End of the season, here are a few stats from last night's game.
The 64 goals that KC has scored across all competitions is the most that KC has scored in a season since 1996.
Krisztian Nemeth's goal was his 16th in all competitions for KC, that's the 5th most in a single season in KC history.
The goal was Nemeth's 7th away from home in all competitions for KC, tying him with Eddie Johnson and Aurelien Collin for 19th on that list.
Matt Besler made his 219th appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Jack Jewsbury for 7th all time on that list.
In the 58th minute, Besler moved past Jimmy Conrad and into 10th place for playoff minutes played for KC, he finished with 1,170 minutes played.
In the 2nd minute, Graham Zusi moved past Aurelien Collin and into 12th place for playoff minutes played. Then in the 59th minute, Zusi moved past Conrad and into 11th for playoff minutes played, he finished the game with 1,169 minutes played.
Besler and Zusi made their 12th playoff appearance for KC tying them with Conrad for 11th all time on that list.
The pair also started their 12th playoff game for KC, tying them with Conrad for 9th all time on that list.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Sporting Season Ends on Penalties
Sporting Kansas City fans have gotten used to the drama of the penalty kick shootout over the past few years with the team winning all three of their titles from the penalty spot. Last night in Portland though was a new feeling for fans as KC fell for the first time in seven years in a penalty kick shootout, falling 7-6 after a 2-2 draw.
The second half saw Kansas City come out much better than they had in the first half. KC got Krisztian Nemeth more involved in the play and he was able to create chances for Sporting. Nemeth set up Dwyer in the 49th minute beating his defender on the end line before laying the ball off to Dom Dwyer who controlled and fired a shot just wide of the near post. Minutes later Dwyer almost capitalized on a giveaway by Darlington Nagbe, racing towards goal and firing a shot that went just wide of the post. While KC was the more aggressive side to start the second half it was the Timbers that finally broke their goal drought against KC. After KC only partially clearing a shot by Nagbe that Melia punched away the ball came back to Diego Valeri. In a scramble to shut him down the ball popped to Rodney Wallace who fired a shot into the far corner and in past Melia to give Portland the 1-0 lead.
The game, which had been physical for much of the night started to really get out of hand from there. In the 69th minute Melia raced off his line to grab a ball played into the box ahead of Wallace. Melia easily beat Wallace to the ball and the Portland player attempted to jump over Melia but didn't get high enough and caught the KC goalkeeper in the face. Many KC players took exception to this as Melia was checked for a concussion. Wallace received a yellow card for his efforts but that didn't appear to be the end of it. In the 76th Nemeth went into the book for another cynical play. After he'd fouled Melano and Melano was on the ground Nemeth kicked the ball into Melano's head. Nemeth was lucky to only escape with a yellow there. Melia's injury that he picked up on the incident with Wallace would eventually force him out of the game to be replaced by Jon Kempin. The physical play continued and shortly after Kempin came on, Sporting's Matt Besler had to go to the sideline and change shirts and get cleaned up after catching an elbow from Adi right in the nose. While Besler was getting cleaned up in the 87th minute though KC found the equalizer. After a corner was only cleared partially, the ball came back wide to Graham Zusi who played a perfect ball to the near post where Kevin Ellis got in front of Liam Ridgewell and flicked a header past him and into the far side netting leveling the score at 1-1.
The score stayed level and the two teams headed to extra time. Once again KC came out the more aggressive side and it paid off in the 96th. After receiving the ball down near the end line, Nemeth cut inside his defender and fired a shot from a tight angle into the net to put KC up 2-1, a superb individual effort from Nemeth to put KC in front. From there KC was looking to absorb pressure from the Timbers. Just before the end of the first period of extra time Jack Jewsbury fired a header from a corner just over the bar to keep the score at 2-1 KC. Sporting continued to hold out in the second period and created some chances of their own with Dwyer almost setting up Jacob Peterson before just missing another chance himself. Those missed chances would hurt in the 118th when Dairon Asprilla collected a throw in with Soni Mustivar on his back. Asprilla was able to turn and get a cross into the box where Maximiliano Urruti had gotten some space against Ellis and volleyed the ball past Kempin and into the net to level the game again.
In penalties Portland shot first and Kempin made a bit save on Valeri on the first kick guessing right and getting a strong arm on the shot to keep it out. Benny Feilhaber put KC in front with his effort. Penalties were level after the second round as Nat Borchers scored and Dom Dwyer had his effort saved by Adam Kwarasey. The third round saw Ridgewell and Zusi both put their efforts away before Jewsbury and Besler both put their penalties over the bar in the fourth round. In the fifth Urruti scored followed by Paulo Nagamura to send the penalties to sudden death. In the sixth round Kempin again came up big making a save on Jorge Villafana but KC couldn't capitalize as Ellis hit the base of the post. The seventh and eighth rounds saw both teams make their PKs as Asprilla, Mustivar, Nagbe, and Peterson all scored. In the ninth round Kempin made his third save of the shootout to give KC another chance to win, but in KC's half of the ninth round Saad Abdul-Salaam hit the base of one post, the ball rolled along the goal line, hit the other post and bounced back out of the goal sending the penalties into a tenth round. George Fochive and Amadou Dia rounded out the field players by making their penalties to send it to the goalkeepers. Kwarasey powered his past Kempin but Sporting's goalkeeper couldn't beat his counterpart and the Timbers advanced.
Wizards Man of the Match - Jon Kempin - Coming in cold off the bench in a playoff game is far from an ideal situation for a goalkeeper, but to come in and then come up with three saves in the shootout, Kempin played fantastic. There is nothing more that could have been asked of him during the shootout; it was crushing to see him be the one that missed the final penalty after he'd given KC multiple opportunities to win it before hand with some very good saves on Portland penalty kicks.
Honorable mention - Matt Besler
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Abdul-Salaam 6, Ellis 6, Besler 7, Dia 6, Mustivar 6, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 4, Nemeth 5, Dwyer 4, Zusi 4. Subs Kempin 7, Peterson NR.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Match Day Playoffs: Second Season Begins
Sporting Kansas City is into the playoffs, now the second season begins as they'll take on the Portland Timbers tomorrow night in Portland. The match up will be the fourth time that these two teams have met this season. In the prior three matches this season between the two teams, there has been just a single goal, Krisztian Nemeth's solo effort in their last meeting earlier this month. It's certainly not a match up that will fill neutral fans with much joy over seeing these two teams play again.
While KC has shut the Timbers down this season, Portland has been almost unstoppable the last two weeks, scoring nine goals in their last two MLS games, a 5-2 win on the road in LA was followed by a 4-1 win over Colorado on the final day of the season. If the Portland offense is really starting to click this is a much scarier team to face. With the likes of Darlington Nagbe, who scored twice against Colorado, and Fanendo Adi, who scored twice against LA, leading the front line it is certainly a scary proposition. That offense hasn't been producing at this level all season though so heading into tomorrow the question is whether Portland has hit their stride or the last two games being outside the norm.
For Kansas City the big question is probably the health of Benny Feilhaber. KC's MVP started the season finale against the LA Galaxy on the bench, coming on as a half time substitute. Then news earlier this week came out that Feilhaber may not start Thursday either. The article made it seem like it was a fitness issue and too many minutes for the KC playmaker. At the same time we've seen Peter Vermes play coy before with player fitness and then start that player in the upcoming game. For the rest of KC's lineup I don't think you change anything about it. Roger Espinoza and Ike Opara remain unavailable and at this point I think that Saad Abdul-Salaam has earned the start at left back over Seth Sinovic with better performances in the last few games. That said it wouldn't surprise me to see Sinovic return for the playoff game.
Number to Remember - 2 - That's the number of wins that KC has on the road in playoff history. A shootout win over the Dallas Burn in 1996 after a 2-2 draw in regulation, and a 2-0 road win over Colorado in KC's 2011 playoff run are the only two times that KC has won a playoff game on the road. Two is also the number of goals scored in the last four league games between these two teams. Both those goals have been scored by KC (Nemeth and Lawrence Olum).
Key Match Up - Tim Melia vs Portland attack - Over the last two trips to Portland Tim Melia has made a habit of coming up with some of his best performances of the season. With the way that Portland's attack has played the last two games KC is going to need another big performance for KC to advance.
PREDICTION - KC has the experience factor on their side, but they've been a poor team on the road in the playoffs throughout their history and have been below average on the road this year among playoff teams, only LA has won fewer games on the road this year than KC among playoff teams. On the other side of things KC has only lost three times to playoff teams this season so they know how to beat those teams. I'm just not sure that KC pulls this one out on the road. Unfortunately I see another early end to KC's season.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
PDX - 2 (Adi, Nagbe)
While KC has shut the Timbers down this season, Portland has been almost unstoppable the last two weeks, scoring nine goals in their last two MLS games, a 5-2 win on the road in LA was followed by a 4-1 win over Colorado on the final day of the season. If the Portland offense is really starting to click this is a much scarier team to face. With the likes of Darlington Nagbe, who scored twice against Colorado, and Fanendo Adi, who scored twice against LA, leading the front line it is certainly a scary proposition. That offense hasn't been producing at this level all season though so heading into tomorrow the question is whether Portland has hit their stride or the last two games being outside the norm.
For Kansas City the big question is probably the health of Benny Feilhaber. KC's MVP started the season finale against the LA Galaxy on the bench, coming on as a half time substitute. Then news earlier this week came out that Feilhaber may not start Thursday either. The article made it seem like it was a fitness issue and too many minutes for the KC playmaker. At the same time we've seen Peter Vermes play coy before with player fitness and then start that player in the upcoming game. For the rest of KC's lineup I don't think you change anything about it. Roger Espinoza and Ike Opara remain unavailable and at this point I think that Saad Abdul-Salaam has earned the start at left back over Seth Sinovic with better performances in the last few games. That said it wouldn't surprise me to see Sinovic return for the playoff game.
Nemeth - Dwyer - Zusi
Feilhaber - Nagamura
Mustivar
Abdul-Salaam - Besler - Ellis - Myers
Melia
Number to Remember - 2 - That's the number of wins that KC has on the road in playoff history. A shootout win over the Dallas Burn in 1996 after a 2-2 draw in regulation, and a 2-0 road win over Colorado in KC's 2011 playoff run are the only two times that KC has won a playoff game on the road. Two is also the number of goals scored in the last four league games between these two teams. Both those goals have been scored by KC (Nemeth and Lawrence Olum).
Key Match Up - Tim Melia vs Portland attack - Over the last two trips to Portland Tim Melia has made a habit of coming up with some of his best performances of the season. With the way that Portland's attack has played the last two games KC is going to need another big performance for KC to advance.
PREDICTION - KC has the experience factor on their side, but they've been a poor team on the road in the playoffs throughout their history and have been below average on the road this year among playoff teams, only LA has won fewer games on the road this year than KC among playoff teams. On the other side of things KC has only lost three times to playoff teams this season so they know how to beat those teams. I'm just not sure that KC pulls this one out on the road. Unfortunately I see another early end to KC's season.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
PDX - 2 (Adi, Nagbe)
Jerome Named Second Team All League - Former SKC Wizards Update
This week the USL came out with their end of season awards, including their Best XI. Of the nine former KC players to play permanently in USL this season, only one made it onto either the first or the second team. Haitian defender Mechack Jerome of the Charlotte Independence was named to the second team. Jerome had a solid season for the Independence, playing every minute of all 17 games that he played in this year.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Brian Fekete
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 5-0 loss to Columbus.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 3-1 win over New York.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 69 minutes in Chicago's 2-1 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-1 loss to Seattle.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Came off the benchand played 40 minutes in Portland's 4-1 win over Colorado.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 5-0 win over DC.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 90 minutes in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 5-0 win over DC.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in New York's 2-1 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-0 win over Carolina.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 69 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with San Antonio. Started and played 45 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Indy.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Started and played 71 minutes in Atlanta's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 1-0 win over Angelholm.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Offseason.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - No game this week.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in Belen's 3-2 win over Municipal Liberia.
Sunil Chhetri - Mumbai City - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring two goals in Mumbai's 2-0 win over Belhi Dynamos. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Mumbai's 2-0 win over Goa.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - Lost 3-1 to BIT.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - No game this week.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Started and played 90 minutes in Leganes' 0-0 draw with Elche.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Rivoli United 1-0.
Jeferson - Vasco da Gama - Brazil - Did not dress in Vasco's 0-0 draw with Gremio.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 89 minutes in RoPS 4-1 win over Lahti.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in ABC's 0-0 draw with Parana.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 66 minutes in Dinamo's 2-0 loss to Dacia.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Started and played 90 minutes in Palestino's 2-0 loss to Universidad Catolica.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Did not dress in Lechia's 1-0 win over Nieciecza.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Did not dress in Spartak's 3-2 win over Dinamo Moscow.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Offseason.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Did not dress in either of Sporting's games.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 4-1 win over TV Kalkum-Wittlaer.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Came off the bench and played 23 minutes, scoring a goal in Atromitos' 2-1 loss to Olympiakos.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 73 minutes in Saarbrucken's 2-2 draw with Bahlinger.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Brian Fekete
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 5-0 loss to Columbus.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Started and played 90 minutes in New England's 3-1 win over New York.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Dressed but did not play in Orlando's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 69 minutes in Chicago's 2-1 loss to New York.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Salt Lake's 3-1 loss to Seattle.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Came off the benchand played 40 minutes in Portland's 4-1 win over Colorado.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Did not dress in Columbus' 5-0 win over DC.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 2-1 win over Toronto.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 90 minutes in Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Orlando.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 5-0 win over DC.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes, recording an assist in New York's 2-1 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-0 win over Carolina.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 69 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 0-0 draw with San Antonio. Started and played 45 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 loss to Indy.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Started and played 71 minutes in Atlanta's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 1-0 win over Angelholm.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Offseason.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - No game this week.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in Belen's 3-2 win over Municipal Liberia.
