then have 24 hours to buy extra tickets for the game. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday after the two sales.
Here's the full pricing structure.
Season ticket holders will get first stab at the tickets starting on Monday the 21st. The season ticket holder presale will run through Thursday. During that window they'll only have the ability to buy their current number of tickets. After that presale, season ticket holders will then have 24 hours to buy extra tickets for the game. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday after the two sales.
Kamara Out After Hernia Surgery - Former SKC Wizards Update
Middlesbrough hopes that he'll be back before the end of this season, but former KC forward, Kei Kamara is on the sidelines with an injury again. This time it is while he recovers from having sports hernia surgery. Kamara had the surgery last week and is expected to return to training soon.
Also this week, Davy Arnaud edged closer to the 50 goal mark in MLS play for his career, he scored his 49th, the only goal of the game, in DC's 1-0 win over New York last weekend. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 66 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in New England's 2-0 win over Houston.
Bobby Convey - New York - Did not dress in either of New York's games.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 84 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with San Jose.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-0 win over Ottawa.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Did not dres in Pittsburgh's 4-3 loss to Wilmington.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 2-1 win over Richmond.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Dayton.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, recording two assists in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas.
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 1-0 loss to Orlando.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 3-0 loss to Schaffhausen.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Hoverla's 1-0 win over Metalurh Zaporizhya.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in Millwall's 2-2 draw with Watford.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 45 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Morelia.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Inter Playa 4-0.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not dress in either of UAI's games.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Deportivo's 1-0 win over Deportes Quindio.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 1-1 (2-4) PK shootout loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 1-1 draw with Tigres.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Aza's 0-0 draw with Qabala.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - out injured.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Lost 2-0 to Veris.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Suspended for San Martin's 2-1 win over Cesar Vallejo.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 64 minutes in Servette's 3-0 loss to Schaffhausen.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 1-0 win over Krylya Sovetov.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 1-0 win over Wisla Krakow.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Beat Vikingur Olafsvik 4-0 in the cup.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 75 minutes in Sarajevo's 3-0 win over Zvijezda.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 4-2 win over Hansa Rostock.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Started and played 53 minutes in Lara's 0-0 draw with Aragua.
Also this week, Davy Arnaud edged closer to the 50 goal mark in MLS play for his career, he scored his 49th, the only goal of the game, in DC's 1-0 win over New York last weekend. Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 66 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in New England's 2-0 win over Houston.
Bobby Convey - New York - Did not dress in either of New York's games.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 2-2 draw with Philadelphia.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 84 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over New York.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Columbus' 1-1 draw with San Jose.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-0 win over Ottawa.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Did not dres in Pittsburgh's 4-3 loss to Wilmington.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 2-1 win over Richmond.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Dayton.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, recording two assists in OKC's 4-0 win over Arizona. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 loss to Dallas.
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 1-0 loss to Orlando.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 3-0 loss to Schaffhausen.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Hoverla's 1-0 win over Metalurh Zaporizhya.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in Millwall's 2-2 draw with Watford.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 45 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Morelia.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Inter Playa 4-0.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not dress in either of UAI's games.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - No game this week.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Deportivo's 1-0 win over Deportes Quindio.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Dressed but did not play in Wigan's 1-1 (2-4) PK shootout loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Did not dress in Tijuana's 1-1 draw with Tigres.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 90 minutes in Aza's 0-0 draw with Qabala.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - out injured.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Lost 2-0 to Veris.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Suspended for San Martin's 2-1 win over Cesar Vallejo.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 64 minutes in Servette's 3-0 loss to Schaffhausen.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Spartak's 1-0 win over Krylya Sovetov.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 1-0 win over Wisla Krakow.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Beat Vikingur Olafsvik 4-0 in the cup.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - No game this week.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 75 minutes in Sarajevo's 3-0 win over Zvijezda.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Dressed but did not play in Munster's 4-2 win over Hansa Rostock.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Started and played 53 minutes in Lara's 0-0 draw with Aragua.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Duke Leaves OKC Win Early with Injury - Sporting Loan Update
The Oklahoma City Energy picked up the biggest win of their young history this past weekend against Arizona United. It came at a bit of a cost though as one of KC's two loaned players, Christian Duke, left the game after only nine minutes. His replacement, former SKC academy midfielder, David Leichty, picked up the assist on OKC's first goal as they cruised to a 4-0 win on the road.
Goalkeeper, Jon Kempin picked up his first win and first shutout of the season in the game. Kempin had to make three saves in the win, but OKC played 47 minutes up a man after a first half red card. OKC is back in action tomorrow night as they travel to Dallas to take on FC Dallas' reserves in a game.
Meanwhile in Orlando, Mikey Lopez was again an unused substitute for Orlando City as they pulled out a 1-0 win over the Charleston Battery. The Lions next game isn't until a week from tomorrow when they too will take on the FC Dallas reserves down in Dallas.
Goalkeeper, Jon Kempin picked up his first win and first shutout of the season in the game. Kempin had to make three saves in the win, but OKC played 47 minutes up a man after a first half red card. OKC is back in action tomorrow night as they travel to Dallas to take on FC Dallas' reserves in a game.
