Eleven - September 2015

ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 1

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Letter from the Editor September 2015

I HAVE been blessed in my soccer life. I will never forget the first professional soccer game that I saw in person. My family was on vacation and we were in Oklahoma (still don’t remember why). It was 1982 and the Tulsa Roughnecks were playing really good soccer and of course so were the New York Cosmos with legendary Italian goal scorer Giorgio Chinaglia. There are things from that North American Soccer League semifinal that I will never forget and set me on a lifelong love of the beautiful game.

The atmosphere was electric!

The players were so skilled. It still amazes me when someone can switch a ball across the width of a field onto the foot of a teammate, and finally my first soccer hero in

Barry Wallace.

That kind of “stick with you memory” is what is great about sports and why we love our teams so.

I’ve experienced the World Cup in different countries and have been fortunate to see Clasicos in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico multiple times. Stadiums swaying underneath you is an amazing feeling that combines fear and excitement. I count myself lucky.

I also count myself fortunate to have been a part of Sporting’s dramatic and historic comeback win over Vancouver last month. The adrenaline of that roller coaster and how the stadium rocked supporting Kansas City players and willing

them to victory was a “stick with you” memory that I will not soon forget.

Every month, Eleven is written for the fans. We try and bring your passion to these pages and pictures.

It is going to be an exciting month as we head down the stretch toward the playoffs. Hold on tight!

Here’s hoping you enjoy this month’s issue of Eleven.

David

ElevenTheMagazine

table of contents Letter from the Editor �������������������������������������� 3 The Captain ���������������������������������������������������� 5 Rookie Life ������������������������������������������������������ 8 20 Memorable Moments in Club History �������10 #NoOtherClub �����������������������������������������������12 Jimmy Conrad �����������������������������������������������13 Sporting Spotlight: Graham Zusi �������������������15

@ElevenTheMag

Inside Access �������������������������������������������������16 Amadou Dia ���������������������������������������������������17 Sports Medicine ���������������������������������������������18 Major League Soccer �������������������������������������19 El Volksgeist de Sporting Kansas City �������������21 Copa Univision �����������������������������������������������22 Chris Klein �����������������������������������������������������23 Social Soccer �������������������������������������������������24 The Best Fans in MLS �������������������������������������26 ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 3

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4 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

The Captain

Eleven goes 1V1 with Matt Besler If you have ever had the opportunity to talk with Matt Besler, you quickly understand one thing. It is by no means a mystery why he wears the captain’s armband each time Sporting Kansas City takes the field.

No matter the subject, the conversation always comes back around to his teammates and coaches. It’s what endears him with whom he shares the pitch and those who cheer him on.

ELEVEN: It has been a season to remember with all of the lineup changes and injuries yet the team has thrived.

BESLER: I’m very proud of where we are as a team. We’ve faced different kinds of adversity and so far have been able to overcome a great deal of them. It’s been huge considering how many new faces we have.

ELEVEN: There was much made of the snub by U.S. Soccer for the Gold Cup. Looking back now, is the fact that you are healthy and have been able to be here nonstop through the various things on the field that we’ve talked about kind of a silver lining?

BESLER: It’s always disappointing to be left off of a roster, especially one where you can represent your country. You have a choice to make.

You pout, hide or stand up and make the best of the situation. I’ve put all energy into Sporting. That’s the choice that I’ve made. I can hold my head up high. I’ve made (continues on next page)

ELEVEN: You mentioned the new faces. You’ve had to gel as a team very quickly. What has been the biggest challenge for you?

BESLER: There has been pressure on new players to come in right away. There are teams that have been together for three or four years and they know each other in the same way that we do after a few months. Honestly there haven’t been that many growing pains.

“I’m very proud of where we are as a team.”

ELEVEN: More specifically how has it been with essentially a new back four in front of a new goalkeeper?

BESLER: Not sure how difficult or challenging it’s been. We’ve won and gotten results despite everything that’s happened. The coaching staff has done a great job and everyone has bought in. The more established players have helped guide guys along. The new faces get a lot of credit. Guys like (Kevin) Ellis, Soni (Mustivar), Saad (Abdul-Salaam) and Ti. (Amadou Dia) have all played major roles. They earned their minutes. We lost Ike (Opara) and didn’t have Chance (Myers) until recently.

They’ve all just stepped up. Not sure anyone has stepped up and taken advantage of his opportunity more than Tim (Melia). All of our guys are team first. It’s our style. It’s how we play. It’s great to see them get rewarded.

ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 5

The Captain Eleven goes 1V1 with Matt Besler

(continued from previous page) the most out of the situation I was put in. I couldn’t be more proud. We have found our form defensively and are playing well.

ELEVEN: Just as the month of August was about to end, Besler finally got that call from U.S. National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and was added to the United States Men’s National Team’s 23-player roster for friendlies on Sept. 4 versus Peru and on Sept. 8 versus Brazil.

BESLER (to SportingKC.com): “It’s always an honor to get called in for a national team camp,” Besler said. “With the Confederations Cup playoff match on the horizon, these friendlies will be important for our preparation to face Mexico. Our goal is to be in the Confederations Cup every four years and the next few weeks will be important in helping us reach that goal.”

ELEVEN: There have been so many teammates this year that have been leaders in their own ways. Dom (Dwyer) is Dom. Feilhaber is having an MVP type season. Espinoza’s veteran leadership is noticeable since he has returned to the club. Has that taken some of the burden of

6 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

leadership from you?

