Should be mentioned that Richmond is the best USL team we've played. Ngwenya up top gave us problems but mostly their defense is solid...they played us smart- sat back and looked for the counter. So, should be interesting next time we play them..
Richmond has 6 MLS loan players (shown below, *astericks showing starters* !explanation points indicating a shut-out! &ersands indicating goalscorer&), and we have (now) only two. The MLS-USL partnership is certainly a great idea, but when our loan situation is so shambolic and we face a good club with a stable roster the extent to which SKC has screwed us over becomes abundantly clear. D/M Taylor Kemp (D.C. United) F Michael Seaton (D.C. United)*& M Conor Shanosky (D.C. United) F Casey Townsend (D.C. United) F/M Brian Ownby (Houston Dynamo)*& GK Andrew Dykstra (D.C. United)*!
Heath briefly mentions roster situation, Vermes, and O'Connor speaks. We don't hear nearly enough from that Irish juggernaut.
True, but Townsend and Shanosky have been with DC United for while and not appearing for the Kickers. That being said, there is truth to success following teams with good MLS loans. Take Harrisburg, for example. The City Islanders were flying high with Hernandez, McLaughlin, Jordan, Anding, Fernandes, and Wheeler making appearances from the Union. But Anding, Fernandes, and Wheeler have been in Philly recently, Jordan has been hurt, and with "only" two or three loans, the team's form has dipped. It seems like the most successful teams have a core of good USL players supplemented with MLS loans that put them over the top. Orlando will be fine, just like Richmond is legit, but the timing of loans greatly impact success.
So, now that we know Burke's leg WAS broken in Charleston (thanks a lot, USL and the Battery), what the HELL are we supposed to do? Ustruck is a decent replacement but has nowhere near as much speed or ability on the flank. Our midfield is stretched (Molino in Gold Cup, Mbengue red card suspension). Our forwards are... well nonexistent (Chin and Tan both look lost, Alexandre in gold Cup). And now our back line is thoroughly ripped apart (recent loss of Song'o and Burke). Crisis thoroghly in full gear?
Sure seems that way. Really stinks that the play when Burke's injury happened apparently wasn't even a foul, let alone a card. In most sports, if your roster gets whacked, you add some replacements. But in the present history of OCSC, they're a team working on promotion to the top flight while simultaneously trying to get a home ground agreed on and built, which leads to the question: does OC have the time and/or the budget to go and acquire replacements? Presumably, at some point there will be new affiliate loanees from SKC. And (very, very thankfully) this club is sharp and shrewd enough to have a development system from which they might be able to call up a player or two here and there (unless that's not legal for USSF/USL/etc. rules). Having watched this club for a few years now they seem to be properly focused on the right things, mainly winning first. So you'd have to guess they'll do what's reasonable and prudent to keep the squad strong for the USL Supporter's Shield and momentum into the playoffs.
Rumor has it.. CJ Sapong heading to Orlando City? Will this hopefully be some type of spark the team needs? I somewhat don't like saying that, as the team should be depending on a spark from their core palyers.
CJ Sapong (forward) and Kevin Ellis (right back) to Orlando City (official): http://m.sportingkc.com/news/2013/0...is-usl-pro-affiliate-orlando-city-soccer-club Apparently they join the squad today. I really hope they (Sapong at least) get to play.
Both started. It didn't mesh as well as it should have, which is natural since they literally got here today. But with Burke hurt, Adama on a red, and Molino and Alexandre both on int'l duty, we really had no choice. Watson had to play midfield, with Tan and Sapong starting up front. Hopefully a little practice will see better results in this coming road trip.
I thought Ellis looked terrible the first 30 minutes, a defensive liability and dive-happy. He's got speed and moves but needs to reel it in a little bit. Sapong looked ineffective and sluggish (but smart). 2nd half was much better. Sapong did well to earn the PK. We started playing more organized as a team. Mendoza looked great. Chin looked good.
I thought Sapong looked a little disinterested... but that could be the whirlwind of the move. He was also having issues with the turf. Withholding judgment. Ellis much more involved. Dissapointment has been Long Tan. When all 100 pnds of Dennis Chin holds up the ball better than you... not good.
I watched the USL stream. We still didn't look as crisp and sharp as we did a few weeks back. Last night was definitely better than the past month. But it still looks like the squad isn't quite getting all the way into Heath's possession and motion tactics; there's so many more sprayed balls and loose, clumsy passing than earlier this season when they were really sharp. But I guess putting Mbengue, Molino, and Alexandre back in the eleven will help that.
I think Watson and Heath both put the performance and need for improvement in good perspective in this. Also, Ellis was too slow in tracking his mark into the box during the Battery's goal.
2011 MLS Rookie of Year joins Orlando City C.J. Sapong and defender Kevin Ellis were loaned to Orlando City from Sporting Kansas City http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...11-mls-rookie-of-year-20130711,0,932268.story
What's up with Sean Kelley? Haven't even seen him on the bench. Wouldn't think we would let him slip away again.
He was practicing with John and Miguel before the match. He's still out there, but they can only suit up a certain number of players for the match. And having three goalkeepers available for any given match is just dumb.
Sporting KC loans Sapong, Ellis to USL PRO affiliate Orlando City Soccer Club http://www.kctv5.com/story/22817878...to-usl-pro-affiliate-orlando-city-soccer-club
Gotcha. Well, if Gallardo continues in his current form and Kempin returns to Sporting for next year, I hope Kelley gets to step in.
Sapong recalled to KC? With one hand they giveth and with the other they taketh away... tis bad for team cohesionith.
Molino is back from a solid Gold Cup for Trinidad & Tobago. I'm thrilled, I can't wait to see how much better we look with him back.
"Frustrated Kaka says he wants to leave Real Madrid" (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...uk-soccer-spain-kaka-20130829,0,2485795.story)
He should come to Orlando, help us win the us open cup so we can play both champions league and mls in 2015