Monday Musings

Fantastic Comeback

With a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC which culminated with a last minute winner from new signing Oriol Rosell Sporting KC was able to put aside their visitors in a fashion that had been lacking from Sporting in other games in recent months where they had fallen behind early on.

What to take from it is that players will have the new confidence that they can make a comeback from whatever situation.  All that is needed is the belief and with that a result against any of the remaining teams on their schedule is available.

With the International break there is plenty of time for the team to get prepared for the next match on NBC Sports Network against Houston and keep on San Jose’s heels for the MLS Supporters Shield which is a guarantee in giving Kansas City the chance of hosting the 2012 MLS Cup at Livestrong Sporting Park in December.

 

International Action

Graham Zusi, who has three caps and one goal for the United States has been called up for national team duty for the home and away fixtures against Jamaica in the third round of World Cup qualifying. Of note is that Zusi is only one of three MLS based players called up for these internationals.  If the US gets maximum points they can be secure for the fourth round of qualifying.

Peterson Joseph has been called up by Haiti for qualifying games for the 2012 Caribbean Championship against Bermuda, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico. If successful Haiti and Joseph will proceed to the second round in a group with either Cuba, Grenada, or Guadeloupe in late October.

Roger Espinoza has been called up by Honduras for the home and away fixtures against Cuba in the third round of World Cup qualifying.  So far Honduras has only gained one point from their first two and are in a difficult position in their group.

Kei Kamara, with his current ban from the Sierra Leone national team, will not be joining up with his fellow compatriots in their 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier.  In recent call ups Kamara has returned hurt so this puts to bed worries on that

 

European Transfer Deadline

Roger Espinoza was a part of massive discussion on whether he would stay for the remainder of the season or head overseas to a European club that was impressed with his showing at the Olympics for Honduras. Wigan Athletic was one club hot on his heals and they have a history of  signing Honduran talent so there was real concern on my end as current manager Roberto Martinez has history of finding talent in unusual places for much less than his Premier League fellows.

So now that the window has closed there is the concern of what happens as with MLS contracts they are for multiple years but not as they seem as they are just renewed unless renegotiated for different sums.

Well, Roger is a real talent and has become a key player for his country.  As the winter draws near Sporting will either need to start negotiating for a new contract or be prepared to lose him on a free in the off-season.

Personally I’d rather he stay but having him go on a free would be a shame.  One good thing going into the future is that Oriol Rosell could really come into his own as with Peterson Joseph that could fill that gab if he leaves.