SKC vs San Jose

I have to say that I was probably a little more optimistic about this game after seeing the pounding SKC gave FC Dallas. But, I was also a little worried that Vermes was going to go back to his beloved 4-3-3 formation that hasn’t worked well. But, when I saw that Omar Bravo was going to replace Stojcev (who was suspended) I was again excited. I am going to keep this short so I am going to get right into it.

Overall I thought the team played really well. Collin’s presence on the back line really showed during the game with the punishment he was giving every time Lenhart got the ball. Diop and Sassano really looked good in the middle again, but I really want to see a couple of games of Auvrey and Sassano because I think that pairing will be even better. Bravo didn’t look 100% but was still doing an incredible job. Zusi played really well and his service into the box on both corners and free kicks are looking really good. And if this continues teams are going to have to think twice about committing fouls even near midfield. The free kick that Zusi took in the 31st minute was probably 45-50 yards away from goal, but he put it into the 6 yard box perfectly for Sapong to put in the back of the net. And with the form Sapong is in right now Bunbury is going to have a hard time getting back on the field.

The one thing that worried me a little was how often in the 2nd half we gave away possession. We were only winning by one goal and we couldn’t maintain possession. We kept trying to force a through ball or push for a long ball instead of making the easy pass. We were lucky that San Jose didn’t find the back of the net b/c they sure had control of the game in the last 30 minutes or so. The other worrying point is that Zusi had to come off the field. I hope that this was a product of the temp and not an injury. He has been in amazing form the last few games and I would hate for him to lose that now.

Lastly, the part that I think the Wizards did the best job at. They finished the game with 11 players on the field. There was only 2 yellow cards on the Wizards and NO red cards! That is great to see. It was great to see SKC get their first home win and to continue their home unbeaten streak. Lets keep this going and start climbing our way back to the top.

Scoring Summary:

KC — C.J. Sapong 2 (Graham Zusi 2) 31

Misconduct Summary:

SJ — Ramiro Corrales (caution; Reckless Tackle) 42
SJ — Steven Lenhart (caution; Dissent) 50
KC — Aurelien Collin (caution; Reckless Foul) 52
KC — Luke Sassano (caution; Reckless Tackle) 54

Match Highlights

Category: Aurélien Collin, Birahim Diop, C.J. Sapong, Chance Myers, Davy Arnaud, Graham Zusi, Jimmy Nielsen, Luke Sassano, Matt Besler, Omar Bravo, Pre-/Post-Game Reports, Seth Sinovic, Team News