Sunil Chhetri - Mumbai City - India - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring two goals in Mumbai's 2-0 win over Belhi Dynamos. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Mumbai's 2-0 win over Goa.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - Lost 3-1 to BIT.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - No game this week.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Started and played 90 minutes in Leganes' 0-0 draw with Elche.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Defeated Rivoli United 1-0.
Jeferson - Vasco da Gama - Brazil - Did not dress in Vasco's 0-0 draw with Gremio.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 89 minutes in RoPS 4-1 win over Lahti.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in ABC's 0-0 draw with Parana.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 66 minutes in Dinamo's 2-0 loss to Dacia.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Started and played 90 minutes in Palestino's 2-0 loss to Universidad Catolica.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Did not dress in Lechia's 1-0 win over Nieciecza.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Did not dress in Spartak's 3-2 win over Dinamo Moscow.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Offseason.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Did not dress in either of Sporting's games.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 4-1 win over TV Kalkum-Wittlaer.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Came off the bench and played 23 minutes, scoring a goal in Atromitos' 2-1 loss to Olympiakos.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 73 minutes in Saarbrucken's 2-2 draw with Bahlinger.
Monday, October 26, 2015
S.A.S. Monday After Stats
Matt Besler made his 218th appearance in all competitions for KC, tying him with Jack Jewsbury for 7th all time on that list.
Benny Feilhaber's assist was his 20th in all competitions for KC, he's the second American player to hit 20 assists in a single season in MLS.
Feilhaber's assist was his 25th in league play for KC. He's the 8th player to hit that mark and it ties him with Mark Chung for 7th on that list.
Dom Dwyer's goal was his 22nd at home in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Klein and Mo Johnston for fourth all time on that list.
Dwyer's 12 league goals this season is good for a tie for the fifth best single season total in KC history.
The goal was also Dwyer's 9th game winner in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Digital Takawira and Graham Zusi for 6th all time on that list.
It was Dwyer's 12th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Josh Wolff and Kei Kamara for 4th all time on that list.
In the 15th minute, Graham Zusi moved past Mo Johnston and into 9th place for minutes played in league play for KC, he finished the game with 12,676 minutes played.
Chance Myers started his 108th league game for KC. That ties him with Diego Gutierrez for 19th on that list.
Benny Feilhaber's assist was his 20th in all competitions for KC, he's the second American player to hit 20 assists in a single season in MLS.
Feilhaber's assist was his 25th in league play for KC. He's the 8th player to hit that mark and it ties him with Mark Chung for 7th on that list.
Dom Dwyer's goal was his 22nd at home in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Klein and Mo Johnston for fourth all time on that list.
Dwyer's 12 league goals this season is good for a tie for the fifth best single season total in KC history.
The goal was also Dwyer's 9th game winner in league play for KC, breaking his tie with Digital Takawira and Graham Zusi for 6th all time on that list.
It was Dwyer's 12th game winner in all competitions for KC, tying him with Josh Wolff and Kei Kamara for 4th all time on that list.
In the 15th minute, Graham Zusi moved past Mo Johnston and into 9th place for minutes played in league play for KC, he finished the game with 12,676 minutes played.
Chance Myers started his 108th league game for KC. That ties him with Diego Gutierrez for 19th on that list.
Sporting Academy in College Update
As the regular season winds down, here is this week's update on Sporting KC academy kids in college.
Class of 2012
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started Bradley's 3-2 win over Central Arkansas.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Started #1 Creighton's 5-1 win over Villanova.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started Loyola's 1-0 win over Northern Illinois.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in Dayton's 4-1 win over Massachusetts.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started Baker's 1-0 loss to Missouri Valley.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Started and scored a goal in Evansville's 4-2 loss to Lipscomb. Started Evansville's 4-2 loss to Missouri State.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Came on as a substitute in both UMKC's 2-0 loss to San Jose State and their 3-0 loss to Cal State Bakersfield.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started Jacksonville's 1-0 loss to North Florida.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Came on as a substitute in both Cal Baptist's 1-1 draw with Dixie State and 3-1 loss to Fresno Pacific.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started both Rockhurst's 2-1 win over Lewis and their 1-0 win over UW-Parkside.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Started UCSB's 2-1 win over UC Davis. Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 2-2 draw with Cal Poly.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Started Northern Illinois' 1-0 loss to Loyola-Chicago. Did not play in Northern Illinois' 1-1 draw with Buffalo.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Started both UMKC's 2-0 loss to San Jose State and 3-0 loss to Cal State Bakersfield.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started Cal Poly's 2-0 win over Sacramento State and their 2-2 draw with UCSB.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - Did not play in Fort Hays 4-0 win over Oklahoma Baptist. Started Fort Hays' 2-1 win over West Texas A&M.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-2 win over Evansville.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-2 win over Evansville.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Did not play in either of Colorado's games.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and started their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started both Drake's 1-1 draw with Omaha and their 3-2 OT loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started Baker's 1-0 loss to Missouri Valley.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started both Fordham's 1-0 win over Rhode Island and their 5-1 loss to George Mason.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Came off the bench and had a goal in #6UNC's 6-1 win over Campbell. Also started and had a goal in UNC's 3-0 win over Louisville.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started all three of Trevecca's games, 4-3 OT win over Georgetown College, 1-0 loss to Davis & Elkins, and 1-0 loss to Alderson Broaddus.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Started both West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in #7 Denver's 0-0 draw with Portland.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Did not play in #6 UNC's 6-1 win over Campbell. Started UNC's 3-0 win over Louisville.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of Drake's games.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in Xavier's 1-0 win over Marquette.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in #1 Creighton's 5-1 win over Villanova.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started both Drake's 1-1 draw with Omaha and their 3-2 OT loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of #4 Notre Dame's games.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Air Force's games.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of UNLV's games.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in Niagara's 2-0 loss to Canisius. Started Niagara's 5-3 loss to Monmouth.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Started JCCC's 1-0 win over Cowley.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started both NSU's 3-1 loss to Upper Iowa and 2-1 loss to Lindenwood.
Class of 2012
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started Bradley's 3-2 win over Central Arkansas.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Started #1 Creighton's 5-1 win over Villanova.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started Loyola's 1-0 win over Northern Illinois.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in Dayton's 4-1 win over Massachusetts.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started Baker's 1-0 loss to Missouri Valley.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Started and scored a goal in Evansville's 4-2 loss to Lipscomb. Started Evansville's 4-2 loss to Missouri State.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Came on as a substitute in both UMKC's 2-0 loss to San Jose State and their 3-0 loss to Cal State Bakersfield.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started Jacksonville's 1-0 loss to North Florida.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Came on as a substitute in both Cal Baptist's 1-1 draw with Dixie State and 3-1 loss to Fresno Pacific.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started both Rockhurst's 2-1 win over Lewis and their 1-0 win over UW-Parkside.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Started UCSB's 2-1 win over UC Davis. Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 2-2 draw with Cal Poly.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Started Northern Illinois' 1-0 loss to Loyola-Chicago. Did not play in Northern Illinois' 1-1 draw with Buffalo.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Started both UMKC's 2-0 loss to San Jose State and 3-0 loss to Cal State Bakersfield.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started Cal Poly's 2-0 win over Sacramento State and their 2-2 draw with UCSB.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - Did not play in Fort Hays 4-0 win over Oklahoma Baptist. Started Fort Hays' 2-1 win over West Texas A&M.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-2 win over Evansville.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-2 win over Evansville.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Did not play in either of Colorado's games.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and started their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started both Drake's 1-1 draw with Omaha and their 3-2 OT loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started Baker's 1-0 loss to Missouri Valley.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started both Fordham's 1-0 win over Rhode Island and their 5-1 loss to George Mason.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Came off the bench and had a goal in #6UNC's 6-1 win over Campbell. Also started and had a goal in UNC's 3-0 win over Louisville.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started all three of Trevecca's games, 4-3 OT win over Georgetown College, 1-0 loss to Davis & Elkins, and 1-0 loss to Alderson Broaddus.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Started both West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in #7 Denver's 0-0 draw with Portland.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Did not play in #6 UNC's 6-1 win over Campbell. Started UNC's 3-0 win over Louisville.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of Drake's games.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in Xavier's 1-0 win over Marquette.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in #1 Creighton's 5-1 win over Villanova.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started both Drake's 1-1 draw with Omaha and their 3-2 OT loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of #4 Notre Dame's games.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Air Force's games.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of UNLV's games.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in Niagara's 2-0 loss to Canisius. Started Niagara's 5-3 loss to Monmouth.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Virginia's 3-2 OT loss to Princeton and their 2-0 loss to Bowling Green.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Started JCCC's 1-0 win over Cowley.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started both NSU's 3-1 loss to Upper Iowa and 2-1 loss to Lindenwood.
Sporting Punch Their Playoff Ticket
After some late season struggles, Sporting Kansas City as able to find a way into the playoffs taking out the LA Galaxy to clinch their spot in the playoffs and book a date in Portland on Thursday.
Early on in the game there was a bit of concern as the San Jose Earthquakes Quincy Amarikwa scored against FC Dallas to give them the lead. That put KC on the outside looking in at the playoffs. KC almost got themselves in front of LA in the 26th minute off a quick throw in by Saad Abdul-Salaam, Krisztian Nemeth got space down the wing. Nemeth played a great ball into the middle for Dom Dwyer. The KC forward got a sliding foot on the ball but his shot was right at Donovan Ricketts who knocked the ball away. The follow up by Graham Zusi was knocked away for a corner. KC kept the pressure up on the Galaxy and in the 38th minute found the lead. A long throw in by Matt Besler got knocked around in the box before falling to Chance Myers. The KC outside back fired a shot on goal that deflected off of Kevin Ellis and was saved by Ricketts. The rebound fell right to Ellis though who knocked the ball into the net to give KC the lead. On replays it was quite clear though that Ellis was offside when Myers took the shot but the flag never went up. At the same time as KC took the lead at Sporting Park, Dallas was leveling the game in Texas so the 38th was twice as good for KC. LA though started to really create chances of their own and should have been level in the 44th minute after a poor giveaway by Ellis sprung the Galaxy on the counter. Robbie Keane played the ball ahead to Giovani Dos Santos who played a square ball into the middle for Steven Gerrard who fired from the top of the box but his effort was poor and right at Tim Melia who made the easy save. A couple minutes later in first half stoppage time the Galaxy found the equalizer. Working right down the middle of KC's team Dos Santos found space before sliding a ball through to Keane who chipped it over Melia and into the net to level the game at 1-1 as the teams headed into the half time break.
KC came out in the second half with a renewed push and with the insertion of Benny Feilhaber got a bit more creativity as well. His insertion into the game paid dividends for KC in the 65th when he received the ball about 40 yards out from goal with space to dribble. KC's MVP took all the space getting close to the top of the box before laying it off for Dwyer with a perfect pass. Dwyer fired on goal, Ricketts got a foot on it but it wasn't enough to keep the ball from going into the net and giving KC the lead. Minutes later Nemeth almost made it 3-1 as he got some space near the top of the box and fired a shot on goal that Ricketts had to tip over the bar to keep out. KC got more help in the 79th minute when Dallas took the lead on San Jose, meaning that for KC to go out of the playoffs there needed to be a three goal swing to knock Sporting out. The KC defense held firm and switched to a five man back line in stoppage time with the insertion of Erik Palmer-Brown to help solidify the points. In the end KC still had to rely on Melia for one more big save to preserve the win. In the 93rd off a free kick Sporting only cleared the initial ball to Gyasi Zardes who fired a shot on goal that Melia did well to save right on the line and then jump on the rebound to preserve the win. KC held the Galaxy off and booked their ticket to Portland in the playoffs.
Wizards Man of the Match - Saad Abdul-Salaam - After starting the season on loan Abdul-Salaam has had a very good season for Sporting playing both wide defensive positions as well as the wide forward spots. Last night against the Galaxy he was predominately matched up with US national team player Gyasi Zardes and Abdul-Salaam did a fantastic job on him. Kept his involvement minimal and really shut him down when he did get the ball.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Abdul-Salaam 8, Besler 6, Ellis 6, Myers 7, Mustivar 6, Nagamura 6, Quintilla 5, Nemeth 6, Dwyer 6, Zusi 6. Subs Feilhaber 7, Palmer-Brown NR.
Early on in the game there was a bit of concern as the San Jose Earthquakes Quincy Amarikwa scored against FC Dallas to give them the lead. That put KC on the outside looking in at the playoffs. KC almost got themselves in front of LA in the 26th minute off a quick throw in by Saad Abdul-Salaam, Krisztian Nemeth got space down the wing. Nemeth played a great ball into the middle for Dom Dwyer. The KC forward got a sliding foot on the ball but his shot was right at Donovan Ricketts who knocked the ball away. The follow up by Graham Zusi was knocked away for a corner. KC kept the pressure up on the Galaxy and in the 38th minute found the lead. A long throw in by Matt Besler got knocked around in the box before falling to Chance Myers. The KC outside back fired a shot on goal that deflected off of Kevin Ellis and was saved by Ricketts. The rebound fell right to Ellis though who knocked the ball into the net to give KC the lead. On replays it was quite clear though that Ellis was offside when Myers took the shot but the flag never went up. At the same time as KC took the lead at Sporting Park, Dallas was leveling the game in Texas so the 38th was twice as good for KC. LA though started to really create chances of their own and should have been level in the 44th minute after a poor giveaway by Ellis sprung the Galaxy on the counter. Robbie Keane played the ball ahead to Giovani Dos Santos who played a square ball into the middle for Steven Gerrard who fired from the top of the box but his effort was poor and right at Tim Melia who made the easy save. A couple minutes later in first half stoppage time the Galaxy found the equalizer. Working right down the middle of KC's team Dos Santos found space before sliding a ball through to Keane who chipped it over Melia and into the net to level the game at 1-1 as the teams headed into the half time break.
