The other side of today's news involving the release of Alex Martinez is that Sporting KC midfielder, Mikey Lopez has been recalled again from his loan to Oklahoma City. With the limited numbers that KC has available, Lopez is likely to immediately go into the game day roster for Sunday's game against the Chicago Fire.
Before being recalled, Lopez played for the Energy against Sacramento in a USL-Pro league game. Lopez started for OKC and scored his first professional goal as well. He scored the Energy's second goal in the 67th minute as they won 2-0 over the Republic. KC's other loaned player (and technically their only healthy loaned player) Jon Kempin started and played the first 77 minutes before making way for Samir Badr with the Energy up 2-0 and the game well in hand.
Lopez's recall comes at a decent time for the Energy though, they are off from league play this coming weekend, returning on Saturday, July 12th vs the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sporting Release Martinez
In a move that's proven surprising to Sporting KC fans, and many MLS fans around the league, Sporting KC today announced that they had released midfielder Alex Martinez. The Uruguayan midfielder had appeared in 10 MLS games for KC this year and both of the team's US Open Cup games, scoring a goal in KC's 2-0 win over Minnesota United. He'd started three games for KC this season and had played over 400 minutes for the club.
The timing of move on one hand seems odd with KC struggling to find healthy bodies, the club only dressed 16 players this past Friday in Portland. They also have another game this Sunday before the summer transfer window opens on July 8th.
On the other hand MLS waiver rules state that if a player on a semi-guaranteed contract is waived prior to July 1st, that player's salary does not count against the team's salary budget. And while Martinez was one of KC's "off budget" players and didn't count against the cap, the date of the release can't be ignored.
While Martinez's stats don't show too well for him, he continued to get minutes on the field ahead of some of KC's other midfielders, specifically Jimmy Medranda and Victor Munoz.
People have asked whether Martinez took up an international roster spot or not for Sporting. The releases regarding both Martinez's signing and his release make no mention of an international roster spot. And in the past when a player signed, or released has taken an international spot, the releases have said as much.
One has to think that he'll get another opportunity in the league. With another two expansion teams coming next year Martinez has the ability to contribute for someone at this level. But even after looking over possibilities this move still confuses me.
The timing of move on one hand seems odd with KC struggling to find healthy bodies, the club only dressed 16 players this past Friday in Portland. They also have another game this Sunday before the summer transfer window opens on July 8th.
On the other hand MLS waiver rules state that if a player on a semi-guaranteed contract is waived prior to July 1st, that player's salary does not count against the team's salary budget. And while Martinez was one of KC's "off budget" players and didn't count against the cap, the date of the release can't be ignored.
While Martinez's stats don't show too well for him, he continued to get minutes on the field ahead of some of KC's other midfielders, specifically Jimmy Medranda and Victor Munoz.
People have asked whether Martinez took up an international roster spot or not for Sporting. The releases regarding both Martinez's signing and his release make no mention of an international roster spot. And in the past when a player signed, or released has taken an international spot, the releases have said as much.
One has to think that he'll get another opportunity in the league. With another two expansion teams coming next year Martinez has the ability to contribute for someone at this level. But even after looking over possibilities this move still confuses me.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sunday After Stats
A day late, but it's here and for this game it's all for Seth Sinovic.
In the 29th minute, Seth Sinovic hit 10,000 minutes in MLS play for his career.
In the 9th minute, Sinovic moved past Jose Burciaga and into 18th place for minutes played in all competitions for KC, Sinovic finished the game with 10,706 minutes played.
Sinovic started his 120th game in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Chance Myers for 18th place on that list.
In the 29th minute, Seth Sinovic hit 10,000 minutes in MLS play for his career.
In the 9th minute, Sinovic moved past Jose Burciaga and into 18th place for minutes played in all competitions for KC, Sinovic finished the game with 10,706 minutes played.
Sinovic started his 120th game in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Chance Myers for 18th place on that list.
FCKC Tops Portland
FC Kansas City (9-4-3 30 pts) won 1-0 over Portland Thorns FC (6-6-2 20 pts) in front of 2,421 fans on Verizon Wireless Field tonight. Lauren Holiday scored her sixth goal of the season tonight late in the first half. FC Kansas City stays comfortably in second place after gaining another 3 points at home.
Tonight’s match was preceded by rain for most of the day and stopped only an hour before kick off. The electricity between the two teams was still prevalent throughout the game.
Holiday started the game off in the 3rd minute when she fired a shot on Nadine Angerer from outside box but it went over the crossbar. Alex Morgan quickly retaliated by pressuring goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart as she safely picked up the ball in the 6th minute. Portland maintained control of the ball in the first part of the match.
The momentum shifted in favor of Kansas City towards the end of the first half. In the 29thminute, Amy Rodriguez had a beautiful run towards the goal but it went just wide of the goal. A few minutes later, Holiday was fouled just on the other side of midfield. Jen Buczkowski took the resulting free kick to find an open Holiday. The 2013 MVP tried to head the ball in to the net, but Angerer saved.
Holiday’s goal came in the 41st minute when Rodriguez made a run on a Portland defender. Her foot slid in to steal the ball and she took it to the side of the goal. Holiday came running in to get the cross from Rodriguez and netted it past Angerer. Portland kept defense in mind first for the rest of the half and the Blues led 1-0 at half.
The second half saw the only caution early on. Amber Brooks was shown a yellow card after a collision with Holiday in the 50th minute. Angerer was bold coming off her line throughout the match, which Kansas City noticed. Just shy of the hour marker, Rodriguez looked up to see Angerer off her line and chipped a long ball that bounced just wide of the net. Minutes later, Holiday put the ball in the net, but she was declared offsides and a no-goal.
Portland brought on a substitute, Jessica McDonald, who gave the Kansas City defense trouble the rest of the night. McDonald had close chances throughout on the night, one of which landed on top of the net off of a corner kick.
Sarah Hagen made her FC Kansas City debut in the 77th minute when she came on for Rodriguez. The Appleton, WI native has spent time with Bayern Munich in Germany and the US National Team before joining the Blues.
Portland had a dangerous play with just minutes left on the clock when Allie Long took a shot that looked like it was headed straight in. The ball bounced off the crossbar with a little help from Barnhart keeping the score 1-0 as the game ended.
FC Kansas City remains undefeated at home and continues an undefeated streak to 8 games. The Blues will be on the road for the next three games, the first being in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC.
Tonight’s match was preceded by rain for most of the day and stopped only an hour before kick off. The electricity between the two teams was still prevalent throughout the game.
Holiday started the game off in the 3rd minute when she fired a shot on Nadine Angerer from outside box but it went over the crossbar. Alex Morgan quickly retaliated by pressuring goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart as she safely picked up the ball in the 6th minute. Portland maintained control of the ball in the first part of the match.
The momentum shifted in favor of Kansas City towards the end of the first half. In the 29thminute, Amy Rodriguez had a beautiful run towards the goal but it went just wide of the goal. A few minutes later, Holiday was fouled just on the other side of midfield. Jen Buczkowski took the resulting free kick to find an open Holiday. The 2013 MVP tried to head the ball in to the net, but Angerer saved.
Holiday’s goal came in the 41st minute when Rodriguez made a run on a Portland defender. Her foot slid in to steal the ball and she took it to the side of the goal. Holiday came running in to get the cross from Rodriguez and netted it past Angerer. Portland kept defense in mind first for the rest of the half and the Blues led 1-0 at half.
The second half saw the only caution early on. Amber Brooks was shown a yellow card after a collision with Holiday in the 50th minute. Angerer was bold coming off her line throughout the match, which Kansas City noticed. Just shy of the hour marker, Rodriguez looked up to see Angerer off her line and chipped a long ball that bounced just wide of the net. Minutes later, Holiday put the ball in the net, but she was declared offsides and a no-goal.
Portland brought on a substitute, Jessica McDonald, who gave the Kansas City defense trouble the rest of the night. McDonald had close chances throughout on the night, one of which landed on top of the net off of a corner kick.
Sarah Hagen made her FC Kansas City debut in the 77th minute when she came on for Rodriguez. The Appleton, WI native has spent time with Bayern Munich in Germany and the US National Team before joining the Blues.
Portland had a dangerous play with just minutes left on the clock when Allie Long took a shot that looked like it was headed straight in. The ball bounced off the crossbar with a little help from Barnhart keeping the score 1-0 as the game ended.
FC Kansas City remains undefeated at home and continues an undefeated streak to 8 games. The Blues will be on the road for the next three games, the first being in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Career Ending Injury for Sporting KC
The news surrounding KC today has been specifically focused on the quotes from Peter Vermes last night related to Jermaine Jones and the potential in him coming to MLS. And while the potential of Jones coming to MLS and possibly Kansas City is something fun to think about, the potential of him coming to KC is unlikely.
The interesting bit dropped is when Vermes is talking about all the issues KC has gone through this season that has led them into looking to be active this summer during the window. Vermes said "we’re banged up. We have three players, two of which are season-ending injuries, probably even a little into next year. We have another guy that has a career-ending injury..." The two season ending injuries we knew about, Chance Myers and Ike Opara are both out with injuries that ended their season. And while he doesn't come out and say it, I think it's quite easy to figure out who KC's player is with a career ending injury, Peterson Joseph.
Joseph hasn't practiced with the team since apparently suffering a medical issue at practice during the playoffs. He's had a number of tests run to help confirm what the issue is, they apparently have not given conclusive results, it's not surprising that Joseph's playing career may be done.
It'd be a disappointing finish to a career for a player that had at times looked impressive for KC. A little aggressive at times (see his red card vs Houston) but was a decent talent for KC. I do like the fact that if it is a career ending injury, that Sporting hasn't just thrown him out to free up the spot on the roster. It shows the concern that the team really has for him.
The interesting bit dropped is when Vermes is talking about all the issues KC has gone through this season that has led them into looking to be active this summer during the window. Vermes said "we’re banged up. We have three players, two of which are season-ending injuries, probably even a little into next year. We have another guy that has a career-ending injury..." The two season ending injuries we knew about, Chance Myers and Ike Opara are both out with injuries that ended their season. And while he doesn't come out and say it, I think it's quite easy to figure out who KC's player is with a career ending injury, Peterson Joseph.
Joseph hasn't practiced with the team since apparently suffering a medical issue at practice during the playoffs. He's had a number of tests run to help confirm what the issue is, they apparently have not given conclusive results, it's not surprising that Joseph's playing career may be done.
It'd be a disappointing finish to a career for a player that had at times looked impressive for KC. A little aggressive at times (see his red card vs Houston) but was a decent talent for KC. I do like the fact that if it is a career ending injury, that Sporting hasn't just thrown him out to free up the spot on the roster. It shows the concern that the team really has for him.
Smash and Grab
It wasn't a pretty game, not even close. Sporting KC, dressing only 16 players for the game, was able to take all three points on the road at Providence Park beating the Portland Timbers 1-0 in a classic smash and grab operation.
Portland had the better of play throughout most of the game. Early on Portland's chances didn't amount to good shots for the Timbers. Eric Kronberg was up to the early task making a save on a deflected shot by Will Johnson. The Timbers thought they'd scored in the 14th minute when Fanendo Adi headed home a cross by Darlinton Nabe, but the Timbers DP was offside. KC got little going when they they got forward, not really testing Donovan Ricketts in the early part of the game. In the 24th minute though KC got a deep throw-in in the Timbers end. Seth Sinovic launched the ball into the box. It went over the head of Aurelein Collin into the path of Kevin Ellis who got his foot on the ball knocking it into the path of Lawrence Olum. Olum one timed his shot past Ricketts and into the net to give KC the 1-0 lead. Portland continued to push forward, now trying to find an equalizer. Nagbe put a header just wide of Kronberg's post. The Timbers continued to press the game, but couldn't find an equalizer in the first half as KC went in with the lead.
The second half saw the Timbers continue to be the more aggressive side, pushing numbers forward and trying to break down KC's defense. KC though found space the other way on the counter. In the 63rd they almost punished the Timbers for it. After clearing a free kick, Dom Dwyer got sent free the other way, getting in behind the Portland defense. Diego Chara did a good job recovering and winning the ball away from Dwyer. His clearance though was blocked inside the box by Soony Saad. Saad pushed the ball past Chara and tried to fire a shot past Ricketts, but the Jamaican made the save. The Timbers continued to push, with Diego Valeri finding space after turning Collin but Kronberg was again there to make the save. KC's defense played fantastically in front of Kronberg, keeping Adi in check and not giving the Timbers many open looks on goal. Adi looked to win a penalty kick late on, but Collin appeared to win position on him before he went to ground looking for the foul. KC continued to be strong defensively and closed the game out, winning 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Was a beast in the center of defense, cutting out chances and playing extremely well for KC. The home grown player has probably been the biggest revelation with KC's current injury issues. He's been given the opportunity and he's realy ran with it.
Honorable Mention: Aurelien Collin, Eric Kronberg
Player Ratings - Kronberg 7, Juliao 5, Collin 7, Ellis 8, Sinovic 7, Olum 6, Nagamura 6, Saad 5, Zizzo 5, Dwyer 4, Peterson 5. Subs Sapong 5, Martinez 5.
Portland had the better of play throughout most of the game. Early on Portland's chances didn't amount to good shots for the Timbers. Eric Kronberg was up to the early task making a save on a deflected shot by Will Johnson. The Timbers thought they'd scored in the 14th minute when Fanendo Adi headed home a cross by Darlinton Nabe, but the Timbers DP was offside. KC got little going when they they got forward, not really testing Donovan Ricketts in the early part of the game. In the 24th minute though KC got a deep throw-in in the Timbers end. Seth Sinovic launched the ball into the box. It went over the head of Aurelein Collin into the path of Kevin Ellis who got his foot on the ball knocking it into the path of Lawrence Olum. Olum one timed his shot past Ricketts and into the net to give KC the 1-0 lead. Portland continued to push forward, now trying to find an equalizer. Nagbe put a header just wide of Kronberg's post. The Timbers continued to press the game, but couldn't find an equalizer in the first half as KC went in with the lead.
The second half saw the Timbers continue to be the more aggressive side, pushing numbers forward and trying to break down KC's defense. KC though found space the other way on the counter. In the 63rd they almost punished the Timbers for it. After clearing a free kick, Dom Dwyer got sent free the other way, getting in behind the Portland defense. Diego Chara did a good job recovering and winning the ball away from Dwyer. His clearance though was blocked inside the box by Soony Saad. Saad pushed the ball past Chara and tried to fire a shot past Ricketts, but the Jamaican made the save. The Timbers continued to push, with Diego Valeri finding space after turning Collin but Kronberg was again there to make the save. KC's defense played fantastically in front of Kronberg, keeping Adi in check and not giving the Timbers many open looks on goal. Adi looked to win a penalty kick late on, but Collin appeared to win position on him before he went to ground looking for the foul. KC continued to be strong defensively and closed the game out, winning 1-0.
Wizards Man of the Match - Kevin Ellis - Was a beast in the center of defense, cutting out chances and playing extremely well for KC. The home grown player has probably been the biggest revelation with KC's current injury issues. He's been given the opportunity and he's realy ran with it.
Honorable Mention: Aurelien Collin, Eric Kronberg
Player Ratings - Kronberg 7, Juliao 5, Collin 7, Ellis 8, Sinovic 7, Olum 6, Nagamura 6, Saad 5, Zizzo 5, Dwyer 4, Peterson 5. Subs Sapong 5, Martinez 5.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Game Day 16: Sporting Take on Portland: Take 2
Tuesday is a night that Sporting KC would really rather forget. They lost 3-1 to the Portland Timbers and bowed out of the US Open Cup. KC though will have to relive that tomorrow when they'll take on the Timbers in Portland. On the other hand they'll get an immediate opportunity for payback against the Timbers.
