Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia stretched out for a save. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
Saturday night’s scoreless draw between Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew was a missed opportunity, squandering a home game with 45 minutes of man advantage.
Columbus forward Federico Higuan was sent off in first half stoppage time for his studs up tackle on Roger Espinoza.
Even with the advantage, Sporting’s offense repeatedly failed to make connections. Passes forward and crosses didn’t have the proper pace and rolled harmlessly out of bounds.
The game would have been a loss except for the efforts of goalkeeper Tim Melia and the Sporting back line.
Melia saved a penalty kick in 42nd minute, feinting to his right before diving to his left to block away the low liner from Gyasi Zardes. Melia also tipped away a close range header from Zardes in the 24th minute.
Sporting KC holds a 4-point advantage in the standings over Los Angeles FC. They will play next at home against Minnesota United on June 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Tim Melia was accompanied by his daughter during team introductions. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Forward Johnny Russell (7) played a cross. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Midfielder Roger Espinoza (17) won a header over the Crew’s Wil Trapp (6). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Forward Daniel Salloi (20) took a shot in the second half. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Sporting KC forward Khiry Shelton (14) headed the ball to the center of the box. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Daniel Salloi (20) collected the ball near the Columbus goal. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Midfielder Yohan Croizet (10) tried to catch up with pass near the Columbus end line. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Columbus goalkeeper Zack Steffen, left, pulled down the ball from a tangle of players, including SKC defender Ike Opara (3). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Project Victory participant Cameron got a high five from his favorite player, Graham Zusi. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Senior Donovan Corrigan Jr. batted in the 6th inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
The Bishop Ward baseball team lost in the final round of the KSHSAA 4A Division 2 tournament to Iola, 11-6, bringing home a trophy that wasn’t the one they wanted, but that nearly every other team in Kansas would envy. The game was played at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina.
Ward got in a hole early when the Mustangs put up 6 runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Cyclones battled back in the third to pull within 1 run at 6-5. Senior Mikal Whisler’s 3-RBI triple was the key hit in the inning.
Iola extended its lead with 3 more runs in the bottom of the third inning, and although Ward scored again in the fourth, the Cyclones weren’t able to muster another comeback.
Ward finished the regular season 13-7, winning the Kaw Valley League title in their first year under head coach Matt Carpenter.
At the state tournament, Bishop Ward defeated Rock Creek High School of St. George, Kan., in the quarterfinals on Thursday, and then defeated Parsons High School in the semifinals earlier Friday.
Mikal Whisler hit a 3-RBI triple in the 3rd inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Junior Javier Torres-Osuna (22) slid into home plate ahead of the throw from the outfield. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Junior Jacob Nevels fought back from 0-2 to earn a walk in the 4th inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)As the cloud of dust cleared, Senior Mikal Whisler celebrated his bases-clearing triple in the 3rd inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Vincent Esparza pitched in relief in the 4th inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Junior pitcher Vincent Esparza got some encouragement before the final inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Sophomore Zach Brown pitched in the third inning. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Head coach Matt Carpenter addressed the team after the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)The Iola Mustangs celebrated after the final out. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
About 70 children participated in the Kiwanis Bike Rodeo on Saturday. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
At five minutes until nine o’clock Saturday morning, the rain stopped, and kids pushing princess and superhero bikes began to trickle in to the Schlitterbahn Water Park parking lot to participate in the Kiwanis Bike Rodeo.
The Kansas City, Kansas, West chapter of Kiwanis put on the annual event, now in its 12th year. Several other organizations assisted by providing volunteers and expertise, including Children’s Mercy Hospital and Providence Medical Center.
Other community organizations provided games and activities in a community fair near the park entryway.
Approximately 70 children participated in the rodeo. Trained volunteers fitted each participant with a bike helmet and gave each bike a safety inspection. The rodeo participants then rode their bikes through a series of skill tests and received a certificate.
The Kansas City, Kansas, West Kiwanis have been recognized by their international parent organization for the effectiveness of the bike rodeo in promoting safety.
Rodeo participants each received a bike helmet. Trained volunteers fitted each helmet and provided information to parents. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)The Big D cycling team provided safety checks and basic maintenance assistance. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants learned bicycle steering hand signals. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Children and their families lined up for bicycle safety inspections. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Several community organizations set up booths that provided games, prizes, and information. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)The Kansas City Kansas, police department bicycle patrol participated in the activities. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Rodeo participants completed a bicycle skills test. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