KC came out in the second half with a renewed push and with the insertion of Benny Feilhaber got a bit more creativity as well. His insertion into the game paid dividends for KC in the 65th when he received the ball about 40 yards out from goal with space to dribble. KC's MVP took all the space getting close to the top of the box before laying it off for Dwyer with a perfect pass. Dwyer fired on goal, Ricketts got a foot on it but it wasn't enough to keep the ball from going into the net and giving KC the lead. Minutes later Nemeth almost made it 3-1 as he got some space near the top of the box and fired a shot on goal that Ricketts had to tip over the bar to keep out. KC got more help in the 79th minute when Dallas took the lead on San Jose, meaning that for KC to go out of the playoffs there needed to be a three goal swing to knock Sporting out. The KC defense held firm and switched to a five man back line in stoppage time with the insertion of Erik Palmer-Brown to help solidify the points. In the end KC still had to rely on Melia for one more big save to preserve the win. In the 93rd off a free kick Sporting only cleared the initial ball to Gyasi Zardes who fired a shot on goal that Melia did well to save right on the line and then jump on the rebound to preserve the win. KC held the Galaxy off and booked their ticket to Portland in the playoffs.
Wizards Man of the Match - Saad Abdul-Salaam - After starting the season on loan Abdul-Salaam has had a very good season for Sporting playing both wide defensive positions as well as the wide forward spots. Last night against the Galaxy he was predominately matched up with US national team player Gyasi Zardes and Abdul-Salaam did a fantastic job on him. Kept his involvement minimal and really shut him down when he did get the ball.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Abdul-Salaam 8, Besler 6, Ellis 6, Myers 7, Mustivar 6, Nagamura 6, Quintilla 5, Nemeth 6, Dwyer 6, Zusi 6. Subs Feilhaber 7, Palmer-Brown NR.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Match Day 34: Put Up or Shut Up Time
Tomorrow at Sporting Park, Kansas City will have another opportunity to clinch a playoff berth. This one is again at home against the LA Galaxy on national television. KC has been limping into the finish line this season, and this is the third straight game that a result would see Kansas City clinch a playoff berth. In their last two games KC has lost on the road to San Jose and at home against Colorado and have put themselves into this situation.
Here are all the ways that KC can make the playoffs tomorrow:
Kansas City heads into the game on short rest having gone out against Colorado and controlled play but been unable to create good chances against the Rapids. It was an offensive that hearkened back to KC's attack in 2012 and 2013 when KC would completely dominate a team but do very little with the offensive chances they created. Against a much stronger LA Galaxy team, KC will need to be much better in taking their chances. KC needs to get Dom Dwyer more involved in the play as he has become extremely isolated again. KC should have their best 11 available, but the question may be who starts at left back, whether Peter Vermes sticks with Seth Sinovic or let's the rookie Saad Abdul-Salaam get another start.
Number to Remember - 2 - While LA can clinch second place in the West tomorrow, their away form has not been good at all. They've won just two games on the road this season. The only team with fewer wins away from than the Galaxy's two this year is the Chicago Fire who didn't win on the road this year at all.
Key Match Up - Kevin Ellis vs Robbie Keane - The Galaxy's leading forward will be another in the long list of good forwards it seems like that Kevin Ellis has had to mark up in games. It'll be another big challenge for the home grown center back.
PREDICTION - I'm just not overly optimistic about this one. Yeah Kansas City is playing one of the worst road teams in the league, but their form has been a lot less than stellar lately. I just don't see Kansas City getting all three points tomorrow, and I'm not sure they get one point either. That said I think KC still squeaks into the playoffs as I don't think that San Jose is going to get any points in Dallas.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
LA - 2 (Keane, dos Santos)
Here are all the ways that KC can make the playoffs tomorrow:
- KC win
- KC draw and San Jose draw or loss OR Seattle lose
- KC loss and a San Jose loss
Kansas City heads into the game on short rest having gone out against Colorado and controlled play but been unable to create good chances against the Rapids. It was an offensive that hearkened back to KC's attack in 2012 and 2013 when KC would completely dominate a team but do very little with the offensive chances they created. Against a much stronger LA Galaxy team, KC will need to be much better in taking their chances. KC needs to get Dom Dwyer more involved in the play as he has become extremely isolated again. KC should have their best 11 available, but the question may be who starts at left back, whether Peter Vermes sticks with Seth Sinovic or let's the rookie Saad Abdul-Salaam get another start.
Nemeth - Dwyer - Zusi
Nagamura - Feilhaber
Mustivar
Sinovic - Besler - Ellis - Myers
Melia
Number to Remember - 2 - While LA can clinch second place in the West tomorrow, their away form has not been good at all. They've won just two games on the road this season. The only team with fewer wins away from than the Galaxy's two this year is the Chicago Fire who didn't win on the road this year at all.
Key Match Up - Kevin Ellis vs Robbie Keane - The Galaxy's leading forward will be another in the long list of good forwards it seems like that Kevin Ellis has had to mark up in games. It'll be another big challenge for the home grown center back.
PREDICTION - I'm just not overly optimistic about this one. Yeah Kansas City is playing one of the worst road teams in the league, but their form has been a lot less than stellar lately. I just don't see Kansas City getting all three points tomorrow, and I'm not sure they get one point either. That said I think KC still squeaks into the playoffs as I don't think that San Jose is going to get any points in Dallas.
SKC - 1 (Dwyer)
LA - 2 (Keane, dos Santos)
Rocha Signs with Orlando B - Former SKC Wizards Update
A little late with this weeks update. Orlando City announced that they'd be placing a reserve team in the USL next season. As part of that announcement they also announced their first few player signings. One of those signings was Tony Rocha who Sporting KC drafted in this January's Superdraft. Rocha spent last season with the Austin Aztex in the USL but are taking a hiatus due to stadium issues.
Here is the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Brian Fekete
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-0 win over Chicago.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Did not dress in New England's 1-0 loss to Montreal.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over NYCFC.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over NYCFC.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Chicago's 4-0 loss to DC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 1-0 loss to Portland. Came off the bench and played 4 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss to Dallas. Dressed but did not play in RSL's 1-0 win over Municipal.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Started and played 71 minutes, scoring a goal in Toronto's 2-1 win over New York. Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Toronto's 2-0 loss to Columbus.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in either of Portland's games.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 win over Toronto.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 win over New York. Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-0 loss to Columbus.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-0 win over New England.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 77 minutes in Philadelphia's 4-1 loss to New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-0 win over Toronto.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 loss to Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 4-1 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 0-0 draw with Atlanta.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-0 win over Carolina.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 0-0 draw with Tampa.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Came off the bench and played 68 minutes in Atlanta's 0-0 draw with Tampa.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Orlando - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 3-1 win over Brommapojkarna.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Did not play in KPV's 1-1 draw with Honka.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Quilmes' 4-1 loss to Estudiantes.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Puebla. Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 (6-5) PK win over Veracruz.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in either of Belen's games.
Sunil Chhetri - Mumbai City - India - Did not dress in Mumbai's 0-0 draw with Kerala Blasters. Started and played 90 minutes in Mumbai's 2-0 loss to Chennaiyin FC.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - Tied SZ FC 1-1.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Tied Lujan 0-0.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Started and played 69 minutes in Leganes' 3-1 win over Deportivo Alaves. Dressed but did not play in Leganes' 2-2 draw with Girona.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cucuta's 1-0 loss to Once Caldas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied Montego Bay 2-2.
Jeferson - Vasco da Gama - Brazil - Did not dress in either of Vasco's games.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in RoPS' 2-1 win over KUPS.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in ABC's 4-2 win over America Mineiro.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Dinamo's 3-1 loss to Zaria.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Did not dress in Palestino's 6-2 loss to San Luis.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Dressed but did not play in Lechia's 1-1 draw with Gornik Zabrze.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 56 minutes in Spartak's 2-1 loss to Lokomotiv Moscow.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Offseason.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Defeated Vilafranquense 4-0.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - No game until November 4th.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Atromitos' 1-0 win over Veria.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Saarbrucken's 1-1 draw with Kaiserslautern II.
Here is the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Brian Fekete
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 4-0 win over Chicago.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Did not dress in New England's 1-0 loss to Montreal.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over NYCFC.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over NYCFC.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Chicago's 4-0 loss to DC.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Did not dress in Salt Lake's 1-0 loss to Portland. Came off the bench and played 4 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss to Dallas. Dressed but did not play in RSL's 1-0 win over Municipal.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Started and played 71 minutes, scoring a goal in Toronto's 2-1 win over New York. Came off the bench and played 25 minutes in Toronto's 2-0 loss to Columbus.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Did not dress in either of Portland's games.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 win over Toronto.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 2-1 win over New York. Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 2-0 loss to Columbus.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in Montreal's 1-0 win over New England.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 77 minutes in Philadelphia's 4-1 loss to New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-0 win over Toronto.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 loss to Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 4-1 win over Chicago.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 0-0 draw with Atlanta.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-0 win over Carolina.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 0-0 draw with Tampa.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Came off the bench and played 68 minutes in Atlanta's 0-0 draw with Tampa.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Orlando - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Season over.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 3-1 win over Brommapojkarna.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Did not play in KPV's 1-1 draw with Honka.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes in Quilmes' 4-1 loss to Estudiantes.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 draw with Puebla. Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in Chivas' 1-1 (6-5) PK win over Veracruz.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in either of Belen's games.
Sunil Chhetri - Mumbai City - India - Did not dress in Mumbai's 0-0 draw with Kerala Blasters. Started and played 90 minutes in Mumbai's 2-0 loss to Chennaiyin FC.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - Tied SZ FC 1-1.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Tied Lujan 0-0.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Started and played 69 minutes in Leganes' 3-1 win over Deportivo Alaves. Dressed but did not play in Leganes' 2-2 draw with Girona.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started and played 90 minutes in Cucuta's 1-0 loss to Once Caldas.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Tied Montego Bay 2-2.
Jeferson - Vasco da Gama - Brazil - Did not dress in either of Vasco's games.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 90 minutes in RoPS' 2-1 win over KUPS.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in ABC's 4-2 win over America Mineiro.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Dinamo's 3-1 loss to Zaria.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Did not dress in Palestino's 6-2 loss to San Luis.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Dressed but did not play in Lechia's 1-1 draw with Gornik Zabrze.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 56 minutes in Spartak's 2-1 loss to Lokomotiv Moscow.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Offseason.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Defeated Vilafranquense 4-0.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - No game until November 4th.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Atromitos' 1-0 win over Veria.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Saarbrucken's 1-1 draw with Kaiserslautern II.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
#TBT A Look Back at Another Late Season Collapse
Sporting Kansas City is on the verge of missing the playoffs this year after last night's 2-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids. Since beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-3 in mid-August KC has picked up just eight of an available 33 points. That stretch has seen Kansas City go from contenders for the Supporters' Shield to fighting for their playoff lives. It's not the first time that KC has seen a late season collapse, in fact the last big collapse came on another year that KC switched conferences, back in 2005 when the KC Wizards moved from the Western Conference to the East.
Back in mid-August of 2005 KC picked up a 3-0 win over the Chicago Fire at Arrowhead Stadium, their fourth win in a row. The Wizards moved to 11-5-8 with 41 points and moved into third place in the East, two points ahead of the Fire and 9 points clear of fifth place New York. With eight games left KC looked like they were at least going to make the playoffs.
For KC though that 3-0 win was Kansas City's last win of the season. KC would go 0-4-4 over the final eight games of the regular season, finishing on 45 points, two behind fourth place New York. Five of those eight games were at home as well, but KC lost 1-0 to the Columbus Crew, New York, and Chicago at home in that stretch. In the other two home games KC tied 2-2 with the LA Galaxy and New England Revolution having to come back late against the Galaxy and blowing a two goal lead against New England.
In the three road games KC picked up as many points as they did in their five home games getting a 2-2 draw in New York and in Dallas, but falling 2-1 to the Galaxy. The Dallas game was on the next to last day of the season, KC's first trip to Pizza Hut Park (now Toyota Stadium). KC once again fell behind 2-0, and again had to fight back. Davy Arnaud scored in the 77th minute before Preki with virtually his last touch of the ball as a player tied the game in the 90th. KC had another chance after Preki equalized, but Jimmy Conrad couldn't finish with his head.
Even with those results KC still had a chance to make the playoffs. KC needed the expansion Chivas USA to defeat the New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot Center and KC would still have gotten in. Unfortunately for KC, former goalkeeper, Tony Meola stuck it to his old club, standing on his head as Chivas attacked throughout the game. The Red Bulls hung on though and were able to score twice to win 2-0 and knock the Wizards out of the playoffs.
This year all the games in the West kick off at the same time and the team that can knock KC out of the playoffs, the San Jose Earthquakes, are on the road in Dallas. If KC gives up an early goal to the Galaxy Sunday there could be a lot of scoreboard watching, hoping Dallas can help KC out this year.
Back in mid-August of 2005 KC picked up a 3-0 win over the Chicago Fire at Arrowhead Stadium, their fourth win in a row. The Wizards moved to 11-5-8 with 41 points and moved into third place in the East, two points ahead of the Fire and 9 points clear of fifth place New York. With eight games left KC looked like they were at least going to make the playoffs.
For KC though that 3-0 win was Kansas City's last win of the season. KC would go 0-4-4 over the final eight games of the regular season, finishing on 45 points, two behind fourth place New York. Five of those eight games were at home as well, but KC lost 1-0 to the Columbus Crew, New York, and Chicago at home in that stretch. In the other two home games KC tied 2-2 with the LA Galaxy and New England Revolution having to come back late against the Galaxy and blowing a two goal lead against New England.
In the three road games KC picked up as many points as they did in their five home games getting a 2-2 draw in New York and in Dallas, but falling 2-1 to the Galaxy. The Dallas game was on the next to last day of the season, KC's first trip to Pizza Hut Park (now Toyota Stadium). KC once again fell behind 2-0, and again had to fight back. Davy Arnaud scored in the 77th minute before Preki with virtually his last touch of the ball as a player tied the game in the 90th. KC had another chance after Preki equalized, but Jimmy Conrad couldn't finish with his head.
Even with those results KC still had a chance to make the playoffs. KC needed the expansion Chivas USA to defeat the New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot Center and KC would still have gotten in. Unfortunately for KC, former goalkeeper, Tony Meola stuck it to his old club, standing on his head as Chivas attacked throughout the game. The Red Bulls hung on though and were able to score twice to win 2-0 and knock the Wizards out of the playoffs.