BESLER: This season is the most comfortable I’ve ever been on field with teammates and with the leadership role. I learned a lot about being captain last year.

I learned things about myself, learned what I did well and what I needed to improve on. I know I wear the armband but there are a lot of guys who lead. It makes my job easier. I asked at the beginning of season for some guys to help out and they’ve stepped up and we’ve been successful.

ELEVEN: Let’s finish up with leadership. Is that something that you were born with or has it been a learned behavior for you?

BESLER: Some of both I think.

You have to put yourself out there. In some way we all do. Some lead verbally and some not. Melia is a great verbal leader on the field. He encourages and directs. We all have to lead by example. Pieces of leadership come naturally to me and some do not and those areas are where I spend energy to become better. The one thing I know is that the greatest leaders in the world are all still learning to become a better leader and so am I.

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Rookie Life

Words : Megan Armstrong (@meganKarmstrong)

THERE IS a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Kansas City’s Crossroads district. Connor Hallisey can’t remember the restaurant’s name, or if it even had a name, only that somewhere it said something about pizza. But while he was eating inside, people definitely knew Hallisey’s name.

Someone approached Hallisey’s table holding Sporting Kansas City memorabilia for him to sign and asked, “Are you Connor?”

“Yeah,” Hallisey said, surprised. He thinks back on that moment now after a Sporting training session in Auingust. “It’s always nice getting recognized by people and the fans here are awesome,” he says with a smile and sweat dripping from his hair.

Saad Abdul-Salaam remembers getting recognized at a CVS since arriving in Kansas City. “That’s the weirdest one I’ve had so far,” he says. “It catches you off-guard because it’s like when you’re in college you don’t really dress for anyone to see you, but now you need to dress a little more presentable before you go out so you don’t get too caught off guard. You don’t want to look awful when someone recognizes you.”

Hallisey and Abdul-Salaam have made their presences known on the field for Sporting Kansas

8 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

City since the club chose them 10th and 12th respectively in the first round of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Sporting Kansas City defender and captain Matt Besler called Hallisey right away. “Hey, you know, be ready to work and fight for your spot and you’ll get your opportunity,” he told his new teammate.

“I’ve thought about that every day since I’ve been here,” Hallisey says now.

Hallisey played previously for the United States Under-18 Men’s National Team and at the University of California; Abdul-Salaam grew up in Columbus, Ohio, admiring Thierry Henry then followed his best friends to the University of Akron and decided to walk-on the soccer team.

And now they’re both in MLS with Sporting Kansas City. They’re actually here; they’re earning exciting opportunities and unexpected playing time.

“It’s something else. It gives me the chills every time.”

So do you get butterflies? Is it nerve-racking for your dream to be coming true actively, rapidly?

“Yeah,” Hallisey says. “But it’s good. It’s what gets your adrenaline going and while it is nervousness, it gets you ready to play.”

“Nah.” Abdul-Salaam smirks. “I mean that stage comes and goes, depends on the game and the atmosphere. The first game, though, that was butterflies for sure.”

Abdul-Salaam’s mother traveled from his hometown Columbus, Ohio, to Sporting Park for her son’s first MLS appearance, which came on May 20 against New England as a substitute. He calls that night “probably my best moment so far.”

But Hallisey and Abdul-Salaam share in feeling that the most special part about playing at Sporting Park, aside from winning, is before kick-off when they are reminded why they love soccer so much by the fans chanting ‘I Believe That We Will Win.’ “There’s nothing better than that feeling,” Hallisey says and shakes his head. “It’s something else. It gives me the chills every time.”

“Both Connor and Saad (along with Ti) have played big roles for us this season.

It’s a tribute to their attitudes and work ethic. I hope they all can have long and successful careers.”

Matt Besler – Guest Editor

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ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 9

20 Memorable Moments in Wizar JUNE 6, 1995

SEPT. 9, 2009

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS INTRODUCED AS ONE OF 10 MLS CHARTER MEMBERS.

SOCCER-SPECIFIC STADIUM PLAN UNVEILED FOR KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

NOV. 14, 2004

JULY 31, 2013

WIZARDS MAKE THEIR SECOND MLS CUP APPEARANCE FALLING 3-2 TO DC UNITED AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER.

SPORTING PARK HOSTS THE 2013 AT&T MLS ALLSTAR GAME.

DEC. 7, 2013 SPORTING KANSAS CITY WINS 2013 MLS CUP, DEFEATING REAL SALT LAKE 7-6 ON PENALTY KICKS AFTER A 1-1 DRAW.

OCT. 17, 1995 UNIFORMS, LOGOS & COLORS UNVEILED IN NEW YORK CITY. MIKE SORBER ALLOCATED TO KANSAS CITY (1ST PLAYER IN WIZARDS HISTORY).

JAN. 20, 2010

NOV. 17, 2010

GROUNDBREAKING AT KANSAS CITY SOCCER STADIUM.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY UNVEILED AS CLUB’S NEW IDENTITY.

NOV. 21, 2003 PREKI WINS SECOND MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER MVP AWARD.

JUNE 9, 2011 SPORTING PARK INAUGURAL MATCH AS SPORTING KC TOOK ON THE CHICAGO FIRE. THE MATCH ENDED IN A 0-0 DRAW.

10 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

AUG. 31, 2006 ONGOAL LLC BUYS THE WIZARDS FROM HUNT SPORTS GROUP.

