Igor Simutenkov Inks New Deal with Wizards
Published on January 27, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO (Tuesday, January 27, 2004) - Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today that forward Igor Simutenkov has signed a new multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer and will remain with the Wizards for the upcoming 2004 season. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Igor is a difference maker," said Johnson. He puts defenders on their heels and is a proven goal scorer. To be able to retain him is a huge coup for us. It looked unlikely for a while, given our tight salary cap constraints, but I am very pleased we were able to keep Igor in Wizards blue."
Simutenkov's return keeps in tact a Wizards attack that finished third in the league in scoring last year with 48 goals. Simutenkov finished second on the team in scoring with 17 points (7g, 3a) despite appearing in just 21 matches. In a season and a half in Kansas City, the Russian striker has scored 30 points (11 g, 8a) in 40 career appearances, including 36 starts.
The 30-year-old native of Moscow, Russia joined the Wizards midway through the 2002 season after being signed as a foreign allocation. He has now played at the top level of competition in four different countries (United States, Spain, Italy and Russia) as well as appearing for the Russian National Team.
Prior to joining the Wizards in 2002, he spent three seasons with Tenerife in Spain and helped them get promoted from the Spanish Second Division in 2000 to "La Liga" (Spanish First Division) in 2001. Simutenkov spent the 1998/1999 season with Bologna of the Italian Serie A (Italy's top league). He played for Reggina of the Italian Serie B (Italy's second division) from 1994 to 1998.
Simutenkov began his professional career in 1990 at the age of 17. He played for Dinamo Moscow of the Russian Premier Division from 1990 to 1994. He led the league in scoring during the 1994 season, scoring 21 goals in 27 games. The Russian international has appeared in 20 matches for the Russian National Team between 1996 and 1998. He has scored nine international goals including four during Qualifying for the 1998 World Cup.
Major League Soccer Stories from January 27, 2004
- Earthquakes Announce 2004 Schedule - San Jose Earthquakes
- Columbus Crew Announces 2004 Season Schedule - Columbus Crew SC
- Dallas Burn Releases 2004 Schedule - FC Dallas
- Igor Simutenkov Inks New Deal with Wizards - Sporting Kansas City
- Revolution Announces 2004 MLS Schedule - New England Revolution
- Chicago Fire Releases 2004 MLS Regular Season Schedule - Chicago Fire FC
- MetroStars 2004 schedule unveiled - Red Bull New York
- Galaxy announce 2004 schedule - LA Galaxy
- D.C. United Unveils 2004 MLS Schedule - D.C. United
- Wizards 2004 Schedule Filled with Compelling Match-ups, Home Opener April 3rd - Sporting Kansas City
- MLS Announces 2004 Schedule Dates and Opponents - MLS
- Midfielder Andy Williams Rejoins Chicago Fire - Chicago Fire FC
- Former MLS and U.S. National Team Star Alexi Lalas Named President and General Manager of Earthquake - San Jose Earthquakes
- MLS Subject to FIFA-regulated Player Transfer Windows - MLS
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