Hillcrest Road

Text to Win LA Galaxy Field Side Tix

2009-07-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

Our good friends at M&I Bank have put together this sweet opportunity to win 4 Field Side Reserved seats to July 25th's LA Galaxy game. Text SOCCER and your email address to 32075 for a chance at Field Side seats to the Galaxy game, scheduled to be Mr. David Beckham's 2nd appearance in MLS this year. Notifications will be sent out by email on July 25, so make sure to provide a valid email address. We are limited to one entry per person. If you enter more than once, you'll be disqualified from the contest. Whether you already have tickets to the game or not, this is a great way to sit extra close to the action on what promises to be an exciting night of soccer.

KCW 0-1 HOU

2009-07-04T23:06:00.005-05:00

Kansas City falls to Houston 1-0 on the day that Roger Espinoza and Davy Arnaud see time for their respective national teams. Kei Kamara scored the lone goal here in front of a sellout crowd of 10,385. We've sold out our last 5 and 7 on the season. Thanks to all the fans who came out tonight! Check out the notables and quotes below.

• Kansas City is now 5-6-4, 19 pts on the season in MLS play.
• The Wizards are 1-4-2 all-time against Houston in the regular season.
• The Wizards sold out their 7th game of the season.
• Kansas City has sold out the last five home matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
• Rauwshan McKenzie made his first career start and appearance Saturday, playing 90 minutes at center back.
• Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made his 318th regular-season appearance in MLS play, moving into 2nd place behind only New England’s Steve Ralston.
• Hartman has not missed a minute of play in the last 97 games, a 8730-minute streak.
• His consecutive minutes played streak is the best all-time in MLS.
• He is the only Wizards player to be on the field for every minute of MLS play this season.
• Kansas City outshot Houston 15-9.
• Dynamo outfouled Kansas City 16-10.
• Houston defender Mike Chabala recorded his 1st assist as a professional Saturday.
• Defender Jimmy Conrad (USA) and midfielders Davy Arnaud (USA) and Roger Espinoza (Honduras) were out on National Team duty.
• Espinoza started and played 68 minutes for Honduras in a 1-0 win over Haiti.
• Arnaud entered in the 70th minute for the United States in a 4-0 win over Grenada.
• Conrad did not dress for the United States, still nursing a hamstring tweak.
• Kansas City was without goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, defender Chance Myers, midfielder Kevin Souter and striker Adam Cristman due to injury.
• The Wizards return to play immediately, traveling to face Seattle Sounders FC Tuesday in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match.
• Kansas City returns to MLS play next Saturday, July 11 against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
• The match will be part of a soccer tripleheader that night, including a pair of CONCACAG Gold Cup games.
• The United States will play Haiti, and Honduras will play Grenada.
• If Davy Arnaud and/or Jimmy Conrad plays for the United States and Roger Espinoza plays for Honduras, a Wizards player will take part in all three games of the tripleheader.
• After Saturday’s match, the Wizards put on the official fireworks display of Kansas City, Kansas.
• The Wizards hosted several family-friendly events to celebrate America’s Independence Day including: a dunk tank, soccer inflatables, apple bobbing, sidewalk chalk and a halftime relay race.
• Kansas City next returns to CommunityAmerica Ballpark Saturday, July 25 as the Los Angeles Galaxy come to town.
• The match is scheduled to be David Beckham’s 2nd MLS appearance since rejoining Galaxy.

Quotes:

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS HEAD COACH CURT ONALFO
On the game
“We had a whole bunch of shots at the end of the game, one of which hit the post. Things change when you’re playing against good teams and you give up a goal. Once that happens, they look to attack less, and you have less opportunities, and when you have those opportunities they become more precious. It was a night where we had the better chances. I thought we performed better, but the score line reads differently.”

On Houston
“They’re an extremely tough team to play against. They don’t give anything away and they fight their tails off. The difference in the game is that we gave them a pretty soft goal. Having said that, I thought we responded fine. We worked extremely hard, played with desire and heart. The guys left it on the field. That’s when it’s most disappointing, when you feel like you performed well enough to get something out of it.”

On Rauwshan McKenzie’s first MLS start
“I thought he did a solid job. He was very good on the night, and he’s only going to get better.”

On missed opportunities
“Rauwshan had an opportunity in the first half on the ball from Lopez. That’s one we can probably put away. As they got a little bit tired, we got more chances. We made some tactical adjustments that I think helped us. We had two clear chances near the end of the game, and when you make those adjustments and you have two clear chances, you figure you bury one and walk away with a point.”

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS DEFENDER LANCE WATSON
On the game
“We only gave up one or two really good chances, and they were fortunate enough to put one away. That’s what Houston is good at. They’ve been able to take their chances this year, put them away. They did that tonight and the rest of the game they kind of sat back and made it hard for us.”

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS FORWARD ABE THOMPSON
On Kansas City’s missed chances offensively
“In the first half we weren’t pleased with the amount of chances that we created. In the second half, I thought we created enough chances. To be fair, I think on another day maybe they go in, and tonight they didn’t. That’s our own fault at the end of the day.”

HOUSTON DYNAMO HEAD COACH DOMINIC KINNEAR
On low scoring game
“We didn't have a lot of chances to score a bunch of goals. Every game is different. It was a tough night for us. We started off pretty well. We had a couple looks to maybe go two ahead and we didn't take advantage of them. We knew Kansas City was going to make a big push. We might have had a bit of luck on our side tonight, too.”

On getting the win
“They were throwing a lot of numbers forward and they had some great service in there. It was just one of those nights that we just had to get something out of it. We're not going to sit here and say we were all over them. But we walked out winners and we were happy getting the three points. There were some opportunities there.”

On the team's effort
“All-around team effort. I think it was one of those nights, individually, it wasn't a beautiful night for us. But I think team wise, it was a gritty performance.”

HOUSTON DYNAMO DEFENDER MIKE CHABALA
On the win
“It was fantastic. It maybe wasn't pretty at the end but we dug in with those guys away. A win is a win. We were playing away from home and the Wizards play really well at home. They made a heck of an effort at the end. And they made it really difficult for us. Pat Onstad made some great saves and guys did their job. We held strong.”

On his first career assist
“I mean it's just early in and Dom gave me a green light. He just said get forward, get around him, and use my strength to get forward and get it around to Corey, making an option for him to play wider and have him take them on and Corey played it perfectly. It was nice and easy, we do it in training every Thursday. We just made a good ball crossing and Kei did the rest of the work.

HOUSTON DYNAMO FORWARD KEI KAMARA
On the goal
“It was a great play from everyone. It started from the back and then up to the middle. And the ball went wide. Coach has been telling those two guys on the left side to overlap each other, and it was a good run.”

On his tribute to Michael Jackson
“The celebration I had in my pocket. It was all just (for) fun. It's disappointing to see that Michael (Jackson) is gone. But it's the only thing I can do to celebrate Michael. I used to perform like Michael back when I was a little kid in Africa in talent shows. I had to bring that one out.”

On the win
“Yeah it's on the road. If we can get three points out of it, no matter how bad you play. We didn't come out here and play our best but Kansas City is a good team. They kept putting on pressure. They kept going, they kept going and the fans were behind them. But they were unlucky and we're just happy to go home with three points.”

See you Tomorrow

2009-07-03T18:09:00.003-05:00

If you're planning on celebrating your 4th of July with us tomorrow, the weather looks like it's going to be outstanding. Make sure to stay afterward for the official fireworks display of Kansas City, Kansas and free ice cream for the children 12 and under. We'll see you tomorrow. Still need tickets? Click here.