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Kansas City History

OCT. 25, 1997

AUG. 8, 2012

PREKI NAMED MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER MVP.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY DEFEATS SEATTLE IN A PENALTY SHOOTOUT TO WIN THE U.S. OPEN CUP.

AUG. 10, 2010

NOV. 11, 2005

PREKI INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME.

TONY MEOLA AND PREKI NAMED TO MLS ALL-TIME BEST XI AS PART OF LEAGUE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY.

OCT. 11, 2013 PETER VERMES INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME.

APR. 13, 1996 1ST GAME IN KANSAS CITY WIZARDS HISTORY A 3-0 WIN OVER COLORADO AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM (21,141).

OCT. 15, 2000

SEPT. 22, 2004

WIZARDS WIN MLS CUP 1-0 OVER THE CHICAGO FIRE AT RFK STADIUM.

WIZARDS WIN U.S. OPEN CUP 1-0 OVER THE CHICAGO FIRE AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM (8,819).

JULY 25, 2010 KANSAS CITY WIZARDS / SPORTING KANSAS CITY DEFEAT PREMIER LEAGUE POWER MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM.

ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 11

#NoOtherClub

12 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

Jimmy Conrad Memoirs of a Media Mogul

IT’S FUNNY how people’s careers change. Former Sporting Kansas City player and Legend Jimmy Conrad has experienced that shift. While there is no doubt that Sporting fans remember Conrad as a rugged player who earned Major League Soccer Defender of the year in 2005, others only know him from YouTube and KICKTV. “I do get that now,” Conrad said. “Current players come on the set and just think I’m a media guy. I’m like – you know, I wasn’t a bad player either!”

That sense of humor has made Conrad a soccer media star. He and his family still own a home in Kansas City and the memories of his days as a Wizard surround him. It doesn’t matter if he’s at Sporting Park, off to Europe or most recently a trip to Chile for fantastic and unique coverage of Copa America, Conrad has deep feelings for this organization and its fans.

“It is neat to see how Sporting KC and the new ownership group have taken care of the players who built the club,” Conrad said. “There are countless guys who deserve credit, in the community and on the field. The names on wall in the stadium (Sporting Legends) had great success but we all stood on the shoulders of those who contributed just as much. I’m honored to be on wall but man, I think I’m still too young to be up there! The fans have stuck with this team from the name change, Arrowhead to a baseball stadium now to Sporting Park. What a difference. They deserve only the best.”

There are many things that are engrained in Conrad’s memory from his playing days in Kansas City and many of them involve Wizards founder and MLS visionary Lamar Hunt.

“I will never forget the 2004 U.S. Open Cup that we won,” Conrad said grinning. “The fact that we won it in Arrowhead and Lamar was still alive was unbelievable. He was so excited. He gave me a huge hug. It was and still is very special to know that we brought him some joy and that the fruit of his work was paying off. Lamar was a visionary.

He knew it (MLS) would grow if fans, players and owners stuck it out through the tough period. He had confidence it would work out. Now seeing Major League Soccer really begin to flourish is all because of him and his ability to see the future with this sport. I remember him on the phone calling people to sign up for season tickets. He put

in the work. Those memories will never leave me.

I was so excited when he remembered my name and took time out of his schedule and we talked. It sounds crazy but that always meant a lot to me.”

Conrad’s media transition really started while he was still wearing boots.

“It was not originally the plan,” said the 2006 World Cup performer. “I have an affinity for the media and how to use it in a positive way. I wrote for Sports Illustrated for four to five years and did the same for ESPN. I tried to humanize the players some. I tried to use that platform in a positive way.

When I first retired I got tapped on the shoulder to do FOX Soccer stuff in studio with Eric Wynalda.

I knew I had some work to do. It was a challenge because all that I was identified with my entire life to that point (29 years) was being known as the soccer player. I spent nine months trying to figure it out then KICKTV came along.”

Soccer fans in the United States are long accustomed to getting their news (and reading their magazines), watching games and videos online. KICKTV started on YouTube in 2012 and was way ahead of its time.

“We need an Oakland Raiders. We need a bad guy that people can hate.”

“Never in a million years did I think I would be as well known for this as soccer,” Conrad chuckled. “It’s crazy. When I travel no one talks to me about playing. I took so much pride in playing but they just know me from KICKTV. It’s tough to get close to a player but when I’m talking to you every day I hope people feel closer in some way. It’s all about the prep work and the creative process. I love that. You have to know your stuff and give great opinion. On YouTube you get immediate comments and feedback. Sometimes you don’t know where it’s going.”

Conrad, who ended his MLS career in 2011 as a member of Chivas USA, has flourished in the wide open realm of digital media.

“We went to Europe for the first time and were on the ground experiencing the fans. We were interviewing people everywhere,” the former UCLA Bruin said. “When we came back people saw it and were glad it was something

else outside of studio. It’s getting better every day. I wake up every morning with a blank canvas.

Everything we do is packaged in an entertaining and engaging way.”

Conrad talks about soccer around the world but MLS has the majority of his attention.

“The league is almost there, I can sense it,” Conrad said. “Guys like Erik Palmer-Brown are going to make a big difference. Signing players in their prime and getting guys back like Michael Bradley is huge for MLS. The league’s highest paid players are all from Europe but now an American player can make a very good living.

