MLS Sporting Kansas City

Kansas City Wizards Host Los Angeles Galaxy

July 24, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


(July 24, 2009) - The Kansas City Wizards (5-6-5, 20 pts) host the Los Angeles Galaxy (6-3-9, 27 pts) Saturday night at 8 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in a match presented by M&I Bank. The match will be broadcast live nationally on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Six points out of the final MLS Cup playoff spot with two games in hand, the Wizards will look to climb closer to the top of the table as England international David Beckham and USA superstar Landon Donovan come to town. Beckham is scheduled to make his 2nd MLS appearance of 2009 and his second-ever appearance in Kansas City.

Kansas City has sold out seven matches in 2009, including the last five consecutively. All fans are encouraged to arrive early to the expected sellout. For more information on tickets, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400. Gates will open at 6 p.m. CT to accommodate the high traffic volume. Teams are scheduled to begin warm-ups around 7:15 p.m. CT. Wizards fans are encouraged to wear Wizards blue in an effort to "blue-out" the Galaxy. Fans are also encouraged to make creative and appropriate ESPN2 signs for a contest staged throughout the match.

Kansas City and Los Angeles met on May 30, with the Wizards earning a road point in a 1-1 tie. Davy Arnaud scored for the Wizards before Edson Buddle answered late for Los Angeles, bringing the all-time series to 21-16-8 in favor of the Galaxy. The Wizards are 12-8-2 all-time against Los Angeles at home, including a decisive 2-0 win over the Galaxy last season in Beckham's first appearance in Kansas City.

Galaxy enter the match with a four-game winning streak, including a 3-1 victory at the New York Red Bulls on Beckham's 2009 MLS debut July 16. The Wizards are 2-2-3 in their last seven MLS games, including wins over Real Salt Lake and the New England Revolution. Kansas City had a bye last weekend and has two games in hand over the three teams immediately ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings (D.C. United, Columbus Crew and Toronto FC).

Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman will play against a Los Angeles team for which he spent 10 years playing until a trade to Kansas City before the 2007 season. Kansas City midfielder Herculez Gomez also began his career with the Galaxy, and LA midfielder Chris Klein started his career for the Wizards. Kansas City activated striker Adam Cristman from the Disabled List Friday in advance of Saturday's contest. Cristman, 24, had been on the DL since the start of the season after suffering a fractured toe late in preparations for the 2009 campaign.

The Wizards, game sponsor M&I Bank and 94.9 KCMO are teaming up this year to assist the Kansas City School District and City Union Mission in providing school supplies for children less fortunate in the greater Kansas City area. Collection bins will be staged at all three gates. Fans are encouraged to bring school supplies, or donate money at the match. Fans that bring three or more items for the drive will receive a drawstring bag courtesy of M&I Bank. Wizards player wives will staff the gates to help collect school supplies, and 94.9 KCMO will be set up outside the stadium with a live radio remote.

Saturday's Charity of the Game, presented by Polsinelli Shughart Law Firm, is Don Bosco Community Center. Don Bosco is a group of six interrelated centers that act as a comprehensive social service agency, addressing daily issues and needs of the residents of Northeast Kansas City Missouri. Don Bosco is the Charity of the Game are conducting a 50/50 raffle at their table behind Section 100.

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