Meanwhile in Orlando, Mikey Lopez was again an unused substitute for Orlando City as they pulled out a 1-0 win over the Charleston Battery. The Lions next game isn't until a week from tomorrow when they too will take on the FC Dallas reserves down in Dallas.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
FCKC Draw Opener
From FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City ties Sky Blue FC 1-1 in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season opener. Amy Rodriguez once again made FC Kansas City’s goal the first in the league. In front of 3,107 fans at Verizon Wireless Field at Durwood Stadium, Rodriguez scored her first ‘Blues’ goal. Katy Freels scored the equalizer for Sky Blue FC early in the second half.
The ‘Blues’ played the first half with their traditional style of heavy possession. Sky Blue had a difficult time breaking through a dangerous midfield and defense; only tallying one shot on goal in the first half. FC Kansas City however had five on target with one finding the back of the net.
Rookie draft pick Kassey Kallman sent a ball across to Rodriguez who slid the ball by Sky Blue goalkeeper Jill Loyden. The goal came at the 42nd minute, which had Kansas City up at half time. Old friends Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday led the ‘Blues’ offensively with 6 and 4 shots, respectively. Goal scoring Freels led Sky Blue with 3 shots for the night.
The second half saw the same level of intensity from both teams. Kansas City was determined to hold on to the lead created while Sky Blue fought back. A missed clearance led to Freels finding the back of the net unassisted. Rodriguez and Holiday worked the ball in the Sky Blue defense, but couldn’t get another goal. Even with substitutes from both teams, the score stayed at 1-1 at the final whistle.
FC Kansas City hits the road for the next two games. The ‘Blues’ will travel to Maryland to face the Washington Spirit on April 19 at 5:30p.m. CT, then on to Portland to visit the Thorns on April 26 at 9:00p.m. CT. Kansas City will return home on April 30 to take on the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00p.m. CT. For tickets and information call 855.4KC.GOAL or email tickets@kcprosoccer.com
FC Kansas City ties Sky Blue FC 1-1 in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season opener. Amy Rodriguez once again made FC Kansas City’s goal the first in the league. In front of 3,107 fans at Verizon Wireless Field at Durwood Stadium, Rodriguez scored her first ‘Blues’ goal. Katy Freels scored the equalizer for Sky Blue FC early in the second half.
The ‘Blues’ played the first half with their traditional style of heavy possession. Sky Blue had a difficult time breaking through a dangerous midfield and defense; only tallying one shot on goal in the first half. FC Kansas City however had five on target with one finding the back of the net.
Rookie draft pick Kassey Kallman sent a ball across to Rodriguez who slid the ball by Sky Blue goalkeeper Jill Loyden. The goal came at the 42nd minute, which had Kansas City up at half time. Old friends Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday led the ‘Blues’ offensively with 6 and 4 shots, respectively. Goal scoring Freels led Sky Blue with 3 shots for the night.
The second half saw the same level of intensity from both teams. Kansas City was determined to hold on to the lead created while Sky Blue fought back. A missed clearance led to Freels finding the back of the net unassisted. Rodriguez and Holiday worked the ball in the Sky Blue defense, but couldn’t get another goal. Even with substitutes from both teams, the score stayed at 1-1 at the final whistle.
FC Kansas City hits the road for the next two games. The ‘Blues’ will travel to Maryland to face the Washington Spirit on April 19 at 5:30p.m. CT, then on to Portland to visit the Thorns on April 26 at 9:00p.m. CT. Kansas City will return home on April 30 to take on the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00p.m. CT. For tickets and information call 855.4KC.GOAL or email tickets@kcprosoccer.com
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Sporting Player Salaries Released
The MLS Players Union has released the first set of salaries for the 2014 season. As always these are probably a good base, but these probably are not the 100% number for many of the players. You have to remember that some salaries get paid down with allocation money, or retention funds (which KC used last year on both Matt Besler and Graham Zusi). Also remember that a player is a designated player if the transfer fee paid makes them a DP. So Claudio Bieler could either be paid down with allocation money, or his Designated Player status comes from a transfer fee that KC paid.
Zusi comes in as the highest paid player on Kansas City, with a base of $365,000, with Benny Feilhaber second at $325,000, and Aurelien Collin in third at $275,000. Bieler is fourth at $225,000, Paulo Nagamura is fifth at $220,000 and Besler is sixth at $200,000. After Besler comes one of KC's new signings, Toni Dovale, who sits at $180,000.
KC's other new signings are on the lower end. Andy Gruenebaum is making $85,000 which is a drop from his $92,200 he made last year with Columbus. KC's other acquisition from within MLS, Sal Zizzo, saw his salary increase, but only slight, from $76,781 to $77,000. The other new acquisitions this year are near the low end of the salary scale, Igor Juliao is making $48,500, while the two players that were drafted in the 2014 MLS draft, Alex Martinez and Victor Munoz (by DC) make $36,504.
When it comes to the players that stayed with KC, there was plenty of movement. The biggest move was Chance Myers, who with his new contract increased from $105,000 to $165,000. After Myers the biggest mover was starting goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg, who made a big jump himself of over $43,000 to $120,000. Oriol Rosell jumped up $40,000 himself, and Seth Sinovic made a jump of $35,000. The biggest drop, Nagamura, whose salary went down $40,000 this year.
Here is the full list.
