Sporting Kansas City walked into Red Bull Stadium and made it their home last night…once again. Both teams need to stop meeting like this, really. An early goal in the 13th minute by Aurelian Collin was all they really needed to hold down the Red Bulls for the rest of the game. SKC proved once more why they haven’t lost in this meetup since 2011. They know what to do to control the game and how to disarm Thierry Henry.

photo courtesy of NY Red Bulls Facebook Page

Red Bulls head coach, Mike Petke stated, “That’s a good team we played. Kansas City are a very good team – on both ends of the ball.” Petke would go on to say, “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game.”

What game is ever easy for New York? Ah yes, how could we forget the win against DC United, now if only that had translated to another win last night – we would all be so happy today.

This game did give us highlights on both teams and the future of the USMNT with performances from SKC’s Matt Besler and NYRB fan favorite, Dax McCarty. Matt held his own against Thierry Henry and was able show why he’s getting called up for the National Team. We also saw that when Costa Rica’s Roy Miller is in good form – he can be dangerous when he connects with his teammates. The Red Bulls are still a work in progress but can do great things when they communicate.

Juninho was being Juninho last night which was safe to say that no matter how hard he tried to feed the ball – it still didn’t translate to a goal. The Brazilian would have a late game meltdown and end a banner night in a bad way. SKC’s Jimmy Nielsen was slow to a dead ball in extra time, Juninho jogged over to the ball and took a shot to the Danish keeper’s chest, sending Nielsen to the floor. Juninho earned a red and will be unavailable for Saturday’s match against New England.

NYRB for Boston

The game while frustrating did have a special moment when supporters unveiled a banner for the victims of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing. Players and coaches from both teams also wore armbands in tribute for victims. It was a heartfelt reminder for those in attendance of the tragedy but also a reminder to fans and supporters that all teams could stand together in these sad times.

An NYRB player wears an armband supporting Boston Marathon victims

We did see an injury early on for Jamison Olave with Heath Pearce subbed in to play. Head coach, Mike Petke downplayed Olave’s injury, we will see if he’s back in the lineup when New York takes on the Revolution this weekend on ESPN.

Follow the writers of Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and like our page on Facebook for morning headlines, story updates and more!

Okay first off, no, I didn’t spell his name wrong (or at least I don’t think I did. I double checked it!). This week’s Midweek Muscles came from our Twitter account. The lovely @lilcap75 suggested one of the fantastic players from Sporting Kansas City or New York Red Bulls, as the two Eastern Conference teams are facing off tonight in midweek Major League Soccer action. She even mentioned this week’s pick specifically.

And when I googled the 20-year-old SKC forward, I knew we had been given a great suggestion. So without further ado, meet Soony Saad.

Okay, info. He’s American-Lebanese, but born and raised in Michigan. He kicked some major ass at the University of Michigan, scoring 19 goals in his freshman year and helping the Wolverines to nab their first Big Ten Championship. So of course, he’s got some Michigan pride.

Anyway, this would be the time that Danielle would tell me to cut it with the info and get to the pictures. This is Midweek Muscles after all…

Obligatory rain shot.

Forgive us, Soony. We must also have the obligatory booty shot.

We think SKC fans will agree with us, Soony is a pretty cool guy. You can follow him on Twitter at @SoonySaad. He posts a lot of what you would expect from a young MLS player, but there are also a lot of picture of these two adorable guys

That’s right, he has two cats. Named Simba and Mufasa. You gotta admit, that is awesome.

So, check out Soony with SKC this season (you could be watching them now against NY!) and don’t forget to check with Aerys Soccer every week for a new Midweek Muscles post!

We are four days away from First Kick for MLS and let’s just say that we couldn’t be happier. Sure we love other leagues and appreciate all they have to offer but MLS always has a special place in our hearts. Here are our favorites players in no particular order (well, a few just rank a little higher than others but we won’t say who), to help you get a bit more excited about the 2013 season!

Seattle Sounders’ Brad Evans is really under appreciated. Everyone should get to know him this 2013 season. And by everyone, I mean Jurgen Klinsman.

We know he might be dressed to play for Columbus Crew but that’s only because Dilly Duka did in fact play for them but has now been acquired by the Chicago Fire.

Justin Braun, what more can we say? Oh right, he’s wearing entirely too many clothes but give him a break – it is 36 degrees today in Toronto and what’s that? Oh, yeah they are expecting a blizzard. Bundle up, Justin – we wouldn’t want you to get sick and miss First Kick!

 Sporting KC’s Teal Bunbury is just giving us a preview and we like what we see…please don’t stop on our account, carry on!

 Dwayne De Rosario of DC United (and NYRB’s Thierry Henry)…sorry, I lost my train of thought…give me a moment.

I know…I know…but you have to admit that this is the best 2-for-1 special and let’s just say after two back-to-back championships,  will we be surprised if there is a third one in the future? Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan definitely hope so. And while we are aware that Landon is on “hiatus” – this is Hollywood afterall and everyone loves a great comeback.

Be sure to check in with the ladies of Aerys Soccer as we get pumped up for First Kick this weekend! And don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @AerysSoccer, where we post articles, morning headlines and more!