Portland played only a few starters in their game on Tuesday night in Kansas City, meaning those player will be well rested for tomorrow's game in Portland. The likes of Diego Chara and Darlington Nagbe played no roll in the Timbers win in KC. They're likely to have a role to play come tomorrow though. The Timbers have had trouble picking up wins at home this year though and that's something KC will need to take advantage of.
While Portland rested players on Tuesday, with all of KC's issues with injuries, the lineup that appeared in the Open Cup is likely to be the same one that plays against Portland save a few changes. The one that is forced on KC is Toni Doavle, who is suspended for this game after his red card against Houston in the final game before the World Cup break. Another change is extremely likely, Eric Kronberg returning to the starting 11 in place of Andy Gruenebaum. Really the only other question is whether Igor Juliao returns to the starting 11, and who he returns for (Kevin Ellis or Erik Palmer-Brown, and pushing Ellis into the center back position). There really aren't many other options for KC at this point with their roster.
Number to remember - 7 - That's how many draws the Timbers have at home this season. They only have one win and one draw in league play to go with the seven ties.
Key Match Up - Igor Juliao vs Darlington Nagbe - Nagbe is a special talent and a handful for any defender. He's going to spend a lot of time matched up against KC's right back. And whether that's Juliao or Ellis, they're going to have their hands full. I'd say they'd need more help from Aurelien Collin but I think he's really going to have to be the one that attempts to contain Fanendo Adi, who is going to be a handful.
PREDICTION - A team mainly made up of reserves took care of business against Sporting's current first team on Tuesday night. I have faith in Peter Vermes to make corrections to the way the team plays to help to offset that play. The question is whether that change will be enough to allow KC to get a point or three Friday. Right now I'm just now sure after the way the team played Tuesday.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
POR - 2 (Johnson, Adi)
Portland played only a few starters in their game on Tuesday night in Kansas City, meaning those player will be well rested for tomorrow's game in Portland. The likes of Diego Chara and Darlington Nagbe played no roll in the Timbers win in KC. They're likely to have a role to play come tomorrow though. The Timbers have had trouble picking up wins at home this year though and that's something KC will need to take advantage of.
While Portland rested players on Tuesday, with all of KC's issues with injuries, the lineup that appeared in the Open Cup is likely to be the same one that plays against Portland save a few changes. The one that is forced on KC is Toni Doavle, who is suspended for this game after his red card against Houston in the final game before the World Cup break. Another change is extremely likely, Eric Kronberg returning to the starting 11 in place of Andy Gruenebaum. Really the only other question is whether Igor Juliao returns to the starting 11, and who he returns for (Kevin Ellis or Erik Palmer-Brown, and pushing Ellis into the center back position). There really aren't many other options for KC at this point with their roster.
Kronberg
Juliao - Collin - EPB - Sinovic
Olum - Nagamura
Martinez
Peterson - Dwyer - Saad
Number to remember - 7 - That's how many draws the Timbers have at home this season. They only have one win and one draw in league play to go with the seven ties.
Key Match Up - Igor Juliao vs Darlington Nagbe - Nagbe is a special talent and a handful for any defender. He's going to spend a lot of time matched up against KC's right back. And whether that's Juliao or Ellis, they're going to have their hands full. I'd say they'd need more help from Aurelien Collin but I think he's really going to have to be the one that attempts to contain Fanendo Adi, who is going to be a handful.
PREDICTION - A team mainly made up of reserves took care of business against Sporting's current first team on Tuesday night. I have faith in Peter Vermes to make corrections to the way the team plays to help to offset that play. The question is whether that change will be enough to allow KC to get a point or three Friday. Right now I'm just now sure after the way the team played Tuesday.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
POR - 2 (Johnson, Adi)
Sporting Set to Sign Jorge Claros
The World Cup group stage is over and we're closing in on the opening of the summer transfer window for MLS teams. With the injuries and transfer that KC has dealt with, Sporting is expected to be at least a little active in the window. One position that seemed likely to be addressed was defensive midfield.
Word out of Honduras is that Sporting KC will addressing that need from the Honduran national team. Jorge Claros, who Sporting chased last year is apparently on the verge of signing with Sporting. The midfielder appeared in all three games for Honduras in the World Cup, stating two of them. With Honduras going out in the group stage, he's now either on his way to, or already in KC to finalize the deal.
KC's pursuit of Claros last year hit a snag when it came time to finalize the deal.
Claros will be expected to fill in at the defensive midfield role, likely in place of Lawrence Olum. The Kenyan has the defensive chops, but his passing has left a lot to desire after Oriol Rosell left.
Word out of Honduras is that Sporting KC will addressing that need from the Honduran national team. Jorge Claros, who Sporting chased last year is apparently on the verge of signing with Sporting. The midfielder appeared in all three games for Honduras in the World Cup, stating two of them. With Honduras going out in the group stage, he's now either on his way to, or already in KC to finalize the deal.
KC's pursuit of Claros last year hit a snag when it came time to finalize the deal.
Claros will be expected to fill in at the defensive midfield role, likely in place of Lawrence Olum. The Kenyan has the defensive chops, but his passing has left a lot to desire after Oriol Rosell left.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Gabeljic Waived by OKC - Former SKC Wizards Update
Things haven't exactly been looking up for Adnan Gabeljic since KC made him their first pick in the 2014 MLS Superdraft in the second round. He spent preseason with Sporting KC, but was eventually, quietly released by the team. Eventually he popped up in Oklahoma City, joining the growing number of Sporting OKC players there. Gabeljic only made two appearance and a handful of other appearances on the bench. This past week he was waived by the club.
In other news, Roger Espinoza and Honduras has so far been the lone black sheep in what has otherwise been a stellar World Cup for the CONCACAF region. Honduras went out today following a 3-0 loss to Switzerland. Honduras' 3 losses so far are the only 3 that CONCACAF have suffered so far in the 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 Gabeljic
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - No game this week.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Dressed but did not play in New England's 2-1 win over Rochester.
Bobby Convey - New York - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 25 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - Not dressing in Montreal's game tonight.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Eddie Johnson - DC - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Came off the bench and played 60 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 120 minutes in San Jose's 1-1 (4-1) shootout loss to Seattle in the Open Cup.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 120 minutes in Columbus' 4-2 loss to Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 3-1 win over Charleston.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 3-1 loss to Charlotte.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 4-1 loss to I-Kissat.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 6-4 win over Quang Ninh.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-1 loss to Ecuador. Started and played 45 minutes in Honduras' 3-0 loss to Switzerland.
Herculez Gomez - Tigres - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Alianza Lima.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 78 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over Fjolnir.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
In other news, Roger Espinoza and Honduras has so far been the lone black sheep in what has otherwise been a stellar World Cup for the CONCACAF region. Honduras went out today following a 3-0 loss to Switzerland. Honduras' 3 losses so far are the only 3 that CONCACAF have suffered so far in the 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 Gabeljic
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - No game this week.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Dressed but did not play in New England's 2-1 win over Rochester.
Bobby Convey - New York - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 25 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - Not dressing in Montreal's game tonight.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Eddie Johnson - DC - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Came off the bench and played 60 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over KC.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 120 minutes in San Jose's 1-1 (4-1) shootout loss to Seattle in the Open Cup.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 120 minutes in Columbus' 4-2 loss to Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 45 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-1 loss to Richmond.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 3-1 win over Charleston.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 0-0 draw with Rochester.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 3-1 loss to Charlotte.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 4-1 loss to I-Kissat.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 6-4 win over Quang Ninh.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 2-1 loss to Ecuador. Started and played 45 minutes in Honduras' 3-0 loss to Switzerland.
Herculez Gomez - Tigres - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Alianza Lima.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 78 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over Fjolnir.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
Duke Suffers Stress Fracture - Sporting Loan Update
Christian Duke is set to miss six weeks of action for the OKC Energy after he suffered a stress fracture. Duke had been a consistent starter for OKC this season and will be a blow for the Energy. Replacing him in the lineup appears like it'll fall mainly to KC's other midfielder loaned to OKC, Mikey Lopez.
In action on the field, the Energy had just one game this past week, a home game against the Rochester Rhinos. Probably the biggest thing about the game is that it fell during the USA's game against Portugal. Certainly not the best time to get fans out. Jon Kempin and the Energy though pitched their second straight shutout in the 0-0 draw with the Rhinos. Lopez also started and played the full game in the draw.
Oklahoma City is back at home again this weekend when they'll host the Sacramento Republic again.
In action on the field, the Energy had just one game this past week, a home game against the Rochester Rhinos. Probably the biggest thing about the game is that it fell during the USA's game against Portugal. Certainly not the best time to get fans out. Jon Kempin and the Energy though pitched their second straight shutout in the 0-0 draw with the Rhinos. Lopez also started and played the full game in the draw.
Oklahoma City is back at home again this weekend when they'll host the Sacramento Republic again.
S.A.S. Wednesday After Stats
The loss was Peter Vermes' 58th as head coach in all competitions, tying him with Ron Newman for the second most in team history.
The loss was the first time in 9 games that Soony Saad has scored in all competitions that KC has not won.
Aurelien Collin picked up his 39th yellow card in all competitions, tying him with Matt McKeon for 4th all time.
Seth Sinovic made his 119th start in all competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 18th all time on that list.
Collin and Sinovic made their 9th appearance in all stages of the Open Cup, tying them with four other players for 12th on that list.
Jacob Peterson and Lawrence Olum made their 8th appearance in all stages of the US Open Cup, tying them with McKeon and Kei Kamara for 18th on that list.
Collin, Peterson, Olum, and Sinovic all made their 8th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying them with 5 others for 7th all time on that list.
Collin and Sinovic started their 9th came in all stages of the Open Cup, tying them with Jimmy Conrad and Michael Harrington for 5th on that list.
Collin and Sinovic started their 8th game in the Open Cup proper, tying them with 3 others for 3rd all time.
Olum started his 6th game in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 7 others for 10th all time.
Olum started his 6th game in all stages of the Open Cup, tying him with 6 others for 18th on that list.
CJ Sapong made his 12th appearance in all stages of the Open Cup, tying him with Davy Arnaud for 4th all time on that list.
Sapong made his 10th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Chris Klein for 4th all time on that list.
Paulo Nagamura started his 5th game in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 11 others for 18th on that list.
The loss was the first time in 9 games that Soony Saad has scored in all competitions that KC has not won.
Aurelien Collin picked up his 39th yellow card in all competitions, tying him with Matt McKeon for 4th all time.
Seth Sinovic made his 119th start in all competitions, tying him with Chance Myers for 18th all time on that list.
Collin and Sinovic made their 9th appearance in all stages of the Open Cup, tying them with four other players for 12th on that list.
Jacob Peterson and Lawrence Olum made their 8th appearance in all stages of the US Open Cup, tying them with McKeon and Kei Kamara for 18th on that list.
Collin, Peterson, Olum, and Sinovic all made their 8th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying them with 5 others for 7th all time on that list.
Collin and Sinovic started their 9th came in all stages of the Open Cup, tying them with Jimmy Conrad and Michael Harrington for 5th on that list.
Collin and Sinovic started their 8th game in the Open Cup proper, tying them with 3 others for 3rd all time.
Olum started his 6th game in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 7 others for 10th all time.
Olum started his 6th game in all stages of the Open Cup, tying him with 6 others for 18th on that list.
CJ Sapong made his 12th appearance in all stages of the Open Cup, tying him with Davy Arnaud for 4th all time on that list.
Sapong made his 10th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Chris Klein for 4th all time on that list.
Paulo Nagamura started his 5th game in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 11 others for 18th on that list.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
KC Bow Out of the Open Cup
For the fourth time in five seasons, Kansas City bowed out of the US Open Cup at home, falling 3-1 to the Portland Timbers at Sporting Park. The Timbers jumped out to a 3-0 lead before a Soony Saad PK pulled Kansas City closer to make the final few minutes a little more interesting, but it ended up not being enough in the first of two matches this week.
KC came out early and was looking decent, keeping the Timbers pinned back in their own end. They almost grabbed the lead early on as Sal Zizzo flicked on a corner kick to the near post towards goal, but it was tipped over by Portland goalkeeper, Andrew Weber. Toni Dovale looked dangerous at the attacking midfield position almost springing KC twice with nice through balls through the middle that ended up getting cut out. Dom Dwyer forced another save from Weber off a free kick that the Timbers goalkeeper had to push away. Dovale and Dwyer almost combined to set up another goal off a quick restart, but Dwyer's cross into the box was cut out. KC continued to keep numbers forward, but then almost got got on the break as Kalif Alhassan countered after a KC set piece and ended up being fouled by Saad just outside the box setting up a dangerous set piece opportunity. It came to nothing, but from that point forward for the next five minutes or so, Portland kept KC pinned in their own end. A mistake by Erik Palmer-Brown almost gifted Portland a goal but the shot by Maximiliano Urriti went just wide of Andy Gruenebaum's post. Shortly after that though, in the 30th minute, Portland grabbed the lead. Alhassan created the chance getting space on KC's left before sending a cross into the box. The cross was cleared only as far as Gaston Fernandez, who slotted the ball into the corner to make it 1-0 Portland. Saad did a great job trying to create something out of nothing, collecting a long cross and beating a couple defenders into the box, but had his effort blocked by Weber. The rebound fell to Dovale who had his shot blocked by Dwyer. KC was unable to get much going the rest of the half to really test Weber in Portland's net and the two teams went into half time with the Timbers up the one goal.
Portland came out again in the second half and pressured KC in their own end. In the 57th minute the Timbers won a penalty kick as Aurelien Collin fouled Steve Zakuani just inside the box. Referee Ricardo Salazar pointed to the spot and Will Johnson put the PK away, as Gruenebaum guessed right but couldn't get his hands on it. The Timbers started to sit back a little bit, let KC come forward and try to hit on the counter. Portland did lead their own attacks though as well and in the 68th made it 3-0. Urriti collected a ball outside the box, cut inside and outside Collin, getting into the box and firing a shot that Gruenebaum saved but didn't hold. Fernandez was there at the back post to walk the ball home and put the game away. Five minutes later KC did get a bit of a life line though. Saad received a long ball and got into the box. He tried to cross the ball into the middle, but it was knocked away by Danny O'Rourke's hand. Salazar pointed to the spot and Saad stepped up, sent Weber the wrong way and made it 3-1. From there KC continued to pressure the Timbers and created a number of opportunities that with better finishing would have seen KC pull another goal back. CJ Sapong had a shot off a corner kick saved off the line, Paulo Nagamura had opportunities before being subbed out, Saad forced another save out of Weber with a curling effort. In stoppage time, Dovale even hit the cross bar on a free kick. Right after though Salazar blew the whistle and KC's Open Cup run came to an end after two rounds in the tournament.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Was the most impressive player on the night, he's improved his defensive abilities on the wing, which is a major thing that Vermes wants in his system. He was also the most consistently dangerous player offensively for KC.
Player Ratings - Gruenebaum 4, Sinovic 3, Palmer-Brown 4, Collin 4, Ellis 4, Olum 3, Nagamura 4, Dovale 5, Saad 6, Dwyer 4, Zizzo 3. Subs Peterson 5, Sapong 5, Martinez NR.