Money makes a difference. We are very close to a very big jump. Youth academies are maturing with kids more tactically astute. My biggest fear is that there may not be enough coaches to match the rate of growth.”

Major League Soccer holds “Rivalry Week” a couple of times a season. Getting those matchups stocked and red hot is something that the league is missing according to Conrad.

“We need an Oakland Raiders. We need a bad guy that people can hate. Look at Kansas City.

Sporting fans hate Kyle Beckerman but that’s not enough. People need to care about and be invested in what they are watching. Every good movie needs a villain and so does MLS. The Seattle-Portland rivalry resonates because they truly hate each other but that goes back to the 1970’s and NASL. The difference is it didn’t come from MLS it came from the club, players and fans.

It’s going to take some time in MLS but I see it coming. Maybe LAFC will fill the void.”

The other thing that Conrad is rooting for is for teams to have an identity.

“So many teams like Colorado and Chicago are still going through an identity crisis. What style of play are they known for? What’s the hook?

It’s one of many things that I love about what they do in Kansas City. “Soccer Capital of America” is a title that is well earned. Sporting is a club known for being on the cutting edge and giving the fans what they want. You can’t beat that.”

“I have the utmost respect for Jimmy. He put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into growing the game in Kansas City. He taught me a lot about the center back position as well as how to take care of yourself off the field.”

Matt Besler – Guest Editor

ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 13

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Sporting Spotlight: Graham Zusi Kansas City is Home • Words: Crystle Lampitt @crystlelampitt • Pics: Walfri Rodas HE MAY be a Florida native, but Graham Zusi has quickly fallen in love with Kansas City. Having heard very little about the City of Fountains when he joined Sporting KC in 2009, Zusi had pretty low expectations. Now, he can easily rattle off his favorite restaurants: “For barbecue, I’ve moved on to the Q39 train. It’s incredible,” he gushes.

“Steakhouses: I’m a big fan of Rye and Anton’s Tap Room.”

When he’s not busy enjoying the burgeoning KC food scene, he’s working on his new house.

Zusi recently bought a home in Prairie Village and says he’s learning to navigate the ups and downs of home ownership. His secret for troubleshooting home repairs? “I just YouTube it and follow directions.”

Zusi’s relaxed demeanor is a stark contrast to his razor-sharp focus on the pitch, but it seems to permeate every other aspect of his life when he’s off the clock. His ideal afternoon involves taking his mixed labrador, Baci, to Shawnee Mission Park, where she can swim in the lake. He takes fur-baby fatherhood very seriously, often meeting up with teammate Matt Besler for play dates with Baci’s sister, Gipper. The pair adopted their pups together in their rookie year, and they remain close. Besler and Zusi were drafted together, lived together, won a championship together, and went to the World Cup together. I get the impression

Zusi is as loyal as Baci when it comes to keeping good company.

Great friends, a strong soccer team, and a beautiful longtime girlfriend are just a few reasons Zusi has decided to call Kansas City home. His initial disillusionment with being plopped down in a “flyover” state has all but vanished: “Kansas City is my home now. We’ve made the decision to make this a longterm thing and I couldn’t be happier.”

Crystle Lampitt @crystlelampitt

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ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015 • 15

Inside Access Game Day Experience

THE BEST game day atmosphere in all of Major League Soccer is in Sporting Park.

There are many elements and a lot of hard work that go into staples like hype videos that raise the excitement to a fever pitch. The music that gets your blood flowing as the beat reverberates throughout your body. Fireworks, television broadcasts and more all working alongside the most energetic and passionate fan base in the league equals an unduplicated experience.

Chris Wyche is the Executive Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Sporting Park. There isn’t much that Wyche’s hands or his team’s hands do not touch on any given game day whether Sporting is at home or on the road.

“Typically games start at 7:30pm so I’m here at about 7:00am,” Wyche said while sitting in the television control truck before a Sporting home match. “It’s all about getting things ready to go whether that is what goes on inside of the stadium or on television for our regional broadcasts. You’ve got all of the paperwork, all of the scripting, the reads and commercials for TV. There is no shortage of things to do on the day of a game.”

“Every decision made is based on making this a premium experience for the fan.”

Let’s start with television where 38 The Spot does an amazing job as the Kansas City flagship station of a regional network that connects Sporting fans in nine states on most game days.

A crew of between 30-40 people brings the action to life.

“There are two sides that I am a part of,” Wyche said. “There is the technical side where you have to get the production truck, crew satellite truck and satellite time. Then there is working with the other team, as we will provide a ‘clean’ feed for them, which is just the picture and sound. Their crew will use their graphics package and of course use their own broadcast crew on the sideline and in the booth to call the game.

Then there is the production side and in this case (home game) working with our crew from the announcers to Brad Mertel, Jake Yadrich, Carter Augustine, David Kaufman, Jack Hochman and Chad Reynolds. We sit down and get a lot of work done during the week in terms of what a viewer will see on Saturday. Things like getting the video ready, getting the reads prepared so that the sponsors get everything they need. Basically planning out how we are going to tell the story.”

Just like television, the in stadium experience put on by Wyche and team is state of the art and a cutting-edge leader around the league.

“It takes a concerted effort by a lot of people,” said Wyche. “One of the advantages that we have that other teams do not is that

16 • ELEVEN | SEPTEMBER 2015

the team that does television is also the same team that’s involved on this side so there is a lot of collaboration between the two. We script everything to the minute and that matters when you’re doing things like flyovers, and we also have to adhere to things from the league office what has to happen when and of course kicking on time for television. So we put together a plan that includes words, graphics, videos and pyro that helps drive the experience.”