This year all the games in the West kick off at the same time and the team that can knock KC out of the playoffs, the San Jose Earthquakes, are on the road in Dallas. If KC gives up an early goal to the Galaxy Sunday there could be a lot of scoreboard watching, hoping Dallas can help KC out this year.
S.A.S. Thursday After Stats
Here are the stats from last night's game. There wasn't much so the less said about the game the better.
Chance Myers started his 107th league game for KC, tying him with Uche Okafor for 20th on that list.
The win was Colorado's first in Kansas City in league play since 2002, a span of 15 games.
It was Colorado's fourth league win ever in KC, the fewest of any of the original MLS teams.
Chance Myers started his 107th league game for KC, tying him with Uche Okafor for 20th on that list.
The win was Colorado's first in Kansas City in league play since 2002, a span of 15 games.
It was Colorado's fourth league win ever in KC, the fewest of any of the original MLS teams.
Swope Park Rangers Officially Announced
Sporting Club today officially announced their USL club that will begin play in the United Soccer League next season as the Swope Park Rangers. The name, an homage to the name that fans had given the club's reserve team back when MLS had a reserve league, is one that most fans seem to be a fan of. It's unique and gives the team its own identity going forward.
The team will play at the championship field in the Swope Soccer Village, joining FC Kansas City as tenants at the stadium. No coaching announcement was made, but that will be coming in the upcoming months. With the club announcing open tryouts on November 21st and 22nd, one would expect the head coach to be in place by then.
For me personally I love the name, and the logo is clean and crisp, I like it quite a bit.
The team will play at the championship field in the Swope Soccer Village, joining FC Kansas City as tenants at the stadium. No coaching announcement was made, but that will be coming in the upcoming months. With the club announcing open tryouts on November 21st and 22nd, one would expect the head coach to be in place by then.
For me personally I love the name, and the logo is clean and crisp, I like it quite a bit.
Sporting Back Themselves Into a Corner
With a chance to once again clinch a playoff berth and to give them a good shot at finishing second, Sporting KC again came out with a flat performance and continued their late season slide as they lost 2-0 at Sporting Park to the Colorado Rapids. Kansas City controlled play for much of the game but couldn't put Colorado away, and letting the Rapids hang around they got hit twice on the counter late in the game to take all three points.
KC had the better of play and a lot of their attacks in the first half came down their left side through Krisztian Nemeth. The Hungarian was getting the better of Colorado right back, Marlon Hairston. Their best chances of the first half both came through mistakes by Hairston in controlling the ball. Both times the ball eventually came to Benny Feilhaber near the top of the box, but both times he fired the ball over the cross bar.
The second half saw Kansas City continue to control the play but fail to really create dangerous chances. The game as a whole felt like a return to the past few seasons when Sporting would get a lot of shots but very few on goal. Last night KC had 18 shots but were only able to put three of those shots on goal. KC's best chances of the second half came through Graham Zusi and Chance Myers. Zusi had a good chance that he put off the top of the cross bar after a smart run into the box and Myers hit the side netting after another run into the box. The inability to capitalize on the possession came back to bit KC in the 78th minute. Kevin Ellis had brought the ball up into the KC attacking third before giving the ball away. The Rapids quickly countered with Sporting only having Matt Belser back on defense. The Rapids were able to work around him, getting the ball to Dillon Powers. The Rapids midfielder got into the box and chipped the ball over Tim Melia as he came out and the ball rolled into the net to put the Rapids up 1-0. KC continued to attack after that and got some help in the 84th from the referee when Sam Cronin was sent off for picking up his second yellow card, putting the Rapids down to 10 men. Two minutes after the red card though KC found themselves down 2-0, again on the counter. After the Rapids cleared a short corner Colorado raced down the other way, getting the ball to Juan Ramirez who played the ball across the field to Marcelo Sarvas who dribbled into the box and fired a shot on goal that Melia got a hand on but couldn't keep it out. Sporting couldn't get anything out of their attack and fell for the seventh time in their last 11 games. They'll now head into the final game of the season against the LA Galaxy needing a win to guarantee themselves a playoff berth.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - Got completely hung out to dry by his defense on both goals last night. There was little he could do on either of the goals and once again kept KC in the game.
Player Ratings - Melia 5, Abdul-Salaam 4, Ellis 3, Besler 4, Myers 4, Mustivar 4, Nagamura 4, Feilhaber 4, Nemeth 4, Dwyer 3, Zusi 3. Subs: Quintilla NR.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Sporting to Announce USL Team Tomorrow
Sporting Kansas City announced today that they will be joining the growing list of MLS teams to have their own USL team next year. When the partnership between MLS and the USL was announced, Kansas City was one of the first teams to jump on the bandwagon and picked up the first USL affiliate, partnering with Orlando City before they moved to MLS and then partnering with the Oklahoma City Energy the past two years. This year though, seven MLS teams joined the LA Galaxy and fielded their own team in the USL instead of using an affiliate and next year they'll be joined by Orlando City. Following the pattern that would give Peter Vermes and KC more control over their loaned players KC too will field their own team in the USL next season.
You can certainly insinuate things about the team based on the announcement. With it occurring at Starlight Theatre tomorrow, close to the team's training grounds and the Swope Soccer Village, one can certainly assume that the team would use the championship stadium there as their home field, joining the women's team, FC Kansas City as tenants at the facility.
Also at the announcement sporting will unveil the team's name and logo. Most fans seem to be hoping that the club joins the likes of the Real Monarchs and FC Montreal in not adding just a 2, II, or B after the first team's name. A number of fans seem to want a return to the old reserve team name, the Swope Park Rangers. I'm one of those fans that would like to see that become the team name; it would give the team a bit of its own identity instead of just being the reserves. Sporting has even trolled that name a little bit on their team website with sporting.com/rangers being a live site, but having an embedded video of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up.
The announcement doesn't mention anything about a coaching announcement at this time, but for me there are two lines of thinking at this time when it comes to the coach. The first is that KC will have current assistant coach, Kerry Zavagnin take over the new USL team. Zavagnin has been an assistant for Kansas City since his retiring as a player after the 2008 season. I've often wondered why he hasn't gotten offers to become head coach at another club considering all of KC's success over the last five years.
The other option could be current Ottawa Fury coach, Marc Dos Santos. The Canadian coach has already announced that he is leaving the NASL club to take a job with an MLS team after the current NASL season finishes. At the same time word out of Canada was that he was leaving to take a job with Vermes' staff. Dos Santos would certainly make a good option for a USL team just like Zavagnin would. Either one I think would be a good choice to lead KC's team in the USL.
A third option that a number of fans would love would be the return of Jimmy Nielsen to Kansas City as head coach. The current head coach of KC's affiliate, the Energy, has had a successful second season in charge of the club leading them to a second place finish in the Western Conference. If rumors are true he'd also garnered interest from the Chicago Fire before they fired head coach Frank Yallop. At this time though I don't think Nielsen is going to leave OKC, I think he's got a good thing going there, and while he was a legend in KC, I don't think bringing him back is the right move right now.
In the end I think this move overall will be a big boost for KC. I think part of why KC never used the full allotment of loans to their affiliate had to do with Vermes' wanting to be able to be more in charge of their development than he could when they were in OKC or Orlando. This will give him that opportunity and allow him to watch training and have combined trainings when he wants to.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Match Day 33: Time for a Make Up Game
Sporting Kansas City have another chance to clinch a playoff berth tomorrow night at Sporting Park as they close out the season with the first of two home games this week. Tomorrow it is the Colorado Rapids that head into Sporting Park in the make up game from May 16th that was postponed due to weather. Sporting is in desperate need of a win at this point, not just for their playoff run, but for their confidence as a whole. Sporting has picked up just eight of the last 30 points available to them heading into this game. The only team with fewer points in their last 10 games is the Chicago Fire, who have picked up just seven of the last 30 available. They'll try to get their playoff berth secured against a Colorado Rapids team already eliminated from the playoff race.
The Rapids come into this game set at the bottom of the Western Conference with 34 points, seven behind ninth place Real Salt Lake. At this point the Rapids are in the role of the spoiler with two games against Western Conference foes who have yet to clinch a playoff berth. Both of those games are on the road, with them traveling to Portland to play on Sunday. The Rapids haven't played since their home finale back on October 10th against the Montreal Impact. Colorado played a few reserves in the game with Zac MacMath and Marlon Hairston making their first appearances of the season. So Colorado's lineup for tomorrow's game will be a big question mark. Do they continue to give some of their younger players more game experience or do they put out more of the regulars?
While KC needs a win to secure a playoff berth, they also need it for a confidence boost. The team's recent troubles late in the season is a big concern for the club heading into the playoffs. And injuries don't seem to have gotten better. While Sporting welcomed back Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar to training this week, Matt Besler and Seth Sinovic have both sat out while recovering from injuries they picked up against San Jose. Their absence combined with a return of Ellis and Mustivar could see Amadou Dia or Saad Abdul-Salaam at left back and Erik Palmer-Brown getting another opportunity at center back for KC.
Number to Remember - 3 - That's the number of points that Kansas City needs to clinch a playoff berth this year.
Key Match Up - KC attack vs Colorado defense - Sporting's attack has really struggled during the majority of this slide. They've been shutout in four of their last 10 and scored more than one goal just twice. Heading into the playoffs KC needs their attack to step up. KC's three top scorers, Dom Dwyer, Benny Feilhaber, and Krisztian Nemeth have scored KC's last seven goals. The last goals not scored by one of those three was Graham Zusi and Marcel de Jong in the 3-2 loss against Columbus on August 22nd. But while Colorado hasn't won much, they don't allow many goals, their 39 is fewer than KC has allowed, the sixth lowest in the league, and fewer than all 10 teams in the East have allowed this year. So it's not going to be easy for KC to break them down.
PREDICTION - Even with LA's poor form away from home this is the easier of KC's two final games. The Rapids have nothing but spoiler to play for and while that could almost have more danger, this is a game KC should win. While a loss doesn't end the season for KC it puts a lot more pressure on Sporting to get a result. Better to get the win here, clinch and playoff berth and move from there.
SKC - 2 (Dwyer, Feilhaber)
CO - 0
The Rapids come into this game set at the bottom of the Western Conference with 34 points, seven behind ninth place Real Salt Lake. At this point the Rapids are in the role of the spoiler with two games against Western Conference foes who have yet to clinch a playoff berth. Both of those games are on the road, with them traveling to Portland to play on Sunday. The Rapids haven't played since their home finale back on October 10th against the Montreal Impact. Colorado played a few reserves in the game with Zac MacMath and Marlon Hairston making their first appearances of the season. So Colorado's lineup for tomorrow's game will be a big question mark. Do they continue to give some of their younger players more game experience or do they put out more of the regulars?
While KC needs a win to secure a playoff berth, they also need it for a confidence boost. The team's recent troubles late in the season is a big concern for the club heading into the playoffs. And injuries don't seem to have gotten better. While Sporting welcomed back Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar to training this week, Matt Besler and Seth Sinovic have both sat out while recovering from injuries they picked up against San Jose. Their absence combined with a return of Ellis and Mustivar could see Amadou Dia or Saad Abdul-Salaam at left back and Erik Palmer-Brown getting another opportunity at center back for KC.
Number to Remember - 3 - That's the number of points that Kansas City needs to clinch a playoff berth this year.
Key Match Up - KC attack vs Colorado defense - Sporting's attack has really struggled during the majority of this slide. They've been shutout in four of their last 10 and scored more than one goal just twice. Heading into the playoffs KC needs their attack to step up. KC's three top scorers, Dom Dwyer, Benny Feilhaber, and Krisztian Nemeth have scored KC's last seven goals. The last goals not scored by one of those three was Graham Zusi and Marcel de Jong in the 3-2 loss against Columbus on August 22nd. But while Colorado hasn't won much, they don't allow many goals, their 39 is fewer than KC has allowed, the sixth lowest in the league, and fewer than all 10 teams in the East have allowed this year. So it's not going to be easy for KC to break them down.
PREDICTION - Even with LA's poor form away from home this is the easier of KC's two final games. The Rapids have nothing but spoiler to play for and while that could almost have more danger, this is a game KC should win. While a loss doesn't end the season for KC it puts a lot more pressure on Sporting to get a result. Better to get the win here, clinch and playoff berth and move from there.
SKC - 2 (Dwyer, Feilhaber)
CO - 0
Monday, October 19, 2015
Sporting Academy in College Update
Here is this week's update on Sporting KC academy graduates in college.
Class of 2012
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started and had an assist in Bradley's 4-0 win over Missouri State.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Did not play in either of #1 Creighton's games.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started both Loyola's 1-0 win over UIC and their 3-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in either of Dayton's games.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started both Baker's 1-0 win over Avila. Came on as a substitute in Baker's 2-0 win over Graceland.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Came on as a substitute in Evansville's 2-0 loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Came on as a substitute and had a goal in UMKC's 2-2 draw with Houston Baptist. Came on as a substitute in UMKC's 3-2 win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started UMKC's 5-0 loss to Georgia Southern.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Did not play in Cal Baptist's 2-0 win over Azusa Pacific.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started Rockhurst's 3-2 win over Indianapolis. Started and had a goal and assist in Rockhurst's 9-0 win over Saint Joseph's.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 5-2 loss to Sacramento State. Came on as a substitute and scored a goal in UCSB's 3-2 loss to Cal Poly.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Came on as a substitute in Northern Illinois' 2-0 win over IUPUI. Did not play in Northern Illinois' 3-0 loss to #6 Akron.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Did not play UMKC's 2-2 draw with Houston Baptist. Came off the bench and scored 2 goals in UMKC's 3-2 win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started Cal Poly's 3-2 loss to UC Davis and their 3-2 win over UCSB.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - No game this week.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-0 loss to Bradley.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-0 loss to Bradley.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Did not play in either of Colorado's games.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Came off the bench and had an assist in West Virginia's 3-0 win over Penn State. Came on as a substitute in West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started both Baker's 1-0 win over Avila and their 2-0 win over Graceland.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started Fordham's 1-0 loss to Saint Louis.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Started #2 UNC's 3-2 win over the College of Charleston. Came on as a substitute in UNC's 1-0 loss to Wake Forest.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started Trevecca's 3-1 loss to Cedarville.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Had a goal and an assist in West Virginia's 3-0 win over Penn State. Also started West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in Denver's 1-0 win over Omaha.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Started and had an assist in #2 UNC's 3-2 win over the College of Charleston. Also started UNC's 1-0 loss to Wake Forest.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of Xavier's games.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not dress in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of #1 Creighton's games.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in Notre Dame's 0-0 draw with Virginia Tech.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Air Force's games.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in UNLV's 5-1 win over Incarnate Word.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Started both Niagara's 2-0 loss to Rider and 1-0 loss to Saint Peter's.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Viginia's 3-0 win over Penn State and their 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Started in JCCC's 2-1 win over KCK Community College.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started NSU's 5-0 win over Southwest Baptist.