KC came out early and was looking decent, keeping the Timbers pinned back in their own end. They almost grabbed the lead early on as Sal Zizzo flicked on a corner kick to the near post towards goal, but it was tipped over by Portland goalkeeper, Andrew Weber. Toni Dovale looked dangerous at the attacking midfield position almost springing KC twice with nice through balls through the middle that ended up getting cut out. Dom Dwyer forced another save from Weber off a free kick that the Timbers goalkeeper had to push away. Dovale and Dwyer almost combined to set up another goal off a quick restart, but Dwyer's cross into the box was cut out. KC continued to keep numbers forward, but then almost got got on the break as Kalif Alhassan countered after a KC set piece and ended up being fouled by Saad just outside the box setting up a dangerous set piece opportunity. It came to nothing, but from that point forward for the next five minutes or so, Portland kept KC pinned in their own end. A mistake by Erik Palmer-Brown almost gifted Portland a goal but the shot by Maximiliano Urriti went just wide of Andy Gruenebaum's post. Shortly after that though, in the 30th minute, Portland grabbed the lead. Alhassan created the chance getting space on KC's left before sending a cross into the box. The cross was cleared only as far as Gaston Fernandez, who slotted the ball into the corner to make it 1-0 Portland. Saad did a great job trying to create something out of nothing, collecting a long cross and beating a couple defenders into the box, but had his effort blocked by Weber. The rebound fell to Dovale who had his shot blocked by Dwyer. KC was unable to get much going the rest of the half to really test Weber in Portland's net and the two teams went into half time with the Timbers up the one goal.
Portland came out again in the second half and pressured KC in their own end. In the 57th minute the Timbers won a penalty kick as Aurelien Collin fouled Steve Zakuani just inside the box. Referee Ricardo Salazar pointed to the spot and Will Johnson put the PK away, as Gruenebaum guessed right but couldn't get his hands on it. The Timbers started to sit back a little bit, let KC come forward and try to hit on the counter. Portland did lead their own attacks though as well and in the 68th made it 3-0. Urriti collected a ball outside the box, cut inside and outside Collin, getting into the box and firing a shot that Gruenebaum saved but didn't hold. Fernandez was there at the back post to walk the ball home and put the game away. Five minutes later KC did get a bit of a life line though. Saad received a long ball and got into the box. He tried to cross the ball into the middle, but it was knocked away by Danny O'Rourke's hand. Salazar pointed to the spot and Saad stepped up, sent Weber the wrong way and made it 3-1. From there KC continued to pressure the Timbers and created a number of opportunities that with better finishing would have seen KC pull another goal back. CJ Sapong had a shot off a corner kick saved off the line, Paulo Nagamura had opportunities before being subbed out, Saad forced another save out of Weber with a curling effort. In stoppage time, Dovale even hit the cross bar on a free kick. Right after though Salazar blew the whistle and KC's Open Cup run came to an end after two rounds in the tournament.
Wizards Man of the Match - Soony Saad - Was the most impressive player on the night, he's improved his defensive abilities on the wing, which is a major thing that Vermes wants in his system. He was also the most consistently dangerous player offensively for KC.
Player Ratings - Gruenebaum 4, Sinovic 3, Palmer-Brown 4, Collin 4, Ellis 4, Olum 3, Nagamura 4, Dovale 5, Saad 6, Dwyer 4, Zizzo 3. Subs Peterson 5, Sapong 5, Martinez NR.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sporting Get to Know Portland This Week
Sporting KC and the Portland Timbers will get to know each other quite well over the next four days. The two teams will meet twice in short order in two separate competition. Tomorrow night at Sporting Park, the two will meet up in the fourth round of this year's US Open Cup. Then on Friday the two teams will meet in Portland as MLS regular season play returns.
Portland comes into the game after a comprehensive 3-0 win in the last round over the Orlando City U23 team from the PDL. Compared to their play last season, the Timbers have struggled this year in MLS play, currently 4-4-8 in league play. They've been decent on the road though, currently with a record of 3-3-1 away from Providence Park, including wins at New York and Salt Lake. In fact the Timbers have won their last three road games in MLS play. And after coming into KC last year and picking up a 3-2 win over Sporting, Portland has to have the confidence coming into this match up.
Sporting KC continues to suffer from a depleted roster mainly through injuries and call ups. Two more names were added to that list this week. Victor Munoz picked up an injury against Minnesota in the US Open Cup and I'd be surprised if he's recovered in time for tomorrow's game. Benny Feilhaber also looks like he's not quite ready to return from his shoulder injury either. And the team also lost Christian Duke to a stress fracture, but he wouldn't have been able to compete in Tuesday's game anyway after being cap-tied with Oklahoma City. What it means is that KC's midfield is going to get a work out over the next two games. The lineup will be interesting to see how much Peter Vermes values the tournament, but how much rest he'll give what he considers his best 11. One of the players I can't see not starting tomorrow is Toni Dovale due to his red card against Houston suspending him for Friday's game.
Number to Remember - 2 - In KC's prior 18 years of existence, they've averaged two games per year in the Open Cup. This match up will be KC's second this season in the US Open Cup, right in line with their average length in the tournament. It's also the number of losses in a row KC has against Portland heading into tomorrow's game.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Portland defense - With my expectation that Dom Dwyer is going to be rested (at least to start) ahead of Friday's game in Portland, this is a big opportunity for Bieler to try to step up. He wasn't invisible against Minnesota last week, but was less than effective in the midfield behind Dwyer. Moving back to his more natural center forward position should allow him the opportunity to get into better scoring positions.
PREDICTION - This game will really show the importance that not just Vermes but Portland coach Caleb Porter is putting on the Open Cup. With a league game just four days later, the coaches could also tip their hand on lineups for Friday as well. While I'd like to see an extended run in the cup, the upcoming schedule for KC after this round, that sees them play 3 games in 3 time zones in 7 days, and further fixture congestion with the Champions League starting should KC advance from there won't have me crying if KC is eliminated tomorrow. That said I hate seeing Sporting lose. Without a good idea of how Portland's going to come out tomorrow, it's hard to make a prediction, but I think ends their current losing streak against Portland and earns a date with Seattle or San Jose (I'm expecting Seattle).
SKC - 2 (Dovale, Saad)
POR - 1 (Wallace)
Portland comes into the game after a comprehensive 3-0 win in the last round over the Orlando City U23 team from the PDL. Compared to their play last season, the Timbers have struggled this year in MLS play, currently 4-4-8 in league play. They've been decent on the road though, currently with a record of 3-3-1 away from Providence Park, including wins at New York and Salt Lake. In fact the Timbers have won their last three road games in MLS play. And after coming into KC last year and picking up a 3-2 win over Sporting, Portland has to have the confidence coming into this match up.
Sporting KC continues to suffer from a depleted roster mainly through injuries and call ups. Two more names were added to that list this week. Victor Munoz picked up an injury against Minnesota in the US Open Cup and I'd be surprised if he's recovered in time for tomorrow's game. Benny Feilhaber also looks like he's not quite ready to return from his shoulder injury either. And the team also lost Christian Duke to a stress fracture, but he wouldn't have been able to compete in Tuesday's game anyway after being cap-tied with Oklahoma City. What it means is that KC's midfield is going to get a work out over the next two games. The lineup will be interesting to see how much Peter Vermes values the tournament, but how much rest he'll give what he considers his best 11. One of the players I can't see not starting tomorrow is Toni Dovale due to his red card against Houston suspending him for Friday's game.
Gruenebaum
Peterson - EPB - Ellis - Sinovic
Olum - Martinez
Medranda
Dovale - Bieler - Saad
Number to Remember - 2 - In KC's prior 18 years of existence, they've averaged two games per year in the Open Cup. This match up will be KC's second this season in the US Open Cup, right in line with their average length in the tournament. It's also the number of losses in a row KC has against Portland heading into tomorrow's game.
Key Match Up - Claudio Bieler vs Portland defense - With my expectation that Dom Dwyer is going to be rested (at least to start) ahead of Friday's game in Portland, this is a big opportunity for Bieler to try to step up. He wasn't invisible against Minnesota last week, but was less than effective in the midfield behind Dwyer. Moving back to his more natural center forward position should allow him the opportunity to get into better scoring positions.
PREDICTION - This game will really show the importance that not just Vermes but Portland coach Caleb Porter is putting on the Open Cup. With a league game just four days later, the coaches could also tip their hand on lineups for Friday as well. While I'd like to see an extended run in the cup, the upcoming schedule for KC after this round, that sees them play 3 games in 3 time zones in 7 days, and further fixture congestion with the Champions League starting should KC advance from there won't have me crying if KC is eliminated tomorrow. That said I hate seeing Sporting lose. Without a good idea of how Portland's going to come out tomorrow, it's hard to make a prediction, but I think ends their current losing streak against Portland and earns a date with Seattle or San Jose (I'm expecting Seattle).
SKC - 2 (Dovale, Saad)
POR - 1 (Wallace)
Sporting Will Head West if They Advance
Sporting Kansas City will be headed West should they beat the Portland Timbers tomorrow night at Sporting Park. The draw for the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup was held today and for the first time in this year's tournament, Sporting will be forced to travel if they win. The winner of the Sporting and Portland match will travel to face the winner of the San Jose vs Seattle game on either July 8th or 9th.
KC has already played both teams this season, losing 1-0 on the road to Seattle and winning 1-0 at home against the Earthquakes.
It'd be a busy time for Sporting with plenty of frequent flyer miles. KC plays at home against the Chicago Fire on Sunday the 6th. If they advance they'd then turn around and fly to the West Coast to take on either the Sounders or Earthquakes. The team would then turn around and fly back to KC before heading to the East Coast for a Saturday the 12th league match against the Montreal Impact. It wouldn't be an easy stretch at all, especially for a team that is still working to get over a number of injury issues.
KC has already played both teams this season, losing 1-0 on the road to Seattle and winning 1-0 at home against the Earthquakes.
It'd be a busy time for Sporting with plenty of frequent flyer miles. KC plays at home against the Chicago Fire on Sunday the 6th. If they advance they'd then turn around and fly to the West Coast to take on either the Sounders or Earthquakes. The team would then turn around and fly back to KC before heading to the East Coast for a Saturday the 12th league match against the Montreal Impact. It wouldn't be an easy stretch at all, especially for a team that is still working to get over a number of injury issues.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Late Equalizer Denies USA Advancement for Now
The US men's national team was about 30 seconds away from a historic win over Portugal that would have seen the Yanks advance to the round of 16. But a cross by Cristiano Ronaldo was headed in by Silvestre Varela in the 5th minute of stoppage leveled the score as each team settled for a point.
Unlike the game against Ghana, the US were the ones that had to fight from behind. In just the fifth minute a poor clearance by Geoff Cameron went into the path of Nani who got Tim Howard to go to ground and then fired a shot into the roof of the net. The early going of the game was controlled by the Portuguese, but as the half progressed, the US started to create some chances. They were unable to find an equalizer though and then needed a big save by Howard late in the half to keep it from becoming 2-0. After a shot by Nani hit the post, the rebound was put on goal, but Howard was able to get enough off the ground to tip the ball over the bar to keep the score 1-0.
The US continued the second half looking for a goal, picking up where they left off. Michael Bradley was denied by a goal line clearance after the Portuguese goalkeeper came off his line. As the game continued, a goal for the US felt like it was coming and in the 64th the US leveled. A Graham Zusi corner was partially cleared into the path of Jermaine Jones. The German-American cut inside his defender and curled a shot that went just inside the corner leveling the game at 1-1. After the goal both teams had their chances, but it was the US in the 81st that looked like they may have won it. A cross from DeAndre Yedlin for Clint Dempsey was knocked away to Bradley. Bradley fired a shot, but his shot was deflected into the path of Graham Zusi. With space to the left of goal, instead of shooting the SKC midfielder curled a little cross into the middle of the box where Dempsey knocked the ball home giving the US a 2-1 lead. The US from there was mainly on the defensive as Portugal threw numbers forward looking for the equalizer to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The US defense held out until late in stoppage time. After a give away from Bradley in midfield the ball made it wide to Ronaldo on the USA's left. Damarcus Beasley didn't get out fast enough to close him down and Ronaldo's cross was inch perfect for Varela to beat Howard and split the points.
The draw means US goes into their finale against Germany needing a result to guarantee passage to the round of 16. A win or a draw would see the US through. A loss and the US is scoreboard watching hoping the Portugal-Ghana game does not have a big winner.
As for Sporting KC's Zusi and Matt Besler, they became the first MLS teammates to both start a World Cup game since the 1998 World Cup, 16 years ago. Zusi did not have an impressive outing, but was critical in both US goals, playing in the corner that led to Jones' goal, and providing his second assist of the tournament to Dempsey for the USA's second. Besler was a rock in the back for the US, reading the game extremely well, cutting out passes and playing the way that KC fans have come to expect him to. Really there was nothing that he could have done on either of the goals the US conceded.
Unlike the game against Ghana, the US were the ones that had to fight from behind. In just the fifth minute a poor clearance by Geoff Cameron went into the path of Nani who got Tim Howard to go to ground and then fired a shot into the roof of the net. The early going of the game was controlled by the Portuguese, but as the half progressed, the US started to create some chances. They were unable to find an equalizer though and then needed a big save by Howard late in the half to keep it from becoming 2-0. After a shot by Nani hit the post, the rebound was put on goal, but Howard was able to get enough off the ground to tip the ball over the bar to keep the score 1-0.
The US continued the second half looking for a goal, picking up where they left off. Michael Bradley was denied by a goal line clearance after the Portuguese goalkeeper came off his line. As the game continued, a goal for the US felt like it was coming and in the 64th the US leveled. A Graham Zusi corner was partially cleared into the path of Jermaine Jones. The German-American cut inside his defender and curled a shot that went just inside the corner leveling the game at 1-1. After the goal both teams had their chances, but it was the US in the 81st that looked like they may have won it. A cross from DeAndre Yedlin for Clint Dempsey was knocked away to Bradley. Bradley fired a shot, but his shot was deflected into the path of Graham Zusi. With space to the left of goal, instead of shooting the SKC midfielder curled a little cross into the middle of the box where Dempsey knocked the ball home giving the US a 2-1 lead. The US from there was mainly on the defensive as Portugal threw numbers forward looking for the equalizer to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The US defense held out until late in stoppage time. After a give away from Bradley in midfield the ball made it wide to Ronaldo on the USA's left. Damarcus Beasley didn't get out fast enough to close him down and Ronaldo's cross was inch perfect for Varela to beat Howard and split the points.
The draw means US goes into their finale against Germany needing a result to guarantee passage to the round of 16. A win or a draw would see the US through. A loss and the US is scoreboard watching hoping the Portugal-Ghana game does not have a big winner.
As for Sporting KC's Zusi and Matt Besler, they became the first MLS teammates to both start a World Cup game since the 1998 World Cup, 16 years ago. Zusi did not have an impressive outing, but was critical in both US goals, playing in the corner that led to Jones' goal, and providing his second assist of the tournament to Dempsey for the USA's second. Besler was a rock in the back for the US, reading the game extremely well, cutting out passes and playing the way that KC fans have come to expect him to. Really there was nothing that he could have done on either of the goals the US conceded.
FCKC Unbeaten Run Now at 7
Second place FC Kansas City (8-4-3 27 pts) shut out Chicago Red Stars 1-0 in front of 1,493 fans tonight on Verizon Wireless Field. The Blues’ stay in second and create space between the third place Red Stars. Jen Buczkowski scored the lone goal of the night with Merritt Mathias is credited with the assist.
The first half started out with FC Kansas City attacking and a solid Chicago defense there to stop it. Michelle Wenino and Julie Johnston created a barrier for the Red Stars that stopped countless plays from Kansas City.
Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday tried making a play 33 minutes in. The deadly duo was stopped by the Red Stars’ backline. In the 35th minute, Chicago’s Christen Press carried the ball in to the box but Nikki Phillips sent it away from the box. The Blues had 7 shots total in the first 45 minutes, but nothing converted.
After a quick break, the teams were back out in the heat for another half. Kansas City came out with energy and fired shots at Chicago’s goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc. Kassey Kallman was frequently seen running up the sides and shooting for the Blues.
The stalemate was finally broken in the 76th minute when Mathias sent a threating cross in front of the goal to find an open Buczkowski. LeBlanc was on Mathias’ side to block her leaving Buczkowski in a perfect spot to hit the back post. On the restart, Chicago had a quick attack but it went out.
Chicago applied the pressure the remaining minutes and tried to equalize. Both teams used all three subs hoping to increase the score. The heat took a toll on each side making the fresh substitutes essential. Even with the added pressure and subsitutes, Chicago did not find an equalizer.
The win extends FC Kansas City’s undefeated streak to seven games and the last five are wins. The Blues host Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns FC on Verizon Wireless Field next Saturday, June 28th. For tickets call 855.4KC.GOAL
The first half started out with FC Kansas City attacking and a solid Chicago defense there to stop it. Michelle Wenino and Julie Johnston created a barrier for the Red Stars that stopped countless plays from Kansas City.
Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Holiday tried making a play 33 minutes in. The deadly duo was stopped by the Red Stars’ backline. In the 35th minute, Chicago’s Christen Press carried the ball in to the box but Nikki Phillips sent it away from the box. The Blues had 7 shots total in the first 45 minutes, but nothing converted.
After a quick break, the teams were back out in the heat for another half. Kansas City came out with energy and fired shots at Chicago’s goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc. Kassey Kallman was frequently seen running up the sides and shooting for the Blues.
The stalemate was finally broken in the 76th minute when Mathias sent a threating cross in front of the goal to find an open Buczkowski. LeBlanc was on Mathias’ side to block her leaving Buczkowski in a perfect spot to hit the back post. On the restart, Chicago had a quick attack but it went out.
Chicago applied the pressure the remaining minutes and tried to equalize. Both teams used all three subs hoping to increase the score. The heat took a toll on each side making the fresh substitutes essential. Even with the added pressure and subsitutes, Chicago did not find an equalizer.
The win extends FC Kansas City’s undefeated streak to seven games and the last five are wins. The Blues host Alex Morgan and the Portland Thorns FC on Verizon Wireless Field next Saturday, June 28th. For tickets call 855.4KC.GOAL
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Espinoza and Honduras Fall at World Cup - Former SKC Wizards Update
The World Cup has kicked off, and along with Sporting's Graham Zusi and Matt Besler competing for the US, Roger Espinoza and Honduras have also been in action. Unlike Zusi and Besler and the US team, Espinoza and Honduras have not fared as well. In Honduras' first game, they lost 3-0 to France and lost Wilson Palacios to a red card as well. Tomorrow Honduras continue their World Cup run against Ecuador.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 loss to Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Did not dress in New England's 3-2 win over Richmond.
Bobby Convey - New York - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in New York's 3-0 loss to the Cosmos.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 63 minutes in RSL's 2-1 loss to Atlanta.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 loss to Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 win over Indy.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Harrisburg. Started and played 49 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup (game was called afte 49 minutes).
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Dressed but did not play in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Dressed but did not play in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Dressed but did not play in Charlotte's 1-0 loss to Orange County.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 70 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 3-2 loss to New England in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-0 win over LA Galaxy II.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in both of Kristina's losses.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 2-0 loss to Bing Duong.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 3-0 loss to France at the World Cup.
Herculez Gomez - Tigres - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Leon.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-2 draw with Keflavik. Started and played 45 minutes in Stjarnan's 1-0 extra time loss to Throttur Reykjavik.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 loss to Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Did not dress in New England's 3-2 win over Richmond.
Bobby Convey - New York - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in New York's 3-0 loss to the Cosmos.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 63 minutes in RSL's 2-1 loss to Atlanta.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - No game this week.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Did not dress in DC's 1-0 loss to Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-0 win over Orlando City's U23 team in the US Open Up.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - No game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 win over Indy.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - No game this week.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Harrisburg. Started and played 49 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-1 loss to Chicago in the US Open Cup (game was called afte 49 minutes).
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Dressed but did not play in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Dressed but did not play in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Dressed but did not play in Charlotte's 1-0 loss to Orange County.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 2-0 win over Sacramento.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 70 minutes in Richmond's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 3-2 loss to New England in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 3-0 win over LA Galaxy II.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in both of Kristina's losses.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 2-0 loss to Bing Duong.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Honduras' 3-0 loss to France at the World Cup.
Herculez Gomez - Tigres - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Leon.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-2 draw with Keflavik. Started and played 45 minutes in Stjarnan's 1-0 extra time loss to Throttur Reykjavik.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
Alex Martinez scored his first professional goal.
At 22 years, 297 days, he's the 19th youngest player to score for Sporting KC. He knocked Davy Arnaud (22 years, 350 days) out of the top 20.
The goal by Soony Saad was his 5th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him for 19th place on that list with Jack Jewsbury, Jimmy Conrad, and Dom Dwyer.
CJ Sapong made his 11th appearance in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with Preki and Chance Myers for 5th on that list.
Sapong made his 9th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Davy Arnaud for 5th place on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 8th appearance in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with Matt McKeon, Kei Kamara, and Aurelien Collin for 16th on that list.
Sinovic made his 8th start in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with 6 other players for 7th on that list.
Sinovic made his 7th start in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Davy Arnaud, Preki, and Aurelien Collin for 6th on that list.
It was Sinovic's 7th appearance in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with 9 other players for 12th on that list.
Included in those 9 other players, Jacob Peterson and Lawrence Olum, who also made their 7th US Open Cup proper appearance for KC.
Peterson and Olum also tied Diego Gutierrez for 20th with their 7th appearance in all versions of the Open Cup.
Peterson made his 6th start in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with 5 players for 18th on that list.
Peterson made his 6th start in the Open Cup proper, moving him into a tie with 6 other players for 10th on that list.
Olum made his 5th start in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 11 other players for 17th on that list.
At 22 years, 297 days, he's the 19th youngest player to score for Sporting KC. He knocked Davy Arnaud (22 years, 350 days) out of the top 20.
The goal by Soony Saad was his 5th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him for 19th place on that list with Jack Jewsbury, Jimmy Conrad, and Dom Dwyer.
CJ Sapong made his 11th appearance in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with Preki and Chance Myers for 5th on that list.
Sapong made his 9th appearance in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Davy Arnaud for 5th place on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 8th appearance in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with Matt McKeon, Kei Kamara, and Aurelien Collin for 16th on that list.
Sinovic made his 8th start in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with 6 other players for 7th on that list.
Sinovic made his 7th start in the Open Cup proper, tying him with Davy Arnaud, Preki, and Aurelien Collin for 6th on that list.
It was Sinovic's 7th appearance in the US Open Cup proper, tying him with 9 other players for 12th on that list.
Included in those 9 other players, Jacob Peterson and Lawrence Olum, who also made their 7th US Open Cup proper appearance for KC.
Peterson and Olum also tied Diego Gutierrez for 20th with their 7th appearance in all versions of the Open Cup.
Peterson made his 6th start in all parts of the Open Cup, tying him with 5 players for 18th on that list.
Peterson made his 6th start in the Open Cup proper, moving him into a tie with 6 other players for 10th on that list.
Olum made his 5th start in the Open Cup proper, tying him with 11 other players for 17th on that list.
Lopez Recalled For Open Cup - Sporting Loan Update
There wasn't an official announcement, but last night one of KC's three loaned players returned to KC and was on the bench for Sporting's Open Cup game against Minnesota. Mikey Lopez who had only just gotten to Oklahoma City after spending time with Orlando earlier this year. But he was recalled with all of KC's injury and call up issues as KC only dressed 17 players for last night's game. The Energy don't play again until Sunday so the call up won't have a huge effect on OKC game plan wise.
KC's other two players on loan, Christian Duke and Jon Kempin along with Lopez all started in OKC's one game last week at home against the Sacramento Republic. Both Lopez and Kempin played the entire game for the Energy as they came away 2-0 winners with Kempin picking up the shutout. Duke only played the first 45 minutes for the Energy, but did provide the assist for OKC's opener, which came from former KC trialist, Adda Djeziri.
This coming weekend, the Energy will be at home again. They'll host the Rochester Rhinos, who will have one eye still on the Open Cup themselves as they'll play the New England Revolution in the fifth round after beating DC 1-0 on Tuesday.
KC's other two players on loan, Christian Duke and Jon Kempin along with Lopez all started in OKC's one game last week at home against the Sacramento Republic. Both Lopez and Kempin played the entire game for the Energy as they came away 2-0 winners with Kempin picking up the shutout. Duke only played the first 45 minutes for the Energy, but did provide the assist for OKC's opener, which came from former KC trialist, Adda Djeziri.
This coming weekend, the Energy will be at home again. They'll host the Rochester Rhinos, who will have one eye still on the Open Cup themselves as they'll play the New England Revolution in the fifth round after beating DC 1-0 on Tuesday.
Sporting Advance Past Minnesota in US Open Cup Play
It wasn't the best performance for Sporting KC, but KC got the job done in the end against the NASL Minnesota United and advanced to the 5th round of the US Open Cup.
The first half was not one that most Sporting fans, or fans of soccer in general will want to watch again any time soon. It did have one bright moment early on in the game, when in the seventh minute, Soony Saad was able to get space near the corner of the box and lifted a shot towards the back post that beat Minnesota goalkeeper, Mitchell Hildebrandt, but didn't beat the cross bar as it bounced back into play and was cleared away. The rest of the half was controlled by United who kept KC from really getting much going offensively. They only tested Andy Gruenebaum a couple times, but also looked quite dangerous with other chances, including a drive by Daniel Mendes that went wide of the post and was just out of the reach for Christian Ramirez to turn in. Much of KC's issues were in the midfield, where there was too much space between Lawrence Olum and KC's other two midfielders, Claudio Bieler and Victor Munoz. Munoz especially had an extremely poor debut for Sporting making some poor passes and losing possession on a number of occasions. His night ended early when he picked up a hamstring injury after losing the ball near midfield in the 35th minute. Alex Martinez was inserted for the Spaniard and really helped to fill the gap in midfield for KC as they were able to gain more of the possession over the final 10 minutes of the half. The problem was that possession started to become what seems to have become traditional KC possession in the Open Cup against lower division sides. Keeping possession in a semi-circle around the opponents box and in their end of the field with little in the way of ideas to break it down.
The possession for KC continued early in the second half as well. But things changed in the 50th minute, when former Missouri Comet, Cristiano Dias was given a straight red card for a challenge on Dom Dwyer. Dias came in hard for an aerial challenge with the Englishman but did so recklessly in the eyes of the referee. Watching the replays you could also say that he led with his forearms into the challenge. The red card was a blow for United as they had up to that point looked the better of the two teams and the one more likely to find the net. From that point KC was the one that really pressured the game, with Dwyer forcing a good save out of Hildebrandt on a quick turning shot. Minutes later he did well again coming off his line to make a block on a shot by Seth Sinovic who'd gotten in behind Minnesota's defense. Even a man down, United still looked dangerous, with Ramirez going just wide of Gruenebaum's post after he turned Erik Palmer-Brown the wrong way with some good skill. KC finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. After a cross into the box was cut out, the ball fell to Olum who slid the ball across to Saad who fired a shot from outside the box. With all the bodies in front of him it seems Hildebrandt may have been shielded from seeing the ball as the shot skipped and went inside his near post giving KC the 1-0 lead. Minnesota pushed the game trying to find an equalizer, forcing some rough defending from KC, and some luck. A header off a United corner went just over the bar. KC continued to push themselves as well, looking to add to the lead. In the 87th minute they were able to do that. Sal Zizzo got played into the box for Toni Dovale. Zizzo's initial pass to the back post for Dwyer was deflected by a United defender. Zizzo though recollected the loose ball and laid it back to Martinez who was trailing the play. Martinez slotted the ball into the corner, doubling KC's lead. While Minnesota pressured late in the game they weren't able to find a goal as KC advanced to play the Portland Timbers next Tuesday.
Wizards Man of the Match - Alex Martinez - Settled KC's midfield immediately when he entered the game. Helped to close the gap between the defense and the attackers. Was extremely active in midfield and got the goal he's deserved for the last few games.
Player Ratings - Gruenebaum 6, Peterson 6, Palmer-Brown 6, Ellis 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 5, Munoz 3, Bieler 4, Dovale 6, Dwyer 5, Saad 7. Subs Martinez 7, Zizzo 6, Sapong NR.
The first half was not one that most Sporting fans, or fans of soccer in general will want to watch again any time soon. It did have one bright moment early on in the game, when in the seventh minute, Soony Saad was able to get space near the corner of the box and lifted a shot towards the back post that beat Minnesota goalkeeper, Mitchell Hildebrandt, but didn't beat the cross bar as it bounced back into play and was cleared away. The rest of the half was controlled by United who kept KC from really getting much going offensively. They only tested Andy Gruenebaum a couple times, but also looked quite dangerous with other chances, including a drive by Daniel Mendes that went wide of the post and was just out of the reach for Christian Ramirez to turn in. Much of KC's issues were in the midfield, where there was too much space between Lawrence Olum and KC's other two midfielders, Claudio Bieler and Victor Munoz. Munoz especially had an extremely poor debut for Sporting making some poor passes and losing possession on a number of occasions. His night ended early when he picked up a hamstring injury after losing the ball near midfield in the 35th minute. Alex Martinez was inserted for the Spaniard and really helped to fill the gap in midfield for KC as they were able to gain more of the possession over the final 10 minutes of the half. The problem was that possession started to become what seems to have become traditional KC possession in the Open Cup against lower division sides. Keeping possession in a semi-circle around the opponents box and in their end of the field with little in the way of ideas to break it down.
The possession for KC continued early in the second half as well. But things changed in the 50th minute, when former Missouri Comet, Cristiano Dias was given a straight red card for a challenge on Dom Dwyer. Dias came in hard for an aerial challenge with the Englishman but did so recklessly in the eyes of the referee. Watching the replays you could also say that he led with his forearms into the challenge. The red card was a blow for United as they had up to that point looked the better of the two teams and the one more likely to find the net. From that point KC was the one that really pressured the game, with Dwyer forcing a good save out of Hildebrandt on a quick turning shot. Minutes later he did well again coming off his line to make a block on a shot by Seth Sinovic who'd gotten in behind Minnesota's defense. Even a man down, United still looked dangerous, with Ramirez going just wide of Gruenebaum's post after he turned Erik Palmer-Brown the wrong way with some good skill. KC finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. After a cross into the box was cut out, the ball fell to Olum who slid the ball across to Saad who fired a shot from outside the box. With all the bodies in front of him it seems Hildebrandt may have been shielded from seeing the ball as the shot skipped and went inside his near post giving KC the 1-0 lead. Minnesota pushed the game trying to find an equalizer, forcing some rough defending from KC, and some luck. A header off a United corner went just over the bar. KC continued to push themselves as well, looking to add to the lead. In the 87th minute they were able to do that. Sal Zizzo got played into the box for Toni Dovale. Zizzo's initial pass to the back post for Dwyer was deflected by a United defender. Zizzo though recollected the loose ball and laid it back to Martinez who was trailing the play. Martinez slotted the ball into the corner, doubling KC's lead. While Minnesota pressured late in the game they weren't able to find a goal as KC advanced to play the Portland Timbers next Tuesday.