“MLS has rules about what you can show and what you cannot.”

What fans see on the video board comes from the creative minds of people like Mertel, Kaufman, Augustine and Hochman. They are always searching and brainstorming to come up with the next thing that will make people say wow!

“We have so much respect for our supporters that we aren’t going to try and force something,” Wyche said getting ready before kickoff. “It has to be organic. That’s how “Chimes” developed.

Our fans reacted so well. I have a rule that no video will play twice in the stadium. There are new parts of “Chimes” every game.”

The challenge is to keep it fresh for the crew of 15-20.

“The smartest thing that I do is stay out of those guys’ way,” Wyche added with a smile.

“It’s an endless line of surprises when they start showing me what they are coming up with. It amazes me every time. They listen and come up with unbelievable things like the “Reflect Us” video that was initially supposed to be used to introduce our new white uniform but turned into so much more. I am so proud of these guys. They

do a really good job and it is not by accident that they won the award for best pregame show in the league last year.”

The question that every fan wants answered is always the same – why didn’t they show that replay?

“MLS has rules about what you can show and what you cannot, ” Wyche said. “We’ve had some challenges around that and have actually seen the rule changed for what I think is the better giving us an opportunity to show more replays. The bottom line is very simple, if the referee stops play and there is no controversy surrounding the play like a goal, we can’t play that replay until after the ball has restarted. If there is something that starts to cause the fans to become restless we are not supposed to play that replay. It’s up to the discretion of the producer Jack Hochman during the match. He knows the rules and does a great job. Our fans expect to see things on the video boards that they would see on television and the crazy things is that there are replays that we can get on the video boards that we can’t necessarily get in during television broadcasts during the game and the reason is because the game is constantly moving, we risk missing a goal or big play.”

The dilemma that all sports has is that with the size and high definition of televisions, fans are staying at home where the beer is cheaper and they don’t have to pay for parking or a ticket.

But that problem does not exist at Sporting Park.

What’s the secret?

“It’s very simple,” Wyche said getting ready to get the pregame going. “Every decision made is based on making this a premium experience for the fan.”

Amadou Dia The French Connection

AMADOU DIA is one of many first year players making an impact for Sporting Kansas City this season.

He answers to “Ti”, short for Tidiane and has provided athleticism and depth to the Sporting defensive corps.

Born in Nantes, France, Dia spent the first seven years of his life in his native country and found his love for soccer by watching his hero Zinedine Zidane. “ I loved watching him play,” the young SKC defender said. “I would watch YouTube, videos, anything so that I could see his moves then I would imitate them every time I would play.

Zidane and my older step brother were definitely my soccer role models and gave me my passion for the game.”

A job opportunity with Oracle for Dia’s father moved the family from France to California and eventually to Colorado. Once finished with high school, Dia packed his bags for Clemson, South Carolina and played all four years for the Tigers, winning an ACC title in 2011 and a Final 16 appearance in the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship his senior season.

Sporting Kansas City selected the 22-year old with the 20th overall selection in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and the rest has been a dream.

“I never thought I’d play this much my first

year,” Dia said after a win over Montreal at Sporting Park earlier this season. ”I thought I would play the first couple of games until everyone got healthy but Peter (Vermes) kept putting me in the lineup and my confidence continued to grow.”

There has been a learning curve, however, for Dia and all of the other stellar group of first-year players. It has become increasingly more difficult to find playing time in a league that is growing at warp speed, especially for someone straight out of college.

“The speed of play is something that I was not prepared for,” Dia said. “ Technically players are so good. One mistake and they make you pay. We (the rookies) have been really fortunate to be a part of a team with such great veteran leadership. The older guys have taken us under their wings. Each game we learn something new.”

Each game is a learning experience and playing soccer is something that Dia has dreamed about for a very long time.

“It’s been amazing,” Dia smiles. “The lifestyle I am living is a dream come true. I play soccer all of the time and get paid to do it! What could be better?”

Dia holds dual citizenship in the United States and France. The mixing of the two cultures has

produced a charismatic footballer who has an infectious smile and a personality that makes it seem as though he has never met a stranger.

“I love both countries. It’s who I am,” Dia said.

That being said, we give the Nantes native a chance to set the record straight about French stereotypes here in America.

QUESTION number one – all French people are rude.

“That’s not right,” Dia said laughing. “ They may not be as nice as people here but they aren’t mean.”

QUESTION number two – all French food is delicious.

“That is definitely true. Not going to say anything different about that one.”

QUESTION number three – all French people drink wine – a lot.

“Umm, you got me. That one is true too!”

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Sports Medicine Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are very common, with about 250,000 reported in the U.S. annually. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports participation, and soccer is one of the common sports during which ACL injuries occur, along with basketball and football.

The ACL is one of four primary ligaments in the knee. Its main function is to control translation of the tibia (shin bone) forward relative to the femur (thigh bone). It is also a secondary restraint to tibial rotation. It is located centrally in the knee and crosses (hence the name “cruciate” from Latin origin) the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

The mechanism of injury can be either contact (collision with another player) or noncontact.

Noncontact is actually more common, accounting for about 70% of ACL injuries. The injury usually occurs as a result of cutting, pivoting, or single leg landing (noncontact) or with a direct blow typically to the outside of the knee (contact).