Class of 2012
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started and had an assist in Bradley's 4-0 win over Missouri State.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Did not play in either of #1 Creighton's games.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started both Loyola's 1-0 win over UIC and their 3-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in either of Dayton's games.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started both Baker's 1-0 win over Avila. Came on as a substitute in Baker's 2-0 win over Graceland.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Came on as a substitute in Evansville's 2-0 loss to SIU-Edwardsville.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Came on as a substitute and had a goal in UMKC's 2-2 draw with Houston Baptist. Came on as a substitute in UMKC's 3-2 win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started UMKC's 5-0 loss to Georgia Southern.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Did not play in Cal Baptist's 2-0 win over Azusa Pacific.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started Rockhurst's 3-2 win over Indianapolis. Started and had a goal and assist in Rockhurst's 9-0 win over Saint Joseph's.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 5-2 loss to Sacramento State. Came on as a substitute and scored a goal in UCSB's 3-2 loss to Cal Poly.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Came on as a substitute in Northern Illinois' 2-0 win over IUPUI. Did not play in Northern Illinois' 3-0 loss to #6 Akron.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Did not play UMKC's 2-2 draw with Houston Baptist. Came off the bench and scored 2 goals in UMKC's 3-2 win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started Cal Poly's 3-2 loss to UC Davis and their 3-2 win over UCSB.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - No game this week.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in either of UMKC's games.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-0 loss to Bradley.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not play in Missouri State's 4-0 loss to Bradley.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Did not play in either of Colorado's games.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Came off the bench and had an assist in West Virginia's 3-0 win over Penn State. Came on as a substitute in West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started both Baker's 1-0 win over Avila and their 2-0 win over Graceland.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started Fordham's 1-0 loss to Saint Louis.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Started #2 UNC's 3-2 win over the College of Charleston. Came on as a substitute in UNC's 1-0 loss to Wake Forest.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started Trevecca's 3-1 loss to Cedarville.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Had a goal and an assist in West Virginia's 3-0 win over Penn State. Also started West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in Denver's 1-0 win over Omaha.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Started and had an assist in #2 UNC's 3-2 win over the College of Charleston. Also started UNC's 1-0 loss to Wake Forest.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of Xavier's games.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not dress in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of #1 Creighton's games.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started Drake's 1-0 win over Western Illinois.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in Notre Dame's 0-0 draw with Virginia Tech.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Air Force's games.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in UNLV's 5-1 win over Incarnate Word.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Started both Niagara's 2-0 loss to Rider and 1-0 loss to Saint Peter's.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Viginia's 3-0 win over Penn State and their 2-0 loss to Buffalo.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Started in JCCC's 2-1 win over KCK Community College.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started NSU's 5-0 win over Southwest Baptist.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
What We Want to Happen Today 10/18
Results yesterday didn't really go KC's way. Columbus won jumping back ahead of KC in terms of MLS Cup hosting, Montreal pulled even with KC for points, and Dallas clinched the Western Conference while eliminating Salt Lake with a 1-0 win. Today there are some very big games for Sporting KC and playoff positioning.
Chicago at DC
What we want to happen - Chicago win
DC is currently level on points with Sporting KC, being in the Eastern Conference KC wants those teams to drop points when it comes to potential MLS Cup hosting. So at this point KC just want Eastern Conference playoff teams to drop points to teams not in the playoffs. Of course this would require the Fire to get their first win on the road of the season.
Philadelphia at New York
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
Again this is about Eastern Conference teams dropping points. That said though KC can't pass New York in terms of points. The Red Bulls are only six points ahead of KC, but have 16 wins compared to KC's 13. That means that even if KC win out and New York lose out the Red Bulls will still top Sporting because of the most wins tie breaker.
Seattle at Houston
What we want to happen - Houston win
Houston is still technically alive for the playoffs, but can't catch Kansas City. Meanwhile Seattle sits just one point behind KC. Sporting want the Dynamo to pick up all three points this weekend, keeping the Sounders behind Sporting heading into the final week of the season. It'll also keep Houston in the playoff hunt heading into their final game against the Vancouver Whitecaps next week.
Portland at LA
What we want to happen - draw
A draw puts the ability to finish second place in the Western Conference back in KC's hands if they can then win their final two games. LA is currently three points ahead of KC, and would be for points ahead but a match up in KC would allow KC to jump over them if they win both. On the other hand it does allow Portland to get level on KC with points, but with two games for KC still, and both at home, they should be able to move further ahead of Portland. So a draw here is best, even though that seems unlikely with LA's home form.
Chicago at DC
What we want to happen - Chicago win
DC is currently level on points with Sporting KC, being in the Eastern Conference KC wants those teams to drop points when it comes to potential MLS Cup hosting. So at this point KC just want Eastern Conference playoff teams to drop points to teams not in the playoffs. Of course this would require the Fire to get their first win on the road of the season.
Philadelphia at New York
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win
Again this is about Eastern Conference teams dropping points. That said though KC can't pass New York in terms of points. The Red Bulls are only six points ahead of KC, but have 16 wins compared to KC's 13. That means that even if KC win out and New York lose out the Red Bulls will still top Sporting because of the most wins tie breaker.
Seattle at Houston
What we want to happen - Houston win
Houston is still technically alive for the playoffs, but can't catch Kansas City. Meanwhile Seattle sits just one point behind KC. Sporting want the Dynamo to pick up all three points this weekend, keeping the Sounders behind Sporting heading into the final week of the season. It'll also keep Houston in the playoff hunt heading into their final game against the Vancouver Whitecaps next week.
Portland at LA
What we want to happen - draw
A draw puts the ability to finish second place in the Western Conference back in KC's hands if they can then win their final two games. LA is currently three points ahead of KC, and would be for points ahead but a match up in KC would allow KC to jump over them if they win both. On the other hand it does allow Portland to get level on KC with points, but with two games for KC still, and both at home, they should be able to move further ahead of Portland. So a draw here is best, even though that seems unlikely with LA's home form.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
S.A.S. Saturday After Stats
The game was Peter Vermes' 250th in charge of Sporting KC in all competitions.
Paulo Nagamura made his 250th start in all competitions in his MLS career last night.
In the 45th minute, Chance Myers moved past Roger Espinoza and into 18th place for league minutes played for KC. He finished the game with 9,780 minutes played. In the 74th minute, Myers moved past Diego Gutierrez and into 17th place for minutes played in league play for KC.
Myers' made his 130th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Aurelien Collin for 18th on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 124th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown for 18th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 163rd start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Jack Jewsbury for 8th all time on that list.
Paulo Nagamura made his 250th start in all competitions in his MLS career last night.
In the 45th minute, Chance Myers moved past Roger Espinoza and into 18th place for league minutes played for KC. He finished the game with 9,780 minutes played. In the 74th minute, Myers moved past Diego Gutierrez and into 17th place for minutes played in league play for KC.
Myers' made his 130th start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Aurelien Collin for 18th on that list.
Seth Sinovic made his 124th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Brown for 18th on that list.
Graham Zusi made his 163rd start in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Jack Jewsbury for 8th all time on that list.
Heineman Confirms Interest in Everton in August, No Longer
It looks like the rumors of Robb Heineman and Sporting Club purchasing an EPL team can be put to bed for at least the short term. Last night after Sporting's game against the San Jose Earthquakes, Jeff Carlisle got further quotes from Robb Heineman concerning the rumors of Sporting Club's interest in Everton FC.
In the interview, Heineman confirmed that when he and Mike Illig were in Liverpool in August for the Duncan Ferguson and talked with chairman Bill Kenwright about an opportunity to purchase the club. Heineman says that they "had a good talk, learned a lot, but the timing probably just didn't work out really well for us."
It's certainly something that seems to be a disappointment for many Everton fans who want Kenwright and the current board out. But Heineman did mention that there were apparently other interested parties.
At the same time Heineman did not rule out a move by Sporting Club in the future to purchase an EPL club. With all the money in the EPL from the TV contracts and the capital of Cliff Illig and Neal Patterson, Sporting Club certainly has the capital to purchase a club.
In the interview, Heineman confirmed that when he and Mike Illig were in Liverpool in August for the Duncan Ferguson and talked with chairman Bill Kenwright about an opportunity to purchase the club. Heineman says that they "had a good talk, learned a lot, but the timing probably just didn't work out really well for us."
It's certainly something that seems to be a disappointment for many Everton fans who want Kenwright and the current board out. But Heineman did mention that there were apparently other interested parties.
At the same time Heineman did not rule out a move by Sporting Club in the future to purchase an EPL club. With all the money in the EPL from the TV contracts and the capital of Cliff Illig and Neal Patterson, Sporting Club certainly has the capital to purchase a club.
Sporting's Late Season Struggles Continue
For the sixth time in the last 10 games Sporting KC were unable to pick up any points as they fell 1-0 on the road to the San Jose Earthquakes. The loss was KC's 17th straight game without a win in San Jose, a streak that dates back all the way to the 2000 season. KC now heads into the final two games of the season at home still needing a win to secure their playoff spot for this season. They've missed out on the ability to win the Western Conference though with the loss.
Things started out okay for Kansas City as they had the first decent chance of the game as Erik Palmer-Brown flicked the ball towards goal with his head after a long cross from Matt Besler, but Palmer-Brown's looping header went just over the cross bar. While San Jose had much of the early possession though it was KC that continued to create better chances. In the eighth Dom Dwyer really should have done better after he got in behind the San Jose defense, but his shot was knocked away by David Bingham in the San Jose net. The Quakes though started to get more into the game and put more pressure on the KC back line. Quincy Amarikwa was a major pain for the KC back line, similar to how he was when the two teams met earlier this year at Sporting Park. Neither side though was able to find a break through in the first half.
Early in the second half though the Quakes were able to get themselves on the board. A long ball up the field by Bingham was brought down by Amarikwa as Besler and Seth Sinovic dropped off. Amarikwa dribbled up field before playing the ball wide to Shea Salinas. Salinaz crossed the ball back across the box to Chris Wondolowski who fired a ball across the face of goal. At the back post where Anibal Godoy beat Palmer-Brown to the ball knocking it into the net to give San Jose the lead. San Jose had a great chance to double their lead in the 55th as Amarikwa got played in behind the KC defense, but after he spun around to avoid a recovering Besler Amarikwa fired his shot at Tim Melia who stood tall to knock the ball away. Minutes later it was Wondolowski as he got played in and his first touch set up a nice volley but it was right at Melia who made the save. KC's best chance of the second half came in the 71st when Benny Feilhaber played a nice chip from near the top of the box into it for Mikey Lopez, but Lopez's header was just over the bar keeping the score at 1-0. KC tried to push late but really didn't create much in the way of chances and now things are a lot tighter in the West as KC is just 1 point away from behind on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - As he's already done many times this season he kept the score from being a lot worse for Kansas City with some good saves and some good positioning. If KC had stuck with Luis Marin this season I don't think they're in a playoff position at this point.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Sinovic 4, Besler 4, Palmer-Brown 5, Myers 4, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Lopez 5, Anor 3, Dwyer 3, Zusi 4. Subs Nemeth 5, Okugo 4, Abdul-Salaam 5.
Things started out okay for Kansas City as they had the first decent chance of the game as Erik Palmer-Brown flicked the ball towards goal with his head after a long cross from Matt Besler, but Palmer-Brown's looping header went just over the cross bar. While San Jose had much of the early possession though it was KC that continued to create better chances. In the eighth Dom Dwyer really should have done better after he got in behind the San Jose defense, but his shot was knocked away by David Bingham in the San Jose net. The Quakes though started to get more into the game and put more pressure on the KC back line. Quincy Amarikwa was a major pain for the KC back line, similar to how he was when the two teams met earlier this year at Sporting Park. Neither side though was able to find a break through in the first half.
Early in the second half though the Quakes were able to get themselves on the board. A long ball up the field by Bingham was brought down by Amarikwa as Besler and Seth Sinovic dropped off. Amarikwa dribbled up field before playing the ball wide to Shea Salinas. Salinaz crossed the ball back across the box to Chris Wondolowski who fired a ball across the face of goal. At the back post where Anibal Godoy beat Palmer-Brown to the ball knocking it into the net to give San Jose the lead. San Jose had a great chance to double their lead in the 55th as Amarikwa got played in behind the KC defense, but after he spun around to avoid a recovering Besler Amarikwa fired his shot at Tim Melia who stood tall to knock the ball away. Minutes later it was Wondolowski as he got played in and his first touch set up a nice volley but it was right at Melia who made the save. KC's best chance of the second half came in the 71st when Benny Feilhaber played a nice chip from near the top of the box into it for Mikey Lopez, but Lopez's header was just over the bar keeping the score at 1-0. KC tried to push late but really didn't create much in the way of chances and now things are a lot tighter in the West as KC is just 1 point away from behind on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
Wizards Man of the Match - Tim Melia - As he's already done many times this season he kept the score from being a lot worse for Kansas City with some good saves and some good positioning. If KC had stuck with Luis Marin this season I don't think they're in a playoff position at this point.
