Not sure really what to say about this match.  KC doesn't really have many threats, which is why they are tied with RSL in the table with 11 points.  No more Eddie Johnson, and nobody else really that gives defenders nightmares. Their leading scorer is Jimmy Conrad, a defender who has seen better days (but still an American international). They have won two consecutive non-league games, one against the cRapids (who they have now beat twice this season), but I'm just not sure what to think.  One thing is that their keeper is Kevin Hartman, the one keeper in the league who lets the abuse get to him.  For those in the north goal, make sure Hartman gets a steady stream of insults, he tends to do stupid things like drop the ball in the goal when he loses his concentration and starts listening to the fans.  For those that don't remember, Butterfingers dropped an easy shot right at him back in 2006 when he was with LA against RSL that gave RSL the win.  Last year's Open Cup match also showed what Hartman is capable of, with Andy Williams' shot from midfield. 

The injury report will be telling.  Dema Kovalenko has been sick, and is uncertain for this Saturday, and probably won't be 100% if he does play.  I won't be surprised to see Cutler come in, if not even get the start.  Cutler is capable but I just have a hard time being excited with him playing.  Espindola will probably be out, so Findley starts, which right now I think is a good thing, Findley had a great match last week and has to be flying high after winning GOTW and Player of the Week.  Our forward line seems to be getting a bit thin. 


Now in other more important issues, Euro 08 starts Saturday as well.  As a Czech Republic fan, I of course am going to say they are going to win.  This year is a bit scary as their attacking midfielder and team captain, Tomas Rosicky is out with a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined with Arsenal since January.  With the retirement from international play by Pavel Nedved, the Czechs have no proven creative force in the midfield.  They have a top notch back line, lead by Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina) and Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan). At holding midfield is Tomas Galasek (Nuremburg), who is one of the best holding mids in Europe.  Not to be missed is Jan Koller (Nuremburg) at forward.  The 6'8 Koller, the Czech's all-time leading scorer, has announced his international retirement that will take place after the tournament.  Koller, as he demonstrated at the World Cup against the United States before going down injured is extremely dangerous in the air and the key to the Czech attack.  Their group has Portugal, who's a very good team, especially with Christiano Ronaldo (diving whore).  Turkey will also be tough.  They kick things off for the entire tournament with a match against host Switzerland.  As co-hosts, the Swiss got an automatic berth in the tournament.  Recently the Swiss managed to lose to the United States, so that does show what sort of quality they are.  I expect that the Czechs should cruise to a win in the opener and should get past the group stage.  The biggest point for the Czechs is their health.  If they can stay healthy, especially Koller, they are dangerous.  If they start getting injuries, like they did in the World Cup, their lack of depth in key positions, especially in the midfield and at forward will be killer. 

        

 

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