MLS Sporting Kansas City

Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update

Published on May 3, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


Wizards Host Chicago Fire on Metro Sports "Chris Klein Bobblehead Night" Saturday, May 8th

The Kansas City Wizards will play the second game of their two-game home stand on Saturday, May 8th when they host the Chicago Fire at Arrowhead Stadium. The second of three meetings with the Fire this season will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. CT. Saturday is Chris Klein Bobblehead night and the first 5,000 fans in the stadium will get a Chris Klein bobblehead doll, compliments of Metro Sports.

Both Chicago and Kansas City are coming off dramatic victories over the past weekend, both handing their opponents their first loss of the season. Kansas City knocked off the previously unbeaten Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Arrowhead after scoring both goals in the second half while playing with only 10 men. Chicago posted a 3-0 win handing the MetroStars their first loss of the year and moving the Fire into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference with eight points.

Saturday will feature a rematch of the 2004 season opener in which the two teams battled to a scoreless tie at Arrowhead. In that match, Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola picked up his MLS all-time record 49th career clean sheet, while Fire 'keeper Henry Ring picked up his first career shutout.

The Wizards will be without defender Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. who received a red card in last Saturday's match and will be forced to serve a one-game suspension. Burciaga was in the starting lineup against Colorado replacing injured defender Nick Garcia who is suffering from inflammation of the third metatarsal in his right foot. Garcia could also miss this Saturday's match if his condition does not improve. Newly signed Serbian defender Vuk Rasovic could get his first playing opportunity on the Wizards back line.

Rules for Bobblehead Distribution

With 5,000 Chris Klein Bobbleheads available at Saturday's match, the Wizards have announced a distribution policy to ensure that all fans have an equal opportunity. Bobbleheads will be distributed at Gates B, C and D of the Stadium and distribution will begin when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. Each ticket holder MUST BE present in line to receive a bobblehead, NO EXCEPTIONS. Once a fan receives a bobblehead, their ticket will be marked. Distribution will take place outside of Gates B, C, & D allowing fans to return to their vehicles before entering the stadium. Once inside the stadium, no re-entry will be permitted.

Mid-Week Exhibition on Tap in Sedalia, MO on Wednesday, May 5th

Sandwiched in the middle of their back-to-back MLS home games, the Wizards will play an exhibition match on Wednesday, May 5th in Sedalia, Missouri against the Kansas City Brass of the PDL. The match will take place at Susie Ditzfeld Memorial Field and will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Wednesday's exhibition marks the second consecutive season the Wizards have played in Sedalia, located about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City. The match is the fifth of six scheduled matches as part of the Wizards 2nd Annual Mid-America Barnstorming Exhibition Tour. Tickets to the exhibition are just $10 and can be purchased by calling 660-826-5157.

This Week with the Wizards

Conrad and Graham Visit Children's Mercy Hospital - May 4th

Wizards defenders Jimmy Conrad and Taylor Graham will visit Children's Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, May 4th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Both Conrad and Graham pick up where they left off last season making monthly stops at both Children's Mercy and KU Medical Center. The players talk with young patients and sign autographs. For more information please call 816-920-4739.

Dynamo at Cerner Corporation - May 4th

Dynamo will visit the Cerner Corporation on Tuesday, May 4th from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to promote Cerner Night with the Wizards on Saturday, May 8th. For more information call 816-920-4740.

Klein Signs Autographs at Wizards Post-Game Party in the Pavilion at Arrowhead - May 8th

The Wizards will celebrate Metro Sports Chris Klein Bobblehead Night at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, May 8th. Following the game midfielder Chris Klein will be available for a 45-minute postgame autograph session in the Pavilion at Arrowhead. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call the Wizards office at 816-920-9300.

Meola, Preki & Zavagnin Meet With Local Soccer Clubs After Wizards Game - May 8th

Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola and midfielders Preki and Kerry Zavagnin will meet a select number of youth soccer clubs following the Wizards game on Saturday, May 8th. To learn how your youth soccer club can get involved please call the Wizards Youth Soccer Department at 816-920-9300.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

Tony Meola, Chris Klein and Kerry Zavagnin at Parkville Price Chopper - Thursday, May 13th. Special appearances from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Meola 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 pm., Klein 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Zavagnin 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). All players will be available for autographs at the appearance. Price Chopper is located at 9107 NW 45 Hwy in Parkville, MO.

Preki Soccer Clinic - Saturday, May 22nd - Wizards / Chiefs Indoor Practice Facility - 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Admission is a ticket to the Wizards game on Saturday, May 22nd. RSVP to Kim O'Dell at 816-920-4730.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 3, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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