The incidence is estimated to be at least four times more common in women or girls than men or boys. This is thought to be due to either the difference in strength resulting in an inappropriate landing, difference in anatomy, or some combination thereof.

The diagnosis of an ACL tear is associated

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with the following signs and symptoms: -Sensation of a “pop” at the time of the injury -Swelling nearly immediately after the injury -Deep pain in the knee -Possible “giving way” sensation If the above constellation of symptoms is present it is estimated that the likelihood of having an ACL tear is about 70%. A sports medicine physician can usually make the diagnosis from the history and the physical exam. The best time to examine the knee is within the first 20 minutes after the injury before significant swelling and guarding occur, but this is not often possible unless a professional is on site. In addition to the exam, the doctor will usually order an x-ray and an MRI of the knee which will confirm the diagnosis and rule out associated injuries, such as other ligament injuries or cartilage injuries, which occur in about half of ACL tears.

Initial treatment of a suspected ACL injury is to use the following: rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE). The pain and swelling may subside but it is very important to have an evaluation by a medical professional as soon as feasible, although rarely is a trip to the ER necessary unless there is concern for a vascular injury (usually associated with numbness, tingling, or discoloration of the foot).

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can be operative or nonoperative depending on the expected activity level of the individual. If the plan is to return to twisting, pivoting sports, surgery is the better choice, as not having surgery will result in instability, which can lead to further injury. Return to play typically occurs 6-10 months after surgery when rehabilitation is completed. About 80% of athletes return to play sports after an ACL surgery, although not all make it back to the same level of play.

Follow Scott Luallin on twitter @SportingKCdoc

Major League Soccer No Longer a Retirement League THE GROWTH of Major League Soccer is well documented and is being rewritten constantly as new television deals, new attendance records and world famous players make their way to U.S. shores.

The tide is turning for a league that is celebrating its 20th year in existence. Yes, there have been and continue to be growing pains, but those are now due to positive growth.

The transfer window closed in August and one of those positive signs of growth was the signing of some of the world’s best young players. MLS was once known as a retirement league. That negative moniker is no longer accurate.

The average age of a Designated Player is now just 27 years old

Yes, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Didier Drogba are at the end of their Hall of Fame careers. Major League Soccer teams would be fools not to sign them if even for 18 months as MLS still needs star power and big names as it grows it’s fan base.

“It’s great to see some of the biggest name stars coming to play in MLS, even later in their careers. But anyone who thinks MLS is a retirement league is simply wrong. The parity in MLS is among the best in world, making it extremely competitive week in and week out.”

Matt Besler – Guest Editor While those names were big stories, the more important names are those like LA Galaxy scorer Giovani Dos Santos, the Dynamo’s Erik Torres (arrived during transfer window after signing with Houston much earlier), New York City FC’s Angelino, Portland signing Lucas Melano and fellow Argentine Gonzalo Veron of the New York Red Bulls. The common denominator for these great players you ask? They are all 26 years old or younger.

“It was an easy decision for me to return to MLS,” Torres said after a match in Kansas City.

“The league is growing and so is the money that you can earn. The best players in the world want to come play here. To experience the lifestyle, play an exciting style of soccer is very attractive.”

This bevy of young talent as a group may have gotten lost in the swirl of legendary players (outside of Dos Santos of course who was given a heroes welcome in Los Angeles) in August but the signing of players still in their prime or just reaching their prime began before the season started when Sebastian Giovinco (28) came to Toronto. We can surely throw Kaka into this discussion who at the age of 33 is the “elder statesman” of this group.

Using information provided by Major League Soccer, the average age of a Designated Player is now just 27 years old. Seven MLS squads have DP’s that are all 30-years old or younger with FC Dallas having the youngest group with Fabian Castillo (23) and Mauro Diaz (24). New York City FC of course has the oldest contingent with Villa, Lampard and Pirlo all 33 or older. This average age is a little more than two years younger than a year ago.

While some have made their star abroad and have now settled in the U.S., the best news is that many are here and many more will come whose story and legend will be written right here in Major League Soccer.

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El Volksgeist de Sporting Kansas City VAMOS A empezar por el principio: los jugadores de fútbol son personas. A veces nos olvidamos de lo obvio: Personas, inteligencia, fútbol son términos que muchas veces no cohabitan en el rectángulo de juego.

Si comenzamos el analisis desde aqui podemos descubrir lo esencial, lo que conecta al futbol con la extraordinaria grandeza de los seres humanos: su cerebro.

En este caso el Sporting Kansas City se ha diferenciado del resto de equipos de la Major League Soccer, e incluso ha Ganado partidos que otros habrian resignado, en base a un incremento descomunal de una de las piezas de este paradigma, el aliado secreto, el verdadero motor que mueve el balón en Kansas City: el cerebro.

Insisto: El jugador de fútbol antes que nada una persona y, por tanto, funciona como tal. El modelo de juego que impone Sporting D.T. Peter Vermes supone una guía para conseguir un objetivo. Sin embargo, esto no acaba aquí. La adaptación, el cambio, la toma de decisiones constante y rápida, las interacciones, la imprevisibilidad, hacen de este juego algo grandioso, lo elevan a la categoría de producto cerebral por excelencia.

El cerebro posee la capacidad de la plasticidad y el fútbol es plasticidad, es adaptación. En el cerebro confluyen líneas de salida y entrada de emociones; el fútbol son emociones.