Player - Base Salary - Guaranteed Compensation
Matt Besler - $200,000 - $200,000
Claudio Bieler - $225,000 - $225,000
Aurelien Collin - $275,000 - $281,250
Toni Dovale - $180,000 - $185,000
Christian Duke - $36,500 - $36,500
Dom Dwyer - $80,000 - $92,500
Kevin Ellis - $48,825 - $49,575
Benny Feilhaber - $325,000 - $337,187.50
Andy Gruenebaum - $85,000 - $85,000
Peterson Joseph - $51,150 - $51,150
Igor Juliao - $48,500 - $48,500
Jon Kempin - $70,000 - $77,083.33
Eric Kronberg - $120,000 - $120,000
Mikey Lopez - $85,000 - $157,000
Alex Martinez - $36,504 - $36,504
Jimmy Medranda - $48,504 - $48,504
Victor Munoz - $36,504 - $36,504
Chance Myers - $160,000 - $185,000
Paulo Nagamura - $220,000 - $220,000
Lawrence Olum - $48,825 - $48,825
Ike Opara - $97,500 - $103,705
Erik Palmer-Brown - $48,500 - $49,000
Jacob Peterson - $110,000 - $114,833.33
Oriol Rosell - $150,000 - $158,750
Soony Saad - $51,150 - $51,150
CJ Sapong - $95,000 - $112,000
Seth Sinovic - $125,000 - $131,750
Sal Zizzo - $77,000 - $91,045.71
Graham Zusi - $365,000 - $398,250
Zusi comes in as the highest paid player on Kansas City, with a base of $365,000, with Benny Feilhaber second at $325,000, and Aurelien Collin in third at $275,000. Bieler is fourth at $225,000, Paulo Nagamura is fifth at $220,000 and Besler is sixth at $200,000. After Besler comes one of KC's new signings, Toni Dovale, who sits at $180,000.
KC's other new signings are on the lower end. Andy Gruenebaum is making $85,000 which is a drop from his $92,200 he made last year with Columbus. KC's other acquisition from within MLS, Sal Zizzo, saw his salary increase, but only slight, from $76,781 to $77,000. The other new acquisitions this year are near the low end of the salary scale, Igor Juliao is making $48,500, while the two players that were drafted in the 2014 MLS draft, Alex Martinez and Victor Munoz (by DC) make $36,504.
When it comes to the players that stayed with KC, there was plenty of movement. The biggest move was Chance Myers, who with his new contract increased from $105,000 to $165,000. After Myers the biggest mover was starting goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg, who made a big jump himself of over $43,000 to $120,000. Oriol Rosell jumped up $40,000 himself, and Seth Sinovic made a jump of $35,000. The biggest drop, Nagamura, whose salary went down $40,000 this year.
Here is the full list.
Player - Base Salary - Guaranteed Compensation
Matt Besler - $200,000 - $200,000
Claudio Bieler - $225,000 - $225,000
Aurelien Collin - $275,000 - $281,250
Toni Dovale - $180,000 - $185,000
Christian Duke - $36,500 - $36,500
Dom Dwyer - $80,000 - $92,500
Kevin Ellis - $48,825 - $49,575
Benny Feilhaber - $325,000 - $337,187.50
Andy Gruenebaum - $85,000 - $85,000
Peterson Joseph - $51,150 - $51,150
Igor Juliao - $48,500 - $48,500
Jon Kempin - $70,000 - $77,083.33
Eric Kronberg - $120,000 - $120,000
Mikey Lopez - $85,000 - $157,000
Alex Martinez - $36,504 - $36,504
Jimmy Medranda - $48,504 - $48,504
Victor Munoz - $36,504 - $36,504
Chance Myers - $160,000 - $185,000
Paulo Nagamura - $220,000 - $220,000
Lawrence Olum - $48,825 - $48,825
Ike Opara - $97,500 - $103,705
Erik Palmer-Brown - $48,500 - $49,000
Jacob Peterson - $110,000 - $114,833.33
Oriol Rosell - $150,000 - $158,750
Soony Saad - $51,150 - $51,150
CJ Sapong - $95,000 - $112,000
Seth Sinovic - $125,000 - $131,750
Sal Zizzo - $77,000 - $91,045.71
Graham Zusi - $365,000 - $398,250
Sporting Lose Opara for the Season
Sporting Kansas City took a blow to its depth chart today with the announcement that defender Ike Opara will have ankle surgery that will keep him out for the rest of the 2014 season. Opara was injured in his last appearance for KC, against the Colorado Rapids almost two weeks ago. While attempting to clear a ball, Opara got hit on the ankle/leg by Rapid's midfielder, Jared Watts. Opara went down in a heap grabbing his leg, but in the process falling on the ball, which the referee felt was a hand ball, giving the Rapids a penalty kick.
In the aftermath of the call, Opara had to be stretchered off the field and was replaced by Aurelien Collin. After the game many KC fans in Colorado, including myself, saw Opara on crutches. The next day Tweets from Opara stated that it wasn't a break.
Jump ahead to the game last weekend against Real Salt Lake, Opara was not on the bench for KC. That wasn't overly surprising after the injury the weekend before, giving Opara a break made sense.
The news today though is a big blow for KC. Opara had become a solid contributor to Kansas City since the team traded for him before the 2013 season. Filling in when Matt Besler was away with the US team or Aurelien Collin was suspended, or when either needed a break, Opara appeared in 18 league games for KC, starting 15 of them. He also appeared in US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, and playoff games. With his injury history in the past though, those were both career highs for the defender. He's missed a number of games due to injury in his career, including a broken left foot that caused him to miss a number of games when he was with San Jose.
