Win against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday and this year's Sporting Kansas City will have accomplished something that hasn't been accomplished in 2 years - making the playoffs. It's quite interesting to look at how far this team has come in those 2 years. From the hallows of Community America Ballpark to the great rooftops of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park a lot has changed. And a win against the Red Bulls would make even more history.
"Win and we're in" has been a phrase whispered upon the lips of quite a lot of supporters in the past couple of days. Quite frankly because it's true. But how easy will it be to beat this Red Bull side. Well, first off, if we win it would almost completely shatter the Red Bulls own chances at the playoffs, something that just about every team in this league would want to do. But the Red Bulls do have quality, there's no denying that. We all know how good Henry and Marquez are but there have been some other great performers for NY this season. Luke Rodgers, Lindpere, Solli, and Agudelo to name a few. So as you can see there is a lot of class in the Red Bulls camp.
As for Sporting Kansas City well we have a number of stars too and I believe that we have a real shot against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon. Our front line was smothered in April when we last played the Red Bulls to a 1-0 loss but Sapong, Kamara, and Bravo are all hitting fine form and will look to make some magic for the home team.
My prediction?
Sporting Kansas City - 2(Bravo, Kamara)
New York Red Bulls - 0
Showing posts with label Scouting Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scouting Report. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Philadelphia Union Scouting Report
Sporting Kc vs. Philadelphia Union might just be the biggest game this season in terms of playoff contention. Sporting Kc are currently in 2nd place in the East with 40 points, while the Philadelphia Union sit right below them in 3rd with 39 points. Should Philadelphia win they would leap frog Columbus and Sporting Kc. On the flip-side if Sporting Kc win the find themselves at the top of the East with a little bit of breathing room.
Most Dangerous Player
Sebastien Le Toux. The Frenchman will be looking to his already impressive scoring and assisting record for Philadelphia. The former Seattle man has scored 7 times and assisted on 8 occasions for the Union. His strength and awareness could do serious damage to Sporting Kc.
Weakest Link
Goalkeeping. Philly's goalkeeping situation is in shambles. Both Mondragon and MacMath have been injured. Leading Philadelphia to dip into the MLS keeper pool and take one. While it is hard to say whether this reserve goalkeeper is good, Mondragon has been a rock back there and having him out of the starting XI is a huge blow.
Football Style
Philadelphia like to use a quick passing system that helps them get up the field as quick as possible. They don't like to sit back and let other teams come at them. It's a very in-your-face type of footballing style. While the Union have been good this season I believe Sporting Kc deserve to be ahead of them in the standings and anything but a win at LSP on Friday night could be devastating for either teams.
Key Match Up
Sporting Kc's strikers vs. Philly's goalkeeper. While the MLS reserve pool keeper will certainly have a tough time trying to keep the likes of Kamara and Bravo from scoring the real problem could be in the striker delema for Sporting Kc. Vermes will have to pick between either Sapong or Bunbury. While Bunbury looked lively against RSL Sapong has been tremendous this season, scoring goals from all types of angles.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 2 (Sapong, Bravo)
Philadelphia Union - 1
Most Dangerous Player
Sebastien Le Toux. The Frenchman will be looking to his already impressive scoring and assisting record for Philadelphia. The former Seattle man has scored 7 times and assisted on 8 occasions for the Union. His strength and awareness could do serious damage to Sporting Kc.
Weakest Link
Goalkeeping. Philly's goalkeeping situation is in shambles. Both Mondragon and MacMath have been injured. Leading Philadelphia to dip into the MLS keeper pool and take one. While it is hard to say whether this reserve goalkeeper is good, Mondragon has been a rock back there and having him out of the starting XI is a huge blow.
Football Style
Philadelphia like to use a quick passing system that helps them get up the field as quick as possible. They don't like to sit back and let other teams come at them. It's a very in-your-face type of footballing style. While the Union have been good this season I believe Sporting Kc deserve to be ahead of them in the standings and anything but a win at LSP on Friday night could be devastating for either teams.
