SKC News: Ryan Smith's Recovery, Aurélien Collin's Arrival, and Benny Feilhaber's Move to MLS

Some big news was released today in the world of Sporting KC and MLS.

First off, Ryan Smith is almost done with his not-so-fast recovery. For a few months there, almost no reports came out specifying Smith's condition, or the state of his injury. Honestly, he could have be on the moon with Lady Gaga or hibernating underground 2,000 feet. There was virtually no way to know. Finally, today there were reports on Sporting KC's home page that he could potentially play a part in the New England game next week. This is great news, personally, for many reasons. It was nice to have a positive update on Smith's injury, and also it's great to hear that he could be back as soon as next week. All of last year I enjoyed watching his quick and precise skill on the ball, troubling defenders repeatedly.

The second bit of news that I'd like to touch on is the signing of Aurélien Collin for Sporting KC. This news did not necessarily surprise me, however I didn't really know who exactly SKC would sign; I just had a feeling it'd be someone. And the someone that it ended up being was Aurélien Collin, who last played in Portugal. I'm really hoping that he sures up Sporting's back line. Julio Cesar has not impressed as much as I thought he would; his foot skills and ease on the ball are great, however his defending has certainly for me, not been up to par.

Last in news for today is that Benny Feilhaber will be joining MLS. The question, though, is what team he will be signed to. I would love to see him be signed to Sporting KC, but it's not too likely. Feilhaber will be chosen by a team through what I think of as an "Allocation Draft." All MLS teams are in an order to which they can get him. For example, Chivas USA is first in line. If they want him, they can get him. Kansas City is 7th on the list. 

Thanks for reading. Come back tomorrow for my preview of Sporting Kansas City at Columbus Crew.

--Isaac



Debate: Indoor Soccer or Futsal?

The world of outdoor soccer must shut down during the winter months. However, the most dedicated of soccer players choose to play a form of soccer inside, away from the harsh conditions. The choices they have are to play indoor soccer or futsal.

Facts

Indoor soccer is a form of soccer played indoors by two teams of six players each, usually on a hockey rink covered with a temporary floor with walls to keep the ball in play, in which a player who commits a foul is penalized by suspension from play for a certain amount of time, as in hockey.

Futsal is a form of association football, played indoors with five players on each side, with no walls to keep the ball in play. Futsal also plays with a special type of soccer ball--one heavier than the average soccer ball and less bouncy.

Positives/Negatives
There are many things to consider when choosing to play indoor soccer or futsal: How fun it is, how much conditioning it gives a player when preparing for the outdoor season, how many technical skills players get out of it, and what other things a player would get in the long run. 

Positives and negatives exist for both sports, in my opinion.

Indoor soccer, on the positive side, is considered fun by the majority of youth soccer players. It also, most likely, gives a player more conditioning than futsal because the field is much bigger. Now, on the negative side, indoor soccer does not teach players to keep the ball under control; the outer walls promote large, sloppy touches and passing. Also, because the playing pitch is so much bigger with indoor soccer than futsal, players are not forced to use tight foot skills which would enhance their dribbling skills.
      Here is a video example of indoor soccer:

Futsal, on the positive side, promotes tight foot skills because of the tight playing field. Also, without walls and with a smooth floor surface, players must keep their touches light and close to their feet. Lastly, while watching the best outdoor soccer players in the world, you see fantastic foot skills. It's no coincidence; most of these players played futsal--not indoor soccer--while growing up. On the negative side, futsal does not offer quite as much conditioning as indoor soccer when players are trying to prepare for outdoor soccer. Also, the futsal field is not very similar to an outdoor soccer field, so again, it's not directly preparing players for the next outdoor season. Lastly, to me is seems like less youth soccer players find futsal enjoyable.
      Here is a video example of Falcao, one of the best futsal players, playing futsal:

Final Analysis

Now after all of this comparison, it's time to give my final opinion on which form of soccer is all-around the better pick. For me this is a no-brainer.
My pick: Futsal.
Why?: Even if the majority of youth soccer players enjoy to play indoor soccer more, it has been proven by watching some of the best players in the world, that futsal is better for players' development. I hope for U.S. Soccer's sake that futsal becomes more popular and helps develop players, and more specifically, their technical skills.

I've given my opinion. What's yours? I'd be very interested to hear.

--Isaac

Sporting KC jersey sponsor to be Google?

I don't have too many facts to back this up, nor have I heard any rumors about the possibility of Google as SKC's shirt sponsor, but why not? Google is already partnering with Kansas City, Kansas to test out their new 1Gbps fiber network. Sporting Kansas City also mentioned that LIVESTRONG Sporting Park would use some Google applications to enhance the stadium's technological services. So, with all of this coming together in Sporting Kansas City's town, why not have Google as their shirt sponsor?

There are many reasons why I think this would be great for the club: Google has world-wide name recognition, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park could benefit highly from Google's services, and I think 'Google' would look pretty sweet on the jerseys. See for yourself:

I made this myself, without the aid of Photoshop.

What do you think of this possibility? Do you think Google would make a good shirt sponsor, or a poor one? Is this idea practical? Do you think it could actually happen? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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