Wizards Man of the Match - Alex Martinez - Settled KC's midfield immediately when he entered the game. Helped to close the gap between the defense and the attackers. Was extremely active in midfield and got the goal he's deserved for the last few games.
Player Ratings - Gruenebaum 6, Peterson 6, Palmer-Brown 6, Ellis 6, Sinovic 6, Olum 5, Munoz 3, Bieler 4, Dovale 6, Dwyer 5, Saad 7. Subs Martinez 7, Zizzo 6, Sapong NR.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Case for Sporting Legends
Today Sporting KC announced five former players for the club who are up for election to become the second class of Sporting Legends, a hall of fame type program created to honor the greats that have played for KC throughout the years. Last year the club elected Preki, Tony Meola, and Bob Gansler to the first class. This year the player elected to become a Sporting Legend will be decided by fans in a vote on the team's website and social media. The top vote getter will be unveiled later this summer. So I figured I'd take a look at the five players up for selection and who should be selected.
First for me, I can't vote for people that are still a part of the club. So sorry to Peter Vermes and Kerry Zavagnin, but the two of them fall off the selection process for me. Both I think will end up becoming Sporting Legends eventually. I think the two will go in for different reasons though. For me, I'm not sure that Vermes playing career here alone is worthy of being considered a Sporting Legend. Vermes played less than 80 league games for KC, the fewest of the five players available. He was named defender of the year in 2000 and was an MLS Best XI pick that year. But honestly I'm not sure that he's a club legend on that alone. What he's done as technical director and head coach will be what carries him to that status.
For Zavagnin his play on the field speaks for itself and should make him a Legend. He is the team record holder for league minutes played at 20,516, minutes in all competitions at 25,290, appearances in all competitions at 291, and starts in both league (228) and all competitions (281). He's second on the team in league appearances at 237. But like Vermes I just can't vote for him when he's still a member of the club, and technically he's still never left since 2000, transitioning from a player in 2008 to an assistant in 2009.
So with those two off the table in my opinion my vote comes down to three remaining players, Jimmy Conrad, Mo Johnston, and Chris Klein. All three will eventually be added to the list but it comes down to who should be in the second class. Two of the three, Conrad and Klein captained the club for at least a short period of time with the club. The two are also comparable when it comes to appearances in all competitions, (230 for Conrad, 235 for Klein), league appearances (204 for Conrad, 200 for Klein), starts in all competitions (228 for Conrad, 216 for Klein) and league play (203 to 183). Klein as the more offensive minded player obviously finished with more goals he was second on the team when he left with 39 in league and 43 in all competitions, he's since fallen to fourth in both. Compared to Conrad's 17 goals (both league and all competitions) which are both team highs for defenders. Klein is also second on the team all time in assists with 45 league and 52 in all competitions. Comparatively, Conrad helped to anchor the 2004 back line that was one of the best in MLS history at that time.
The last nominee, Johnston burst onto the scene for KC in 1996, scoring two goals in his debut, a 6-4 win over the Columbus Crew. By the time he retired after the 2001 season, Johnston was at the time the team's second leading scorer in league play with 31 and in all competitions with 32, he's since dropped to sixth in both of those categories. He also added 28 league assists, 32 in all competitions. When he retired he was the team leader in minutes played in both league play (12,600) and all competitions (14,182). He also ended his career as the leader in league (149) and all competition appearances (169), same for starts (142 league, 157 all competitions). And he is also part of one of the great images in team history with his bloody face in the 2000 Western Conference finals after taking a boot to the face in the process of helping to set up Miklos Molnar's series winner in a mini game, sending KC to MLS Cup.
For me this is a tough decision. Conrad is arguably my favorite KC player of all time (my son's name is Conrad). Meanwhile, Johnston was one of my original heroes while growing up watching the team play. And Klein was one of the players I tried to model my play on the wing after when I played myself.
In the end, as I said, all five of these players will eventually be Sporting Legends, but for this vote I'm going to vote for the player that gave the most legendary moment in their legendary career, and that's Johnston. That play of him taking the boot to the face is forever etched in my mind watching it happen from my parents seats at Arrowhead. He deserves to go in in this class.
An aside.
While I vote for Johnston of the five players available to choose from, I continue to be disappointed that the team's original founder, Lamar Hunt is not included or inducted yet as a Sporting Legend. We were told last year that Hunt deserved to be in a class of his own. To me there's no reason at all why Hunt should not be a Sporting Legend yet.
First for me, I can't vote for people that are still a part of the club. So sorry to Peter Vermes and Kerry Zavagnin, but the two of them fall off the selection process for me. Both I think will end up becoming Sporting Legends eventually. I think the two will go in for different reasons though. For me, I'm not sure that Vermes playing career here alone is worthy of being considered a Sporting Legend. Vermes played less than 80 league games for KC, the fewest of the five players available. He was named defender of the year in 2000 and was an MLS Best XI pick that year. But honestly I'm not sure that he's a club legend on that alone. What he's done as technical director and head coach will be what carries him to that status.
For Zavagnin his play on the field speaks for itself and should make him a Legend. He is the team record holder for league minutes played at 20,516, minutes in all competitions at 25,290, appearances in all competitions at 291, and starts in both league (228) and all competitions (281). He's second on the team in league appearances at 237. But like Vermes I just can't vote for him when he's still a member of the club, and technically he's still never left since 2000, transitioning from a player in 2008 to an assistant in 2009.
So with those two off the table in my opinion my vote comes down to three remaining players, Jimmy Conrad, Mo Johnston, and Chris Klein. All three will eventually be added to the list but it comes down to who should be in the second class. Two of the three, Conrad and Klein captained the club for at least a short period of time with the club. The two are also comparable when it comes to appearances in all competitions, (230 for Conrad, 235 for Klein), league appearances (204 for Conrad, 200 for Klein), starts in all competitions (228 for Conrad, 216 for Klein) and league play (203 to 183). Klein as the more offensive minded player obviously finished with more goals he was second on the team when he left with 39 in league and 43 in all competitions, he's since fallen to fourth in both. Compared to Conrad's 17 goals (both league and all competitions) which are both team highs for defenders. Klein is also second on the team all time in assists with 45 league and 52 in all competitions. Comparatively, Conrad helped to anchor the 2004 back line that was one of the best in MLS history at that time.
The last nominee, Johnston burst onto the scene for KC in 1996, scoring two goals in his debut, a 6-4 win over the Columbus Crew. By the time he retired after the 2001 season, Johnston was at the time the team's second leading scorer in league play with 31 and in all competitions with 32, he's since dropped to sixth in both of those categories. He also added 28 league assists, 32 in all competitions. When he retired he was the team leader in minutes played in both league play (12,600) and all competitions (14,182). He also ended his career as the leader in league (149) and all competition appearances (169), same for starts (142 league, 157 all competitions). And he is also part of one of the great images in team history with his bloody face in the 2000 Western Conference finals after taking a boot to the face in the process of helping to set up Miklos Molnar's series winner in a mini game, sending KC to MLS Cup.
For me this is a tough decision. Conrad is arguably my favorite KC player of all time (my son's name is Conrad). Meanwhile, Johnston was one of my original heroes while growing up watching the team play. And Klein was one of the players I tried to model my play on the wing after when I played myself.
In the end, as I said, all five of these players will eventually be Sporting Legends, but for this vote I'm going to vote for the player that gave the most legendary moment in their legendary career, and that's Johnston. That play of him taking the boot to the face is forever etched in my mind watching it happen from my parents seats at Arrowhead. He deserves to go in in this class.
An aside.
While I vote for Johnston of the five players available to choose from, I continue to be disappointed that the team's original founder, Lamar Hunt is not included or inducted yet as a Sporting Legend. We were told last year that Hunt deserved to be in a class of his own. To me there's no reason at all why Hunt should not be a Sporting Legend yet.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Match Day USOC: Mindful of the Upset
It's once again time for MLS teams to join US Open Cup play. Starting last week, the fourth round of the US Open Cup kicked off. With MLS And the NASL both on breaks at this time of year, US Soccer gave teams a full week to get games in. Some teams had games last Wednesday, others had games this past Saturday, but the majority of the games were tonight and tomorrow. That includes Sporting KC taking on Minnesota United.
United comes into the game after beating the Des Moines Menace 1-0 in a game in Des Moines back on May 28th. Minnesota dominated the game but could only find the net once. Not only has Minnesota advanced to the fourth round of the US Open Cup, but Minnesota also just wrapped up the spring season title of the NASL, picking up 20 points in 9 games, one more than the New York Cosmos, giving Minnesota a birth in the NASL playoffs after the end of the fall season. United has the league's joint leading scorer and league leader in assists, Christian Ramirez.
Kansas City continues to struggle with injury issues and absences during the World Cup break. No word on Aurelien Collin, but most fans at this point seem to hope that he's been shut down until MLS play kicks off again later this month. The same could potentially be said for Igor Juliao. In midfield, both Benny Feilhaber and Paulo Nagamura are recovering from injuries picked up against the Houston Dynamo. From quotes Peter Vermes has made, he looks set to hold them out as well so that they are ready for the return of MLS play. That would leave KC quite short in the midfield for the game as well. With the break though KC can put out a number of regular starting 11 players while also giving time to other players, like Andy Gruenebaum.
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of NASL teams that KC has played in the US Open Cup. It's also the number of wins that Kansas City has over teams from Minnesota in the US Open Cup. KC lost to the Thunder 3-1 in 2005. Then in 2009 the two teams met up again, with KC drawing 3-3, but going through 4-2 on penalty kicks against the Thunder for a 0-1-1 record against those teams.
Key Match Up - KC Defense vs Christian Ramirez - Ramirez is going to be a handful for KC's back line, and with it likely to be Erik Palmer-Brown and Kevin Ellis again in central defense, Ramirez is going to be a handful to deal with.
PREDICTION - Both team are on a break from league play, so both teams should be putting out a very strong team with only a few exceptions. KC's continued depleted roster continues to be a concern. The game tomorrow is going to be an extremely tough game for KC against a very good Minnesota side that will be thinking upset after three NASL teams have knocked off MLS sides already. I'm just not sure that KC's depth is going to be enough to carry them through this one.
SKC - 1 (Bieler)
MNU - 2 (Ramirez, Daley)
United comes into the game after beating the Des Moines Menace 1-0 in a game in Des Moines back on May 28th. Minnesota dominated the game but could only find the net once. Not only has Minnesota advanced to the fourth round of the US Open Cup, but Minnesota also just wrapped up the spring season title of the NASL, picking up 20 points in 9 games, one more than the New York Cosmos, giving Minnesota a birth in the NASL playoffs after the end of the fall season. United has the league's joint leading scorer and league leader in assists, Christian Ramirez.
Kansas City continues to struggle with injury issues and absences during the World Cup break. No word on Aurelien Collin, but most fans at this point seem to hope that he's been shut down until MLS play kicks off again later this month. The same could potentially be said for Igor Juliao. In midfield, both Benny Feilhaber and Paulo Nagamura are recovering from injuries picked up against the Houston Dynamo. From quotes Peter Vermes has made, he looks set to hold them out as well so that they are ready for the return of MLS play. That would leave KC quite short in the midfield for the game as well. With the break though KC can put out a number of regular starting 11 players while also giving time to other players, like Andy Gruenebaum.
Gruenebaum
Juliao - Palmer-Brown - Ellis - Sinovic
Olum
Martinez - Medranda
Dovale - Bieler - Saad
Number to Remember - 0 - That's the number of NASL teams that KC has played in the US Open Cup. It's also the number of wins that Kansas City has over teams from Minnesota in the US Open Cup. KC lost to the Thunder 3-1 in 2005. Then in 2009 the two teams met up again, with KC drawing 3-3, but going through 4-2 on penalty kicks against the Thunder for a 0-1-1 record against those teams.
Key Match Up - KC Defense vs Christian Ramirez - Ramirez is going to be a handful for KC's back line, and with it likely to be Erik Palmer-Brown and Kevin Ellis again in central defense, Ramirez is going to be a handful to deal with.
PREDICTION - Both team are on a break from league play, so both teams should be putting out a very strong team with only a few exceptions. KC's continued depleted roster continues to be a concern. The game tomorrow is going to be an extremely tough game for KC against a very good Minnesota side that will be thinking upset after three NASL teams have knocked off MLS sides already. I'm just not sure that KC's depth is going to be enough to carry them through this one.
SKC - 1 (Bieler)
MNU - 2 (Ramirez, Daley)
Monday, June 16, 2014
Zusi Sets Up Winner as US Beat Ghana
Sporting KC's Graham Zusi started on the bench, but he ended up having a bit role in the USA's 2-1 win over Ghana as they opened World Cup play today. Zusi's corner in the 86th minute found the head of John Brooks who'd lost his man and headed the ball into the net. The goal gave the US a win they probably didn't totally deserve based on the way the game went. But honestly, who cares, it's the World Cup and the US is one step closer to advancing. They also exorcised some demons from the past two World Cups.
Zusi's SKC teammate, Matt Besler started the game in central defense for the US team, but subbed out at half time as a precaution for a hamstring injury. It was a first half full of injuries as the US team also lost Jozy Altidore to a hamstring injury that will require a scan. And Clint Dempsey took a shin to the face and suffered a broken nose.
Less than 30 seconds in though the US had grabbed the lead as Dempsey put a shot in off the post and in for the 5th fastest goal in World Cup history. The US created another good opportunity that Altidore couldn't put away, but then Altidore went down with his hamstring injury and the US struggled to create anything offensively about that.
Ghana had the better of play leading up to Altidore's injury, but really took control of the game after the injury. The US defense held strong throughout the half and Tim Howard made a couple saves. Late in the half, Besler pulled up and grabbed his hamstring. He toughed out the half but made way for Brooks. The US held out and cleared the defensive line until the 82nd minute when Andre Ayew received a ball in the box and beat Howard to the near post. But just a couple minutes later, Brooks connected on the header from the Zusi corner to give the USA the three points. They'll now play Portugal on Sunday. A win would almost guarantee them a spot in the next round.
Full highlights:
Zusi's SKC teammate, Matt Besler started the game in central defense for the US team, but subbed out at half time as a precaution for a hamstring injury. It was a first half full of injuries as the US team also lost Jozy Altidore to a hamstring injury that will require a scan. And Clint Dempsey took a shin to the face and suffered a broken nose.
Less than 30 seconds in though the US had grabbed the lead as Dempsey put a shot in off the post and in for the 5th fastest goal in World Cup history. The US created another good opportunity that Altidore couldn't put away, but then Altidore went down with his hamstring injury and the US struggled to create anything offensively about that.
Ghana had the better of play leading up to Altidore's injury, but really took control of the game after the injury. The US defense held strong throughout the half and Tim Howard made a couple saves. Late in the half, Besler pulled up and grabbed his hamstring. He toughed out the half but made way for Brooks. The US held out and cleared the defensive line until the 82nd minute when Andre Ayew received a ball in the box and beat Howard to the near post. But just a couple minutes later, Brooks connected on the header from the Zusi corner to give the USA the three points. They'll now play Portugal on Sunday. A win would almost guarantee them a spot in the next round.
Full highlights:
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Feilhaber Heatlh and Rumors
Sporting KC news wise it's been a slow week. Beside news about Matt Besler and Graham Zusi being with the US national team, news has really been limited without a game this week. Really the only other player that's been in the news has been Benny Feilhaber. With his injury against the Houston Dynamo in KC's last match there were plenty of questions of how long Feilhaber would be out and whether it would require surgery.
