Author: Brian Turrel

Croizet’s volley advances Sporting KC in Open Cup

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Yohan Croizet celebrated his game-winning goal in the closing minutes against FC Dallas. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Yohan Croizet called it the best goal of his career, and it was a stunner — an unlikely 20-yard volley that gave Sporting Kansas City the lead over FC Dallas in the game’s final minutes Saturday night in Kansas City, Kansas. A high rebound off a Dallas defender fell to Croizet, who didn’t hesitate to bury it into the upper left corner of the net.

Croizet himself was a late addition, coming into the game in the 85th minute to replace Daniel Salloi, who had scored the team’s two previous goals.

Salloi picked up his first goal in the 43rd minute, sliding in to finish off a ball headed to the goal line by Ike Opara. The goal evened the game at 1, giving SKC an even field to start the second half.

Salloi’s second goal came in the 66th minute. Seconds after having a shot parried away by Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez, Salloi got a pass from rookie Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal and knocked it home from 6 yards. This was Salloi’s first multi-goal game with SKC.

The win moves Sporting Kansas City into the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament played among all the U.S. professional and semi-professional leagues. Sporting has won the Cup four times, including two of the past three.

Sporting KC returns to MLS play next Saturday at home against the Houston Dynamo.

Fans cheered for the extra excitement that the U.S. Open Cup brings to the Sporting KC schedule. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Croizet’s late goal shocked the crowd, many of whom were resigned to overtime. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Yohan Croizet put this volley into the upper left corner of the net, preventing any chance of a save by Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Daniel Salloi and the ball both went into the back of the net when Salloi touched across his goal in the first half. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Defender Ike Opara headed a ball on goal that was finished by Daniel Salloi. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Yohan Croizet slid in to collect the ball near the Dallas goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Daniel Salloi’s shot was defended by Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Defender Jaylin Lindsey went sprawling in the penalty area, but got no call. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Mason brings KU, NBA stars to KCK for charity

Before his charity softball game, Frank Mason III recognized members of the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department for their rescue last year of a 5-year-old at Mark Twain Elementary. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

NBA stars and KU greats faced the searing afternoon heat with good humor and high spirits in the Frank Mason III charity softball game played on Saturday, June 16, at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.

Mason, the consensus national college basketball player of the year at Kansas and now a member of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, held the game to raise money for the National Youth Foundation and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Jayhawk spirit was on display for much of the game, with Rock Chalk chants from the crowd and the Kansas fight song over the loudspeakers.

Fans were able to get up close with the players during games between innings, and players spent much of the game signing autographs along the outfield walls.

With the center field flags flying at half-staff, the stadium paused for a moment of silence to remember the two Wyandotte County sheriff’s deputies killed on Friday. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU and NBA player Sherron Collins was congratulated by his teammates after a home run. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Harry Giles of the Sacramento Kings, left, participated in a game of sharks-and-minnows with kids on the field after the softball game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU player Travis Releford hit a home run as son T.J., left, watched. T.J. pinch ran for his dad on the play. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Chiefs draft pick Alphonso Hodge fielded a grounder at third base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU player Landen Lucas warmed up in the on-deck circle. Lucas currently plays professionally in Europe. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Kids participated in a “shoe race” on the field between innings. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former Jayhawk Wayne Selden Jr., currently with the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, rounded third base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former Kansas State player Wesley Iwundu, now with the Orlando Magic, made a play at second base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Soccer action from Sporting KC’s 4-1 win Sunday

Sporting KC midfielder Ilie Sanchez held the ball off from Minnesota forward Darwin Quintero at Sunday’s match at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas. Sporting KC won, 4-1. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia (29) dove to intercept a Minnesota free kick on goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC forward Gerso Fernandes won a ball in the air against Minnesota defender Tyrone Mears (4). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Minnesota United midfielder Maximiniano (31) brought down Sporting KC midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal (75) as he broke toward the Minnesota goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Minnesota midfielder Rasmus Schuller made a sliding tackle on Roger Espinoza. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC forward Daniel Salloi (20) tried to outrace Minnesota defender Michael Boxall (15) near the Minnesota goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC forward Diego Rubio (11) scored KC’s 4th goal shortly after being brought in as a late substitute. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza (17) tried to get past Minnesota defender Brent Kallman (14) to center the ball. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department color guard presented the colors before the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Victory Project participant Genevieve Kiene got an autograph from Sporting KC’s Jaylin Lindsey, who made his debut for the club on Sunday evening. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)