Free Ice Cream Kids 12 and Under

2009-07-03T13:45:00.003-05:00

With the two-time MLS Cup champs Houston coming to town for an 8 p.m. match tomorrow night, our friends at Blue Bunny ice cream have stepped up to increase the family-friendly activities around the game. Children 12 and under can receive free ice cream courtesy of Blue Bunny after the match while sticking around for the official fireworks display of Kansas City, Kansas. Fans will be allowed to enter the field for the best view at seeing the display.

Open Cup Semis at SMN or Charleston

2009-07-02T14:57:00.003-05:00

Should we defeat Seattle Tuesday, we could possibly host or travel for the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. If we win and Houston defeats Charleston, we will host the semi on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Shawnee Mission North High School. If we win and Charleston wins, we would play at Charleston Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. CT. If we host that match, it will serve as Special Game B.

Hartman to Surpass Henderson

2009-07-02T12:50:00.003-05:00

With an appearance Saturday, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman will overtake former Wizards midfielder and assistant coach and current Seattle Sounders FC Technical Director Chris Henderson for 2nd place on the all-time MLS games-played list. In the win June 13 against New England, Hartman moved into a tie with Henderson with his 317th appearance. Hartman is still behind New England Revolution captain Steve Ralston who has played in 366 MLS regular-season games.

Hartman also has played every minute in his last 96 MLS matches, the longest streak in League history. He last missed a match in the middle of the 2006 season while still with the Galaxy.

Not a bad streak for Hartman huh? Want to give him kudos on it? Check out the Kevin Hartman fan group on Facebook.

The Jimmy Conrad Show - Err Sam and Dave Show Tonight

2009-07-01T16:51:00.007-05:00

Tonight, the Jimmy Conrad Show--scratch that the Dave Borchardt and Sam Pierron Show--will take place live from 7-8 p.m. CT at the Fox and Hound in Overland Park. With Jimmy away with the U.S. National Team, his show will be placed in the somewhat sure hands of Sam and Dave--not THAT Sam and Dave--until he returns to town after taking part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The show airs live locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB and will be simulcast at kcwizards.com. The archive will be available at the Wizards' podcast page for all of eternity. Fans are encouraged to call in tonight early and often. The best call of the night will win the caller two Wizards T-Shirts. The call-in number is 913-3-810-810 The segments will be broken down as follows:

1st- Wizards talk and calls. The duo will go over last night's Open Cup game, Saturday's MLS game and anything the callers want to.

2nd- Jimmy will call in from Seattle, and the trio will focus on the U.S. National Team.

3rd- Wizards, USA and international soccer topics. Call in to ask a question, voice your opinion or discuss anything from the world of futbol/football/soccer.

Planet Sub Hat Trick Special is Here

2009-07-01T07:56:00.003-05:00

With three goals last night, the Wizards won fans the Planet Sub Hat Trick Special, valid today at any KC and Lawrence-area Planet Sub (and Yello Sub) locations. Ask for the special and receive a Planet Sub Sandwich, chips and a cookie for just $3. I think I know where everyone is going for lunch today!

Open Cup Notables

2009-07-01T01:04:00.001-05:00

The first post of July comes quite late/early. Hopefully everything below makes sense, as Hillcrest is getting pretty tired. Feel free to ridicule the late-night post if errors abound.

· Kansas City advances to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the 2nd consecutive season.
· Kansas City will play the winner of tomorrow night’s match between Seattle Sounders FC and the Portland Timbers.
· Should Seattle win, the Wizards will travel to the Pacific Northwest Tuesday, July 7.
· If Portland wins on home turf, Kansas City will host the USL-1 side Tuesday, July 7 at Shawnee Mission North High School.
· The Wizards are now 10-9-2 all-time in Open Cup play.
· The Wizards are now 1-2 all-time in penalty kick shootouts in the Open Cup.
· Kansas City is now 6-2-1 all-time against USL-1 clubs.
· Last year, the Wizards defeated the Carolina Railhawks (USL-1) in the Round of 16 before falling to then-USL-1 Seattle Sounders in the quarterfinals.
· Each of Kansas City’s last three Open Cup games has gone to overtime.
· Counting last year’s Open Cup play-in match and the play-in match in 2007 that Kansas City lost to Real Salt Lake, each of Kansas City’s last five Open Cup games has been to extra time.
· Michael Kraus scored Kansas City’s first goal on the night, his first in Open Cup play.
· Abe Thompson netted the 2nd goal from a penalty kick.
· Rauwshan McKenzie scored Kansas City’s 3rd goal in the 1st overtime session.
· McKenzie had never before scored a goal in a 1st team match.
· Roger Espinoza assisted on Kraus goal.
· Josh Wolff assisted on McKenzie’s goal, after a corner kick from Claudio Lopez.
· Kansas City returns to MLS play Saturday, July 4 as the Houston Dynamo come to town.
· After the match, the Wizards will put on the largest fireworks display in Kansas City, courtesy of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.
· The Wizards will host several family-friendly events to celebrate America’s Independence Day including: a dunk tank, soccer inflatables, apple bobbing, sidewalk chalk and a halftime relay race.

Wizards Advance Past Thunder in PKs

2009-06-30T19:29:00.191-05:00

We'll be back later tonight with full stats, some notables and some quotes. For now, adios from the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.

FINAL- That was a pretty crazy match. The fans were excited and into the game the whole time, as both teams took turns playing some good soccer. MIN fought back twice but were no match for Kansas City in penalty kicks. Lopez, Wolff, Thompson and Gomez all buried their pks for the Wizards. Greenfield and Sanchez put away the first two for Minnesota, but goalkeeper Boris Pardo came up big with stops against MIN captain Jeremiah Bass and substitute Dale Weiler.

PK4MIN- Weiler shoots right and Pardo makes another huge save!!!! KC wins 4-2 on PKS!!!! AMAZING EFFORTS FROM BORIS!!!

PK4KC- Gomez buries it in the lower-right corner to put KC up 4-2!

PK3MIN- Bass steps to the spot and jaws a little with Pardo. He then to the left and Pardo makes a HUGE save!!!! 3-2 KC.

PK3KC- Thompson steps to spot for 2nd time today and hits it JUST under the cross bar and in to the left as Platter goes right. Phew. 3-2 KC.

PK2MIN- Sanchez goes upper-right corner this time to tie it 2-2.

PK2MIN-Sanchez steps to PK spot for 3rd time today.

PK2KC- Wolff hits it into lower-left corner past diving Platter. 2-1 KC.

PK1MIN- Greenfield hits it into the left-side netting as Pardo just misses. 1-1.

PK1MIN- Greenfield steps up for MIN to face Pardo.

PK1KC- Lopez roofs it past Platter in the center...1-0 KC.

END OT2- We don't have shooters list, so we'll go with it. Lopez steps up first for KC. Platter will be in goal at the south end (right side as you're looking at the monitor)

END OT2- Well, that was a crazy one. We're going to PKs. Haven't seen the shooter lists yet, but I'll let you know when I get them.

121+ minute- MIN intercepts a pass near the half line but it was one on four...now they break late, Cvilikas serving centrally and its caught by Pardo. OT2 is over. We're going to PKs for the 2nd straight Open Cup game.

120th minute- Wolff flicks on a long pass over Platter who was in no man's land. Ball goes just inches wide left. THIS IS A CRAZY GAME FOLKS.

120th minute- Espinoza does well to win back a ball in midfield, his attempt forward is blocked, Watson eventually taking possession.

119th minute. Lopez curls the ball toward the onrushing Wizards, but Platter holds then punts.

119th minute Sanchez fouls Lopez 35 yards from goal. Lopez to stand over the dead ball opportunity.

118th minute- Wolff puts the ball in after beautiful cross, but he is judged offside. Close call.

118th minute- Espinoza dances around defender and plays Lopez...Lopez plays Watson who cuts inside to Thompson. MIN wins back then clears.

