22. Kansas City Thinks Pulido Leads Them To The Playoffs, I Strongly Disagree

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The thing I most hear from people when writing about teams in the 20’s is always, CHIRP CHRIP CRICKETS because no one reads this. But, if I actually had an audience, they’d say some shit like, “WTF! Why is my team down here?!?! Can’t you see all the changes we’ve made?!” Sporting KC, in particular, is one of those teams.

They thought it’d be a great idea to spend $8 million-plus on a striker that once did this…

With him and Josef Martinez together, penalties would just never end, so let’s hope Sporting KC and Atlanta don’t end up in the final. Apart from his shitty penalty run-up, I just never thought he was good. This coming from a Chivas fan who lit up like a Christmas tree when Pulido gave us our first Championship in 10 years. As much as I didn’t like him, it’s very true that he’s somewhat talented. I always thought he was a better 10 than 9. But him being up top for Sporting KC only means one thing, another playoff-less year.

Sigh… What the hell happened?

The Good: Johnny Russell and this thing

The Bad: All of it. Burn it with fire. The Opara trade fo Minnesota, that defense, that away record, ALL OF IT! In particular the end of the season. 1 point of a potential 18 points to end the season. I don’t know how to even describe it. And that CCL ending. I get it, you beat Toluca, you beat that team from Panama, but you cannot, YOU CANNOT, give up 10 goals to Monterrey. And maybe don’t roll over the dead to end the season vs FC Dallas. Finish with at least a little bit of integrity.

KC’s Spongebob Gif

It has probably felt like 2018 was an eternity ago for some teams. SKC in particular. Diego Valeri’s goal to end their MLS Cup Final dream set back this team a decade. Not really a decade but if I’m any right, it set the back 2 years now. SKC fans probably can’t look themselves in the mirror without wanting to die. A team that is always among those expected to make the playoffs. A staple, if you will, of the MLS. But if last season was an indication of the future, it’s that Kansas City fans should be ECSTATIC, that Patrick Mahomes plays in the same city. I know technically they’re not the same city, but they are.

Offseason Moves

I really just can’t wrap my brain around spending almost $10 million of Alan Pulido. Pulido truthers will tell you that he actually won the Liga MX Golden Boot, a feat not done by a Mexican player in 16 short seasons. It’s impressive sure, but in actuality, he tied with Quiroga of Necaxa. Look he has talent, but I would never spend 10 million, good thing it wasn’t my money I guess. What else did they do? Nothing really. They signed Roberto Puncec on a free transfer. Will it work out? Who knows. Last time they signed a Euro defender for free was when they signed Fontas last season and how did that turnout?

Since I have begun writing this, Winston Reid was announced as their new loanee. Don’t know much about the guy. Little research suggests he’s been banged up and hasn’t played in almost a year. Not great, but some Premier League experience never hurt anybody. Anything new is an upgrade from last season.

Starting XI

I instantly just plugged Reid in rather than keeping Puncec there. The lack of change in the lineup really scares me. Literally just Pulido, who to be fair is a big change, and Reid or Puncec. I don’t necessarily love that midfield. I just used whatever format they have fore 4-3-3 but Sanchez and Gutierrez could probably swap positions there. Not totally in love with either of those guys nor Salloi. Without an extra DP slot, I just assume they’re gonna trade for, someone, or some TAM money this season.

Betting Odds

+3300 via Bovada

Plus 3300 for KC to win this season is some nice value. SKC is not that far removed from playing in the semi-finals and has some vets with playoff experience on the team. If Peter Vermes can get his head out his ass this season, Sporting KC will make the playoffs and maybe slither their way through the playoffs.

Best Watches

 

SKC’s schedule this year includes 4 nationally televised games. I dwindled it down to a couple interesting games. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to watch SKC close out opening day game after a full day of some pretty lukewarm soccer games. I included SKC vs Nashville is what might end up becoming a rivalry geographically.

SKC’s first game vs LAFC will be interesting after giving up 7 goals to LAFC in the regular season of 2019. Then a nationally televised game on ABC, one of 10 MLS on ABC games. Must watch. And an important decision day match with NYFC.

Predictions

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOracFClBg?start=19]

I think Sporting KC’s 2020 will ultimately be decided by Pete Vermes. Not if he is a good coach, but if he IS the coach. I think they have a rocky first half of the season, and maybe 3 games into the second half, Vermes is gonna get the boot. “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Don’t get me wrong, Pete is one of the best coaches MLS has ever seen. But Sporting KC can’t have two bad seasons in a row, and that’ll be the last straw. Also, Pulido will have less than  13 goals scored this season. Won’t be a great look for him, and it’ll keep Sporting KC out of the playoffs.

Hey! If you hated this blog! You’re gonna hate the other 25 blogs! Be sure to check them out as I count down each MLS team from worst to first for 2020.

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