Some stats of note: KC has committed 8 more fouls than they have suffered and both numbers are among heague highs. That represents a change from what has been "normal" for years here. To me it represents a greater willingness to not only be physical, but do so in intelligent areas. KC has picked up slightly too many yellows also. As for shooting, KC has 40 official shots, 19 of those on net, and 6 goals. Holbein and Kraus are a perfect 1 for 1 for 1. As a team, that's just above middle of the pack for both accuracy and efficiency so far. What is improved to me clearly is a more technical nature of how KC shoots. Mostly gone is the hit-and-hope hard ball from 25 yards into the 12th row. Misses are just above the bar or glancing headers just mistimed. I like Jimmy to finish his next one. I'd love to see Lopez just be average or even close to it on his finishes. Lopez has 13 shots, only 6 on net, and just the one finish. In all 4 games he's missed an early quality chance in close, in alone, or both. Him being just average on finishing would greatly help KC blow someone out. Also notable is KC has 6 assists to 6 goals. Better teams in MLS have as many or better assists to goals. Chicago presents similar problems on offense to what KC does. Differential here should come down to accuracy on pass, ability to turn pressure into possession, and maintanence of possession. After the first :20 one team will have dominance. That dominance will turn into a late goal. I think this holds in a 0-0 game or a 4-3 game, either way. If KC misses their chances this weekend they will have to outwork to win. Tough duty in Chicago any time. Much easier to simply finish, then work. Chicago allows almost 60% of abundant shots allowed to be on goal. Gaps are there to be exploited. KC finishes early and this could be a 4-1 game for the Blue guys. Another key is KC stopping Marco Pappa. They do that, it's 3 points, back home for Jimmy's Bobblehead Night, the toothless 'Bulls, and a possible 4 game roll.
Great analysis. I am always afraid of playing Chicago in Chicago, but we've definitely improved as a team in the last two games. If we can keep it together this should be a good game.
I don't have Fox Soccer Channel at home. My options for seeing this game: 1 - subscribe to FSC today 2 - find a commercial establishment with FSC 3 - find a friend with FSC 4 - fly to Chicago and watch the game live Anything else? Preferably like a free online stream?
You forgot, fly to Kansas City, and watch it at Coach's. Maybe bc it's such a rarity, maybe bc we always have problems w/their fans both home and away, I enjoy the idea of getting 3 in Chicago more than anywhere else.
Find a friend with a Slingbox who has FSC and will be A) at the game, B) at Coach's or C) watching from home. Oh, and willing to let you hook into their Slingbox.
I was thinking the same thing. Besler seems to be pushing up more this game. Also, it just occured to me that Gomez looks a bit like Barack Obama...
I don't know what I dislike more: the fact that we can't seem to string more than two passes together at a time....or Max Bretos.
This lineup is NOT playing like they've started the past three games together. We are missing at least 3 or 4 good, wide open passing opportunities every time down the field.
We seem to really be telegraphing our passes. Or at least holding the ball too long. There's been three or four passes already when Chicago has got in our passing lanes and intercepted the ball.
Our wingbacks can't get forward, can't complete a pass, and can't take care of attacks down the flanks. And on the rare occasion when they DO get it in the middle, we end up holding the ball too long. UGHHHHH.