The biggest blow this year will be for KC will be when Besler leaves to join the US team for the World Cup. With Opara out, the primary backup center back role will fall to Lawrence Olum. While Olum has played the center back position before, including in the 2012 US Open Cup final that KC won, he's spent most of the past year playing in the midfield, primarily as Oriol Rosell's back up in the deep lying midfield position. It shouldn't be a big change for him, but it'll still be a step down from Opara.
Behind Olum is where the bigger drop off is. KC's only other center back on the roster is 16 year old, Erik Palmer-Brown. The teenager, while appearing for the US youth team at a number of levels, including a call up to the U20 team for the Dallas Cup, likely is not in the position to be the primary back up while Besler is away.
If KC does want to make a move, they still have an open roster spot available. The player that they bring in likely won't be a big signing, depending on the team's hopes for the summer window, but they do have the ability to bring someone in if Peter Vermes wants to add to his depth.
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Thomas Named OKC Captain - Former SKC Wizards Update
Sporting Kansas City's USL-Pro affiliate, Oklahoma City kicked off their season this past weekend in Los Angeles against Orange County and the LA Galaxy II. The team which features two loaned KC players, also features three former Sporting players and one former academy player. Of those six players with ties to Kansas City, another former Sporting player, Jimmy Nielsen, named one his captain. Michael Thomas, who has played in Sweden and KC in his career was named the Energy's first team captain by Nielsen ahead of their first games last weekend. Here's this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-0 win over New England.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to DC.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-2 draw with Montreal.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 55 minutes in Salt Lake's 0-0 draw with KC.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in the USA's 2-2 draw with Mexico. Started and played 87 minutes in DC's 2-0 win over New England.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-0 loss to Toronto.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 45 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Started and played 45 minutes in Charlotte's 1-0 loss to Dayton.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 83 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 3-1 loss to Orlando.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 1-0 win over Locarno.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Hoverla's 0-0 draw with Metalurh Donetsk.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in either of Millwall's games.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Did not dress in Chivas' 3-1 win over Pachuca.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Toros Neza 2-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Bengaluru's 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not dress in UAI's 2-1 loss to Tristan Suarez.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 6-1 win over Police FC.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 3-0 loss to Depor FC.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Out injured.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Tijuana's 3-1 win over Toluca. Did not dress in Tijuana's 2-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the CCL.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Did not dress in Boavista's 2-1 loss to America RN.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 78 minutes in Azal's 2-0 loss to Qarabag.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Dressed but did not play in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Derby. Did not dress in Middlesbrough's 3-1 win over Birmingham City.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Lost to Milsami 2-1. Lost 2-1 to Zimbru.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 76 minutes before being red carded in San Martin's 3-0 loss to Cienciano.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-0 win over Locarno.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 1-0 loss to Ural.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 3-3 draw with Slask Wroclaw.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Beat Valur 2-1 in the league cup.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 2-1 loss to Inverness.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Did not dress in Sarajevo's 0-0 draw wtih Rudar Prijedor.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Munster's 2-0 loss to Darmstadt.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Lara's 3-3 draw with Zulia.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Adnan Gablejic
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-0 win over New England.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to DC.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-2 draw with Montreal.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 55 minutes in Salt Lake's 0-0 draw with KC.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Dressed but did not play in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Came off the bench and played 26 minutes in the USA's 2-2 draw with Mexico. Started and played 87 minutes in DC's 2-0 win over New England.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 2-0 win over Columbus.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-4 draw with Seattle.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-0 loss to Toronto.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 45 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Started and played 45 minutes in Charlotte's 1-0 loss to Dayton.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 83 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - Did not dress in Rochester's 3-1 loss to Orlando.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Orange County. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 4-2 loss to LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Did not dress in Servette's 1-0 win over Locarno.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season starts 4/27
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Came off the bench and played 33 minutes in Hoverla's 0-0 draw with Metalurh Donetsk.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in either of Millwall's games.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Did not dress in Chivas' 3-1 win over Pachuca.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Beat Toros Neza 2-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Bengaluru's 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Did not dress in UAI's 2-1 loss to Tristan Suarez.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 6-1 win over Police FC.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 3-0 loss to Depor FC.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Out injured.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Dressed but did not play in Tijuana's 3-1 win over Toluca. Did not dress in Tijuana's 2-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the CCL.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Did not dress in Boavista's 2-1 loss to America RN.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 78 minutes in Azal's 2-0 loss to Qarabag.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Dressed but did not play in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Derby. Did not dress in Middlesbrough's 3-1 win over Birmingham City.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Lost to Milsami 2-1. Lost 2-1 to Zimbru.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 76 minutes before being red carded in San Martin's 3-0 loss to Cienciano.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 1-0 win over Locarno.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 90 minutes in Spartak's 1-0 loss to Ural.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 3-3 draw with Slask Wroclaw.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Beat Valur 2-1 in the league cup.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 2-1 loss to Inverness.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Did not dress in Sarajevo's 0-0 draw wtih Rudar Prijedor.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Munster's 2-0 loss to Darmstadt.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Lara's 3-3 draw with Zulia.
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
All Three Loaned Players Debut - Sporting Loan Update
A day later than I said last week because I'd forgotten that Oklahoma City had a game late on Monday that would involve two of Sporting KC's loaned players.