Thankfully for KC fans we did get that answer this week, and it was good news. Feilhaber will not require surgery on his shoulder, and should return to KC after the World Cup break. The sprained AC join in his left shoulder he picked up against Houston forced him to be subbed out at half time.KC still has just under 2 weeks until their next league game on the 27th against the Portland Timbers. Feilhaber would potentially miss two games for KC though. KC plays Minnesota next Wednesday in the US Open Cup and if they win would face a match up against against either Portland or Orlando City's U23 team. Feilhaber has arguably been KC's MVP through the first part of the season, and losing him long term would have been a huge blow to Sporting KC.
And if you wanna believe some rumors, there's the chance that KC could find out what it's like to deal without him long term. Some rumors surfaced this past week linking three Liga Mexico clubs with the American midfielder. Two of the clubs said to be interested are Club America and Cruz Azul. America has previously been linked with bringing in American players, including Omar Gonzalez. Cruz Azul has also shown a recent interest in raiding MLS, picking up Jose Villareal, Michael Farfan, and Rafael Baca ahead of the 2014 MLS season. Cruz Azul also got an up close look at Feilhaber when the two teams met in the CONCACAF Champions League. The third team wasn't named by Greg Seltzer. Feilhaber though is said to be happy here and apparently KC still has one more option year on Feilhaber's contract that I can't see KC not exercising.
The thought of losing Feilhaber for good right now is scary. Feilhaber has been a key part of KC's offense, or has been the distributor from the defense depending on how Peter Vermes has deployed him. Alex Martinez has done a decent job in Feilhaber's more advanced position, but not great, while Olum may be a better defender, he doesn't have Feilhaber's passing ability. Thankfully, while this rumor may have legs, it doesn't look like Feilhaber will be moving. KC's already lost Oriol Rosell this transfer window, I'm not sure that the team will also sell Feilhaber.
Thankfully for KC fans we did get that answer this week, and it was good news. Feilhaber will not require surgery on his shoulder, and should return to KC after the World Cup break. The sprained AC join in his left shoulder he picked up against Houston forced him to be subbed out at half time.KC still has just under 2 weeks until their next league game on the 27th against the Portland Timbers. Feilhaber would potentially miss two games for KC though. KC plays Minnesota next Wednesday in the US Open Cup and if they win would face a match up against against either Portland or Orlando City's U23 team. Feilhaber has arguably been KC's MVP through the first part of the season, and losing him long term would have been a huge blow to Sporting KC.
And if you wanna believe some rumors, there's the chance that KC could find out what it's like to deal without him long term. Some rumors surfaced this past week linking three Liga Mexico clubs with the American midfielder. Two of the clubs said to be interested are Club America and Cruz Azul. America has previously been linked with bringing in American players, including Omar Gonzalez. Cruz Azul has also shown a recent interest in raiding MLS, picking up Jose Villareal, Michael Farfan, and Rafael Baca ahead of the 2014 MLS season. Cruz Azul also got an up close look at Feilhaber when the two teams met in the CONCACAF Champions League. The third team wasn't named by Greg Seltzer. Feilhaber though is said to be happy here and apparently KC still has one more option year on Feilhaber's contract that I can't see KC not exercising.
The thought of losing Feilhaber for good right now is scary. Feilhaber has been a key part of KC's offense, or has been the distributor from the defense depending on how Peter Vermes has deployed him. Alex Martinez has done a decent job in Feilhaber's more advanced position, but not great, while Olum may be a better defender, he doesn't have Feilhaber's passing ability. Thankfully, while this rumor may have legs, it doesn't look like Feilhaber will be moving. KC's already lost Oriol Rosell this transfer window, I'm not sure that the team will also sell Feilhaber.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Movsisyan Linked with a Move to the EPL - Former SKC Wizards Update
While the World Cup has kicked off today in Brazil, it hasn't stopped silly season rumors from making the rounds. Former KC forward, Yura Movsisyan is one of those players that been in some of the latest rumors. Movsisyan, currently with Russian club, Spartak Moscow, is linked with a move to the English Premier League. According to Sky Sports, multiple clubs in England are interested in landing Movsisyan's services. Other reports link him with the likes of West Brom, Everton, and Tottenham. Movsisyan scored 20 goals in 35 appearances since joining Spartak in 2012.
Another former player already has a new club, as Mechack Jerome, waived by KC earlier this season, has signed for the Montreal Impact.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 0-0 draw with Columbus. Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 4-2 win over Montreal.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to New York.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 60 minutes in New York's 2-0 win over New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 77 minutes in RSL's 3-1 loss to Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Started and played 82 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - Did not dress in Montreal's 4-2 loss to DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Dressed but did not play in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 58 minutes in DC's 0-0 draw with Columbus. Did not dress in DC's 4-2 win over Montreal.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Started and played 45 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-0 loss to Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in San Jose's 2-1 win in the US Open Cup over Sacramento.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 0-0 draw with Columbus.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 66 minutes, scoring a goal in Pittsburgh's 3-2 win over Rochester.
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Did not dress in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Dressed but did not play in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Came off the bench and played 11 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 1-1 draw with OKC.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 84 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Harrisburg.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 2-1 win over Hameenlinna.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 3-2 win over Dong Nai.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 87 minutes in Honduras' 0-0 draw with England.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Cesar Vallejo.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 70 minutes in Armenia's 4-3 win over UAE. Came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Armenia's 3-1 loss to Algeria. Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 6-1 loss to Germany.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over KR.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
Another former player already has a new club, as Mechack Jerome, waived by KC earlier this season, has signed for the Montreal Impact.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 0-0 draw with Columbus. Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 4-2 win over Montreal.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to New York.
Bobby Convey - New York - Started and played 60 minutes in New York's 2-0 win over New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 77 minutes in RSL's 3-1 loss to Portland.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Started and played 82 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Mechack Jerome - Montreal - Did not dress in Montreal's 4-2 loss to DC.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Dressed but did not play in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 58 minutes in DC's 0-0 draw with Columbus. Did not dress in DC's 4-2 win over Montreal.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 3-1 win over RSL. Started and played 45 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw with Dallas.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 1-0 loss to Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in San Jose's 2-1 win in the US Open Cup over Sacramento.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 0-0 draw with Columbus.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-2 draw with San Antonio.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 66 minutes, scoring a goal in Pittsburgh's 3-2 win over Rochester.
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Did not dress in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Dressed but did not play in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Came off the bench and played 11 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 1-1 draw with OKC.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Came off the bench and played 27 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 84 minutes in OKC's 2-2 draw with Wilmington. Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-1 draw with Charlotte.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Harrisburg.
John Wilson - Charleston - No game this week.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 2-1 win over Hameenlinna.
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in Ha Noi's 3-2 win over Dong Nai.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 87 minutes in Honduras' 0-0 draw with England.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Offseason.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - Did not dress in San Martin's 1-1 draw with Cesar Vallejo.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 70 minutes in Armenia's 4-3 win over UAE. Came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Armenia's 3-1 loss to Algeria. Started and played 90 minutes in Armenia's 6-1 loss to Germany.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - No game until 7/18
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over KR.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Kempin Named to Team of the Week - Sporting Loan Update
Sporting KC goalkeeper, Jon Kempin picked up team of the week honors in the USL-Pro for his play this past weekend for the Oklahoma Ciy Energy. On a weekend where the Energy played two games on back to back nights, Kempin played the Energy's first game on Friday against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Kempin made five saves for the Energy in their 2-2 draw to start off a road trip that saw them end it with a three game unbeaten run. Kempin got a break for the Energy's second game, also a draw against the Charlotte Eagles.
The only other KC player out on loan currently after last week's call up of Christian Duke is Mikey Lopez who moved from Orlando City to OKC. Lopez immediately got a chance to contribute, coming off the bench and playing the final six minutes of the draw with Wilmington. Lopez then got his first start for the Energy the next night in Charlotte, playing the full 90 minutes for the Energy in their 1-1 draw with the Eagles.
This coming weekend, the Energy will be hosting the Sacramento Republic. Lopez and Kempin will be available, but Duke could stay with KC ahead of their US Open Cup game against Minnesota the following week.
The only other KC player out on loan currently after last week's call up of Christian Duke is Mikey Lopez who moved from Orlando City to OKC. Lopez immediately got a chance to contribute, coming off the bench and playing the final six minutes of the draw with Wilmington. Lopez then got his first start for the Energy the next night in Charlotte, playing the full 90 minutes for the Energy in their 1-1 draw with the Eagles.
This coming weekend, the Energy will be hosting the Sacramento Republic. Lopez and Kempin will be available, but Duke could stay with KC ahead of their US Open Cup game against Minnesota the following week.
Monday, June 09, 2014
The New US Jersey
The World Cup starts in three days when Brazil will take on Croatia. Ahead of this summer's World Cup I'd been excited and ready to get a new US national team jersey. I'd be disappointed with the last cycle of jerseys, the "Where's Waldo" and the sweater vest. Unfortunately when I originally saw the two new jerseys I wasn't overly impressed. The primary, the white jersey that looked like the England shirt, or a polo you'd wear on casual Friday's at work. The secondary I thought looked more like a bomb pop Popsicle.
But through the partnership between the blog and SoccerPro.com I got the opportunity to review the USA Away Jersey that people have called bomb pop. And seeing it in person I gotta say I actually have grown to like it. It's not my favorite US jersey of the last few years, that still belongs to the red jersey with the blue sash. But this one is actually a lot nicer than I thought it'd be. It's definitely a jersey that you can change your opinion on after seeing it in person. The other thing I like about this jersey, specifically compared to the home jersey is that it stands out. Turn the channel to a game that the US is playing in their new home jersey and you aren't going to be sure who it is immediately. With the away though it's easy to quickly tell who is playing in the game. I also like the fact that crest for US Soccer is just two colors. I think it minimizes the logo just enough, while at the same time getting it to work with the jersey much better than I think it would if they'd kept the traditional look of the crest.
As for the jersey itself, I'm not normally one to get a Nike jersey, mainly because of MLS's Adidas partnership, I'm usually purchasing their jerseys. But I think that the Nike jersey fits well. I know previous ones I've bought have been tighter than the normal size. But this one fits quite well.
Not a fan of the "bomb pop"? SoccerPro has a ton of US merchandise including scarves, shoes, shirts, and other apparel ahead of the World Cup. They also have gear for plenty of other national teams involved in the World Cup.
But through the partnership between the blog and SoccerPro.com I got the opportunity to review the USA Away Jersey that people have called bomb pop. And seeing it in person I gotta say I actually have grown to like it. It's not my favorite US jersey of the last few years, that still belongs to the red jersey with the blue sash. But this one is actually a lot nicer than I thought it'd be. It's definitely a jersey that you can change your opinion on after seeing it in person. The other thing I like about this jersey, specifically compared to the home jersey is that it stands out. Turn the channel to a game that the US is playing in their new home jersey and you aren't going to be sure who it is immediately. With the away though it's easy to quickly tell who is playing in the game. I also like the fact that crest for US Soccer is just two colors. I think it minimizes the logo just enough, while at the same time getting it to work with the jersey much better than I think it would if they'd kept the traditional look of the crest.
As for the jersey itself, I'm not normally one to get a Nike jersey, mainly because of MLS's Adidas partnership, I'm usually purchasing their jerseys. But I think that the Nike jersey fits well. I know previous ones I've bought have been tighter than the normal size. But this one fits quite well.
Not a fan of the "bomb pop"? SoccerPro has a ton of US merchandise including scarves, shoes, shirts, and other apparel ahead of the World Cup. They also have gear for plenty of other national teams involved in the World Cup.
Sunday, June 08, 2014
Pair of PKs Sees FCKC Top Boston
FC Kansas City (6-4-3 21 pts) moves to a 3 game winning streak and 5 games undefeated with a 2-0 win over Boston Breakers (2-8-0 6 pts) in front of 1,457 fans tonight. Lauren Holiday capitalized on two penalty kicks in the first half. The first penalty came from Amy Rodriguez being fouled and the second from Erika Tymrak being fouled. This match brings the aggregate goal total between the two clubs to 4-0, continuing FC Kansas City’s shutout of Boston in the 2014 National Women's Soccer League regular season.
The first half saw both goals, the first coming in the 14th minute when Rodriguez was tripped up just inside the box and a foul was called. Holiday stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and easily netted it to take the lead. The goal boosted FC Kansas City’s confidence and saw a clear momentum definition in favor of the Blues. A few attempts on goal from both sides filled the time between goals for Kansas City. In the 33rd minute, Tymrak took on two defenders in the box, she tried to sneak in the open space but was taken down for a foul. Holiday once again stepped up to the line and went the opposite way to throw off Boston goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for the second and final goal of the night.
The second half was a midfield battle from both sides. FC Kansas City trying to maintain the lead while having defenders like Becky Sauerbrunn and Kassey Kallman make runs in to the attacking third of the pitch. The Breakers still challenged the Blues with attempts that kept the fans on the edge of their seat. Amy LePeilbet saw her return on Wednesday entered the game in the 63rd minute and saw more playing time. Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart made picture perfect saves throughout the night, proving she is one of the best in the league. Rookie Mandy Laddish made her professional debut entering the match in the 87th minute for Holiday. Boston had a close call in the final minutes when Nikki Phillips tried to contain a bouncing ball but the Breakers had a close range shot. The final shot went high over the net and kept the score at 2-0 as the final whistle sounded.
The first half saw both goals, the first coming in the 14th minute when Rodriguez was tripped up just inside the box and a foul was called. Holiday stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and easily netted it to take the lead. The goal boosted FC Kansas City’s confidence and saw a clear momentum definition in favor of the Blues. A few attempts on goal from both sides filled the time between goals for Kansas City. In the 33rd minute, Tymrak took on two defenders in the box, she tried to sneak in the open space but was taken down for a foul. Holiday once again stepped up to the line and went the opposite way to throw off Boston goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for the second and final goal of the night.
The second half was a midfield battle from both sides. FC Kansas City trying to maintain the lead while having defenders like Becky Sauerbrunn and Kassey Kallman make runs in to the attacking third of the pitch. The Breakers still challenged the Blues with attempts that kept the fans on the edge of their seat. Amy LePeilbet saw her return on Wednesday entered the game in the 63rd minute and saw more playing time. Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart made picture perfect saves throughout the night, proving she is one of the best in the league. Rookie Mandy Laddish made her professional debut entering the match in the 87th minute for Holiday. Boston had a close call in the final minutes when Nikki Phillips tried to contain a bouncing ball but the Breakers had a close range shot. The final shot went high over the net and kept the score at 2-0 as the final whistle sounded.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
S.A.S. Saturday After Stats
Stats for you from the game against the Dynamo.
Dom Dwyer scored his 13th league goal, tying him with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez for 17th on that list.
Jacob Peterson made his 50th league appearance for KC, he's the 50th player to hit that mark.
Seth Sinovic made his 117th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Uche Okafor for 19th place on that list.
Dom Dwyer scored his 13th league goal, tying him with Matt McKeon, Jose Burciaga, Sasha Victorine, and Claudio Lopez for 17th on that list.
Jacob Peterson made his 50th league appearance for KC, he's the 50th player to hit that mark.
Seth Sinovic made his 117th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Uche Okafor for 19th place on that list.
Friday, June 06, 2014
It Wasn't Pretty but Sporting Gets the Job Done
It wasn't the prettiest games tonight in Houston, but it was arguably one of the guttiest performances of the season by Sporting KC. Already playing with a depleted lineup, KC started the game with their eighth different starting center back partnership against the Houston Dynamo. Then proceeded to have a midfielder go down hurt, lose another player to a red card, and lose two more players to injuries that led KC to use all three subs before the second half had even began. Through it all, Sporting KC ended their five game winless run and go into the World Cup break on a high winning 2-0 in Houston over a Dynamo side that is struggling just as badly.