Key Match Up
Sporting Kc's strikers vs. Philly's goalkeeper. While the MLS reserve pool keeper will certainly have a tough time trying to keep the likes of Kamara and Bravo from scoring the real problem could be in the striker delema for Sporting Kc. Vermes will have to pick between either Sapong or Bunbury. While Bunbury looked lively against RSL Sapong has been tremendous this season, scoring goals from all types of angles.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 2 (Sapong, Bravo)
Philadelphia Union - 1
Friday, September 16, 2011
Real Salt Lake Scouting Report
Following a thrilling 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo Sporting Kc are on the road for the first time in over a month. In that month Sporting have seen a slow climb to 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. Albeit a few rungs fell out of place along the way. Now Sporting must head over to Salt Lake City to face a very strong Real Salt Lake side who are currently 4th in the West with 45 points. 5 more than Sporting Kc have. But for the first time in a long time I believe that a top-class team (RSL) are actually afraid of us, whether that is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined.
Most Dangerous Player
Kyle Beckerman. The USMNT midfielder has assisted on 8 occasions and scored on 3 for RSL. The captain has shown tremednous leadership through and through for RSL and will look to stop any attack Sporting Kc have going forward. Sitting in that CDM role he could thwart many Zusi attacks.
Weakest Link
Center back. Although Olave has been a star for RSL at the heart of defense there have been some signs throughout the season that RSL's defense has been a little bit stingy compared to the form we saw last season. Although Rimando will be the last line of defense behind them the CB's needs to step up their game if they are to stop a rompant Sporting Kc side who have scored 5 goals in 2 games.
Football Style
RSL usually plays a very fluid type of football, running their team through Kyle Beckerman. Although they don't play direct they they do play a lot of long balls to their speedy forwards. Also, watch out for the quick counter-attack from the outside backs and midfielders. That's one of the things RSL is built on.
Key Match-Up
Sporting KC's Starting XI vs. Sporting KC's Starting XI
With almost a full strength squad for Vermes to choose from it will be interesting to see who makes the cut. Myers is rumored to be injured and Collin looks the likely replacement. There are also so many forwards for Vermes to choose from, not to mention the midfield. But what Vermes needs to focus on is form. If he sticks with that Sporting Kc might have a chance.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 1 (Bunbury)
Real Salt Lake - 1 (Espindola)
Most Dangerous Player
Kyle Beckerman. The USMNT midfielder has assisted on 8 occasions and scored on 3 for RSL. The captain has shown tremednous leadership through and through for RSL and will look to stop any attack Sporting Kc have going forward. Sitting in that CDM role he could thwart many Zusi attacks.
Weakest Link
Center back. Although Olave has been a star for RSL at the heart of defense there have been some signs throughout the season that RSL's defense has been a little bit stingy compared to the form we saw last season. Although Rimando will be the last line of defense behind them the CB's needs to step up their game if they are to stop a rompant Sporting Kc side who have scored 5 goals in 2 games.
Football Style
RSL usually plays a very fluid type of football, running their team through Kyle Beckerman. Although they don't play direct they they do play a lot of long balls to their speedy forwards. Also, watch out for the quick counter-attack from the outside backs and midfielders. That's one of the things RSL is built on.
Key Match-Up
Sporting KC's Starting XI vs. Sporting KC's Starting XI
With almost a full strength squad for Vermes to choose from it will be interesting to see who makes the cut. Myers is rumored to be injured and Collin looks the likely replacement. There are also so many forwards for Vermes to choose from, not to mention the midfield. But what Vermes needs to focus on is form. If he sticks with that Sporting Kc might have a chance.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 1 (Bunbury)
Real Salt Lake - 1 (Espindola)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Sporting KC vs. LA Galaxy Scouting Report
Sporting Kc's backroom staff will be expecting yet another sell-out crowd as they welcome the LA Galaxy to LSP. Last week Sporting Kc lost 3-2 to FC Dallas in a somewhat unconvincing loss in the dying moments of the game. Now, they will have to play yet another tough game against LA on Monday. Sporting Kc may me be missing star winger Kei Kamara due to international duty and by all accounts this match looks like one of the most testing matches Sporting Kc have played all season. Except, of course, the last time they played LA.
Most Dangerous Player
Landon Donovan. The speedy USMNT winger will most likely be running at Chance Myers. Whether Myers is up to the task is yet to be decided. But who ever will start there will surely have received special instructions from the training staff on how to mark up on Donovan. Either way Landon will be running at SKC's back line all night.
Weakest Link
I hate to say it but I really can't think of a certain area on the pitch that LA are especially bad at. The whole team is really good. As you can see by simply opening up the Western Conference standings.