Oklahoma had a two game swing in Southern California taking on the Orange County Blues and LA Galaxy II. The game on Saturday saw just one of KC's loaned players make their debut. Christian Duke started for the Energy in the midfield and in the 11th minute recorded the first assist in the club's history, setting up Kyle Grieg. The Energy ended up getting a second goal 17 minutes later to double their lead. Duke came out in stoppage time for former KC academy player, David Leichty.
Two days later Duke started again for the Energy against the LA Galaxy II. Also appearing, making his debut for the Energy, was Jon Kempin. Kempin missed the first game against the Blues as he was in Kansas City after being recalled by KC to be Eric Kronberg's back up with Andy Gruenebaum injured. Against the Galaxy, the Energy grabbed an early 1-0 lead, but then allowed three unanswered goals and were down 3-1 at the half. The Energy pulled one back before the hour mark to make it 3-2, but the Galaxy scored a fourth on Kempin in stoppage time to make the final score 4-2 for the Galaxy.
In Orlando, Mikey Lopez also made his debut for the Lions. After being an unused sub in their first two games, Lopez came on in the 87th minute for Orlando as they picked up their first win of the season, 3-1 over the Rochester Rhinos.
Next week, Oklahoma City will play Arizona United in that club's first game of the season, and then on Tuesday will travel to Dallas to take on the FC Dallas reserves. Meanwhile Orlando will host the Charleston Battery.
Oklahoma had a two game swing in Southern California taking on the Orange County Blues and LA Galaxy II. The game on Saturday saw just one of KC's loaned players make their debut. Christian Duke started for the Energy in the midfield and in the 11th minute recorded the first assist in the club's history, setting up Kyle Grieg. The Energy ended up getting a second goal 17 minutes later to double their lead. Duke came out in stoppage time for former KC academy player, David Leichty.
Two days later Duke started again for the Energy against the LA Galaxy II. Also appearing, making his debut for the Energy, was Jon Kempin. Kempin missed the first game against the Blues as he was in Kansas City after being recalled by KC to be Eric Kronberg's back up with Andy Gruenebaum injured. Against the Galaxy, the Energy grabbed an early 1-0 lead, but then allowed three unanswered goals and were down 3-1 at the half. The Energy pulled one back before the hour mark to make it 3-2, but the Galaxy scored a fourth on Kempin in stoppage time to make the final score 4-2 for the Galaxy.
In Orlando, Mikey Lopez also made his debut for the Lions. After being an unused sub in their first two games, Lopez came on in the 87th minute for Orlando as they picked up their first win of the season, 3-1 over the Rochester Rhinos.
Next week, Oklahoma City will play Arizona United in that club's first game of the season, and then on Tuesday will travel to Dallas to take on the FC Dallas reserves. Meanwhile Orlando will host the Charleston Battery.
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Sunday After Stats
With a full 90 minute performance, Matt Besler tied Tony Meola for 13th place on the list for league minutes played. Besler finished the game with 11,331 minutes played in MLS play.
Besler also made his 157th appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Meola for 12th on that list.
Besler made his 150th start for KC in all competitions, he's the 11th player to hit that mark for KC.
Besler made his 125th start in league play for KC, tying him with Meola for 13th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 151st appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown for 14th on that list.
Zusi made his 117th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Uche Okafor for 17th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 113th start in all competitions, tying him with Sean Bowers for 19th on that list.
Paulo Nagamura made his 50th start in all competitions for KC, he's the 47th player to hit that mark.
Besler also made his 157th appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Meola for 12th on that list.
Besler made his 150th start for KC in all competitions, he's the 11th player to hit that mark for KC.
Besler made his 125th start in league play for KC, tying him with Meola for 13th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 151st appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown for 14th on that list.
Zusi made his 117th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Uche Okafor for 17th on that list.
Chance Myers made his 113th start in all competitions, tying him with Sean Bowers for 19th on that list.
Paulo Nagamura made his 50th start in all competitions for KC, he's the 47th player to hit that mark.
Sporting and Salt Lake Draw in MLS Cup Rematch
Just like MLS Cup 2013 in December, 90 minutes could not separate Sporting KC and Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Sporting Park. This time though there was no extra time and penalty kicks to decide the winner. Instead both teams walked away with one point after the 0-0 draw.
Salt Lake started the game off with some high pressure, which created an early opportunity for Olmes Garcia who got some space on KC's left and fired an effort just over the bar. KC was able to settle down and created some opportunities of their own. Graham Zusi fired a weak effort on goal after a combination between Sal Zizzo and Paulo Nagamura down the right. KC had a golden opportunity in the 10th minute. After winning the ball in their end, Matt Besler played a nice ball over the top to Dom Dwyer who got in behind RSL's defense. One-v-one with RSL's back up goalkeeper, Jeff Attinella, Dwyer tried to fire a shot to the far post, but Attinella made the save. KC kept up the pressure and in the 27th minute off a short corner, Seth Sinovic forced a good save from Attinella as he fired a shot from distance that had to be tipped over for another corner. Attinella was again called into action in the 34th minute. A Besler long throw was headed away by RSL right into the path of Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber's one time volley though was well saved by Attinella.