Things stated out poorly for KC again as just five minutes in they were forced to use a sub on Paulo Nagamura who went up for a header with a Dynamo defender. The two knocked heads and Nagamura went down. The Brazilian had to be stretchered off the field and was replaced by Alex Martinez in only the 7th minute. The second time in as many games KC has had to use a sub in the first 10 minutes. Martinez almost made an immediate impact in the 11th minute as he intercepted a miss cleared header and raced in on goal but fired just wide of the near post keeping the game scoreless. Things took a disastrous turn in the 21st minute, when Toni Dovale was given a red card. Replays later in the half appeared to show Dovale elbowing Alex Lopez in the neck/head behind the play. It was apparently called by the fourth official as the referee's back was turned to the play. Shortly after that, Lopez fired a shot from distance that Eric Kronberg was forced to tip the ball over the bar for a corner instead of trying to grab the curling effort. Kronberg was again called into action in the 33rd. A corner from the Dynamo went long to the back post where it was knocked back into the middle. A dynamo player got a touch on it, but was right in front of Kronberg who was able to knock it away. Sporting though down a man continued to pressure and in the 41st almost picked one off. Dom Dwyer intercepted a ball knocked back towards Houston keeper, Tyler Deric, he headed the ball over Deric and ran around him trying to knock the ball in, but Houston defender Eric Brunner did a good job of recovering and knocking the ball out for a corner right as Dwyer was going to touch it home. Then in the 45th minute, KC's high pressure paid off again. Soony Saad forced a poor pass in the back. Benny Feilhaber then won the ball and pushed it up field back to Saad. Saad one timed the effort past Deric and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead. The excitement of the lead though was immediately tempered by the fact that on the play, Feilhaber had been the victim of a rough tackle by Brunner. Feilhaber went down and his shoulder hit the turf. He was in a lot of pain and was noticibly favoring that arm for the rest of the half.
Feilhaber didn't come back out fo the start of the second half, an apparent separated shoulder put him out of action. Also Igor Juliao came off the field, he'd been questionable with an injury. Jacob Peterson and Sal Zizzo entered the game for them and KC was out of subs, on the road, down a man and it was only half time. Still just a minute into the second half, Dwyer had a decent chance to make it 2-0. Martinez played a nice ball over the top to Dwyer who just couldn't beat Deric to the ball. The Dynamo had the better of possession from there, but really didn't do much with it as Lawrence Olum, Kevin Ellis, and Erik Palmer-Brown did a great job of shutting down the Houston attack. KC also had their opportunities going forward and in the 69th minute won a penalty kick. Dwyer flicked the ball to the back post where it hit off the upper arm of AJ Cochran. Referee Juan Guzman immediately pointed to the spot. Dwyer stepped up and sent Deric the wrong way giving KC a 2-0 lead. The Dynamo continued to possess but KC kept getting the better chances on the counter as Martinez in the 81st sprung Dwyer again on th counter. One on one with Deric, Dwyer couldn't lift his shot over the keeper who stuck a hand out and knocked the effort away. The Dynamo had chances late in the game, a cross into the box was not dealt with by KC and made it all the way through to Kofi Sarkodie who was right in front of Kronberg, but again Kronberg got in the way knocking the ball away and it was eventually cleared. Then in the 96th minute Giles Barnes got onto the end of a cross that was headed into the middle, but Kronberg was quick off his line again. The rebound fell to Andrew Driver whose shot too a deflection and then hit off of Barnes who tried to get up and turn the ball home, but Peterson was there to clean the area up. KC held out the rest of the game to pick up their first win since beating Montreal.
Wizards Man of the Match - Lawrence Olum - The Kenyan international was extremely solid in the midfield for KC. Helped to shut down the Dynamo attack and closed down space. Did a fantastic job on his return and brought some needed defensive confidence to the defensive midfield position.
Honorable mention - Erik Palmer-Brown, Kevin Ellis
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Juliao 5, Palmer-Brown 7, Ellis 7, Sinovic 6, Olum 8, Nagamura NR, Feilhaber 6, Saad 7, Dwyer 7, Dovale 4. Subs Martinez 6, Peterson 6, Zizzo 6.
Things stated out poorly for KC again as just five minutes in they were forced to use a sub on Paulo Nagamura who went up for a header with a Dynamo defender. The two knocked heads and Nagamura went down. The Brazilian had to be stretchered off the field and was replaced by Alex Martinez in only the 7th minute. The second time in as many games KC has had to use a sub in the first 10 minutes. Martinez almost made an immediate impact in the 11th minute as he intercepted a miss cleared header and raced in on goal but fired just wide of the near post keeping the game scoreless. Things took a disastrous turn in the 21st minute, when Toni Dovale was given a red card. Replays later in the half appeared to show Dovale elbowing Alex Lopez in the neck/head behind the play. It was apparently called by the fourth official as the referee's back was turned to the play. Shortly after that, Lopez fired a shot from distance that Eric Kronberg was forced to tip the ball over the bar for a corner instead of trying to grab the curling effort. Kronberg was again called into action in the 33rd. A corner from the Dynamo went long to the back post where it was knocked back into the middle. A dynamo player got a touch on it, but was right in front of Kronberg who was able to knock it away. Sporting though down a man continued to pressure and in the 41st almost picked one off. Dom Dwyer intercepted a ball knocked back towards Houston keeper, Tyler Deric, he headed the ball over Deric and ran around him trying to knock the ball in, but Houston defender Eric Brunner did a good job of recovering and knocking the ball out for a corner right as Dwyer was going to touch it home. Then in the 45th minute, KC's high pressure paid off again. Soony Saad forced a poor pass in the back. Benny Feilhaber then won the ball and pushed it up field back to Saad. Saad one timed the effort past Deric and into the net giving KC the 1-0 lead. The excitement of the lead though was immediately tempered by the fact that on the play, Feilhaber had been the victim of a rough tackle by Brunner. Feilhaber went down and his shoulder hit the turf. He was in a lot of pain and was noticibly favoring that arm for the rest of the half.
Feilhaber didn't come back out fo the start of the second half, an apparent separated shoulder put him out of action. Also Igor Juliao came off the field, he'd been questionable with an injury. Jacob Peterson and Sal Zizzo entered the game for them and KC was out of subs, on the road, down a man and it was only half time. Still just a minute into the second half, Dwyer had a decent chance to make it 2-0. Martinez played a nice ball over the top to Dwyer who just couldn't beat Deric to the ball. The Dynamo had the better of possession from there, but really didn't do much with it as Lawrence Olum, Kevin Ellis, and Erik Palmer-Brown did a great job of shutting down the Houston attack. KC also had their opportunities going forward and in the 69th minute won a penalty kick. Dwyer flicked the ball to the back post where it hit off the upper arm of AJ Cochran. Referee Juan Guzman immediately pointed to the spot. Dwyer stepped up and sent Deric the wrong way giving KC a 2-0 lead. The Dynamo continued to possess but KC kept getting the better chances on the counter as Martinez in the 81st sprung Dwyer again on th counter. One on one with Deric, Dwyer couldn't lift his shot over the keeper who stuck a hand out and knocked the effort away. The Dynamo had chances late in the game, a cross into the box was not dealt with by KC and made it all the way through to Kofi Sarkodie who was right in front of Kronberg, but again Kronberg got in the way knocking the ball away and it was eventually cleared. Then in the 96th minute Giles Barnes got onto the end of a cross that was headed into the middle, but Kronberg was quick off his line again. The rebound fell to Andrew Driver whose shot too a deflection and then hit off of Barnes who tried to get up and turn the ball home, but Peterson was there to clean the area up. KC held out the rest of the game to pick up their first win since beating Montreal.
Wizards Man of the Match - Lawrence Olum - The Kenyan international was extremely solid in the midfield for KC. Helped to shut down the Dynamo attack and closed down space. Did a fantastic job on his return and brought some needed defensive confidence to the defensive midfield position.
Honorable mention - Erik Palmer-Brown, Kevin Ellis
Player Ratings - Kronberg 6, Juliao 5, Palmer-Brown 7, Ellis 7, Sinovic 6, Olum 8, Nagamura NR, Feilhaber 6, Saad 7, Dwyer 7, Dovale 4. Subs Martinez 6, Peterson 6, Zizzo 6.
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Match Day 15: Just Get to the Break Without Another Injury
It's been a less than ideal run up to the World Cup break for Sporting KC. Heading into the final game before the World Cup break, KC is on a five game winless run. Not only that but they've been doing it while having to put the back line together with duck tape losing not just Matt Besler to the US team, but already being without Ike Opara, and losing Aurelien Collin and Chance Myers to injury, Oriol Rosell to an injury and eventually a transfer, Lawrence Olum to a call up, and Erik Palmer-Brown for a game due to a red card. Now Igor Juliao is listed as questionable on the latest injury report with a quad injury. KC at least welcome Olum back to the team ahead of tomorrow's game.
The Dynamo may not be suffering the same way that KC is, but they too are missing some key components of their team tomorrow two. Two of their main creators, Brad Davis and Oscar Boniek Garca will both miss the game as they are both with their respective national teams That's a big blow that the Dynamo have felt at the offensive end of the field, they haven't scored a goal since their last game with Garcia, back on May 17th against the LA Galaxy. To be fair, that also is their last home game, but they haven't scored in their last three games against DC, San Jose, and Colorado. And Sunday in Colorado the Dynamo looked less than impressive.
The return of Olum is very good news for a KC team that has been hit hard. The question this week though has been where he would play. Would he slot into the middle of defense next to either Kevin Ellis or Erik Palmer-Brown, or would he settle in front of the defense playing the defensive midfield position, allowing Benny Feilhaber to move further up the field and be more of a part of the offense. KC's defense didn't look bad against DC United, but the offense struggled to really create chances. Getting Feilhaber moved further up the field is needed. His passing skills fill the gap left by Rosell, but he's too deep to really influence the offense. Of course if Juliao can't go tomorrow at right back, KC may be forced to put Olum in defense and slide Ellis out wide to fill the right back slot. Right now I'll expect Juliao to play, but who knows.
Number to Remember - 299 - That's Houston's goalless streak currently. They haven't scored in their last three games, and their last goal was in the 61st minute against the LA Galaxy by Giles Barnes.
Key Match Up - Dom Dwyer vs David Horst - While Houston's offense hasn't been scoring, their defense has been averaging 2 goals against a game in the current stretch. Dwyer was May's MLS player of the month, and he's still one of only two KC players with double digits in goals. KC's ability to score is really going to depend a lot on him.
PREDICTION - Neither one of these two teams is in good form, something that has not been common for these two teams over the past few years. With three of the more creative players on the two teams not available for the game, the offense in this game could really drag out. The question is whether one of these two teams will find the net tomorrow or not.
SKC - 0
HOU - 0
The Dynamo may not be suffering the same way that KC is, but they too are missing some key components of their team tomorrow two. Two of their main creators, Brad Davis and Oscar Boniek Garca will both miss the game as they are both with their respective national teams That's a big blow that the Dynamo have felt at the offensive end of the field, they haven't scored a goal since their last game with Garcia, back on May 17th against the LA Galaxy. To be fair, that also is their last home game, but they haven't scored in their last three games against DC, San Jose, and Colorado. And Sunday in Colorado the Dynamo looked less than impressive.
The return of Olum is very good news for a KC team that has been hit hard. The question this week though has been where he would play. Would he slot into the middle of defense next to either Kevin Ellis or Erik Palmer-Brown, or would he settle in front of the defense playing the defensive midfield position, allowing Benny Feilhaber to move further up the field and be more of a part of the offense. KC's defense didn't look bad against DC United, but the offense struggled to really create chances. Getting Feilhaber moved further up the field is needed. His passing skills fill the gap left by Rosell, but he's too deep to really influence the offense. Of course if Juliao can't go tomorrow at right back, KC may be forced to put Olum in defense and slide Ellis out wide to fill the right back slot. Right now I'll expect Juliao to play, but who knows.
Kronberg
Juliao - Ellis - Palmer-Brown - Sinovic
Olum - Nagamura
Feilhaber
Peterson - Dwyer - Dovale
Number to Remember - 299 - That's Houston's goalless streak currently. They haven't scored in their last three games, and their last goal was in the 61st minute against the LA Galaxy by Giles Barnes.
Key Match Up - Dom Dwyer vs David Horst - While Houston's offense hasn't been scoring, their defense has been averaging 2 goals against a game in the current stretch. Dwyer was May's MLS player of the month, and he's still one of only two KC players with double digits in goals. KC's ability to score is really going to depend a lot on him.
PREDICTION - Neither one of these two teams is in good form, something that has not been common for these two teams over the past few years. With three of the more creative players on the two teams not available for the game, the offense in this game could really drag out. The question is whether one of these two teams will find the net tomorrow or not.
SKC - 0
HOU - 0
Juliao Fined by Disciplinary Committee
Sporting KC right back, Igor Juliao was fined today by the MLS disciplinary committee for an incident after KC's 1-0 loss to DC last weekend. After the game, the two teams came together on the field as a scuffle occurred. The video that MLS shows of the incident does not show what caused the scuffle to occur, it just shows Juliao getting his hands into the face of DC midfielder Davy Arnaud. The hands to the face is what led to Juliao's fine which is not being disclosed by the league.
See the video below.
See the video below.
Blues Top the Flash Thanks to Rodriguez Goal
FC Kansas City shut out Western New York Flash 1-0 in front of 2,674 people on Verizon Wireless Field. The only goal came from Amy Rodriguez in the final minute of the first half on a pass from Leigh Ann Robinson. The Blues improve to 5-4-3 for the season.
The game started out with a slower pace, both teams had strategy at the focus of play. Tymrak crossed it to Mathias who just barely missed the header for a nice opening attack. A caution was issued early in the first half when Vicky Losada was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul in the eleventh minute.
A Robinson-Rodriguez goal almost happened in the fourteenth minute, but a Flash defender was there to deflect Robinson’s counter-attack. Robinson sent a low pass to Rodriguez who found some open net. There was no stoppage time so the first half ended right after the goal.
The second half saw more intensity than the first; both teams became more physical. Many shots from the Flash and the Blues kept going high over the net. Holiday sent a ball to Erika Tymrak, but Flash goalkeeper Lydia Williams came out for a crucial save.
In the seventieth minute, Western New York had a close chance with a free kick just outside the box. The ball was sent soaring in to the box, but Nicole Barnhart was there to save. The backlines from both teams were challenged by constant attacks. Possession switched rapidly and shots were soaring on both sides.
The big moment of the match was Amy LePeilbet entering the match in the eighty-fourth minute of the match. LePeilbet has been rehabbing a knee injury and sat out the last National Women’s Soccer League season as well as national duty.
The Blues are back in action again on Saturday to host the Boston Breakers. FC Kansas City will look to continue a shutout streak against the Breakers after winning 2-0 in the last matchup. For tickets to all home matches, call 855.4KC.GOAL
The game started out with a slower pace, both teams had strategy at the focus of play. Tymrak crossed it to Mathias who just barely missed the header for a nice opening attack. A caution was issued early in the first half when Vicky Losada was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul in the eleventh minute.
A Robinson-Rodriguez goal almost happened in the fourteenth minute, but a Flash defender was there to deflect Robinson’s counter-attack. Robinson sent a low pass to Rodriguez who found some open net. There was no stoppage time so the first half ended right after the goal.