Football Style
Due to the sensational wingers that LA possess (Beckham, Donovan), it is easy to see why they play in a 4-4-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2. They like to get balls in the box and often. In fact, David Beckham completes on average 7 crosses into the box per game.
Key Match-Up
Sporting Kc's full backs vs. LA's wingers. It can't be stressed enough, this game will be decided on the wings, whoever can control those channels will be able to control most of the possession. Hopefully, Vermes will have noticed this...
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 1 (Sapong)
LA Galaxy - 2 (Donovan, Keane)
Football Style
Due to the sensational wingers that LA possess (Beckham, Donovan), it is easy to see why they play in a 4-4-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2. They like to get balls in the box and often. In fact, David Beckham completes on average 7 crosses into the box per game.
Key Match-Up
Sporting Kc's full backs vs. LA's wingers. It can't be stressed enough, this game will be decided on the wings, whoever can control those channels will be able to control most of the possession. Hopefully, Vermes will have noticed this...
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 1 (Sapong)
LA Galaxy - 2 (Donovan, Keane)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Scouting Report On FC Dallas (Home 2011)
Following Saturday night's game against Sporting, FC Dallas will have played 4 games in 10 days. Almost a game every other day. This congested-schedule for FC Dallas will play right into Sporting Kc's hand, as SKC welcome FC Dallas to LSP for what is supposed to be one of the most sold-out games of the 2011 season. The reverse-fixture earlier this season was a 4-1 win in SKC's favor. Having played Toronto FC in the CCL on Thursday morning, FC Dallas will have tired legs and tired minds long before the 7:30 pm kick-off at LSP.
Most Dangerous Player
Brek Shea. Whether he will play or not for the Hoops is undecided. Seeing as he has an international call-up for the USMNT along with Sporting Kc striker Teal Bunbury. If Shea does dress he will easily be the most dangerous player for Dallas. He has simply been sensational this season and has a serious case for MVP of the season.
Weakest Link
The whole team. I only say this because FC Dallas will be very tired coming into this match after their many away games. It will be very difficult for Dallas to keep up pace with KC, especially in the final 30 minutes. Look for Sporting Kc to run at them all night.
Football Style
Like stated above FC Dallas will be extremely fatigued coming into this match. Which will lead to a non-aggressive type of football. Which also means no counter-attacking plays and I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas held a few men back on the set-pieces.
Key Match Up
Brek Shea vs. Sporting Kc Defense. The sensation that is Brek Shea will do everything in his power to try and win this game for FC Dallas. Sporting Kc's defense has been solid as of late but Shea is a lot more different than Andy Najar. Should Sporting hold back Shea I see no reason why we can't get an easy 3 points in front of the Sporting Blue faithful.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 3(Bravo, Sapong x 2)
FC Dallas - 0
Most Dangerous Player
Brek Shea. Whether he will play or not for the Hoops is undecided. Seeing as he has an international call-up for the USMNT along with Sporting Kc striker Teal Bunbury. If Shea does dress he will easily be the most dangerous player for Dallas. He has simply been sensational this season and has a serious case for MVP of the season.
Weakest Link
The whole team. I only say this because FC Dallas will be very tired coming into this match after their many away games. It will be very difficult for Dallas to keep up pace with KC, especially in the final 30 minutes. Look for Sporting Kc to run at them all night.
Football Style
Like stated above FC Dallas will be extremely fatigued coming into this match. Which will lead to a non-aggressive type of football. Which also means no counter-attacking plays and I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas held a few men back on the set-pieces.
Key Match Up
Brek Shea vs. Sporting Kc Defense. The sensation that is Brek Shea will do everything in his power to try and win this game for FC Dallas. Sporting Kc's defense has been solid as of late but Shea is a lot more different than Andy Najar. Should Sporting hold back Shea I see no reason why we can't get an easy 3 points in front of the Sporting Blue faithful.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 3(Bravo, Sapong x 2)
FC Dallas - 0
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Scouting Report On DC United (Home 2011)
DC At A Glance
The former Eastern Conference giant DC United currently sit in 6th place of the Eastern Conference with 31 points, only 2 points behind Sporting KC. DC United come into LSP having only lost once in their past five games. Former Kansas City man Josh Wolff may very well be starting against his previous club, after a good performance on Thursday against the Chicago Fire, scoring against his boyhood club in the 73 minute.