117th minute- MIN long ball for Myers is too far and Pardo collects and plays to Gomez on right. MIN wins back and knocks the ball backward.

116th minute- Lopez curled the ball toward the near post, cleared for KC throw.

116th minute- Well, spoke too soon on killing off the game. KCnow pushing forward. Wolff centers toward a pair of KC players but cleared out for CK. Lopez to take.

115th minute- MIN GOAL. Long ball out of back bounces behind defense. Tarpley raced in behind to chip the ball up and over onrushing Pardo. We're tied 3-3.

114th minute- KC content to keep possession and kill off the game. Lopez starts a play that works from left to right for Wolff. he uncorks a low shot toward the back post.

114th minute- Ball rolls to Pardo, who keeps it at his feet making Tarpley pressure. He eventually picks up and punts.

113th minute- Espinoza goes up the left behind the D, then plays back for Lopez...MIN intercepts Lopez pass and breaks out. Cvilikas attempted to bring down ball, but McKenzie took.

112th minute- KC keeps possession, winning a throw in on the left. Marquess up for the throw.

112th minute- Pardo plays a long restart, taking his time.

111th minute- Thompson called for foul in MIN penalty area. Platter restart is deflected out for KC GK on other end.

110th minute- Pardo GK is flicked on by Thompson to Gomez. Gomez plays ball off MIN defender for throw in.

109th minute- Another correction everyone...Wolff flicked the ball on for McKenzie. Abe was in the scrum as well.

108th minute- Myers hits ball toward back post but Pardo holds and punts long...MIN throw.

108th minute-Morsink breaks up a Thunder attack and Lopez sprays ball into corner for Thompson. MIN recollects and comes up right. Myers cuts on end line and crosses but Marquess deflects clear for throw.

107th minute- KC wins a throw deep in the Minnesota end. Wolff gets possession, beats two defenders then has a pass deflected out for another throw.

106th minute- OT2 has started. MIN commits a foul on the right. Watson wants a new ball, saying the one they were using was low on air.

If you guys remember, it was Lopez who came on late last year in Carolina and helped us win 4-2 in OT. Again, Claudio is instrumental in an Open Cup goal.

WHAT A PLAY BY KC. Lopez sent a corner to the near post that Wolff** did well to shield a defender and the GK to flick into the air. Three KC players were crashing the back post with a MIN defender attempting to clear. McKenzie powered the ball home as his momentum carried him into the goal. KC up a goal heading into the second OT!

106+ minute- Lopez corner cleared for another CK. Should be the last play of OT1. Lopez CK flicked on by Wolff** and headed home by McKenzie for 3-2 lead!!!!!!!

106+ minute- Lopez combines with Thompson before finding Gomez wide...Gomez slips Thompson into area, cleared by MIN for CK.

105th minute- Lopez's cross is cleared. Espinoza attempts half-volley after the knock down but misses wide by a good margin.

105th minute- McKenzie plays ahead to Wolff on left...Wolff keeps the ball around two defenders on the end line, winning a corner kick. Lopez to take it from the left.

104th minute- Espinoza sends ball toward Wolff at back post, but MIN wins and clears.

103rd minute- Wolff shown yellow while tracking back to break up play on Myers. Wolff reached out and the ref says he pulled Myers and slowed him up. MIN free kick 30 yards out.

102nd minute- Weiler enters for Peterson for MIN as Onalfo brings Herculez over to give a word to the substitute winger.

101st minute- Peterson crosses toward back post, but Myers can't get there.

100th minute- Wolff springs Gomez through middle, but Gomez pulls ball back to no one. MIN goes the other way.

100th minute- Platter collects a KC long ball then shanks a punt attempt. KC wins it back near half line.

99th minute- Wolff enters for Kraus.

98th minute- Espinoza tracks back to intercept pass, playing deep ahead for Gomez. Herculez is taken down up the right wing, then called for a foul as he and Peterson tangle getting up. No card shown.

98th minute- MIN throwin on the left...Olum switches

97th minute- MIN is about to bring on Geoffrey Myers for Rod Dyachenko.

96th minute- MIN knocks the ball around a bit as KC pressures.MIN eventually loses but wins the ensuing clearance back.

95th minute- MIN gives ball away for KC throw on left....Espinoza crosses for Marquess but it's cut out. MIN quickly counters, but Tarpley is offside again.

94th minute- It's getting pretty chippy. GK for MIN after Thompson shoots wide from 20.

94th minute- Dyachenko down with what appear to be cramps. Watson takes some water while waiting to throw the ball in.

93rd minute- Lopez makes late diagonal run. Espinoza tries to find him, but it's headed clear by MIN. KC throw.

93rd minute- Tarpley offside. Good thing, he had trailed to wide open Dyachenko.

92nd minute- Cvilikas centers but no one is there. McKenzie takes and clears.

91st minute- Espinoza played ball into space for Herculez on the right, but MIN cuts it out.

91st minute- And we're off.

End Full Time- This is the 3rd straight KC Open Cup game that has gone to OT. If you count the play-in game last year, that's 4 straight.

End Full Time- Kansas City is on the field and ready to play as MIN huddles.

End Full Time- Onalfo gathers the troops to talk about OT1. The Minnesota faithful are going nuts. They really want to knock off the MLS club. Both teams are coming back onto the field. Looks like we have a sub for MIN.

93+ minute- There's the whistle. Extra time is coming. Reminder: we'll play two 15-minute OTs, switching sides in the middle. Even if someone scores, we play all 30. If it's still deadlocked after OT number 2, we go to penalties.

93+ minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas, Leathers and Watson clear.

92+ minute- Espinoza plays on the left for Lopez who crosses. Ball knocked down, and Morsink's shot from 25 misses wide by a good margin.

91+ minute- MIN cracks a long shot just wide of goal. Close one there folks.

91+ minute- Lopez is entering for Harrington. Lopez will be in for the rest of regulation and extra time if needed. He'll also be on the field for PKs if we get that far. Correction...three minutes of stoppage time. The two was for Harrington leaving the feld.

90th minute- Morsink dekes Cvilikas, then plays to Kraus. Kraus lays off but no one was making that run. Morsink cracks low shot from 25 that just misses the back post. Two minutes of stoppage time starting now.

90th minute- MIN clears, KC regains possession and comes up the left.

89th minute- Watson ahead to play a long throw in.

89th minute- Morsink plays Gomez up the right. Gomez wins a throw near the corner flag.

88th minute- Gomez fouled by Olum as he changes speed in midfield. Long ball from WAtson to Espinoza is deflected out for MIN GK.

87th minute- Sanchez smartly doesn't play offside Tarpley, instead trying to find late-breaking Olum. Watson slides in to clear, however.

87th minute- Watson plays long switch to Thompson in left corner. KC throw.

86th minute- KC switches all the way to the right, Gomez eventually running at Peterson. Gomez goes down to no call...GK MIN.

85th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie and draws yellow near top of KC area...KC counters quickly.

84th minute- Thompson races to a ball on the left, but he can't quite keep it in...MIN GK.

83rd minute- Sanchez goes to his left and buries it in the upper-left corner. 2-2 now in the 84th.

83rd minute- Sanchez lines it up for a left-footed effort. Pardo doing jumping jacks in the goal and being told to stand on his line.

82nd minute- Cvilikas plays centrally for Tarpley who spins, but is fouled in the area by Leathers. PK MIN. Sanchez again.

81st minute- Espinoza rips a shot from distance high after Kraus back-tracked to break up a play.

80th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson into space on the left. Thompson attempts to pass centrally to Herc making run at PK spot, but MIN clears.

80th minute- Sanchez slips Tarpley through, but McKenzie and Watson combine to break up the play after he appeared to be through.