Player Ratings - Melia 6, Sinovic 4, Besler 4, Palmer-Brown 5, Myers 4, Nagamura 5, Feilhaber 5, Lopez 5, Anor 3, Dwyer 3, Zusi 4. Subs Nemeth 5, Okugo 4, Abdul-Salaam 5.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/17
Sporting Kansas City did themselves no favors last night in their 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. Now they're into wait and watch mode for positioning. With the loss they cannot clinch a playoff spot this weekend. They now have to wait until the Colorado game to have the chance again to clinch. But with three games today here's a look at what KC wants to happen.
Columbus at Toronto
What we want to happen - Draw
Like all Eastern Conference match ups, this game is all about potential MLS Cup hosting. A win puts Toronto four points clear of KC, a Columbus win moves them two points clear of KC. Better to have them leave points on the table.
Montreal at New England
What we want to happen - draw
A draw levels New England on points with Kansas City and keeps Montreal behind Sporting as well. Allows KC to keep both teams behind them with two games left.
Dallas at Salt Lake
What we want to happen - Salt Lake win
RSL can no longer catch Sporting KC for points this year, so there's no worry about them passing Sporting with a win. The win also keeps Dallas close. Unfortunately due to tie breakers KC can no longer pass FC Dallas because if Dallas lose out and KC win out the two teams would tie for points but Dallas will end up having more wins than KC therefore finishing above them in the table. But since RSL can't catch KC I'd rather the teams above KC drop points.
Columbus at Toronto
What we want to happen - Draw
Like all Eastern Conference match ups, this game is all about potential MLS Cup hosting. A win puts Toronto four points clear of KC, a Columbus win moves them two points clear of KC. Better to have them leave points on the table.
Montreal at New England
What we want to happen - draw
A draw levels New England on points with Kansas City and keeps Montreal behind Sporting as well. Allows KC to keep both teams behind them with two games left.
Dallas at Salt Lake
What we want to happen - Salt Lake win
RSL can no longer catch Sporting KC for points this year, so there's no worry about them passing Sporting with a win. The win also keeps Dallas close. Unfortunately due to tie breakers KC can no longer pass FC Dallas because if Dallas lose out and KC win out the two teams would tie for points but Dallas will end up having more wins than KC therefore finishing above them in the table. But since RSL can't catch KC I'd rather the teams above KC drop points.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Sporting Club Linked with Takeover of Everton UPDATED
Sporting Kansas City has been one of the most successful teams in MLS since the club's rebranding before the 2011 season. The club has been on the up swing since they were taken over by OnGoal LLC late in the 2006 season. Now there are rumors that Sporting Club is looking to add to their profile of professional sports teams. Rumors out of England have started to pick up some speed that Sporting Club is looking to purchase English Premier League club, Everton.
The rumor started simple enough, as Everton has their Annual General Meeting coming up soon and with that came rumors that there were going to be VIPs in the director's box at tomorrow's game between Everton and Manchester United. Those VIPs were supposedly interested in buying the club. The VIPs were supposedly from Kansas, and this led one Everton fan to tweet at Sporing KC's President Robb Heineman asking if he was going to be at the game this weekend. In the middle of the KC Royals win on Wednesday night, Hieneman retweeted it, sending off a firestorm among Everton fans as it spread around. Now the BBC has gotten involved in the rumor, adding credence to the rumor, siting "City of London financial sources" saying that Sporting Club is exploring a purchase of the club.
Everton's asking price is £225m, about $347m US, would be quite a bit more than the price that they paid for the Wizards back in 2006. But it's not something that Sporting Club couldn't afford, both Neal Patterson and Cliff Illig, are worth over a billion dollars each, so the purchase could be afforded. Although KC has come out this morning and said that there is "nothing remotely accurate" about these reports.
For KC fans there is obviously a bit of concern with this potential news though. With that large of an investment into another team fans would have to be concerned that more focus and more money would be given to the EPL side. And while it would be perfectly acceptable for Sporting Club to do that it's still going to be something that is going to be extremely difficult to stomach for KC fans. Many will likely point to the likes of the Colorado Rapids or New York City FC who most fans see as being the neglected little brother of the club's owner's EPL team (Arsenal and Manchester City). It's certainly a concern that I share though, while Sporting would still be important to the owners, probably more so than the Rapids or NYCFC, there is still so much more money in the EPL than there is in American soccer right now that I'm worried about being the "little brother" in this scenario. Sporting has enjoyed a lot of success over the last couple years and I'd hate for the club to slowly become less and less important as owners
UPDATE: Robb Heineman has himself come out today to with a comment on the rumors as well. He confirmed that he's not in Liverpool for Everton's game tomorrow. The fact that he was there in August though hasn't helped to kill the rumors of Sporting Club's interest in the club. In fact his being there in August has helped fuel the rumor of Sporting Club's interest in a takeover, and that the pitch to purchase the club was made in August when Heineman and Mike Illig were there for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.
The rumor started simple enough, as Everton has their Annual General Meeting coming up soon and with that came rumors that there were going to be VIPs in the director's box at tomorrow's game between Everton and Manchester United. Those VIPs were supposedly interested in buying the club. The VIPs were supposedly from Kansas, and this led one Everton fan to tweet at Sporing KC's President Robb Heineman asking if he was going to be at the game this weekend. In the middle of the KC Royals win on Wednesday night, Hieneman retweeted it, sending off a firestorm among Everton fans as it spread around. Now the BBC has gotten involved in the rumor, adding credence to the rumor, siting "City of London financial sources" saying that Sporting Club is exploring a purchase of the club.
Everton's asking price is £225m, about $347m US, would be quite a bit more than the price that they paid for the Wizards back in 2006. But it's not something that Sporting Club couldn't afford, both Neal Patterson and Cliff Illig, are worth over a billion dollars each, so the purchase could be afforded. Although KC has come out this morning and said that there is "nothing remotely accurate" about these reports.
For KC fans there is obviously a bit of concern with this potential news though. With that large of an investment into another team fans would have to be concerned that more focus and more money would be given to the EPL side. And while it would be perfectly acceptable for Sporting Club to do that it's still going to be something that is going to be extremely difficult to stomach for KC fans. Many will likely point to the likes of the Colorado Rapids or New York City FC who most fans see as being the neglected little brother of the club's owner's EPL team (Arsenal and Manchester City). It's certainly a concern that I share though, while Sporting would still be important to the owners, probably more so than the Rapids or NYCFC, there is still so much more money in the EPL than there is in American soccer right now that I'm worried about being the "little brother" in this scenario. Sporting has enjoyed a lot of success over the last couple years and I'd hate for the club to slowly become less and less important as owners
UPDATE: Robb Heineman has himself come out today to with a comment on the rumors as well. He confirmed that he's not in Liverpool for Everton's game tomorrow. The fact that he was there in August though hasn't helped to kill the rumors of Sporting Club's interest in the club. In fact his being there in August has helped fuel the rumor of Sporting Club's interest in a takeover, and that the pitch to purchase the club was made in August when Heineman and Mike Illig were there for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
#TBT 15 Years Ago Today
Fifteen years ago today, Sporting Kansas City won their first MLS Cup. Then known as the Kansas City Wizards, KC rode one of the best defenses in league history to the title. Behind league MVP Tony Meola in goal, defender of the year Peter Vermes in the center of defense, and rookie of the year finalist, Nick Garica along the back line, KC's defense was a strong one.
At MLS Cup the Wizards took on the league's highest scoring team, the Chicago Fire. In the 11th minute though it was KC that struck first as Chris Klein picked up the ball off Diego Gutierrez and dribbled down the wing. Klein eventually played the ball into the middle for Danish forward, Miklos Molnar. Molnar flubbed his first chance, but the ball hit off Jesse Marsch right back into the path of Molnar who made no mistake the second time putting the ball away and giving KC the lead.
Chicago were the real aggressors throughout the game and really tested Kansas City's Meola in goal. Meola though held up, making some fantastic saves to claim the finals MVP away.
You can see highlights here.
And the full game here.
At MLS Cup the Wizards took on the league's highest scoring team, the Chicago Fire. In the 11th minute though it was KC that struck first as Chris Klein picked up the ball off Diego Gutierrez and dribbled down the wing. Klein eventually played the ball into the middle for Danish forward, Miklos Molnar. Molnar flubbed his first chance, but the ball hit off Jesse Marsch right back into the path of Molnar who made no mistake the second time putting the ball away and giving KC the lead.
Chicago were the real aggressors throughout the game and really tested Kansas City's Meola in goal. Meola though held up, making some fantastic saves to claim the finals MVP away.
You can see highlights here.
And the full game here.
Match Day 32: Playoffs in Sight
Tomorrow night in San Jose, Sporting Kansas City will have the chance to clinch a playoff spot for the fifth straight year. All Sporting need is a draw tomorrow night at Avaya Stadium to book their spot in the playoffs. While a draw will do, Sporting will likely have a bit of extra motivation for the game after San Jose came into Sporting Park and gave KC their only loss of the year so far at home, not just winning, but blowing Sporting away to the tune of a 5-0 win for the Earthquakes. The first win by an away team in the series since 2004.
The Earthquakes are in desperate need of a win tomorrow against KC to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently sit in seventh place in the West, three points behind the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot. The Earthquakes after tomorrow will have just a single game left and would need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs should they lose. The Earthquakes will have Chris Wondolowski available as he returned to the club after the USA's 3-2 loss to Mexico so they'll have their top scorer available. They will be a little short handed for the game tomorrow though as starting center back, Victor Bernardez and midfielder Marc Pelosi are both suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Bernardez's absence will be the bigger hole for the Quakes to fill tomorrow.
Sporting could have some big absences of their own tomorrow though. When the team left for San Jose yesterday, both Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar did not travel due to lingering injuries. Both could have traveled today if their condition improved, but their absence could be felt quite a bit. Ellis is likely to be replaced by teenager Erik Palmer-Brown who came on for him when he got hurt two weeks ago in Portland. Mustivar will be more difficult to replace as seen when he was out earlier this year. Potential replacements could be Jordi Quintilla, Mikey Lopez, or Amobi Okugo. The first two would unfortunately see the team's MVP, Benny Feilhaber drop into the deep lying playmaking role. Unfortunately that hasn't been a position that has allowed him to really dictate the game as he has when he's further up the field. The last option would see Feilhaber further up the field, but Okugo's last appearance for KC was just 45 minutes in that disastrous game against San Jose at home.
Number to Remember - 15 - That's the number of years that it's been since KC last won a game in San Jose. KC's last win there came in the 2000 season when KC picked up a 3-0 win with a mostly reserve lineup.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - With Ellis potentially out more pressure is going to fall on Besler with teenager Palmer-Brown his likely replacement. Besler has stepped up multiple times this season for the defense, and KC will likely need him to step up again against one of the league's highest scorers.
PREDICTION - San Jose has scored just 12 goals at home at Avaya stadium this year, they've been less than stellar going forward in their home stadium. On the opposite side they've allowed just 10 goals in their 14 games at Avaya Stadium this year. Tomorrow's game is unlikely to be a pretty affair between the two teams. Instead this game seems likely to be a frustrating battle that will be decided by the lone goal from an opposition mistake.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
The Earthquakes are in desperate need of a win tomorrow against KC to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently sit in seventh place in the West, three points behind the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot. The Earthquakes after tomorrow will have just a single game left and would need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs should they lose. The Earthquakes will have Chris Wondolowski available as he returned to the club after the USA's 3-2 loss to Mexico so they'll have their top scorer available. They will be a little short handed for the game tomorrow though as starting center back, Victor Bernardez and midfielder Marc Pelosi are both suspended for the game tomorrow due to yellow card accumulation. Bernardez's absence will be the bigger hole for the Quakes to fill tomorrow.
Sporting could have some big absences of their own tomorrow though. When the team left for San Jose yesterday, both Kevin Ellis and Soni Mustivar did not travel due to lingering injuries. Both could have traveled today if their condition improved, but their absence could be felt quite a bit. Ellis is likely to be replaced by teenager Erik Palmer-Brown who came on for him when he got hurt two weeks ago in Portland. Mustivar will be more difficult to replace as seen when he was out earlier this year. Potential replacements could be Jordi Quintilla, Mikey Lopez, or Amobi Okugo. The first two would unfortunately see the team's MVP, Benny Feilhaber drop into the deep lying playmaking role. Unfortunately that hasn't been a position that has allowed him to really dictate the game as he has when he's further up the field. The last option would see Feilhaber further up the field, but Okugo's last appearance for KC was just 45 minutes in that disastrous game against San Jose at home.
Nemeth - Dwyer - Zusi
Quintilla - Nagamura
Feilhaber
Sinovic - Besler - Palmer-Brown - Myers
Melia
Number to Remember - 15 - That's the number of years that it's been since KC last won a game in San Jose. KC's last win there came in the 2000 season when KC picked up a 3-0 win with a mostly reserve lineup.
Key Match Up - Matt Besler vs Chris Wondolowski - With Ellis potentially out more pressure is going to fall on Besler with teenager Palmer-Brown his likely replacement. Besler has stepped up multiple times this season for the defense, and KC will likely need him to step up again against one of the league's highest scorers.
PREDICTION - San Jose has scored just 12 goals at home at Avaya stadium this year, they've been less than stellar going forward in their home stadium. On the opposite side they've allowed just 10 goals in their 14 games at Avaya Stadium this year. Tomorrow's game is unlikely to be a pretty affair between the two teams. Instead this game seems likely to be a frustrating battle that will be decided by the lone goal from an opposition mistake.
SKC - 0
SJ - 0
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
OKC Playoff Run Ends - Former SKC Wizards Update
The USL Cup final will be this coming weekend. Unfortuantely for a group of former Sporting players they just missed out. Sporting KC USL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Energy fell 2-1 to the LA Galaxy II over the weekend, sending the Galaxy to the USL Cup against Rochester. OKC fell behind 2-0 in the first half before a goal by another local player, Missouri Comet, Coady Andrews cut the lead to 2-1. The Energy continued to fight but couldn't find the second goal. The season ends for Christian Duke, Cyprian Hedrick, Michael Thomas, and head coach Jimmy Nielsen.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - No game this week.