Well this is it! We’re are days, just days away from First Kick 2013 in Major League Soccer! Already, the expectations are high and the ladies here at Aerys Soccer cannot wait for the teams to hit the pitches again.

As we gear up for this season, we’re still looking for some writers to cover teams in MLS. Do you love talking about your favorite team? Feel the need to write up a rant or gush about a new player? Need to call out your coach or sing the praises of your favorite forward? Check out the graphic below listing the teams we have openings for and if you’re interested, let us know!

Hmmm, some great MLS teams listed! If you’re a fan of one or of the league in general, shoot me an e-mail at trista.lutgring@gmail.com! We’d love to bring you on board!

And as always, make sure to follow us at @AerysSoccer as we dive into MLS 2013

It’s no longer breaking news, but it still breaks my heart.

Kansas City was on the attack against Houston all night. They couldn’t have wanted it more after losing 2-0 in the first half of the playoff leg. But even after Seth Sinovic (who, let’s be honest, I’m completely in love with) scored his first professional goal in the 64th minute and gave the team renewed life, they couldn’t get another ball to hit the back of the net. There were plenty of good assists and shots, but like all season, not enough finishing.

Yeah, I’m a little biased, but I think it’s safe to say there wasn’t much reffing in KC’s favor all night. The Dynamo’s Ricardo Clark took down Chance Meyers in stoppage time with what easily could have been a penalty and a chance to tie the game. Those who have watched the replay suggest that Clark even looked resigned to it. And don’t get me started on the yellow cards.

But in the end, what I heard from everyone after the game, from the staff to the players, was simply: “it wasn’t enough.” Houston beat out Kansas City in the playoffs for the second straight year, and it’s going to be a long off season before we’re able to come back fighting again.

To the players, the staff, the owners, and all the fans out there in Kansas City who continued to believe until the final whistle and have now put their belief in next season, I give all my broken-hearted love. We’ll be back in 2013.

Watching Sporting play the Houston Dynamo Sunday was rough. I flipped between boredom, wild hope and intense frustration in rapid succession. Houston pulled ahead with an early goal from Adam Moffat and then Will Bruin nailed in the 75th minute, ultimately giving Houston the win.

Sporting had few chances to score, as they struggled for dominating possession all afternoon. C.J. Sapong nearly had a goal in the first half, and Jacob Peterson sent what could have been a beautiful assist across the goalmouth in the 51st, but no one was there to nip in in. Aurelien Collin was ruled offside in the 79th minute before he had a chance to score and several shots flew over the bar at various times.

Sometimes playing for revenge works for Sporting. They say they just want to play the game no matter the history, but we all remember the Philly game for the US Open Cup in which Sporting got their revenge, even if they said they were just playing for the win. Every SKC fan was hoping for revenge on Houston this weekend. Revenge for knocking Sporting out of the playoffs last year in an absolutely miserable game at LiveSTRONG Sporting Park. But it didn’t happen for Sporting today, and now they must fight like hell when they face Houston again on Wednesday for the second half of this playoff leg.

It’s not impossible. The last MLS team to come back from a 2-0 loss in the MLS playoffs was the 2004 Kansas City Wizards. Sporting players certainly aren’t giving up. Kei Kamara is already watching game footage and taking notes. So, my fellow Sporting fans, let’s do our part and get our spirits back up. How’s that, you ask? By following these simple steps:

Step one: puppies. Look at this picture of these SKC players with their adopted dogs.

Step two: babies. Posing with kids for charity (this one is Braden’s Hope for kids with cancer). It doesn’t get any cuter.

Step three: watch this rap video. I promised it was coming. Try watching this without getting it stuck in your head. See? It takes over, blowing all depression out of your mind.

Step Four: Kei and C.J. They rarely need context to be great.

Step five: kittens. Remember that time Soony reenacted the Lion King for us with his kittens? I don’t know about you, but it was the highlight of my year.

Aren’t you feeling just a little bit better? See you Wednesday, 8 p.m.

A couple hundred people showed up last night to jump around in the cold and get pumped up for Sporting KC in the playoffs. It wasn’t necessary. This city is already pretty amped up. But that doesn’t mean the fans didn’t have a good time at the event, which was yet another testament to how much the organization cares about the fans.

Check out the video from the event, or read my quick summary below:

The highlights: Manager Peter Vermes rallied the crowd and honestly answered questions about who we’re looking to face. He mirrored the sentiment of all SKC fans, saying his eyes would be glued to the TV tonight to see the outcome of the Houston vs. Chicago match, the winner of which plays Sporting on November 4th. Owner and CEO Robb Heineman also took the mic, admitting that the best seat in the stadium is in the supporters section (yes, he often hangs out there during games) and that the owner’s goal all along has been to bring trophies to Kansas City. Then the players came on stage! Defender Matt Besler gave his own rendition of the Tim Tebow “I promise” speech and then handed the mic to US MNT star Graham Zusi, who led the crowd in KC’s favorite chant: I Believe That We Will Win.