79th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie in area after riding him for a while...fans groan but KC plays out of the back.

78th minute- Espinoza hits shot from distance that goes high over the bar.

78th minute- Espinoza is now in a central attacking role, with Gomez on the right and Harrington on the left.

77th minute- MIN crosses to Cvilikas who heads centrally to Sanchez. Sanchez fouls Leathers and crowd starts to boo. Herculez Gomez enters for Graham Zusi.

75th minute- Watson attempts to get into the play, but MIN breaks it up then conters down his side. He hustles back to slow up the effort. Cvilikas drops for Sanchez who hits a rocket on goal that Pardo holds.

74th minute- Pardo takes the restart as fans go crazy over the mascot throwing out some prizes.

73rd minute- Sanchez played Dyachenko over the top, but he was offside. He lofts the ball into the net anyway. Sanchez gets a yellow for dissent after arguing the call.

73rd minute- Sanchez goes down looking for a foul after making a square pass...none called. Some fans groan but MIN keeps possession.

72nd minute- Peterson brings the ball out of the back, and KC is all over MIN as they come up the field. Eventually the ball goes wide to Dyachenko who crosses to Cvilikas. His header didn't have enough on it and hung for Pardo to hold.

71st mintue- Zusi fouled but KC keeps possession on advantage. Harrington attempts a back-post chip from 35, but the ball goes over the bar for a GK.

70th minute- Cvilikas receives an outlet on a mini break, cuts inside Watson but skies his shot from 25.

69th minute- Dyachenko received a pass cutting toward the KC end line, but his touch is a little too far and goes out for GK. KC takes possession and knocks it around the back line.

68th minute- Dyachenko dispossesses Harrington near the end line, KC then counters with a couple of nifty back heels eventually putting Thompson into the area with a look at goal. His left footed shot from the left corner of the area held by Platter.

67th minute- Zusi sends in corner with nasty bend on the ball. Platter tips wide for Espinoza corner on the other side.

67th minute- Morsink puts Kraus behind D with long ball from midfield, eventually Espinoza finds Zusi cutting toward the goal. Shot is blocked out for CK on the left. Zusi over the ball.

66th minute- Sanchez plays Dyachenko through on the right, but Rod gives it away with a pass to where Sanchez was instead of where he was cutting.

65th minute- Harrington again beats Peterson on the right, but his centering effort for Kraus is deflected clear. Pardo regroups and plays to McKenzie.

64th minute- Marquess hits a great cross-field ball to Harrington near the top of the area, who plays past a defender for Thompson in the area. Thompson crushes a shot just high of the bar from 10 yards out at a very tough angle.

63rd minute- Zusi called for foul on the right wing. He disputes heavily to no avail, MIN takes restart and switches the field...Leathers eventually steals and pushes ahead.

61st minute- Watson makes a couple of nifty moves around Cvilikas on the right, then plays ahead to Zusi. Zusi puts Kraus behind on the right,k who wins throw. On the throw, Harrington crosses for Espinoza who heads backward toward the PK spot but no one was there.

60th minute- Zusi swings a ball toward the near post, but MIN clears.

60th minute- Espinoza's quality cross toward Leathers at the back post is punched out by Platter. CK Zusi.

59th minute- Zusi plays the corner to the back post, headed out by Arango. Corner now from the right for Espinoza.

58th minute- Harringotn intercepts pass and speeds up the right, beating Peterson before serving cross...ball is cleared, but Zusi holds, plays wide to Espinoza who hits hard toward back post, but Platter makes an excellent save. GREAT build-up play there from KC and a good save. KC corner on the left.

58th minute- Zusi hits a bending ball toward Kraus making a diagonal run at the back post, but the cross goes too far and out for GK.

57th minute- Zusi and Marquess over the long restart, Wizards attackers making runs in the area...Marquess bends a shot toward the left upper-90, but it goes just high as Platter seemed to have it covered anyway.

56th minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas up right, but Leathers does well to beat him to the ball and play out for throw...Kc takes possession after throw and counters through Zusi. Arango pulls down Zusi as he gets by, bringing a yellow and a restart on the right.

55th minute- Espinoza takes the corner again, serving in-swinger toward panelty spot...Leathers just misses on volley attempt and MIN clears.

54th minute- Harrington comes up the right with speed, winning a CK when his cross is blocked by sliding Peterson.

53rd minute- Leathers brings ball forward, plays Zusi who spins wide for Harrington on the odd-man break. Harrington hits a hard, low cross for Kraus at the back post, but Kraus just misses with a sliding attempt as the ball goes out for GK.

53rd minute- Espinoza's effort is cleared by MIN, but KC gets it back. Ball bounces around, eventually going to MIn on a throw.

52nd minute- Watson plays Kraus in behind defense and Kraus wins a corner by cutting on a defender who plays the ball out of bounds. Espinoza takes the CK, to serve an in-swinger.

52nd minute- Olum takes a shot from 10 yards out wide right of goal after nice switch then center by MIN. Pardo GK.

51st minute- Pardo is up and takes the restart, playing the ball long.

50th minute- Peterson plays ball over defense toward Cvilikas...Pardo comes out of the area to head the ball away and he and Cvilikas come together. Cvilikas shown a yellow card for the challenge.

49th minute- Kraus pressures ball bakc to Platter, who clears and MIN keeps possession.

48th minute- Cvilikas springs Tarpley up left with long ball. McKenzie forces long ball toward center that is broken up by Espinoza. MIN keeps possession.

47th minute- scoreboard is off again, so we'll be guessing. KC wns back possession after attempted clearance by Kirk. Kc throw on the left.

46th minute- And we're off for the second half, with Minnesota taking the kick going right to left on your screen.

Halftime- USL teams are putting on some strong performances right now. The full scoreboard is available here at USOpenCup.com. The Wilmington Hammerheads defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 tonight, the Charleston Battery defeated Chivas USA 3-1 and the Harrisburg City Islanders are up 2-1 on New England in extra time. D.C. beat the Ocean City Barons 2-0, and Columbus is tied 1-1 with Rochester in the 70th minute. Portland and Seattle play tomorrow, with the winner facing the winner of our game tonight next Tuesday. If Minnesota wins, they will host. If we win and Seattle wins, the game will be played in the Pacific Northwest. If we win and Portland wins, we will host July 7 at Shawnee Mission North HS.

46th minute- And halftime is here. A good scrappy goal from Kraus and a pair of PKs leave KC ahead 2-1 going into the break. MIN fans have been loud and supportive. KC had the run of play early, but MIN has gotten into the game more at the end. A couple of nice saves from Platter and a couple from Pardo have kept the game at 2-1, though both side had a couple chances to make it more. We'll be back at the start of the second half.

46th minute- Watson long throw is flicked on by Thompson then met by Kraus. Platter stops the initial shot then holds the rebound.

45th minute- Zusi's corner kick is deflected clear, and Harrington takes it on the right. He sends in a cross that is cleared by Peterson for a throw in near the corner flag.

45th minute- Espinoza released the pressure, finding Thompson long. Thompson held the ball up and won a corner kick as his teammates came upfield.

44th minute- MIN is playing much better now. Dyachenko fed Tarpley behind the defense all alone, but Pardo came up huge to stop the breakaway attempt. VERY dangerous chance there for MIN.

43rd minute- Marquess trips as Morsink looks for him wide on the left and the ball goes out of play for a MIN throw.

43rd minute- Seems I was guessing right. Clock is back on. Sanchez takes the free kick and it's deflected by the wall and stopped by Pardo. Espinoza fouled as the Wizards counter.

42nd minute- I'm guessing on times now because the in stadium clock is broken. the MIN fans are VERY energized after that PK. Espinoza called for foul 40 yards out in the center. Big guys again forward for MIN.