En la actualidad, el avance de la neurociencia deportiva ha puesto en escena a las neuronas espejo: Los jugadores de fútbol, entre otras cosas, construyen modelos mentales complejos repletos de interacciones, y con esa herramienta pueden y deben predecir y decidir en milesimas de segundo. Todo ello constituye en sí un aprendizaje y el ulterior desarrollo de la capacidad de adoptar el punto de vista del lider, lo que denominamos empatía, conforma la principal función de las neuronas espejo. Jugadores como Feillhaber, Dwyer, Espinoza, Besler o Myers son importantes en tanto jugadores con calidad indiscutible en el equipo pero tanto mas como ejemplos empaticos para el equipo.

O como le decimos en el barrio “los que se ponen el equipo al hombro” cuando las cosas se ponen feas, y sacan lo mejor de cada camarada en los momentos dificiles. Inteligencia

Palabras de Ale Cabero

emocional y fútbol son, pese a quien le pese, un binomio indestructible. ¿Por qué? Porque el futbol supone adaptación en estado puro.

Por tanto, cuando hablamos de fútbol, hablamos de cerebros en interacción, y esta es una cuestión antagónica a la mera reproducción de situaciones, tipica falacia del entrenador mediocre, que preso de su incoherencia planea como espectro del entrenamiento semanal sistemas plagados de lugares comunes como si el jugador fuera una maquina o robot que aprende solo bajo el concepto de repeticion.

Cuando los focos del estadio deslumbran en la retina del jugador-persona, el espectro de lo entrenado en la semana se torna en una presencia potente, física, demoledora. Alli los cerebros presos de una falsa interacción son decapitados por el hacha del miedo y de la ceguera estrategica.

Alli las emociones, la pasion, la garra hacen la diferencia. Alli es cuando Nagamura sale de un lugar Escondido en el banco y hace lo impensado: sube al cielo, toca la Gloria de las batallas futbolisticas epicas de todos los tiempos, se carga de todas esas emociones y ensenanzas que guardaba en algun lugar de su cerebro y se anima a lo imposible, cambiando el curso de la historia. ¿Somos como jugamos? ¿Jugamos como somos? ¿Nos encomendamos a la suerte o a la testosterona?

Cuando aparecen en el escenario jugadores como Dwyer, Zusi o ahora Nagamura surge lo que los alemanes llaman el Volksgeist, nosotros lo llamamos espiritu del pueblo. La emocion popular que genera fanatismo y amor por la camiseta. Sporting KC esta transitando ese camino de creacion de su propio Volksgeist y es un orgullo ser testigo del proceso.

Pero a no olvidar: siempre somos antes que nada jugadorespersonas y desde las inferiores hasta la élite profesional, inmunerables caras y sentimientos se agolparan para representar la capacidad de aprendizaje, la dificultad que entraña la coherencia a un estilo de juego y la grandeza de quienes visten junto con la casaca del club sus propios sueños y los de su equipo, suenios que en definitiva son los que marcan goles y escriben la historia.

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Copa Univision Coming to Kansas City

THE LARGEST Latino soccer tournament in our part of the country is coming to Kansas City on September 20 at the Polo Fields.

Copa Univision is a popular tournament held annually throughout the United States in cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, Portland, Fresno and Austin. Organizers for Copa Univision in Kansas City are expecting a minimum of 120 teams.

“Copa Univision has been very successful in other markets,” says Chelan David, General Manager of Univision Kansas City. “We are planning on taking this formula and adding

a local flavor with a festival-like atmosphere including area bands and activities for children.

We are excited for the inaugural Copa Univision in Kansas City and are looking forward to this being a signature fall event for the Latino community for years to come.”

Divisions for Men’s, Women’s and youth teams are available with teams from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma already having registered to take part.

“Soccer Nation has some of the most competitive teams in Kansas and we invite teams

from the entire region to compete for the cash prizes at Copa Univision,” says Raul Villegas, owner of Soccer Nation. “We invite the public to come out and enjoy the event. It’s going to be a huge party.”

For further information about registering a team please call (913) 231-9067 or e-mail luis@ soccernation.com. For further information about sponsorships please call (913) 6362827 or e-mail cdavid@mediavista.tv.

Deadline to register is September 14.

Copa Univision Venir a Kansas City

EL TORNEO más grande del fútbol latino en nuestra parte del país está llegando a Kansas City el 20 de Septiembre en los campos de polo.

Copa Univision es un torneo muy popular que se celebra anualmente en los Estados Unidos en ciudades como Dallas, San Antonio, Portland, Fresno y Austin. Los organizadores de la Copa Univision en Kansas City están esperando un mínimo de 120 equipos.

“Copa Univision ha tenido mucho éxito en otros mercados,” dice David Chelan, Gerente General de Univision Kansas City. “Estamos pensando en tomar esta fórmula y la adición de un sabor local con un ambiente festival como incluidas las cintas de la zona y actividades para niños. Estamos muy contentos de la edición inaugural de la Copa Univision en Kansas City y esperamos que esto sea una evento de la firma para la caída la comunidad latina en los años venideros.”

Divisiones para hombres, mujeres y de los equipos juveniles están disponibles con los equipos de Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska y Oklahoma ya habiendo registrados para participar.