Most Dangerous Player
Dwayne De Rosario. The man has been a sensation for DC United since having a rough start to the season following trades that saw him transferred to 2 different clubs before finding a permanent home in the United camp. Since coming over "De Ro" has scored 6 goals in 6 matches. With his creativeness on the ball and his vast knowledge of the league watch for most of DC's attacking play to move through the Canadian.
Weakest Link
Goalkeeper. Bill Hamid has been a decent keeper for DC this season but unfortunately for United he tweaked his hamstring in their 1-1 draw at Toyota Park. The keeper job will most likely fall to 28 year old Steve Cronin, who has let in 4 goals in about 120 minutes of play.
Football Style
As discussed on the podcast DC United have a lot of attacking minded players. Charlie Davies, Josh Wolff, Dwayne De Rosario, Quaranta, Pontius, and Najar to name a few. They will most likely play a counter-attacking type of football due to Sporting's recent thrashing of Portland.
Key Match Up
De Rosario vs. Espinoza. It will be Espinoza's job of keeping De Rosario at bay. Both players have an intense passion for the game and it's a match-up made in heaven. Watching them battle all night long will truly be a treat.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 2 (Kamara, Sapong)
DC United - 2 (De Rosario, Pontius)
The former Eastern Conference giant DC United currently sit in 6th place of the Eastern Conference with 31 points, only 2 points behind Sporting KC. DC United come into LSP having only lost once in their past five games. Former Kansas City man Josh Wolff may very well be starting against his previous club, after a good performance on Thursday against the Chicago Fire, scoring against his boyhood club in the 73 minute.
Most Dangerous Player
Dwayne De Rosario. The man has been a sensation for DC United since having a rough start to the season following trades that saw him transferred to 2 different clubs before finding a permanent home in the United camp. Since coming over "De Ro" has scored 6 goals in 6 matches. With his creativeness on the ball and his vast knowledge of the league watch for most of DC's attacking play to move through the Canadian.
Weakest Link
Goalkeeper. Bill Hamid has been a decent keeper for DC this season but unfortunately for United he tweaked his hamstring in their 1-1 draw at Toyota Park. The keeper job will most likely fall to 28 year old Steve Cronin, who has let in 4 goals in about 120 minutes of play.
Football Style
As discussed on the podcast DC United have a lot of attacking minded players. Charlie Davies, Josh Wolff, Dwayne De Rosario, Quaranta, Pontius, and Najar to name a few. They will most likely play a counter-attacking type of football due to Sporting's recent thrashing of Portland.
Key Match Up
De Rosario vs. Espinoza. It will be Espinoza's job of keeping De Rosario at bay. Both players have an intense passion for the game and it's a match-up made in heaven. Watching them battle all night long will truly be a treat.
Prediction
Sporting Kc - 2 (Kamara, Sapong)
DC United - 2 (De Rosario, Pontius)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Scouting Report On Portland Timbers (Home 2011)
Here at The Front Men I've decided to add a new segment to shift away from the generic match-preview that a lot of bloggers out there do. I call it "Scouting Report". It's basically a lighter run down of the opposing team and where their weakest link is on the field and what kind of football they play, etc. I'll still have score predictions though.
Scouting Report
Portland Timbers are currently 1-7-3 on the road heading into the Wednesday night clash at LSP. The newest MLS expansion side has seen a decent string of performances in the past couple of weeks and could give Sporting Kc a real run for their money.
Most Dangerous Player
Jack Jewsbury. The former Kansas City man has been the best player in a Portland shirt the entire season and has netted 7 times and assisted 6 times for the Timbers.
Weakest Link
Forward line. The front two pairing of Cooper and Perlaza has only scored 9 goals this season. One of the worst forward lines in the league.
Football Style
Using their traditional 4-4-2 Portland like to use the pace they have on the wings to cause havoc up and down the sides of the pitch. If Sporting Kc have a hope at defending Portland's style of play they will need their fullbacks to be on their game. Which they have been as of late.
Key Match-Up
Portland's Strikers vs. Sporting's Center Backs
Sporting Kc's center backs have been on somewhat of a hiatus in the past weeks with Collin and Cyrus falling to injury. Leaving Cesar and Besler as the two starters ahead of Shavar Thomas. While Portland's strike-force has been dull. Something will have to give for either side.
Prediction
Sporting - 2 (Kamara x2)
Portland - 0
The travel-weary Portland will find it tough to beat a rested Sporting Kc side in the blazing August heat. Don't think for a moment that Sporting will let last week's defeat get to their head.
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