41st minute- Sanchez buries it in the lower-right corner as Pardo guessed correctly. Great PK shot from Sanchez. 2-1 KC.

41st minute- Sanchez steps up to take the PK as KC players protest to no avail.

40th minute- Sanchez plays bending ball to near post. PK called as a KC player apparently pulled on a MIN player as he attempted to get to the cross.

39th minute- Marquess fouls on the left wing. Sanchez over the ball with the big bodies forward.

38th minute- MIN wins throwin on right side, with Olum playing to Dyachenko...Olum gets ball back and is stood up by Marquess before laying back forDyachenko who crosses and MIN keeps possession.

37th minute- Zusi attempts to curl ball over defense for cutting Kraus, but MIN heads clear. KC regains possession.

36th minute- Thompson again called for offside as Marquess attempts curling ball behind the back line. Thompson was behind the defense and attempted to pull back level but could not. Platter restart.

35th minute- Thompson cross attempt from right side of penalty area is cleared by MIN for KC throw in on the other side of the half line.

34th minute- Pardo plays long after back pass....Harrington is flicked on by Thompson but won by MIN.

33rd minute- MIN outlets quickly to Cvilikas who is a very big body, but McKenzie holds him off and outlets for Kraus up the right. Thompson slips Zusi through, but Zusi is called offside.

32nd minute- Well-hit corner is cleared by McKenzie..Andrew Peterson formerly of the Crew hits a rocket on goal from distance that is punched clear by Pardo.

31st minute- Watson intercepts, eventually getting the ball to Harrington who attempts a back-post ball for Espinoza that is held by Platter. MIN wins CK on ensuing counter after back pass for Pardo is too wide and goes over the end line.

31st minute- MIN with some extended possession on the right now pulls it back and switches sides, Kraus chasing all the while.

29th minute- Just as I say that, Pardo hits a Lazer out of his penalty area to the head of Thompson that is just a couple inches too high and MIN takes possession.

28th minute- In between clearance by MIN forces Pardo out of the penalty area to clear with his feet. Pardo was a field player until he was 18 years old...good feet.

27th minute- Cvilikas beats Leathers to ball and curls cross toward late-breaking Sanchez at back post. Cross is just too long and goes out for goal kick. Good look there for MIN.

26th minute- MIN with an extended possession, but Kraus breaks it up tracking back. MIN regains possession and Dyachenko feeds an offside Tarpley up the left. KC restart.

25th minute- Watson breaks up a play in the defensive third and is then fouled. KC with possession.

24th minute- Kraus called for foul on MIN center back...long ball from Platter.

22nd minute- Member of the supporters group just yelled: "If Brazil can do it, we can do it." Pretty funny stuff.

22nd minute- Sanchez plays long ball for Tarpley on the left, but it runs out of play for a goal kick. Good look from Sanchez, just hit it too far. Pardo plays the goal kick long.

21st minute- MIN attemps a through ball to streaking forward Cvilikas, but Pardo eats it up off his line.

20th minute- Zusi plays to Kraus on right who drops to Harrington...Harrington plays Zusi centrally who hits a shot high over the bar from 25 yards out.

19th minute- GOAL! Thompson slots it inside the left post past diving Platter for 2-0 Kansas City lead. That's a good two-minute stretch!

18th minute- Kraus crosses for Espinoza at the back post but it's just over his head...PK called as Kraus is taken home in penalty area looking for the ensuing cross.

17th minute- GOAL!!! Espinoza plays cross through penalty area after Zusi lays off ball in penalty area. Kraus** then touches home inside back post for 1-0 Kansas City lead.

**corrected

16th minute- Morsink plays Marquess in on left side, cross along ground toward Kraus is held by Platter on the goal line.

15th minute- Harrington breaks up MIN attack on the left, with Wizards winning a goal kick.

14th minute- Marquess fouls Dyachenko near center cirle. MIN wins throw in near left corner flag after Watson heads clear long ball attemp on quick restart.

13th minute- Dyachenko fouls Espinoza hard on left...KC plays quick restart thatsis eventually popped into the air by Dyachenko and caught by Platter.

12th minute- Pardo plays short, KC keeping possession with the defenders.

12th minute- MIN wins another corner kick after Sanchez played in cross from right that was cleared by McKenzie. Sanchez with the corner that bends out of play for a Pardo goal kick.

11th minute- MIN corner kick after McKenzie broke up pass intended for Dyachenko...MIN brings its big center backs forward. Morsink clears the CK.

10th minute- Espinoza sends in a beautiful bending cross to Thompson that Abe heads home, but he's called for being offside. Close call.

10th minute- MIN brings possession up the left, but Watson intercepts and KC switches. Lots of one and two-touch passing from the Wizards.

9th minute- KC keeps possession in their own half...Pardo sending a ball long that is won by KC after a knock-down.

8th minute- Dyachenko sends in a cross that is cleared by Zusi...Kirk then crosses but the header hits the cross bar...MIN called for a foul on the play anyway.

7th minute- Watson plays long ahead to Harrington who beats his man to the ball and sends a cross to Thompson...cleared...Morsink gets the ball back and sprays wide to Harrington whose cross is intercepted by Platter.

6th minute- Pardo scoops up the ball after a Platter goal kick, sending it to Harrington on the right wing...MIN takes possession then gives the ball away to Marquess with a long pass.

5th minute- Morsink splits two defenders for Watson up the right, who crosses to Espinoza at the back post, but his attempted cross goes out of play for a goal kick.

5th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson between two defenders, but the pass is too hot to handle and ends up with Platter.

4th minute- Pardo eventually springs a counter after a long ball from the back, Marquess fouls Kirk near the top of the Minnesota penalty area with a high kick.

3rd minute- Pardo touches the ball for the first time, from an Espinoza back pass, then again from a pair of McKenzie back passes.

3rd minute- Espinoza cuts off a MIN clearance attempt, but his shot is held by Platter and would not have been on goal.

2nd minute- Marquess puts cross into area, but it is cleared from danger. KC regains possession.

2nd minute- Zusi attemps to put Thompson through up the right, but MIN slides to break up the play.

1st minute- Kansas City takes the ball back and knocks it around the back line from right to left.

1st minute- Zusi fouls Sanchez near the half line, giving Minnesota the ball.

7:40 p.m. - And we're under way. Kansas City takes the kick and controls possession.

7:38 p.m. - She did a great job, and the players are now taking the field. Kansas City will be going from right to left as you look at your computer screen.

7:36 p.m. - Miss Minnesota is singing the National Anthem.

7:35 p.m. - The PA dude gets quite excited in introducing the Thunder, and the fans get pretty loud. It's a decent crowd here tonight at the National Sports Center, a venue that can hold up to 10,000 I'm told.

7:34 p.m. - The refs and both teams have reached the half line and are assembling for the national anthem. The Wizards are in white, with Minnesota in dark blue/navy.

7:33 p.m. - Fans have lined up in a human tunnel and are awaiting players. The Thunder's supporters section has started beating their drums, and the Thunder mascot just came out. Here come the players! Kickoff is just around the corner

7:31 p.m. - Alright, this post is the place for living running commentary during tonight's match. You can also watch online at USLlive.com. Kickoff is in about 4 minutes, so get ready. The lineups and subs are below. Just had a good chat with Bruce McGuire of du Nord. Great guy...check out his website daily if you don't already: www.dunordfutbol.com.