The second half saw more intensity than the first; both teams became more physical. Many shots from the Flash and the Blues kept going high over the net. Holiday sent a ball to Erika Tymrak, but Flash goalkeeper Lydia Williams came out for a crucial save.
In the seventieth minute, Western New York had a close chance with a free kick just outside the box. The ball was sent soaring in to the box, but Nicole Barnhart was there to save. The backlines from both teams were challenged by constant attacks. Possession switched rapidly and shots were soaring on both sides.
The big moment of the match was Amy LePeilbet entering the match in the eighty-fourth minute of the match. LePeilbet has been rehabbing a knee injury and sat out the last National Women’s Soccer League season as well as national duty.
The Blues are back in action again on Saturday to host the Boston Breakers. FC Kansas City will look to continue a shutout streak against the Breakers after winning 2-0 in the last matchup. For tickets to all home matches, call 855.4KC.GOAL
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Rosell Joins the Ranks of Former SKC Wizards - Former SKC Wizards Update
Announced yesterday, Oriol Rosell has joined the list of former SKC players as he transferred to Portuguese club, Sporting Club de Portugal. The move will have Rosell playing in the Champions League in the 2014-2015 season in Europe, a big step up for Rosell.
In other news, another former player has a new club as Matt Taylor has moved to Saarbrücken, who was just relegated from the German third division. Finally, check out this goal by Roger Espinoza in a friendly against Israel ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mechack Jerome
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over KC.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to Montreal.
Bobby Convey - New York - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Salt Lake's 4-0 loss to Seattle. Started and played 86 minutes, scoring a goal in RSL's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 68 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over KC.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in TFC's 3-2 win over Columbus. Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 1-0 loss to Montreal.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 70 minutes, recording an assist in San Jose's 2-1 win over Dallas.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes for Columbus in their 3-2 loss to Toronto. Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-1 draw with RSL.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-0 loss to New York.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Pittsburgh's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg.
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Did not dess in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Did not dress in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 2-1 loss to Wilmington.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw with Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-2 win over Harrisburg.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 0-0 draw with Kerho 07 (SJK II).
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in HA NOI's 3-2 win over Hai Phong.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 45 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 loss to Turkey. Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal and an assist in Honduras' 4-2 loss to Israel.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Sierra Leone's 1-0 win over Swaziland.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 2-2 draw with Piast Gliwice.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Stjarnan's 1-1 draw with Breidablik.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
In other news, another former player has a new club as Matt Taylor has moved to Saarbrücken, who was just relegated from the German third division. Finally, check out this goal by Roger Espinoza in a friendly against Israel ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Jamar Beasley
Jose Burciaga
Julio Cesar
Edson Elcock
Aaron Hohlbein
Mechack Jerome
Mike Jones
Neal Kitson
Nelson Pizarro
Akeem Priestly
Mike Reidy
Peter Schmetz
Scott Sealy
Shavar Thomas
Diego Walsh
Konrad Warzycha
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over KC.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 2-0 loss to Montreal.
Bobby Convey - New York - No game this week.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in Salt Lake's 4-0 loss to Seattle. Started and played 86 minutes, scoring a goal in RSL's 1-1 draw with Columbus.
Michael Harrington - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Eddie Johnson - DC - Started and played 68 minutes in DC's 1-0 win over KC.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in TFC's 3-2 win over Columbus. Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 1-0 loss to Montreal.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-3 loss to Vancouver.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Started and played 70 minutes, recording an assist in San Jose's 2-1 win over Dallas.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes for Columbus in their 3-2 loss to Toronto. Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 1-1 draw with RSL.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 3-0 loss to New York.
USL
Brian Fekete - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Pittsburgh's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg.
Adnan Gablejic - Oklahoma City - Did not dess in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Did not dress in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Jonathan Leathers - Charlotte - Did not dress in Charlotte's 2-1 loss to Wilmington.
Kyle Miller - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in OKC's 1-0 win over New York.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 0-0 draw with Rochester. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-2 win over Harrisburg.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-0 loss to Orlando.
Indoor
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Scott Angevine - Sporting Kristina - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in Kristina's 0-0 draw with Kerho 07 (SJK II).
Vicente Arze - FK Hoverla Uzhhorod - Ukraine - Offseason.
Federico Bessone - Millwall - England - Offseason.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Offseason.
Mitchell Cardenas - Atlético Coatzacoalcos - Mexico - Offseason.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Eloy Colombano - UAI Urquiza - Argentina - Offseason.
Daneil Cyrus - Ha Noi T&T (W Connection) - Vietnam (Trinidad) - Started and played 90 minutes in HA NOI's 3-2 win over Hai Phong.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game until 6/28
Roger Espinoza - Wigan - England - Started and played 45 minutes in Honduras' 2-0 loss to Turkey. Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal and an assist in Honduras' 4-2 loss to Israel.
Herculez Gomez - Tijuana - Mexico - Offseason.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Suspended
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - AZAL - Azerbaijan - Offseason.
Kei Kamara - Middlesbrough - England - Started and played 90 minutes in Sierra Leone's 1-0 win over Swaziland.
Igor Kostrov - FC Costuleni - Moldova - Offseason.
Carlos Marinelli - Universidad San Martin - Peru - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - Servette FC - Switzerland - Offseason.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Podbeskidzie - Poland - Did not dress in Podbeskidzie's 2-2 draw with Piast Gliwice.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 90 minutes in Stjarnan's 1-1 draw with Breidablik.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Offseason.
Yann Songo'o - Blackburn - England - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - FK Sarajevo - Bosnia - Offseason.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Offseason.
Ivan Trujillo - Deportivo Lara - Venezuela - Offseason.
Duke Recalled, Lopez Sent to OKC
With the sale of Oriol Rosell, Sporting KC have made some moves today to help to fill their midfield a bit ahead of Friday's MLS game against the Houston Dynamo. KC recalled midfielder, Christian Duke from his loan to Oklahoma City today. The move makes sense for KC, of KC's remaining midfielders, Lawrence Olum, Paulo Nagamura, Benny Feilhaber, Alex Martinez, Victor Munoz, and even Toni Dovale, only Olum, Nagamura and Feilhaber can really play the "defensive" midfield role the way Peter Vermes wants. Duke gives KC a bit of cover there, which will be needed if Olum has to slide into central defense on Friday.
The other move I think may be the more interesting of the two. Sporting recalled Mikey Lopez from his loan to Orlando City and turned around and loaned him to the Energy. Lopez so far this season has appeared in nine of the Lions 12 USL Pro games, but he's only gotten 169 minutes of game play. He's gotten just one start, so in his other eight appearances for Orlando he's averaged less than 10 minutes played per appearance. Probably not what Vermes wants from the loan. It's one thing in Jon Kempin's instance last year where he was mainly a backup to Miguel Gallardo for Orlando, there's only one keeper on the field, and Kempin still got a number of games over the course of the season. In OKC, Lopez is likely to get more time on the field, which is really what he needs at this point of his career. It will be interesting to see how much he contributes this weekend in OKC's two games in Wilmington and Charlotte.
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
Duke Sets Up Game Winner - Sporting Loan Update
Oklahoma City picked up their first home win in franchise history last week, a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls reserves. Loaned Sporting KC midfielder, Christian Duke picked up the assist on the lone goal of the game in second half stoppage time, finished by former KC midfielder, Michael Thomas. Duke played the full 90 minutes for the Energy. At the other end of the field, KC's other player loaned to OKC, Jon Kempin picked up his second shutout of the season in the win.
KC's other affiliate, Orlando City continues to stay at the top of the league, still undefeated on the season after beating the Charleston Battery 2-0. Sporting KC midfielder, Mikey Lopez continues to contribute off the bench for the Lions, coming on for Corey Hertzog in the 70th minute with OCSC, playing the final 20 minutes.
This week, OKC head to the East Coast for a pair of games against Wilmington on Friday and Charlotte on Saturday night. Orlando City remains at home with just a single game this weekend, taking on the Montreal Impact reserves on Saturday.
KC's other affiliate, Orlando City continues to stay at the top of the league, still undefeated on the season after beating the Charleston Battery 2-0. Sporting KC midfielder, Mikey Lopez continues to contribute off the bench for the Lions, coming on for Corey Hertzog in the 70th minute with OCSC, playing the final 20 minutes.
This week, OKC head to the East Coast for a pair of games against Wilmington on Friday and Charlotte on Saturday night. Orlando City remains at home with just a single game this weekend, taking on the Montreal Impact reserves on Saturday.
Sporting KC Will Host US Open Cup 5th Round if They Defeate Minnesota
Sporting Kansas City will get another home game in the US Open Cup if they can get by Minnesota United in a couple weeks on the 18th.
Today the draw was held for the fifth round of the US Open Cup. Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota were draw together with the Portland Timbers and Orlando City U23. Sporting KC and Minnesota won the coin flip. What that means is that the winner of Sporting and Minnesota will host the fifth round game.
It'd be an interesting match up with Portland since the fifth round is schedule to take place on June 24th and 25th and KC take on the Timbers in league play in Portland on the 27th, so the two teams could be meeting 2 times in three days.
The other potential match up is less interesting, but still has interest to it. KC would be matched up with their affiliate's U23 team. The PDL version of Orlando City would see KC play a PDL side in the tournament again. Only once has a PDL team knocked KC out of the tournament (2000 on PKs). On the bad side every time KC has beaten a PDL team they've lost in the next round.
First though KC will need to get through the current leaders of the NASL spring season, Minnesota.
Today the draw was held for the fifth round of the US Open Cup. Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota were draw together with the Portland Timbers and Orlando City U23. Sporting KC and Minnesota won the coin flip. What that means is that the winner of Sporting and Minnesota will host the fifth round game.
It'd be an interesting match up with Portland since the fifth round is schedule to take place on June 24th and 25th and KC take on the Timbers in league play in Portland on the 27th, so the two teams could be meeting 2 times in three days.
The other potential match up is less interesting, but still has interest to it. KC would be matched up with their affiliate's U23 team. The PDL version of Orlando City would see KC play a PDL side in the tournament again. Only once has a PDL team knocked KC out of the tournament (2000 on PKs). On the bad side every time KC has beaten a PDL team they've lost in the next round.
First though KC will need to get through the current leaders of the NASL spring season, Minnesota.
Rosell to Sporting Club de Portugal is Official
The Oriol Rosell to Sporting Club de Portugal deal is finished, the Spaniard was unveiled as the team's newest player. It's a blow for Sporting KC, who now appear very short in midfield and needing to make moves in this summer's transfer window. Robb Heineman says there's already a verbal agreement in place on one player and another in the works. Rumors earlier today also that KC was looking to bring in either Roger Espinoza or Jorge Claros (a target in last summer's transfer window). Hopefully KC get some of these deals done, or else when everyone is back this season, KC will have just 22 players available (28 rostered players, 3 on IR, 3 on loan).
The deal is reported to be somewhere between $1.6 million and $1.8 million. That would give KC over $1 million of the fee after the league takes their 1/3 cut. They get $650,000 or so of that in allocation money to use, the rest has to be used on other soccer means.
For Rosell, he departs KC having played in 57 games in all competitions, starting 52 of them, 43 league games, 39 starts, and two goals for KC. He was the 7th youngest player at the time of his debut to appear for KC (he's since fallen to 10th) at 20 years, 35 days. He was the 6th youngest player to start a league game for KC (since falling to 9th) at 20 years, 77 days. He's the 3rd youngest goal scorer for KC in league play, 4th in all competitions at 20 years, 56 days) His second goal he scored for KC was the 300th in league play away from home in KC's history. And Last season with Seth Sinovic set a club record for starts (41) and appearances (42) in all competitions in a single season.
In the immediate future, until the transfer window opens for MLS teams in July, the deep midfield role will be filled by Benny Feilhaber and Lawrence Olum. Feilhaber's passing helps to connect the defense to the midfield in the same way that Rosell did. Meanwhile, Olum provides more defensive help than Feilhaber does, but lacks in the passing department.
One thing that has been rampant since the move was even rumored was people's anger over the move, stating how it makes MLS a selling league and asking how the league can improve if it keeps selling it's good young players. And while those arguments are valid in a way, I think they are also short sighted. Yes, it sucks to lose the likes of Rosell, Kei Kamara, and Roger Espinoza to Europe.
Yes it sucks that Sporting can't compete with some clubs wage wise. But this is where KC and MLS is right now as a league. MLS is for lack of a better term a selling league right now. Clubs with bigger pocket books come in and buy players when they really succeed. But KC is playing this process right. They are bringing in young, cheap players who have the talent to be successful, but are either struggling for time at their club, or have run out of options in Europe. KC has proven with the development of Rosell, Kamara, Espinoza, Matt Besler, and Graham Zusi, that they can develop talent into the next level.
Then there's what happened today with Rosell or last year with Kamara, where the team allowed those players (both key parts to the team) to leave for other clubs. That's not something that many clubs are willing to do, let key parts of their team leave. But on the other side, that's another thing that will get a players attention. The fact that the team will not hold the player back from moving on to another team that will allow them to continue to improve their career. These things can help to draw more young players to KC like Rosell, like Igor Juliao, like Toni Dovale. Players where this may be a "stepping stone" but will help build a good solid reputation for the club.
Good luck to Rosell in Portugal.
The deal is reported to be somewhere between $1.6 million and $1.8 million. That would give KC over $1 million of the fee after the league takes their 1/3 cut. They get $650,000 or so of that in allocation money to use, the rest has to be used on other soccer means.
For Rosell, he departs KC having played in 57 games in all competitions, starting 52 of them, 43 league games, 39 starts, and two goals for KC. He was the 7th youngest player at the time of his debut to appear for KC (he's since fallen to 10th) at 20 years, 35 days. He was the 6th youngest player to start a league game for KC (since falling to 9th) at 20 years, 77 days. He's the 3rd youngest goal scorer for KC in league play, 4th in all competitions at 20 years, 56 days) His second goal he scored for KC was the 300th in league play away from home in KC's history. And Last season with Seth Sinovic set a club record for starts (41) and appearances (42) in all competitions in a single season.
In the immediate future, until the transfer window opens for MLS teams in July, the deep midfield role will be filled by Benny Feilhaber and Lawrence Olum. Feilhaber's passing helps to connect the defense to the midfield in the same way that Rosell did. Meanwhile, Olum provides more defensive help than Feilhaber does, but lacks in the passing department.
One thing that has been rampant since the move was even rumored was people's anger over the move, stating how it makes MLS a selling league and asking how the league can improve if it keeps selling it's good young players. And while those arguments are valid in a way, I think they are also short sighted. Yes, it sucks to lose the likes of Rosell, Kei Kamara, and Roger Espinoza to Europe.
Yes it sucks that Sporting can't compete with some clubs wage wise. But this is where KC and MLS is right now as a league. MLS is for lack of a better term a selling league right now. Clubs with bigger pocket books come in and buy players when they really succeed. But KC is playing this process right. They are bringing in young, cheap players who have the talent to be successful, but are either struggling for time at their club, or have run out of options in Europe. KC has proven with the development of Rosell, Kamara, Espinoza, Matt Besler, and Graham Zusi, that they can develop talent into the next level.
Then there's what happened today with Rosell or last year with Kamara, where the team allowed those players (both key parts to the team) to leave for other clubs. That's not something that many clubs are willing to do, let key parts of their team leave. But on the other side, that's another thing that will get a players attention. The fact that the team will not hold the player back from moving on to another team that will allow them to continue to improve their career. These things can help to draw more young players to KC like Rosell, like Igor Juliao, like Toni Dovale. Players where this may be a "stepping stone" but will help build a good solid reputation for the club.
Good luck to Rosell in Portugal.
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