“Soccer Nation cuenta con algunos de los equipos más competitivos en Kansas e invitamos a los equipos de toda la región para competir por los premios en efectivo en Copa Univision,” dice Raúl Villegas, propietario de Nación Fútbol,​​ “Invitamos al público a salir y disfrutar el evento.

Va a ser una gran fiesta.”

Para más información sobre el registro de un equipo, por favor llame al (913) 231-9067 o por correo electrónico luis@soccernation. com. Para más información sobre patrocinios por favor llame al (913) 636-2827 o por correo electrónico cdavid@mediavista.tv. La fecha límite para inscribirse es el 14 de septiembre.

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THE REGION'S LARGEST LATINO SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Chris Klein Sporting Legend

IT IS an honor that only a privileged few have been able to experience in the 20-year history of Major League Soccer in Kansas City. On a beautiful August evening one more name was added to Kansas City soccer immortality as Chris Klein was named a Sporting Legend.

Klein’s career in MLS spanned 12 years, seven of those in the Fountain City. The St. Louis native scored 38 goals for the Kansas City Wizards while also excelling on the international stage for the United States with 22 caps, scoring five times.

“It is a commitment to excellence across the board form how they play to how the fans watch and experience the game.”

“Kansas City is where I started my career,” Klein said the night of his induction. “To be able to come back here for the first time since 2006 and be recognized this way is truly an honor. It’s an honor for anyone in their career but to see this Club and how far it has come and to know that I and other players, coaches had a hand in laying the foundation for what this organization has become and that’s one of the best in the league and leading on so many different ways is amazing.”

The feeling seeing your name unveiled among those who built professional soccer in Kansas City is one that Klein will never forget.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Klein said smiling and shaking his head. “I never really thought it would happen especially in a stadium like this in front of these fans in this city. Two of my

kids were born here. To be able to come back and be next to guys like Tony (Meola), Preki, and coach Gansler, of course Lamar Hunt and obviously Peter is something that I don’t know if I can truly grasp.”

Klein’s affinity for the city and it’s people is great. Even greater is his love of teammates like Sporting manager Peter Vermes.

“I learned a tremendous amount from Peter and most of that had nothing to do with on the field,” Klein said. “His professionalism and his approach were all things that I still use today as president of the LA Galaxy. He was a great leader and it is no surprise the amount of success that he is having as manager here in Kansas City.”

It is quite a change for Klein being in Sporting Park compared to his playing days in Arrowhead Stadium.

“I always knew that Kansas City was a great sports town and if you could get soccer right here it would explode,” Klein commented. “It’s no secret that these guys got it right and to see it’s not just the stadium but it’s in everything that they do. It is a commitment to excellence across the board form how they play to how the fans watch and experience the game.”

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Social Soccer The Ladies of SKC

SPORTING KANSAS City has a wealth of passionate and loyal fans. Groups like the South Stand SC, Trenches of SKC and others who fall under the large umbrella of the KC Cauldron. One of those unique groups is the Ladies of SKC. Formed after the first Sporting Kansas City season in 2011, the Ladies have grown to over 500 members serving women who love to socialize and get behind the boys on the pitch.

“I’m one of the few hard corps soccer fans from the Wizards days that are left in our group,” Barbara Goebel, the groups liaison to the Cauldron and Sporting KC front office said. “A dozen or so ladies were at our first get together. The group started with a group of friends who loved soccer and liked to talk about it. We felt that a women’s group was needed.

Back in the day, the guys did not take women fans seriously. That has changed a lot over the last couple of years.”

“It’s all about fellowship and enjoying soccer.”

Membership is on the rise and the United States women winning this year’s World Cup in Canada doesn’t hurt the momentum moving forward.

“We’ve seen new members,” Goebel said with what could be described as a sneaky grin on her face. “It doesn’t hurt when the women have had more success on that big stage than the men have.”

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The Ladies of SKC love to socialize and talk soccer but their other passion is community involvement.

“Every year we do lots of activities to support the club, or members of our organization,” Goebel said proudly. “There’s always something going on like our back to school drives and once a year we do a kids tailgate. We love working with The Victory Project. Many of us are volunteers for them. We hold watch parties, and other ladies specific activities.”

The kindness and generosity of the Ladies is something that is not lost on the Sporting kit man Mike Flaherty.

“Their mission is to go forward and help people in the community,” Flaherty said. “It’s always been easy to reach out to them for help.

Anytime we go to Central America or Mexico to play in the CONCACAF Champions League for instance we charter a flight so we can bring a lot of school supplies like 300 pounds worth to places like Nicaragua and Honduras. They raise money and do school supply drives. It’s cool for me to get to go see the schools and kids and the smiles on their faces. They’ve helped when my family goes to Thailand too. From raffles and fund raising they helped make huge school supply and soccer donations happen for those kids.”

“Some of my best friends came about because we met at Sporting Park through our group. We have a lot of fun.”

October will be a busy month for the Ladies of SKC as they will support the Susan G. Koman Foundation with a “Pink Out” complete with a pink shirt or scarf to help raise funds and then there is also the “Pumps on the Pitch” event next month as well.

“It’s all about fellowship and enjoying soccer,” Goebel said. “We talk a lot about the boys on the field (Graham Zusi and his hair is a frequent topic). Some of my best friends came about because we met at Sporting Park through our group. We have a lot of fun.”

To be a part of the Ladies of SKC, simply request to join their Facebook group.

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The Best Fans in MLS

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