KC continued the pressure in the second half with Aurelien Collin forcing Attinella to make a save on a header less than a minute into the half. In the 50th minute, KC had another great chance. Sinovic played a square ball to Zusi who got past his mark. Zusi tried to slide the ball into the far post, but it rolled just wide and out for a goal kick. You started to get the feeling it wasn't going to be KC's night, but they continued to push the game and create the better chances. Another came in the 63rd as Dwyer was once again played in behind Salt Lake's defense. Attinella came far off his line forcing Dwyer wide but Dwyer still got a shot off from no angle. His effort hit the post and bounced back into play for Zizzo. Zizzo's effort was cleared off the line by Nat Borchers and KC had another golden chance go begging. KC found themselves a man down with less than 10 minutes to play in the 83rd minute. Near the side line, RSL sub, after Devon Sandoval received the ball, Oriol Rosell came in with a challenge, not getting the ball. Referee Armando Villarreal did not hesitate, immediately going to the back pocket and showing the Spaniard a red card. After reviewing the play, it looked similar to the one that got Steven Caldwell a one game suspension by the disciplinary committee. Salt Lake couldn't take advantage of the man advantage though and both teams settled for a point. A disappointing result for KC considering the number of quality chances that they created.
Wizards Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Anchored KC's back line to their third shutout of the season, second in league play. With some better finishing he would have had an assist as well.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Sinovic 6, Collin 7, Besler 7, Myers 6, Rosell 5, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 5, Dwyer 5, Zizzo 5. Subs Bieler 5, Dovale 5, Olum NR.
Salt Lake started the game off with some high pressure, which created an early opportunity for Olmes Garcia who got some space on KC's left and fired an effort just over the bar. KC was able to settle down and created some opportunities of their own. Graham Zusi fired a weak effort on goal after a combination between Sal Zizzo and Paulo Nagamura down the right. KC had a golden opportunity in the 10th minute. After winning the ball in their end, Matt Besler played a nice ball over the top to Dom Dwyer who got in behind RSL's defense. One-v-one with RSL's back up goalkeeper, Jeff Attinella, Dwyer tried to fire a shot to the far post, but Attinella made the save. KC kept up the pressure and in the 27th minute off a short corner, Seth Sinovic forced a good save from Attinella as he fired a shot from distance that had to be tipped over for another corner. Attinella was again called into action in the 34th minute. A Besler long throw was headed away by RSL right into the path of Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber's one time volley though was well saved by Attinella.
KC continued the pressure in the second half with Aurelien Collin forcing Attinella to make a save on a header less than a minute into the half. In the 50th minute, KC had another great chance. Sinovic played a square ball to Zusi who got past his mark. Zusi tried to slide the ball into the far post, but it rolled just wide and out for a goal kick. You started to get the feeling it wasn't going to be KC's night, but they continued to push the game and create the better chances. Another came in the 63rd as Dwyer was once again played in behind Salt Lake's defense. Attinella came far off his line forcing Dwyer wide but Dwyer still got a shot off from no angle. His effort hit the post and bounced back into play for Zizzo. Zizzo's effort was cleared off the line by Nat Borchers and KC had another golden chance go begging. KC found themselves a man down with less than 10 minutes to play in the 83rd minute. Near the side line, RSL sub, after Devon Sandoval received the ball, Oriol Rosell came in with a challenge, not getting the ball. Referee Armando Villarreal did not hesitate, immediately going to the back pocket and showing the Spaniard a red card. After reviewing the play, it looked similar to the one that got Steven Caldwell a one game suspension by the disciplinary committee. Salt Lake couldn't take advantage of the man advantage though and both teams settled for a point. A disappointing result for KC considering the number of quality chances that they created.
Wizards Man of the Match - Matt Besler - Anchored KC's back line to their third shutout of the season, second in league play. With some better finishing he would have had an assist as well.
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Sinovic 6, Collin 7, Besler 7, Myers 6, Rosell 5, Nagamura 6, Feilhaber 6, Zusi 5, Dwyer 5, Zizzo 5. Subs Bieler 5, Dovale 5, Olum NR.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Match Day 5: MLS Cup Rematch
Just under four months since Sporting Kansas City raised the MLS Cup after beating Real Salt Lake in a shoot out, they'll welcome them back to Sporting Park Saturday. That game was just the continuation of what has become a bit of a rivalry between the two teams ever since a preseason game was ended early after a Roger Espinoza tackle caused the benches to clear. The two teams have had physical encounters ever since, with both sides trading comments off the field as well, with Salt Lake making claims of Sporting's dirty tactics, and Sporting responding with claims that Salt Lake doesn't play as beautiful as they claim.
Salt Lake is coming into the game after dismantling Toronto FC with a 3-0 win at home last weekend. Alvaro Saborio led the way for Salt Lake, scoring two goals against the previously unbeaten Reds. Salt Lake remains undefeated on the season, beating LA along with Toronto while drawing with San Jose and LA. They will have four players returning from national team duty at midweek, with three of those four starting against Mexico in Arizona. Nick Rimando, Kyle Beckerman, and Tony Beltran all started for the USA, while Luis Gil was in camp but did not dress. Rimando played the full game while Beckerman and Beltran both played just over 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, Kansas City had two players travel to Arizona for the US vs Mexico game. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi both started for the USA and played just under an hour before subbing out of the game. Both will be available for selection in the game this weekend. Also available for selection, and likely to make his first appearance of the 2014 season, Chance Myers. He'd missed the team's first six games of the season with a groin strain. In that time though Kevin Ellis has filled in well, but getting KC's first choice rightback into the starting XI will be a big boost for Sporting going against RSL, if Myers is ready to start.
Kronberg
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Feilhaber
Zizzo - Dwyer - Zusi
Number to Remember - 1 - That's how many more fouls that RSL (not KC) has committed than KC in regular season match ups between the two teams since 2009.