Teal Bunbury - New England - No game this week.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - No game this week.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - No game this week.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 35 minutes in Trinidad's 2-1 win over Panama. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 0-0 draw with Nicaragua.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Away with the US U23 team.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in either of Montreal's games.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - No game this week.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-1 draw with Ottawa.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and had a goal in Haiti's 3-1 win over El Salvador.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 3-0 loss to New York.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Dressed but did not play in Atlanta's 3-0 loss to New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - No game this week.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Dressed but did not play in KPV's 1-0 win over Honka.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - No game this week.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in Belen's 2-1 loss to Cartagines.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 2-1 loss to Turkmenistan. Started and played 90 minues in India's 3-0 loss to Oman.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Tied Defensores Unidos 0-0.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Dressed but did not play in Leganes' 0-0 draw with Tenerife.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Arnett Gardens.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - No game this week.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - No game this week.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - No game this week.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Dressed but did not play in Armenia's 4-0 loss to France. Started and played 59 minutes in Armenia's 3-0 loss to Albania.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and scored a goal in El Salvador's 3-1 loss to Haiti. Played in El Salvador's 1-1 draw with Guatemala.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal -
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 3-0 loss to VfR Fischeln.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Started and played 90 minutes in the Philippines 0-0 draw with North Korea. Started and played 90 minutes in the Philippines' 2-0 loss to Bahrain.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Saarbrucken's 3-0 loss to Astoria Walldorf.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - No game this week.
Teal Bunbury - New England - No game this week.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - No game this week.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - No game this week.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Came off the bench and played 35 minutes in Trinidad's 2-1 win over Panama. Started and played 90 minutes in Trinidad's 0-0 draw with Nicaragua.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Away with the US U23 team.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - No game this week.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Season over, injury.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - No game this week.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - No game this week.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - No game this week.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Dressed but did not play in either of Montreal's games.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - No game this week.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - No game this week.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over Montreal.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-1 draw with Ottawa.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and had a goal in Haiti's 3-1 win over El Salvador.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 3-0 loss to New York.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Dressed but did not play in Atlanta's 3-0 loss to New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Out injured.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 90 minutes in OKC's 2-1 loss to LA.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Michal Mravec - Tacoma - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - No game this week.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Dressed but did not play in KPV's 1-0 win over Honka.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - No game this week.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - No game this week.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Did not dress in Belen's 2-1 loss to Cartagines.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Started and played 90 minutes in India's 2-1 loss to Turkmenistan. Started and played 90 minues in India's 3-0 loss to Oman.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Tied Defensores Unidos 0-0.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Dressed but did not play in Leganes' 0-0 draw with Tenerife.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - No game this week.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Arnett Gardens.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - No game this week.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - No game this week.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - No game this week.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - No game this week.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - No game this week.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Dressed but did not play in Armenia's 4-0 loss to France. Started and played 59 minutes in Armenia's 3-0 loss to Albania.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and scored a goal in El Salvador's 3-1 loss to Haiti. Played in El Salvador's 1-1 draw with Guatemala.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal -
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 3-0 loss to VfR Fischeln.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Started and played 90 minutes in the Philippines 0-0 draw with North Korea. Started and played 90 minutes in the Philippines' 2-0 loss to Bahrain.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - No game this week.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Saarbrucken's 3-0 loss to Astoria Walldorf.
What We Want to Happen Today 10/14
A busy Wednesday tonight with three games in MLS as we head into the final few games of the regular season, all three games tonight have playoff implications and all three have at least MLS Cup hosting possibilities available for Sporting Kansas City. So here's a look at what we want to happen in the three games tonight.
What we want to happen - New York win
I know some people haven't given up the very slim hopes of Kansas City grabbing the Supporters' Shield, but I'm not one of those people, KC isn't catching the Red Bulls, so it comes down to teams below KC in the Eastern Conference dropped points in terms of hosting MLS Cup. That includes Toronto who currently sit two points behind Kansas City. The good news for KC in these terms is that all three of Toronto's designated players, Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore all played for their country during the international break and don't look set to at least start, if play at all tonight.
What we want to happen - Vancouver win
Stick with me on this one because this goes against what I'd said about this same game last week when the teams played in Vancouver. This game is Vancouver's 33rd game of the year. After tonight they'll only have one game left in the season. Meanwhile Dallas still has two games left. Vancouver sits just two points above KC while Dallas is three. A win by Vancouver would put them five points ahead of KC, but give KC two games in hand on the Whitecaps. Yes it's better to have the points than the games in hand but a Vancouver win means that everything is still in KC's hands to tie or pass both teams on points (right now KC loses the wins tie breaker to Dallas though). A win by Dallas or draw means that KC would need Dallas to drop points in their final two games for KC even to tie them.
Portland at Salt Lake
What we want to happen - draw
What we want to happen - draw
While a loss for Salt Lake would see them unable to catch KC on points, that would also see Portland move to within one point of Kansas City. A Salt Lake win would see the log jam in the West become even tighter as Salt Lake would tie Portland and San Jose on points at 44 with all having two games left. Here it becomes about points being split and one still being left on the table leaving breathing room between KC and both teams.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Sporting Academy in College Update
Class of 2012
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started both Bradley's 1-0 loss to Western Illinois and their 5-1 win over Evansville, he had an assist in the second game.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Started #1 Creighton's 2-1 win over Drake and their 2-1 win over St. John's.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started Loyola's 0-0 draw with Missouri State.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in Dayton's 3-2 win over St. Louis.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started Baker's 1-0 win over Grand View.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Started both Evansville's 4-1 loss to Kentucky and 5-1 loss to Bradley.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Started UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started both Jacksonville's 3-2 loss to Lipscomb and their 3-1 win over Stetson.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Came on as a substitute in both of Cal Baptist's games, their 4-0 win over Hawaii-Hilo and their 1-0 loss to BYU-Hawaii.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started both Rockhurst's 2-0 win over Maryville and their 1-0 win over Missouri-St. Louis. He scored a goal in the win over St. Louis.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 2-0 win over UC-Riverside. Started UCSB's 2-1 win over Cal State Fullerton.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Did not play in Northern Illinois' 2-1 loss to Milwaukee.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started both Cal Poly's 0-0 draw with Cal State Fullerton and their 2-1 win over UC Riverside.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - Started both Fort Hays' 3-2 win over Upper Iowa and their 0-0 draw with Lindenwood.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not dress in either of Missouri State's games.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not dress in either of Missouri State's games.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Came on as a substitute in Colorado's 6-0 win over Westminster. Did not play in Colorado's 1-0 win over Colorado Mesa.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Did not play in either of West Virginia's games.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started both Drake's 2-1 loss to Creighton and their 1-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started and scored a goal in Baker's 1-0 win over Grand View.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started both Fordham's 3-0 win over Davidson and their 2-1 win over Duquesne.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Came on as a substitute in both #2 UNC's 3-0 win over UNC Wilmington and their 2-1 win over Syracuse.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started both Trevecca's 2-0 win over Salem International and their 1-0 loss to Ohio Valley.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Started both West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Virginia Tech and their 1-0 win over Western Michigan, recording an assist in the later.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in both #9 Denver's 2-1 win over Gonzaga and their 1-0 win over Oral Roberts.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Started and had two goals in #2 UNC's 3-0 win over UNC-Wilmington. Also started their 2-1 win over Syracuse.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of Drake's games.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in Xavier's 3-0 loss to Providence.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Creighton's games.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started both Drake's 2-1 loss to Creighton and their 1-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in any of Notre Dame's games.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in Air Force's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of UNLV's games.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in both Niagara's 1-1 draw with Pitt and their 1-0 loss to Manhattan.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Virginia Tech and their 1-0 win over Western Michigan, recording an assist in the later.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Did not play in JCCC's 4-2 win over Allen County. Came on as a substitute in JCCC's 2-1 loss to Dodge City.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started both NSU's 2-1 win over Ouachita Baptist and their 7-0 win over Southern Nazarene.
Andrew Brown (Bradley University) - MF - Sr - Started both Bradley's 1-0 loss to Western Illinois and their 5-1 win over Evansville, he had an assist in the second game.
Eric DeJulio (Creighton University) - D - Sr - Started #1 Creighton's 2-1 win over Drake and their 2-1 win over St. John's.
Daniel Hare (Loyola University in Chicago) - D - Sr - Started Loyola's 0-0 draw with Missouri State.
Andrew Lightner (Dayton) - D - RJr - Did not play in Dayton's 3-2 win over St. Louis.
Andrew Miller (Baker University) - D - Sr - Started Baker's 1-0 win over Grand View.
Nate Opperman (University of Evansville) - F - Sr - Started both Evansville's 4-1 loss to Kentucky and 5-1 loss to Bradley.
Derek Schrick (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF - Sr - Started UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Class of 2013
Joe Amico (Jacksonville) - D - Jr - Started both Jacksonville's 3-2 loss to Lipscomb and their 3-1 win over Stetson.
Matt Bernard (Cal Baptist) - MF - RSo - Came on as a substitute in both of Cal Baptist's games, their 4-0 win over Hawaii-Hilo and their 1-0 loss to BYU-Hawaii.
Paul Dean (Rockhurst University) - D - Jr - Started both Rockhurst's 2-0 win over Maryville and their 1-0 win over Missouri-St. Louis. He scored a goal in the win over St. Louis.
Seo-In Kim (UCSB) - MF - Jr - Came on as a substitute in UCSB's 2-0 win over UC-Riverside. Started UCSB's 2-1 win over Cal State Fullerton.
Adam Lightner (Northern Illinois University) - D - Jr - Did not play in Northern Illinois' 2-1 loss to Milwaukee.
Clay Stewart - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - MF/D - Jr - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Wes White (University of Missouri Kansas City) - F - RSo - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Austin Wilcox (Cal-Poly) - MF - Jr - Started both Cal Poly's 0-0 draw with Cal State Fullerton and their 2-1 win over UC Riverside.
Drew Wilson (Fort Hays State University) - D - Jr - Started both Fort Hays' 3-2 win over Upper Iowa and their 0-0 draw with Lindenwood.
Kyle Vassar - (University of Missouri Kansas City) - D - RSo - Did not play in UMKC's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Class of 2014
Darby Cronin (Missouri State)- MF - So - Did not dress in either of Missouri State's games.
Andrew Dittemore (Missouri State) - GK - RSFr - Did not dress in either of Missouri State's games.
Andy Ericks (Colorado School of Mines) - MF - So - Came on as a substitute in Colorado's 6-0 win over Westminster. Did not play in Colorado's 1-0 win over Colorado Mesa.
Heath Honold (West Virginia) - F - So - Did not play in either of West Virginia's games.
Mason Leonard (Drake) - D - So - Started both Drake's 2-1 loss to Creighton and their 1-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Blake Levine (Baker) - F - So - Started and scored a goal in Baker's 1-0 win over Grand View.
Matthew Lewis (Fordham) - D - So - Started both Fordham's 3-0 win over Davidson and their 2-1 win over Duquesne.
Andy Lopez (North Carolina) - MF - RSFr - Came on as a substitute in both #2 UNC's 3-0 win over UNC Wilmington and their 2-1 win over Syracuse.
Noah Mudd (Trevecca) - D - So - Started both Trevecca's 2-0 win over Salem International and their 1-0 loss to Ohio Valley.
Joey Piatczyc (West Virginia) - MF - So - Started both West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Virginia Tech and their 1-0 win over Western Michigan, recording an assist in the later.
Cole Stevenson (Denver) - F - So - Came on as a substitute in both #9 Denver's 2-1 win over Gonzaga and their 1-0 win over Oral Roberts.
Zach Wright (North Carolina) - F - So - Started and had two goals in #2 UNC's 3-0 win over UNC-Wilmington. Also started their 2-1 win over Syracuse.
2015
Andrew Blalock (Drake) - GK - Fr - Did not play in either of Drake's games.
Robert DeWitt III (Xavier) - MF - Fr - Did not play in Xavier's 3-0 loss to Providence.
Jack Freeman (Ohio State) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Ohio State's games.
Bryce Gibson (Creighton) - D - Fr - Did not play in either of Creighton's games.
Nic Jaimes (Drake) - MF - Fr - Started both Drake's 2-1 loss to Creighton and their 1-0 win over Central Arkansas.
Ryan Krutz (Notre Dame) - GK - Fr - Did not play in any of Notre Dame's games.
Zane Moxley (Air Force) - D - Fr - Did not play in Air Force's 1-0 win over Incarnate Word.
Alexis Quevedo (UNLV) - MF - Fr - Did not play in either of UNLV's games.
Hector Solorio (Niagara) - MF - Fr - Came on as a substitute in both Niagara's 1-1 draw with Pitt and their 1-0 loss to Manhattan.
Tucker Stephenson (West Virginia) - F - Fr - Started both West Virginia's 2-0 loss to Virginia Tech and their 1-0 win over Western Michigan, recording an assist in the later.
Andy Velez (JCCC) - MF - Fr - Did not play in JCCC's 4-2 win over Allen County. Came on as a substitute in JCCC's 2-1 loss to Dodge City.
Bailey Weeks (Northeastern State University) - D - Fr - Started both NSU's 2-1 win over Ouachita Baptist and their 7-0 win over Southern Nazarene.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Ups and Downs for Sporting Internationals
Four Sporting KC players were on national team duty this week. The three important games have all taken place with only one game left.Krisztian Nemeth and Hungary had their European Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Greece, and Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and the US had the CONCACAF Cup against Mexico. The one game left is Marcel de Jong and Canada's friendly against Ghana. Besler and Zusi will be returning to KC ahead of their game on Friday against San Jose and will not be participating in the USA's friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday.
For Nemeth and Hungary it was a big week with a pair of European qualifiers. In their first game against the Faroe's, Nemeth started on the bench for Hungary in Budapest. An early goal by the Faroe's put Hungary in the whole early. When they were still trailing at half time Nemeth and Daniel Bode were both inserted into the game. The moves paid off as Bode scored twice to help Hungary to a 2-1 win. The win combined with Romania's draw with Finland saw Hungary clinch at least second place.