Wizards Begin Open Cup Tonight at MIN

2009-06-30T18:28:00.004-05:00

Tonight, the Kansas City Wizards take on the Minnesota Thunder at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. The game kicks off at 7:35 p.m. CT and can be seen live online at www.USLlive.com. We will also be providing a live running commentary from the match here at Hillcrest Road. With just over an hour before kickoff, the lineups are now in. Here is how the teams will be lining up tonight:

Kansas City Wizards

------------------Pardo-------------------

Watson--Leathers--McKenzie--Marquess

---------------Morsink (c)-----------------

Harrington--------------------Espinoza

------------------Zusi-------------------

-----Kraus----------Thompson-----

Subs- Hartman, Hohlbein, Gomez, Lopez, Jewsbury, Wolff, Besler

Minnesota Thunder

---------------------------Nic Platter------------------------

Quavas Kirk--Andres Arango--Jon Greenfield--Andrew Peterson

---Jeremiah Bass----Lawrence Olum----Ricardo Sanchez---

Rod Dyachenko-------Brian Cvilikas---------Melvin Tarley

Subs- Matt Van Oekel, Chris Clements, Dale Weiler, Dan O'Brien, Geoffrey Myers, Marco Terminesi

Ready for Some Fireworks?

2009-06-30T16:28:00.004-05:00

Bring your family and friends out this Saturday to celebrate America's Independence Day with the Wizards. The match will start at 8 p.m., ensuring that the sky is adequately dark for fireworks after the match. The fireworks display is presented by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Fans will be allowed onto the field once players exit to watch fireworks from the game pitch. In addition, we will also host several family-friendly activities, including: apple bobbing, face painting, inflatable games for children and more.

Before the game, we'll host a dunk tank with proceeds benefiting the Kansas City Soccer Foundation. If you are coming to the game and want to see someone specific dunked, give us a call at 913.387.3400 to see if there are spots left. Don't yet have your tickets? Visit www.Ticketmaster.com/kcwizards or call us at the number above for more information. See you all Saturday!

Also Saturday, a group of serviceman from Whiteman Air Force Base will take on those from the U.S. Marine Corps from Belton in a soccer match on the game field at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The match will kick-off at 4 p.m. CT. Anyone with a ticket to the Wizards-Dynamo match will be able to watch the Air Force squad take on the Marine squad.

Kevin Hartman Featured on du Nord

2009-06-30T13:57:00.005-05:00

Wizards Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, the 2nd victim of the du Nord Questions.

I'm sure most of you have stopped by dunordfutbol at some point. If you haven't, it's the best place to go on a daily basis for links from around the world of soccer/football/futbol. Bruce McGuire, du Nord's excellent purveyor, is based here in the Twin Cities area and took advantage of our trip to face his beloved Thunder to set up a du Nord Questions session with our #1 Kevin Hartman. Mr. Paul Demko did the interview itself. Click over to du Nord to see the interview that spans from the USA's Confed Cup performance to Hartman's career to his book, Boots Saves the Day.

Wizards Pick up Draft Pick From Revs

2009-06-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

We've just finalized a deal with New England that brings us the Revs' natural 3rd round SuperDraft selection in exchange for an international roster spot. NE will keep that spot until Jan. 1, 2011. We're currently at 6 int'l spots (each US-based team starts at 8 before trades) after sending one to RSL in 2007. We get that one back Jan. 1, 2010. We've got three internationals currently on the roster: midfielder Santiago Hirsig (Argentina), forward Claudio Lopez (Argentina) and midfielder Kevin Souter (Scotland).

As you know, Roger Espinoza is from Honduras, but he has his paperwork and does not count as an international player by League standards. This is the second trade we've done with NE recently after acquiring Adam Cristman (who is nearing return from a broken toe suffered in preseason) last year just prior to Seattle's expansion draft.

ESPN World Cup Coverage

2009-06-29T17:41:00.005-05:00

Just a few hours after The Sporting Blog (blog on the Sporting News' website) called out ESPN for not sending announcers to the Confed Cup, ESPN responded (well, probably more like announced on their own without regard for being called out) by laying out some details for next summer's coverage of the World Cup. The names Chris Fowler, Bob Ley and Mike Tirico excite me. Hopefully they excite you too.

There are a slew of other Confed Cup related articles out there today, including this one from Greg Seltzer ranking the players. This one about Charlie Davies and the clubs chasing after him. And this less-related one about Edgar Castillo (left mid, left back) being willing to play for the USA after appearing for Mexico at the U-23 level. That would be an interesting change of heart for the New Mexico-born player, wouldn't it?

We're now in Minneapolis for tomorrow's U.S. Open Cup match against the Minnesota Thunder. You'll be able to watch the game live at USLlive.com or by following along with the running commentary here at Hillcrest Road. Better yet, set up two computers and follow both!

Wizards Fall to Santos Laguna

2009-06-28T20:41:00.004-05:00

Kansas City's first-ever SuperLiga appearance is now over after a 3-1 loss to Santos Laguna Sunday at sold-out CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Claudio Lopez bent a beautiful free kick over the wall and into the right side of the goal for his 1st SuperLiga tally and his 5th of the season. We now travel to Minnesota tomorrow for Tuesday's Open Cup match against the Minnesota Thunder. Hillcrest will be on the trip and provide a live blog from the match in Blaine, MN. You can watch the game online at www.USLlive.com.

· Kansas City finished their first-ever SuperLiga appearance 0-1-2, 2 pts.
· The Wizards sold out their 6th game of the season.
· Kansas City has sold out the last four home matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
· Kansas City is 2-5-3 all-time against club teams from Mexico in sanctioned matches.
· The Wizards are 1-3-0 against Santos Laguna in international competition.
· Santos has now advanced past the Wizards in two international tournaments (2001 Copa Merconorte, 2009 SuperLiga), while the Wizards advanced past Santos in the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
· Striker Claudio Lopez scored his 1st SuperLiga goal in the 80th minute, converting a beautiful free kick from 25 yards out.
· Lopez now has five goals for the Wizards in all competitions this season.
· Two of Lopez’s goals have come from similar free kicks over the wall.
· Each of Kansas City’s last seven games have featured at least one red card.
· Wizards forward Michael Kraus and Santos midfielder Johnny Garcia were shown red cards on the same play in the 87th minute.
· Kansas City was without goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, defender Chance Myers, midfielder Kevin Souter and striker Adam Cristman due to injury.
· Defender Jimmy Conrad left the match in the first half after aggravating a strained hamstring.
· The Wizards hosted a post-game clinic on the field at CAB Sunday after the match against Santos Laguna.
· The United States Men’s National Team fell 3-2 to world power Brazil today in the Confederations Cup final.
· Current MLS star Landon Donovan and former MLS standout Clint Dempsey scored goals for the USA.
· The USA is now 3-1-0 in June when playing on the same day as the Wizards.
· Wizards midfielder Davy Arnaud and defender Jimmy Conrad will join the U.S. team tomorrow in Seattle for preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
· Midfielder Roger Espinoza will be available Tuesday in the Open Cup match before joining Honduras for the Gold Cup.
· The Wizards return to play immediately, traveling to face the Minnesota Thunder Tuesday in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
· Kansas City returns to MLS play next Saturday, July 4 as the Houston Dynamo come to town.
· After the match, the Wizards will put on the largest fireworks display in Kansas City.
· The Wizards will host several family-friendly events to celebrate America’s Independence Day including: a dunk tank, soccer inflatables, apple bobbing, sidewalk chalk and a halftime relay race.

Quotes:
KANSAS CITY WIZARDS HEAD COACH CURT ONALFO
On the game
"It was disappointing...very disappointing. Especially when you feel like you have a chance to tie the game late. They (Santos Laguna) are an excellent team. They're traditionally one of the best teams in Mexico and have some pretty darn good players. It's a luxury to being able to bring a national team midfielder in Arce to defend a lead at the end of the game. We came out and tried to win the game. Obviously, we fell behind and we kept pushing the game and went forward because we wanted to make sure we did that. However, sometimes you become vulnerable. You have to credit Santos for taking advantage of those (counter-attack) situations. Having said that, we had plenty of chances to put the ball in the back of the net and hit a couple off the cross bar."