Key Match Up - Dom Dwyer vs Nat Borchers - I expect after the goal that Dwyer scored on the weekend he will get the start tomorrow. But part of the lead up to this game has centered around Dwyer's quote that he doesn't like RSL and Borchers' response. And I'm not sure that Dwyer has forgotten this:
PREDICTION - This game isn't going to be pretty tomorrow, I expect a good number of fouls from both sides. With the number of fouls I also expect the game to be a tight affair and if there is a winner it's going to be decided by a single goal. I'm not sure there will be a winner though, I think the two will end up playing to a draw. There's not enough between the two sides to have a winner tomorrow in my opinion. RSL is playing very well to start the season right now to help offset KC's home field advantage.
SKC - 1 (Zusi)
RSL - 1 (Saborio)
Salt Lake is coming into the game after dismantling Toronto FC with a 3-0 win at home last weekend. Alvaro Saborio led the way for Salt Lake, scoring two goals against the previously unbeaten Reds. Salt Lake remains undefeated on the season, beating LA along with Toronto while drawing with San Jose and LA. They will have four players returning from national team duty at midweek, with three of those four starting against Mexico in Arizona. Nick Rimando, Kyle Beckerman, and Tony Beltran all started for the USA, while Luis Gil was in camp but did not dress. Rimando played the full game while Beckerman and Beltran both played just over 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, Kansas City had two players travel to Arizona for the US vs Mexico game. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi both started for the USA and played just under an hour before subbing out of the game. Both will be available for selection in the game this weekend. Also available for selection, and likely to make his first appearance of the 2014 season, Chance Myers. He'd missed the team's first six games of the season with a groin strain. In that time though Kevin Ellis has filled in well, but getting KC's first choice rightback into the starting XI will be a big boost for Sporting going against RSL, if Myers is ready to start.
Kronberg
Myers - Collin - Besler - Sinovic
Nagamura - Rosell
Feilhaber
Zizzo - Dwyer - Zusi
Number to Remember - 1 - That's how many more fouls that RSL (not KC) has committed than KC in regular season match ups between the two teams since 2009.
Key Match Up - Dom Dwyer vs Nat Borchers - I expect after the goal that Dwyer scored on the weekend he will get the start tomorrow. But part of the lead up to this game has centered around Dwyer's quote that he doesn't like RSL and Borchers' response. And I'm not sure that Dwyer has forgotten this:
PREDICTION - This game isn't going to be pretty tomorrow, I expect a good number of fouls from both sides. With the number of fouls I also expect the game to be a tight affair and if there is a winner it's going to be decided by a single goal. I'm not sure there will be a winner though, I think the two will end up playing to a draw. There's not enough between the two sides to have a winner tomorrow in my opinion. RSL is playing very well to start the season right now to help offset KC's home field advantage.
SKC - 1 (Zusi)
RSL - 1 (Saborio)
Sporting Sign Fluminense Defender Julião on Loan
The rumored signing of Fluminense defender, Igor Julião was officially announced today by the club. The 19 year old right back has appeared for the Brazilian U20 team and has appeared over 20 times for the Brazilian side.
The original rumor was that the move was a loan for the entire season. That move was confirmed today as the club announced Julião will be with the team on loan through the end of the season. No mention was made about whether there is an option to buy in the loan deal like there was in KC's last loan deal. Last year, Sporting brought in Colombian Jimmy Medranda on loan as well. This year, Sporting made the deal permanent. One would think that has to be a similar clause in this deal that would allow KC to purchase Julião's contact outright.
The original rumor was that the move was a loan for the entire season. That move was confirmed today as the club announced Julião will be with the team on loan through the end of the season. No mention was made about whether there is an option to buy in the loan deal like there was in KC's last loan deal. Last year, Sporting brought in Colombian Jimmy Medranda on loan as well. This year, Sporting made the deal permanent. One would think that has to be a similar clause in this deal that would allow KC to purchase Julião's contact outright.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Former SKC Wizards Update
Here's your former SKC Wizards update for this week. While Eddie Johnson steps on the field for the US vs Mexico.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Nelson Pizarro
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Came off the bench and played 52 minutes in DC's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-1 win over San Jose.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over Toronto.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 39 minutes before being red carded in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 87 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 3-0 los to Salt Lake.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 loss to New England.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 win over Seattle.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 1-1 draw with Orlando.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - No game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - No game this week.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - No game this week.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Charleston.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-2 draw with Richmond.
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 45 minutes in Servette's 5-1 loss to Wohlen.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season has not started.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Did not dress in Hoverla's 3-1 loss to Vorskla.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in Millwall's 2-2 draw with Blackburn.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Did not dress in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Club America.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Dres with Patriotas Cordoba 1-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Bengaluru's 1-1 draw with Pune.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in UAI's 2-1 loss to Temperley.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 1-1 draw with Point Fortin.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 1-0 win over Valledupar.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Out injured.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Started and played 59 minutes in Tijuana's 2-1 loss to Queretaro. Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Tijuana's 1-0 win over Cruz Azul.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 67 minutes in Azal's 2-1 loss to Sumqayit.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Dressed but did not play in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Brighton.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Beat Speranta Cahul 1-0.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 loss to Melgar.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 5-1 loss to Wohlen.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 83 minutes in Spartak's 0-0 draw wiht Lokomotiv Moscow.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 1-0 win over Ruch Chorzow.