Today Nemeth started for Hungary in their final group game in Greece. With Greece guaranteed to finish last in the group, this game only mattered for Hungary if Romania fell on the road against the Faroe Islands. Unfortunately for Hungary around the same time they fell behind 1-0 to Greece Romania was grabbing a lead themselves. Romania ended up rolling to a 3-0 win clinching second place in the group. Hungary and Greece put on a good show. Before half time Hungary was level off a header. In the second half Hungary took the lead as Nemeth scored his second career international goal. Unfortunately minutes later Greece equalized to level the game at 2-2. Nemeth though again found the back of the net for his second goal of the game to again give Hungary the lead. Getting to three goals seemed a safe bet for Hungary grabbing all three points as they'd only allowed five goals in the previous nine games. But the Greeks again equalized shortly after Nemeth had put Hungary up 3-2. The Greeks continued to search for a winner and with less than five minutes left scored to make it 4-3 to the Greeks. While the loss doesn't hurt Hungary in terms of the standings it is still a disappointing result.
Now Hungary plays the waiting game to see if they qualify automatically as the best third place team or have to go through another stage of qualifiers. Currently Hungary sits at the top of the standings but only two teams can surpass them for points. The Ukraine who host Spain on Monday are one of them. If Spain can keep Ukraine from winning, Hungary will finish ahead of them.
The other result that Hungary needs in group A. Here there are a few results that could go Hungary's way. Turkey could lose to Iceland at home which would mean that they'd finish with with either nine or 13 points against the top five teams in the group. The other result is if Turkey ends up beating Iceland. If that happens, Hungary needs Latvia to not lose at home to Kazakhstan. A loss would see Kazakhstan jump above Latvia and into fifth place in the group. That would give Turkey four extra points as Turkey had two draws against Latvia and two wins vs Kazakhstan and bump them to 16 points against the top five teams in their group.
For the US things were a lot worse. Besler started in central defense against Mexico at the Rose Bowl in the CONCACAF Cup. The KC captain got pulled out of position on Mexico's opener, but had a solid game after that. The US tied the game through Geoff Cameron in the first half. The two teams went to extra time where Mexico again scored early to take a 2-1 lead. The US fought back a second time with Bobby Wood finding the back of the net again. Unfortunately Mexico found a third goal late in extra time to give them a 3-2 win and a ticket to the 2017 Confederations Cup. Zusi was an unused substitute for the US.
For Nemeth and Hungary it was a big week with a pair of European qualifiers. In their first game against the Faroe's, Nemeth started on the bench for Hungary in Budapest. An early goal by the Faroe's put Hungary in the whole early. When they were still trailing at half time Nemeth and Daniel Bode were both inserted into the game. The moves paid off as Bode scored twice to help Hungary to a 2-1 win. The win combined with Romania's draw with Finland saw Hungary clinch at least second place.
Today Nemeth started for Hungary in their final group game in Greece. With Greece guaranteed to finish last in the group, this game only mattered for Hungary if Romania fell on the road against the Faroe Islands. Unfortunately for Hungary around the same time they fell behind 1-0 to Greece Romania was grabbing a lead themselves. Romania ended up rolling to a 3-0 win clinching second place in the group. Hungary and Greece put on a good show. Before half time Hungary was level off a header. In the second half Hungary took the lead as Nemeth scored his second career international goal. Unfortunately minutes later Greece equalized to level the game at 2-2. Nemeth though again found the back of the net for his second goal of the game to again give Hungary the lead. Getting to three goals seemed a safe bet for Hungary grabbing all three points as they'd only allowed five goals in the previous nine games. But the Greeks again equalized shortly after Nemeth had put Hungary up 3-2. The Greeks continued to search for a winner and with less than five minutes left scored to make it 4-3 to the Greeks. While the loss doesn't hurt Hungary in terms of the standings it is still a disappointing result.
Now Hungary plays the waiting game to see if they qualify automatically as the best third place team or have to go through another stage of qualifiers. Currently Hungary sits at the top of the standings but only two teams can surpass them for points. The Ukraine who host Spain on Monday are one of them. If Spain can keep Ukraine from winning, Hungary will finish ahead of them.
The other result that Hungary needs in group A. Here there are a few results that could go Hungary's way. Turkey could lose to Iceland at home which would mean that they'd finish with with either nine or 13 points against the top five teams in the group. The other result is if Turkey ends up beating Iceland. If that happens, Hungary needs Latvia to not lose at home to Kazakhstan. A loss would see Kazakhstan jump above Latvia and into fifth place in the group. That would give Turkey four extra points as Turkey had two draws against Latvia and two wins vs Kazakhstan and bump them to 16 points against the top five teams in their group.
For the US things were a lot worse. Besler started in central defense against Mexico at the Rose Bowl in the CONCACAF Cup. The KC captain got pulled out of position on Mexico's opener, but had a solid game after that. The US tied the game through Geoff Cameron in the first half. The two teams went to extra time where Mexico again scored early to take a 2-1 lead. The US fought back a second time with Bobby Wood finding the back of the net again. Unfortunately Mexico found a third goal late in extra time to give them a 3-2 win and a ticket to the 2017 Confederations Cup. Zusi was an unused substitute for the US.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
What We Want to Happen Today 10/10
While most eyes in the American soccer world are focused on the Rose Bowl, there is one MLS match up tonight as the Colorado Rapids host the Montreal Impact in a make up game from earlier this year when the Impact were playing in the CONCACAF Champions League. In the midweek KC got both results they probably wanted as Montreal lost to New York (again KC's Supporters' Shield chances were basically non-existent before that game) and Dallas and Vancouver tied.
Montreal at Colorado
What we want to happen - Colorado win
A win for the Rapids would mean that Montreal would have to win out and KC would have to lose out for the Impact to have a chance of moving ahead of KC for points this year and the ability to host MLS Cup should both teams make it. Meanwhile the Rapids are eliminated from the playoff hunt already.
Montreal at Colorado
What we want to happen - Colorado win
A win for the Rapids would mean that Montreal would have to win out and KC would have to lose out for the Impact to have a chance of moving ahead of KC for points this year and the ability to host MLS Cup should both teams make it. Meanwhile the Rapids are eliminated from the playoff hunt already.
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
Harrington Done for the Season - Former SKC Wizards Update
The Colorado Rapids announced this week that Michael Harrington had surgery on his foot and will now be out for the rest of the season. The announcement comes at an odd time considering that Harrington has played just twice since the beginning of June. He'd started the season as the club's primary outside back, but since the birth of his first child has barely been seen on the field.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-1 win over NYC.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in New England's 3-1 loss to Chicago.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over Montreal.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over Montreal.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Chicago's 3-1 win over New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Away with the US U23 team.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 3-1 win over Philadelphia.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Did not dress in Colorado's 2-1 loss to Salt Lake.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 80 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to KC.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 loss to New York.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 3-1 win over Philadelphia.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Did not dress in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Orlando.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 116 minutes in Philadelphia's 1-1(7-6) PK shootout loss to KC in the US Open Cup. Started and played 61 minutes in Philadelphia's 3-1 loss to Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to New York.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over Columbus.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-1 draw with Indy. Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 win over San Antonio.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 1-1 draw with New York.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in Atlanta's 1-1 draw with New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Did not dress in San Antonio's 4-2 loss to Fort Lauderdale.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Brian Fekete - Austin - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 1-0 win over Utsikten.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Lost 2-0 to GBK.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Quilmes' 2-0 win over San Martin San Juan.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Pumas.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Game this week postponed.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Lost 2-1 to Argentino Merlo.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in Leganes' 3-2 win over Albacete.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started Cucuta's 4-1 loss to Envigado.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Tivoli Gardens.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 86 minutes in RoPS 1-0 loss to Mariehamn.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in either of ABC's games.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Dinamo's 3-1 win over Academia.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Started and played 90 minuets in Palestino's 1-0 win over O'Higgins.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Dressed but did not play in Lechia's 3-0 win over Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 59 minutes, recording an assist in Spartak's 1-0 win over Mordovia Saransk.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 63 minutes before being red carded in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over Valur.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Did not dress in either of Sporting's games.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 1-0 win over SC Kapellen-Erft.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Atromitos' 1-0 loss to AEK Athens.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Did not dress in Saarbrucken's 3-1 win over Neckarelz.
Here's the rest of this week's update.
Active without a club or unknown
Vicente Arze
Mitchell Cardenas
Michael Kafari
Neal Kitson
Jonathan Leathers
Kyle Miller
Lawrence Olum
Nelson Pizarro
Yann Songo'o
MLS
Davy Arnaud - DC - Did not dress in DC's 2-1 win over NYC.
Teal Bunbury - New England - Came off the bench and played 31 minutes in New England's 3-1 loss to Chicago.
Servando Carrasco - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over Montreal.
Aurelien Collin - Orlando City - Started and played 90 minutes in Orlando's 2-1 win over Montreal.
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago (Loan) - Started and played 90 minutes in Chicago's 3-1 win over New England.
Luis Gil - Salt Lake - Away with the US U23 team.
Herculez Gomez - Toronto - Dressed but did not play in Toronto's 3-1 win over Philadelphia.
Michael Harrington - Colorado - Did not dress in Colorado's 2-1 loss to Salt Lake.
Jack Jewsbury - Portland - Started and played 80 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to KC.
Kei Kamara - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-1 loss to New York.
Chris Konopka - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 3-1 win over Philadelphia.
Eric Kronberg - Montreal - Did not dress in Montreal's 2-1 loss to Orlando.
CJ Sapong - Philadelphia - Started and played 116 minutes in Philadelphia's 1-1(7-6) PK shootout loss to KC in the US Open Cup. Started and played 61 minutes in Philadelphia's 3-1 loss to Toronto.
Khari Stephenson - San Jose - Loaned to San Antonio.
Tyson Wahl - Columbus - Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 loss to New York.
Sal Zizzo - New York - Started and played 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 win over Columbus.
NASL
Stefan Antonijevic - Tampa Bay - Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-1 draw with Indy. Started and played 90 minutes in Tampa's 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
James Marcelin - Fort Lauderdale - Started and played 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale's 4-2 win over San Antonio.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Atlanta - Started and played 90 minutes in Atlanta's 1-1 draw with New York.
Michal Mravec - Atlanta - Started and played 87 minutes, scoring a goal in Atlanta's 1-1 draw with New York.
Khari Stephenson - San Antonio - Did not dress in San Antonio's 4-2 loss to Fort Lauderdale.
US
Christian Duke - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Brian Fekete - Austin - Season over.
Adnan Gabeljic - Sacramento - Season over.
Cyprian Hedrick - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Mechack Jerome - Charlotte - Season over.
Alex Martinez - Charlotte - Season over.
Victor Munoz - Arizona - Season over.
Tony Rocha - Austin - Season over.
Michael Thomas - Oklahoma City - Started and played 120 minutes in OKC's 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Colorado Springs.
Yomby William - Richmond - Season over.
Indoor
Jamar Beasley - Ontario - Offseason.
Adnan Gabeljic - St. Louis - Offseason.
Josh Gardner - Missouri - Offseason.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Offseason.
Mike Jones - Dallas - Offseason.
Boris Pardo - Missouri - Offseason.
International
Korede Aiyegbusi - AFC United - Sweden - Started and played 90 minutes in AFC's 1-0 win over Utsikten.
Scott Angevine - KPV - Finland - Lost 2-0 to GBK.
Claudio Bieler - Quilmes - Argentina - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Quilmes' 2-0 win over San Martin San Juan.
Omar Bravo - Chivas - Mexico - Started and played 90 minutes in Chivas' 1-0 loss to Pumas.
Reinaldo Brenes - AD Belen Siglo XXI - Costa Rica - Game this week postponed.
Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru - India - Offseason.
Jorge Claros - Qingdao Jonoon - China - No game this week.
Eloy Colombano - AD Berazategui - Lost 2-1 to Argentino Merlo.
Toni Dovale - CD Leganes - Spain - Came off the bench and played 34 minutes in Leganes' 3-2 win over Albacete.
Pablo Escobar - Cúcuta Deportivo - Colombia - Started Cucuta's 4-1 loss to Envigado.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 2-0 to Tivoli Gardens.
Jeferson - Boavista - Brazil - Offseason.
Will John - RoPS - Finland - Started and played 86 minutes in RoPS 1-0 loss to Mariehamn.
Peterson Joseph - Azam FC - Tanzania - Offseason.
Igor Juliao - ABC (Fluminense) - Brazil - Did not dress in either of ABC's games.
Igor Kostrov - Dinamo-Auto - Moldova - Started and played 90 minutes in Dinamo's 3-1 win over Academia.
Luis Marin - CD Palestino - Chile - Started and played 90 minuets in Palestino's 1-0 win over O'Higgins.
Neven Markovic - KS Lechia Gdansk - Poland - Dressed but did not play in Lechia's 3-0 win over Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Yura Movsisyan - Spartak Moscow - Russia - Started and played 59 minutes, recording an assist in Spartak's 1-0 win over Mordovia Saransk.
Akeem Priestley - Sheikh Russel KC - Bangladesh - Offseason.
Pablo Punyed - Stjarnan - Iceland - Started and played 63 minutes before being red carded in Stjarnan's 2-1 win over Valur.
Oriol Rosell - Sporting Club de Portugal - Portugal - Did not dress in either of Sporting's games.
Soony Saad - BCC Tero (loaned from BEC Tero Sasana FC) - Thailand - Offseason.
Peter Schmetz - Wuppertaler SV - Germany - Started and played 90 minutes in Wuppertaler's 1-0 win over SC Kapellen-Erft.
Martin Steuble - Ceres-La Salle - Philippines - Offseason.
Milos Stojcev - Atromitos - Greece - Dressed but did not play in Atromitos' 1-0 loss to AEK Athens.
Matt Taylor - Saarbrücken - Germany - Did not dress in Saarbrucken's 3-1 win over Neckarelz.
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