Sporting Kansas City's Season Ends, Controversial No-Call Late

Sporting Kansas City’s season is over, as they split a pair of games with the Houston Dynamo yet fell 2-1 on aggregate. It is the second consecutive year that KC’s season has ended in the playoffs against Houston after winning the Eastern Conference regular season title.

The game will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Kansas City fans, as Sporting was absolutely screwed late in the game on a no-call in the box. A sporting player got the ball in great position in the box, and was blatantly tripped by Houston’s Ricardo Clark in front of the goal. The ref swallowed his whistle, afraid to make the call late in the game. The end result was Sporting’s season coming to an end.

The non-call in the box is even more frustrating due to how badly Sporting dominated last night’s game. Kansas City outshoot Houston 20-3, including 13 shots inside the penalty area. KC also had a 5-0 edge on corner kicks, a 31-1 edge on open-play crosses and held 71% possession.

Due to their dominating play, Sporting had plenty of great chances to add to their lead, but simply couldn’t find a second goal. C.J. Sapong had a great opportunity to score when he beat Houston’s goalkeeper to the ball in the box, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Minutes later, defender Matt Besler volleyed a bouncing ball in the box slightly over the goal. Midfielder Roger Espinoza found a couple of open looks from deep, but couldn’t deliver a dangerous shot.

The non-call in the box late will loom over this game for quite a while, but Sporting certainly had plenty of chances to tie the aggregate up. The team deserves a lot of credit for not only a brilliant regular season, but fighting back and playing lights-out when their backs were against the wall. Kansas City fans have one sports team they can take pride in this fall.

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Sporting KC Could Benefit From Chad Ochocinco

It has now been confirmed that NFL star Chad Ochocinco will be trying out for Sporting KC. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, many soccer fans are simply waving this off as yet another publicity stunt from the talented and outspoken wideout. While joining a soccer team would no doubt be a lot of fun for Chad, who has mentioned that it has always been his dream to try out for an MLS team, would it benefit Sporting KC?

It might be a crazy idea, but this could actually have a lot of benefits for Kansas City's soccer team. Look at the stir David Beckham caused when he joined MLS - both casual and die hard soccer fans across the country turned out in droves to catch a glimpse at one of the world's most recognizable athletes. Only San Jose had a lower attendance rate than Sporting KC in 2010. You wouldn't tell me the possibility of seeing Ochocinco in the game, as remote as it might be, wouldn't sell tickets?

Imagine all the buzz about the signing on ESPN, sports channels cutting to Sporting KC games anytime Ochocinco enters a game. If you think this is an exaggeration, clearly you haven't tuned into ESPN during a Brett Favre retirement saga or if an athlete or team is close to a record. The media eat this guy up, and Kansas City could reap a lot of the benefits.

I'm not saying sign Ochocinco to a huge contract and insert him in the starting lineup. However, there are plenty of times where KC could insert him in a game and not sacrifice anything in the process. Start with the preseason - Sporting KC played 12 preseason games last season. These games don't mean anything, play him some then. Let him make some cameos in regular season games that have already been decided. It might be crazy, but signing Ochocinco could be a huge cash cow for Sporting KC and the city in general. Why not take a chance?