Blue Links: Video Review, Power Rankings, Espinoza Interview, KC Cauldron

Let’s not overstate things — this is everything you need to know.

Kansas City

(Instant Replay) The boys over at MLSsoccer.com do their weekly (at least) Instant Replay show and discuss the calls from the game between Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew. On second look, I agree with them that Federico Higuain’s red card is probably the wrong call (yellow for me) and of course The Slap.

(The Blue Testament) Speaking of VAR, Cristian Martinez picked up a two-game suspension as a result of his actions in that game.

(KCTV 5) Sporting KC players reflect on the pride of playing for your country.

(KCUR 89.3) NPR did a nice little bit on the KC Cauldron for those who may not have known. This comes right after our own Thad Bell said he played a Media Game with someone from NPR who “don’t even cover soccer.” Things have changed.

(SKC YouTube) Drive Time interview with Roger Espinoza by Nate Bukaty. Roger took quite the solo road trip. We need to get that guy a hiking buddy so he doesn’t fall into a hole or something.

(PRO) Assignments are out for the week. Sibiga has already been a 4th official Wednesday and will be the center ref for Montreal versus Houston. Stunningly Jorge Gonzalez is the VAR for Orlando v NYCFC. I hope everyone has their boxing gloves on. As for SKC, they get the following:

REF: DREW FISCHER

AR1: GIANNI FACCHINI

AR2: ADAM GARNER

4TH: ALEJANDRO MARISCAL

VAR: EDVIN JURISEVIC

(SKC YouTube) Bukaty sits down with MLS Commissioner Don Garber to talk about Pinnacle, Sporting KC, USMNT and VAR.

(SKC YouTube) Speaking of Pinnacle, it had it’s (fancy) grand opening last week as well.

(MLS) Sporting KC fall to fourth after the Columbus Crew surge to second.

(Soccer America) This is from a week ago and they might reconsider but SA has SKC #1 in their power rankings.

Around the World

(YouTube) This is a little late but here are the highlights of Fulham versus Aston Villa in the most valuable football match in the world during the English Championship Promotion Playoff.

(MLS) The New York Red Bulls have Lyon fullback Louis Nganioni in on trial, though he is still under contract with the Ligue 1 side and couldn’t join until the Secondary Transfer Window.

(Turner Construction) D.C. United have grass on their new pitch at Audi Field. The stadium is nearly ready to open.

(MLS) Juan Quintero, the Columbian playmaker, is being linked to Atlanta United. A possible Miguel Almiron replacement?

(MLS) Speaking of Atlanta, fullback Greg Garza is out 4-6 months after shoulder surgery.

(Yahoo) Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernie Stewart is becoming the first USMNT GM.

(YouTube) Speaking of the USMNT, youth was served as they won 3-0 with an average age around just 22-years-old.