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Season started 4/6
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 1-1 draw with Celtic.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes in Sarajevo's 0-0 cup draw with Zeljeznicar. Started and played 61 minutes in Sarajevo's 0-0 draw with Borac Banja Luka.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Munster's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund II.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Did not play in LAra's 2-2 draw with Caracas.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Josh Gardner
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Nelson Pizarro
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Came off the bench and played 52 minutes in DC's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-1 win over San Jose.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 1-1 draw with Chivas.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-0 win over Toronto.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 39 minutes before being red carded in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 87 minutes in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Did not dress in Toronto's 3-0 los to Salt Lake.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 2-1 loss to Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 2-1 loss to New England.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 win over Seattle.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Offseason.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 1-1 draw with Orlando.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Neal Kitson - Phoenix - No game this week.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - No game this week.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Mike Reidy - Rochester - No game this week.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - No game this week.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Charleston.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-2 draw with Richmond.
Other
Birahim Diop - New England Force
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 45 minutes in Servette's 5-1 loss to Wohlen.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Season has not started.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Did not dress in Hoverla's 3-1 loss to Vorskla.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Did not dress in Millwall's 2-2 draw with Blackburn.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Did not dress in Chivas' 4-0 loss to Club America.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Dres with Patriotas Cordoba 1-1.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in Bengaluru's 1-1 draw with Pune.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in UAI's 2-1 loss to Temperley.
Daneil Cyrus - W Connection - Trinidad - Started and played 90 minutes in W Connection's 1-1 draw with Point Fortin.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Did not play in Cucuta's 1-0 win over Valledupar.
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Out injured.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Started and played 59 minutes in Tijuana's 2-1 loss to Queretaro. Came off the bench and played 3 minutes in Tijuana's 1-0 win over Cruz Azul.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - No game this week.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Started and played 67 minutes in Azal's 2-1 loss to Sumqayit.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Dressed but did not play in Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over Brighton.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Beat Speranta Cahul 1-0.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Started and played 90 minutes in San Martin's 2-0 loss to Melgar.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Started and played 90 minutes in Servette's 5-1 loss to Wohlen.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 83 minutes in Spartak's 0-0 draw wiht Lokomotiv Moscow.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 1-0 win over Ruch Chorzow.
Akeem Priestly - RoPS - Finland - Season started 4/6
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - No game this week.
Yann Songo'o - Ross County (Blackburn) - Scotland (England) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ross County's 1-1 draw with Celtic.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Started and played 90 minutes in Sarajevo's 0-0 cup draw with Zeljeznicar. Started and played 61 minutes in Sarajevo's 0-0 draw with Borac Banja Luka.
Matt Taylor - Preußen Münster - Germany - Came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Munster's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund II.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Did not play in LAra's 2-2 draw with Caracas.
Kempin Recalled From Loan - Sporting Loan Update
I've decided that I am going to remove Sporting's players loaned out to their USL affiliates from the former player update and give them their own one. I'll be putting this out on Monday's going forward.
Sporting announced today that they'd already recalled one of their three loaned players, goalkeeper Jon Kempin. Sporting's back up goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum picked up an ankle sprain in training and is now questionable for Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake. With that injury, Sporting recalled the 20 year old to be Eric Kronberg's back up this weekend. Kempin will miss Oklahoma City's first game of the season on Saturday in California against the Orange County Blues, but will return in time for the game on Monday against the LA Galaxy II.
With Oklahoma City having not started their season yet, that means that Christian Duke has also not seen the field yet.
Only affiliate Orlando City had a game this past weekend, drawing 1-1 against Pittsburgh in their home opener. It was the second draw of the season for the Lions. Sporting's Mikey Lopez though was again an unused sub for Orlando in the game.
Sporting announced today that they'd already recalled one of their three loaned players, goalkeeper Jon Kempin. Sporting's back up goalkeeper, Andy Gruenebaum picked up an ankle sprain in training and is now questionable for Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake. With that injury, Sporting recalled the 20 year old to be Eric Kronberg's back up this weekend. Kempin will miss Oklahoma City's first game of the season on Saturday in California against the Orange County Blues, but will return in time for the game on Monday against the LA Galaxy II.
With Oklahoma City having not started their season yet, that means that Christian Duke has also not seen the field yet.
Only affiliate Orlando City had a game this past weekend, drawing 1-1 against Pittsburgh in their home opener. It was the second draw of the season for the Lions. Sporting's Mikey Lopez though was again an unused sub for Orlando in the game.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Sporting KC Sign Former Real Madrid Academy Player Victor Muñoz
Sporting Kansas City today announced the first of an expected couple signings today. The team announced that they'd signed Victor Muñoz, a former member of Real Madrid's academy and UCLA product. Muñoz was drafted in the second round of this past year's Superdraft by DC United. He participated in all of preseason with the club before being let go. He'd posted on his Twitter that he was then headed to Kansas City. My assumption at the time was that it was a trial, but he was a player that Peter Vermes had apparently been very interested in heading into the draft, but was selected before KC got their first pick.
A bit of his story was told by the Huffington Post back in January.
Vermes also confirmed today that Brazilian, Igor Julião, was with the team training and he still seems likely to be the second signing.
A bit of his story was told by the Huffington Post back in January.
Vermes also confirmed today that Brazilian, Igor Julião, was with the team training and he still seems likely to be the second signing.