However, the best was saved for last. Local rapper B Double E debuted his new song on stage. Warning: if you listen, I BE SPORTING KC will be stuck in your head all day, but you’ll have the joy of watching the players’ reactions as he raps (my favorite is Sinovic). My insider info tells me the rapper will be filming the music video at the stadium tonight, so get excited for that!

In other Sporting KC news, the team revealed its nominations for the 2012 MLS awards.

Matt Besler and Jimmy Nielsen

MVP finalist: Graham Zusi

Coach of the Year: Peter Vermes

Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year: Jimmy Nielsen

Defender of the Year: Matt Besler

MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year: Kei Kamara

These awesome guys and I will see you in the playoffs!

Here’s what you need to know after Sporting Kansas City’s scoreless draw in New York on Saturday (you can watch the highlights here):

* Sporting KC sits atop the Eastern Conference with 60 points (only the sixth time in MLS history that a team has earned 60 points in a season). SKC can clinch the East with a draw or win over the Philadelphia Union this Wednesday at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.

* Goalie Jimmy Nielsen is a BEAST. His five saves kept the team afloat from an aggressive New York attack. This was his 15th shut-out of the season, and definitely puts the White Puma in the forefront of everyone’s minds for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Nielsen is also the only Sporting Kansas City player to have played every minute for the club this season (and come on, he looks so good in pink).

* Don’t let New York near your husbands, ladies. A friend texted me near half time, revealing the Red Bulls’ game plan: “New York’s strategy seems to be that they don’t want Sporting players to have kids.” At least half, and nearly three fourths, of the back line were drilled in (as SKC color commentator Jake Yadrich put it) their nether-regions. NY commentators called it “taking one for the team.” Not terribly pleased with this.

* The ball domination by the Red Bulls is more like the kind of play Sporting will see in the playoffs, so overall, I’m glad they got this challenge. Wednesday at LSP will be wild, with high chances of beer showers, as the game is likely to get heated.

Emily Ritter covers Sporting Kansas City for Aerys Soccer and is a contributing writer to Aerys Offsides. Follow her on Twitter @ebritter2.

If you’ve been following the U.S. Men’s National Team this year, you’ve heard the name Graham Zusi. Here’s your chance to get to know Sporting Kansas City’s midfielder with a killer corner-kick and even better looking hair.

Zusi practices his corner kick at a recent USMNT training session

Born in Florida, Zusi played college soccer at the University of Maryland. While there, he helped them win the National Championship in both 2005 and 2008, kicking the winning goal in the latter. He was drafted in the second round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Kansas City Wizards.

Zusi enjoyed a breakout season in 2011 when the Wizards rebranded themselves as Sporting Kansas City, and was named 2011 MLS Breakout Player of the Year. Graham is also a fan favorite, greeted by chants of “ZUUUUUUES” at every Sporting game. He has scored 5 goals and has had a record-breaking 15 assists in league play so far this season.

In January 2012, Zusi broke into the national scene, starting for the U.S. MNT in a friendly match versus Venezuela. He went on to be a 2012 MLS AllStar, in part due to his Samson-like hair:

But those are just the stats. Graham is also a really nice guy, wears a dapper suit before and after games, and has an adopted dog named Baci. When he’s not trying to bring back the headband look with his BFF and fellow SKC player Chance Meyers, Zusi makes an adorable nerd:

Be sure to stay with Aerys Soccer every week for a new Getting to Know You Tuesday, along with Midweek Muscles pick and Throwback Thursday! The ladies also post about their favorite MLS teams and round up recaps from around the world of soccer! Emily Ritter covers Sporting Kansas City for Aerys Soccer and is a contributing writer for Aerys Offsides. Follow her on Twitter @ebritter2.

For my first Midweek Muscles post, I decided to go with a young, American, MLS-based player: C.J. Sapong of Sporting Kansas City.

Ladies (and gents), meet CJ Sapong

This 6-foot-1, 23-year-old forward won MLS Rookie of the Year in 2011 and ranked 2nd in this year’s MLS 24 under 24. C.J.’s physical presence and fearlessness on the field makes him a handful for defenders to deal with. He played soccer for James Madison University before entering the MLS draft in 2011 when he signed with the newly rebranded Sporting Kansas City as the overall 10th pick.

C.J. earned his first two caps with the USMNT earlier this year against Venezuela and Panama; as a young, powerful forward, he can certainly look for more call-ups in the future. Aside from his skill on the ball, C.J. is also known for his crazy goal celebrations with fellow SKC forward Kei Kamara. Right now, both of them are focusing on getting Sporting KC through the playoffs and on as they are ranked 1st in the East after defeating Chicago Fire 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with Columbus Crew in their last two matches.

Now that you’ve gotten to know him a bit better, here’s what you all have been waiting for:

Follow C.J. on twitter @BigAfrika88 and look for him in Sporting Kansas City’s lineup as they travel to take on the New York Redbulls on Saturday, October 20th.

gotta love him

Be sure to stay with Aerys Soccer every week for a new Midweek Muscles pick, along with Getting to Know You Tuesday and Throwback Thursday! The ladies also post about their favorite MLS teams and round up recaps from around the world of soccer!