On the sellout crowd Sunday
“Obviously it was a very passionate crowd tonight. I think we saw a lot of new faces in the crowd, and hopefully they enjoyed the game and will come back and support us next time we play at home.”

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS GOALKEEPER KEVIN HARTMAN
On the changes in defense during the game
“It's a big tournament so you expect those kind of things. We're going to put players that give us the chance to get through to the next round out there. That being said, those are the guys who have gotten results throughout the tournament and in the previous game against New England. Jack Jewsbury was the defender of the year for us last season, so he's going to be able to get in there and get results for us. Unfortunately we weren't able to beat a very good Santos Laguna team.”

On the game
“There were times when we didn't necessarily take care of the basics, and they were able to score as a result.”

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS DEFENDER JIMMY CONRAD
On joining the U.S. National Team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup
“I'm honored to be called to the Gold Cup. A breakthrough event (in my career) was in 2005 for the Gold Cup. It has a special place in my heart. We've got a young roster. Obviously, we're going to build off the success from the Confederations Cup, and it should be a good time. We're the favorites, so there is a little bit of pressure. I like our squad, and I like our guys. There's a good vibe around U.S. Soccer right now and hopefully we can parlay that into a Gold Cup Championship.”

SANTOS LAGUNA HEAD COACH SERGIO BUENO
On scoring three goals in the final group-play game
A: Well yes, it took a while for us to score the goals. I think we had various offensive chances to convert earlier but the goals came at an opportune time.

On his team’s chances of winning SuperLiga
“Well, we are going to try. We think that we can. The most important thing is that we want to win, so we will see if we are able to do so.”

On the Santos fans in attendance
“It’s a nice surprise that so many people have shown up to cheer on the team, and it’s just great for us.”

Watch Parties Sunday/MIN USOC Game

2009-06-26T17:21:00.004-05:00

Many of you have probably seen the Facebook event set up for a watch party Sunday at Hooters across from CAB for the USA's epic battle against Brazil for the Confederations Cup title. Ok, maybe epic battle is a bit much, but it should be a great game for U.S. fans, no? The game starts at 1:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN. There will be a half-hour pregame show as well, if you're interested in that.

If Hooters gets too full or isn't your pick of an eating/drinking establishment, feel free to join groups at Cleatz Bar and Grill at the Legends. The Cleatz party will feature half-off appetizers, buckets $15, $4 bomb shots, $2 wells and $1 soco lime shots. Also, feel free to stop by one of the 810 Zones if you will have time to make it to the stadium afterward for our match. They're always happy to turn the game on.

Also, we just got confirmation that Tuesday's match will be broadcast live at USLlive.com. Make sure you have the computer handy. There is no charge to watch the game, but you must register for a free account.

Kansas City College Showcase

2009-06-26T15:13:00.003-05:00

This went out in our weekly update this week, but we wanted to make sure everyone is aware. We'll be co-hosting a college showcase July 25-26 at our Swope Park Training Center and William Jewell College. Details:

The Kansas City Wizards, Raytown Soccer Club and William Jewell College will host the 2nd annual Kansas City College Showcase July 25-26. The event will take place at William Jewell College and the Wizards’ Swope Park Training Center. KCW Juniors U-16 and U-18 teams will take part in the showcase. Registration costs $800 per team and includes a voucher for a Kansas City Wizards ticket during the 2009 season. Each team will play three games in the showcase, with at least one taking place at the Kansas City Wizards training facility. To register for the tournament, follow this link.

SuperLiga (Group Stage) Finale

2009-06-26T13:53:00.005-05:00

As most of you know, we play Santos Laguna to wrap up SuperLiga group play. Don't forget that the match is Special Game A for season ticket holders. A win will clinch our advancement. If we tie and New England beats Atlas, we are also through. Here are the rest of the scenarios:

The winner between Revolution v Atlas will qualify for the semifinals. If the Revolution-Atlas match is a tie, then the Revs will qualify for the semifinals. The only way the Revolution cannot be in the semifinals is if Atlas and Kansas City both win.

If NE wins, and KC wins, then NE (1) and KC (2) are in the semis
If NE wins, and SAN wins, then NE (1) and SAN (2) are in the semis
If NE wins, and KC-SAN tie, then NE (1) and KC (2) are in the semis

If ATS wins, and KC wins, then ATS and KC are in the semis. The group placings will be decided by the respective margin of victories (each have 0 GD right now).
If ATS wins, and SAN wins, then ATS (1) and NE (2) are in the semis (NE on HTH)
If ATS wins, and KC-SAN tie, then ATS (1) and NE (2) are in the semis

If NE-ATS is a tie, and KC wins, then NE and KC are in the semis. KC will win the group if they win by three goals or more, or if they win by a 4-2 score, the group winner will be decided by coinflip.
If NE-ATS is a tie, and SAN wins, then NE (1) and SAN (2) are in the semis
If NE-ATS is a tie, and KC-SAN tie, then NE (1) is in the semis. KC and ATS will be tied with 3 pts and 0 GD; the winner of the group will be decided on goals scored (now: KC 1 GF; ATS 0 GF).

Here's a video put together by our friends at El Mundo Latino recapping our match in St. Louis last Sunday:

Great Read on U.S. Soccer

2009-06-25T16:56:00.003-05:00

We've been National-Team centric around here lately, but that's ok right? It's that time of year. I wanted to post a story from Stefan Fatsis at Sports Illustrated. As you read in the article, Fatsis is a big U.S. Soccer fan, though he doesn't currently regularly write about the sport (perhaps that's on purpose...harder to be a fan when you're reporting on the team). Fatsis goes a little deeper than most and breaks down the Euro-snobbery from a sociopolitical perspective. Enjoy!

Arnaud, Conrad, Espinoza Called to Gold Cup

2009-06-25T16:10:00.004-05:00

Arnaud and Conrad will be joining the U.S. National Team for the upcoming Gold Cup.

Reports from Honduras have told us that Espinoza will be on Los Catrachos' Gold Cup team. Today, U.S. Soccer announced that teammates Davy Arnaud and Jimmy Conrad will be joining Espinoza in the competition (and the same group). Arnaud and Conrad will join the U.S. Monday for training in Seattle, while Espinoza will join Honduras after next Tuesday's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at the Minnesota Thunder (USL-1). Players will rejoin the Wizards two days after their national team is eliminated from the tournament.

The teams kick off the tournament as part of a double header July 4 at Qwest Field in Seattle. Honduras will face Haiti at 6 p.m. CT, while the U.S. will play Grenada at 8 p.m. CT. The teams play one another Wednesday, July 8 at 8 p.m. CT at RFK Stadium in D.C. Group play then wraps up Saturday, July 11 as part of a tripleheader at Gillette Stadium. That day, the Wizards will play the Revolution at 3 p.m. CT. The U.S. will then play Haiti at 6 p.m. CT, with Honduras facing Grenada at 8 p.m. CT. It will be a long day of soccer in Foxborough! For the full Gold Cup schedule, click here.

CONCACAF says of the US:
The two-time defending champion United States has had the benefit of playing all or part of every Gold Cup on home soil since the tournament began in 1991. Besides its four titles, it has finished runner-up twice and never failed to reach the quarterfinals. It qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years when it advanced to Italy in 1990, and has not failed to reach the quadrennial world championship finals since – boosted by the advent of Major League Soccer in 1996. It has become a perennial power in the CONCACAF region at all levels, regularly qualifying for FIFA World Cups in both men’s and women’s competitions. In Gold Cup play, the United States has won 34 of its 43 matches and lost only four, outscoring its opponents 81-26.

