[Clever_Title]

Numbers shaking out well this week, with the possible exception of New York. Impossible team to figure out, seems like they're playing well and then lose to Columbus, draw with Philly, lose to Chivas, then bounce right back with some wins. Still sandwhiched between New England and Chicago, but those two teams are trending down and NY is, once more, on the rise, so who knows what'll happen against Toronto next week. Kansas City back to winning ways, Colorado stops their slide and Seattle and Montreal jumping up the table. Click to embiggen.

America's hat?

So, the wheels fall off at home once again... While I don't think it's time to hit the panic button just yet, the lack of run of play goals at home is cause for concern, as it the seemingly simple mistakes that have lead to goals. Both Haitians made awful mistakes that wound up costing SKC two goals and possibly the game (who knows what happens if they dont give those up). Bieler earns a penalty that I think was a bit soft. He goes down easy and contact seemed to start outside the box, but I'll take a little luck every now and then... I almost wanted to see it over turned though. Two overturned penaltys in a row? Would have been hillarious.

Well, despite the result, SKC arguablly controlled most of the game and really dominated the stat line. Montreal came in and had a good game plan, and I'm sick and tired of di Vaio being offsides on every single ball to him.

Anyway, if we win that game 1-0, I think the conversation is entirely different. Still, losing at home sucks and it'll be interesting to see what Vermes does with the long break.

First, some ratings, then I'll do a photodump.

I'm not even gonna give out a man of the match nod for this one. Bieler really doesn't deserve it, and may even see a suspension for this second half antics leading up to the nesta red card. Montreal a bit lucky on both goals. Frustrating.

Anyway, here's some pictures. Probably the last game I go to for a bit, gonna have another kid born on Wednesday. We'll see though...

Benny and the nets

I'll say it. That was probably the best performance I've seen a Kansas City team turn in in years. End to end, total domination. The 2-0 score line was generous and the only thing I have to say negatively about a player is Biler should have had a hat trick. But that's the Kansas City team I think we all wanted to see and Montreal was utterly swarmed and devoured. And in the player ratings this week, it actually shows.

Here's how everyone fared.

Much love for Zusi and Besler, but Benny had a monster of a game, unlocking Montreal with some great through balls and playing lights out against everyone. I think a lot of people had been skeptical of him, myself included, but if he keeps playing like that the rest of the season, he may see a lot more time with the USMNT in qualifying. I'd love to see it. What I'm not loving seeing is that moustache... eek.

Edit - and now, for some match day photos. I really need a better camera...

Kansas City makes an Impact/tired joke

So on the one hand, after being in New York, I sort of wish I could have gone on to the Montreal game, but after watching it on TV I'm sort of glad I didn't. I mean I can always get some sort of enjoyment out of watching a match, but that was maybe the second dullest game I've seen this year.

That doesn't mean we can't hand out ratings though!

Check 'em.

Once again SKC keeps a clean sheet and once again Mr. Besler wins man of the match. I've got to think he's really earning himself more of a look for future USMNT matches, he's having such an amazing season.