Delayed Reaction: SKC dominates the Revs as I experience the press box first-hand

-PRESS BOX REACTION-

Let me just start out by saying that being in the press box for the first time was one of the coolest experiences of my life so far.

My evening started quite humorously. After I made my way into the press check-in area, a LIVESTRONG Sporting Park staff member asked me how old I was.

"Fifteen," I responded.

She grinned. "You look just about ten [years old]."

After meeting up with Grace (from Sporting KC Reports), I waited with anticipation for the pregame ceremony. I had a hunch that the team had something special planned. Moments later, my expectations were proven, but with twice the grandeur of what I'd imagined. A video Sporting KC made titled 'Part II Starts Now' was steamed on both video boards, and it absolutely silenced the crowd with its powerful reminder of last season. The show wasn't over, though: Fireworks thunderously erupted in the sky, smoke engulfing LIVESTRONG, as the players made their way onto the field. Check out 'Part II Starts Now' here and my video of the pregame ceremony below.

As the game began, two things became clear: First, the view from the press box. The vantage point was perfect for a soccer match; I could see player movement exceptionally well. Second, the noise in the press area was at least twice as loud as at field level, probably because I was so close to the roof. Whether on field level or not, the Cauldron and South Stand combined forces nicely and were deafening right up until the final whistle.

The whole system in the press area was very professional. Every time there was a goal, substitution, or carded offense, a sheet was immediately passed around with all of the details. We were also given stat sheets at halftime, with extremely in-depth details that you really don't see anywhere else.

While in the high-rises of LSP, I had the chance to meet some great writers and podcasters of the Kansas City area: Grace Rogers (of Sporting KC Reports), Andy Edwards (of Talkin' Touches), Charles Gooch (of The Full 90), and Bryan McBeth (of The Oz Blog). Thanks to all of you for welcoming me in. It definitely made me laugh when I started to realize that some of us in the press box - although right next to each other - were, instead of talking face-to-face, interacting on Twitter. I suppose that's just the way of this modern generation. Woah, I sounded kind of old there.

After the game had finished, most of the press made their way into the press conference room for the Q&A with Vermes and Kamara. It was a bit surreal for me because I had always just seen this type of thing on my TV or laptop. Now, it was happening right in front of my eyes. You can read through the quotes here.

Overall, it was an awesome experience, and I cannot wait until next time.

_______________________

-GAME REACTION-

With this convincing 3-0 victory, Sporting Kansas City remains tied with Houston at the top of the Eastern Conference.

QUICK STATS

• With Saturday night's win, Peter Vermes now holds the club record for all-time winning percentage 
• Sporting Kansas City made 575 passes Saturday night, while the Revs only made 308
• Sporting KC had 27 shots at Matt Reis, tying the club's record for most in one match
• With his goals against DC and New England, Sapong marked the first time in his career with back-to-back games with goals
• Roger Espinoza had a career-high of five shots

THREE THOUGHTS

Espinoza is on his game.

After only two games for Sporting this season, I'm willing to say that Espinoza will have his best pro season of his career so far if he continues to play like he has been. Roger is dominating the midfield with his aggressive nature, but has seemed to mellow down a bit - to the point where maybe, just maybe, he's no long Red Card Roger. On top of this all, Espinoza is beginning to assist Zusi in distributing the ball. He's proving to be key in all parts of the midfield. 

Convey is a great addition to the team.

Bobby Convey has shown that he is just the type of player Vermes likes: Blue collar and hard working. There were countless times during the game against the Revs where I saw him go after a ball that he probably knew he would never win. It's not just his tenacity that I like; Vermes is right about him holding possession and creating chances.

Sapong can still do his thing even when being abused by a defense.

It was almost humorous how blatantly the Revs' defense was fouling C.J. all night. The reigning Rookie of the Year still scored and created mass havoc in front of Mat Reis's goal while being beat up unfairly by the defenders . He's no longer a forward who can just hold up the ball; he might just be turning into the team's goal-scorer. We'll see.

STARTING XI RATINGS

Nielsen - 6

Myers - 6

Besler - 7

Collin - 7

Sinovic - 8

Cesar - 7

Espinoza - 9

Zusi - 8

Kamara - 8

Sapong - 8

Convey - 7

Man of the Match: Espinoza

Roger absolutely dominated the midfield, created several goal-scoring opportunities for himself and the rest of the team, and has really proven to have matured as a player.

Thoughts on the game, my analysis, or the player ratings? Who was your man of the match? Share in the comments.