CONCACAF says of Honduras:
As one of the top-five finishers in the UNCAF Nations Cup, Honduras, a late host of the event after Panama was unable to secure an adequate stadium, qualified for its ninth Gold Cup. Los Catrachos fell to eventual champion Panama in the semifinals, but came back to defeat El Salvador in the third-place match. Since a third-place finish in the 2001 Copa America, Honduras has been on a steady rise and is now considered one of the top squads in CONCACAF. Only once (2002) has Honduras failed to qualify for the Gold Cup and it reached the quarterfinals in 2007 before being upset by Guadeloupe. Honduras has reached the FIFA World Cup final once, in 1982, and is still alive in the final hexagonal stage.

USA 2-0 Spain

2009-06-25T01:11:00.002-05:00

Relive it here:

Then re-read the in-game commentary. This snarky British fella didn't think we stood a chance. Did anyone outside the U.S. locker room?

Wiz Tie Revs, Control SuperLiga Destiny

2009-06-24T23:09:00.002-05:00

A win and we're in, we know that. A tie and a Revs win, and we're in. After that, it gets trickier. If we tie and Atlas ties NE, then it comes down to total goals scored (by both being 0-0-3, we'd be even on goal differential at 0). If we're tied on total goals scored, it's a coin flip. Herc has been causing NE a lot of problems hasn't he? He's been responsible for creating two NE own goals in the last two games against them. Nicely down Mr. Gomez.

Notables
· Kansas is now 0-0-2, 2 pts in Group B of SuperLiga 2009.
· The Wizards will secure a berth in the SuperLiga semifinals with a win Sunday against Santos Laguna at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
· Kansas City will advance with a tie if New England defeats Atlas.
· The Wizards could advance if both games end in draws, but only if they have scored more total goals than Atlas.
· Kansas City enters Sunday with one goal scored in the tournament, while Atlas has none.
· If the Wizards and Atlas are tied on points and have the same number of total goals, the advancing team will be determined by a coin flip.
· Kansas City would win the group with a win and an Atlas win if the Wizards have a higher goal differential than Atlas, or the same goal differential with more goals scored.
· Chicago Fire
· The Wizards are now 18-11-8 all-time against the Revolution in all competitions.
· Kansas City is 9-5-5 against the Revs in New England.
· The last three matches between Kansas City and New England have seen a Revs player ejected.
· Kansas City is 2-0-1 in those games.
· Each of Kansas City’s last six games have featured at least one red card.
· Wizards attacker Herculez Gomez has created a pair of own goals in the last two encounters against the Revolution.
· Kansas City now hosts Santos Laguna next Sunday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
· Kansas City is 2-4-3 all-time against club teams from Mexico.
· Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza missed the match after being shown a red card in second-half stoppage time last Sunday against FC Atlas.
· Kansas City was without goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, defender Chance Myers, defender Jimmy Conrad, midfielder Kevin Souter and striker Adam Cristman due to injury.
· The Wizards will host a post-game clinic on the field at CAB Sunday after the match against Santos Laguna. For details on participating in the clinic, contact the Wizards at (913) 568-2213.
· The United States Men’s National Team advanced to the finals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa Wednesday with a 2-0 win over world #1 Spain.
· Former MLS standouts Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey scored goals for the USA, and former MLS goalkeeper Tim Howard posted the shutout.
· The final match will be played Sunday at 1:30 p.m. CT against the winner of Brazil and South Africa, who play tomorrow.
· The match is scheduled to be shown live on ESPN2.
· The USA is now 3-0-0 in June when playing on the same day as the Wizards.

Quotes:

Kansas City Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo
On whether he was happy with the result
“We just finished playing two games away from home, we have two points, and our destiny’s in our own hands as we go home to Kansas City to play a very good Santos team. Would I have liked to get three points with 11 players against 10? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, the game’s 90 minutes … we got ourselves a late goal, we pushed to almost get another one at the end. We’ll take the point, dust ourselves off, get ourselves regenerated a little bit, as we go home to play Santos on Sunday.”

On his team’s performance
“I think we probably started the game slowly. I was not pleased with the overall first half performance, except for maybe five or six minutes. I thought that we didn’t win enough first and second balls. I think we were lucky to only be down 1-0, honestly. But I thought we regrouped; I thought we fought extremely hard. Obviously they had one less player so they just dropped back. On the wet turf, now all of a sudden you need to be even more precise in your passing, you need to break down low pressure, and that’s something that I thought it took us a while to get used to. But having said that, we finally got our goal and had another chance to get the second, so I thought the second half performance was better than the first.”

On halftime adjustments
“We switched to a 4-3-3, and we wanted to get the ball wide and get some service into the box. Claudio (Lopez) is a very good server of the ball and I thought that when he got the ball in the wide channels we were dangerous. Once we put Herculez (Gomez) on the other side, I thought we started causing issues and we have to do that a little bit quicker and a little bit earlier. But certainly we had a lot of success when we got the ball wide and put service into the box.”

Kansas City Wizards midfielder Herculez Gomez
On how he is feeling after Sunday
“Well obviously, I’m a little embarrassed. I’m from Vegas and it gets pretty hot in Vegas, so that’s the first time that I had heat stroke or symptoms like heat stroke. But I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to play soccer.

On Curt Onalfo giving Herculez the opportunity to play
“Well (Curt Onalfo) told me to get out there, and give us some energy and be effective. So it was an opportunity to play soccer and it’s something we can’t take for granted. It’s one of those games you want to play in. Especially for a player like me, with the elements and the field being wet, you can get at defenders. The game is on turf so the ball bounces a little more. Lately, I’ve been feeling great on these surfaces in front of the goal. These SuperLiga balls are great so I try to take advantage of it.”

What did you see on the goal
“Well Davy (Arnaud) put in a good ball out wide, and I felt the ball getting away from me so I did one of those all or nothing lunges, and I happened to get enough of it to keep it in front of me. So at that point, it’s just getting the ball across the face of the goal and be dangerous with it. You’re not trying to pick out a player, but you’re just trying to get it across the face of the goal, and you hope it goes off one of their guys or one of ours. That’s what you’re instructed to do at that moment and that’s what I did.”

The importance of getting a draw going into Sunday
“Obviously, we’re a little disappointed we didn’t get a better result, but you got to give it to New England. They battled for almost an hour a man down. It’s not an easy thing to do. We’ve seen our fair share of reds this year, but we definitely would have liked to get out of here with more than a point, but we will take a point.”

USA WINS!! ...and the Wizards Play in 40 min

2009-06-24T17:20:00.005-05:00

The Wizards resume SuperLiga play tonight with a contest against the New England Revolution in SuperLiga Group B action. Lineups are in. Check our Twitter feed for the Wizards lineup.

Oh by the way, the USA pulled off perhaps the biggest upset in our Men's National Team's history. Check out what some websites from around the world are saying about the match:

ESPN.com

SI.com

Marca.com (Spain)

Ole.com.ar

Diez.hn

Soccernet.com

Fifa.com

USsoccer.com

MLSnet.com

Get to 810 Zone Quick!

2009-06-24T12:44:00.002-05:00

Hillcrest here checking in from Patriot Place right outside Gillette Stadium up in Foxborough. The guys are resting up for our SuperLiga match tonight against the Revs and getting excited about the USA-Spain Confed Cup game that kicks off in about 45 minutes.

If you're still at work or home reading this, you have just a little bit of time to start your long lunch break and get to 810 Zone either on the Plaza or in Leawood at Town Center. Budweiser is again sponsoring a watch party for this important USA match. Winning will be no small task, as Spain is 15-0-0 in their last 15 games. Yes, that's a world record. Enjoy the match. Let's go USA!

If you're a Tweeter, make sure to include #USMNT in your Tweets today so that the whole country knows how we're doing.