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Sporting Kansas City

Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update

February 9, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


TRAINING RESUMES IN KANSAS CITY FRIDAY:

The Kansas City Wizards will conclude the pre-season trip in Bradenton, Fla. this week. Last Wednesday, Kansas City defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2 after falling behind 2-0 at halftime. The Wizards then played to a wild 4-4 draw Saturday with 2008 MLS Cup runners-up New York Red Bulls. Striker Claudio Lopez scored twice in the tie with New York, while Josh Wolff contributed three assists. The Wizards return to Kansas City Wednesday evening and will begin training at the team's Swope Park Training Center Friday morning at 11 a.m. CT.

UPCOMING TRAINING SCHEDULE Day, Date Time Location

Friday, Feb. 13 11 a.m. Swope Park Training Center

Monday, Feb. 16 11 a.m. Swope Park Training Center

Tuesday, Feb. 17 11 a.m. Swope Park Training Center

Wednesday, Feb. 18 Depart for Guadalajara, Mexico

2009 TRAINING CAMPS

Dates Location

Jan. 29 - Feb. 11 Training Camp in Bradenton, Fla.

Feb. 13 - Feb. 17 Training in Kansas City

Feb. 19 - March 4 Training Camp in Guadalajara, Mexico

JEWSBURY RETURNS, ESPINOZA REMAINS WITH HONDURAS:

Wizards Midfielder Jack Jewsbury is now back with the team in Bradenton following four weeks of training with the U.S. National Team in Carson, Calif. Jewsbury joined the Wizards over the weekend and will resume normal training with the squad. Midfielder Roger Espinoza remains with the Honduras National Team ahead of Wednesday's World Cup Qualifier at Costa Rica. Espinoza will join the Wizards late this week in Kansas City after the completion of National Team duty.

WIZARDS LAUNCH "HILLCREST ROAD" ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER:

On Friday, Kansas City Wizards team blog Hillcrest Road moved to Facebook. Fans can now follow the official team blog via the Facebook social networking site. Followers are encouraged to upload their own photos and videos from Wizards games and events. Find the Wizards Facebook by searching for "Kansas City Wizards - Hillcrest Road" or going directly to the page.

Hillcrest Road is also on the social media site Twitter. Find the Wizards at Twitter.com/Hillcrest_Road.

READ JOSH WOLFF QUESTION/ANSWER AT KCWIZARDS.COM:

Striker Josh Wolff took time to answer questions for kcwizards.com. Wolff returned to Kansas City last season after spending 18 months at 1860 Munich of the 2.Bundesliga. See what the veteran forward has to say about the current talent level in MLS, his goals for the team and more.

DEMOLITION CONTINUES AT BANNISTER MALL:

Last week, demolition commenced at Bannister Mall, the future site of a soccer-specific stadium for the Kansas City Wizards. For photos from last week, visit this photo gallery at kcwizards.com.

For the latest on The Trails Development, LANE4 Property Group's $1 billion project in Southeast Kansas City that will include a soccer-specific stadium for the Kansas City Wizards, visit www.thetrailskc.com. This website includes all the relevant facts and figures on the project, including initial renderings and a preliminary site plan.

WIZARDS LOWER SEASON TICKET PRICES FOR 2009:

The Kansas City Wizards have lowered prices for season ticket holders from their 2008 rates and will continue to offer free parking at all events. Kansas City also introduced two exciting new seating options: All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Table Seats. Wizards fans who put down a new season ticket deposit for the 2009 season will receive a free season ticket holder scarf. To purchase season tickets for 2009, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400.

In addition to their existing seating categories, the Wizards are adding All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Tables for fans who enjoy premium entertainment options. All-You-Can-Eat Seats will be located in section 106 and allow patrons unlimited food and drink during the game. Full-Service Terrace Tables are high-tops around the stadium and will include unlimited drinks during each match.

OPEN TRYOUTS RETURN FOR YEAR 2:

The Kansas City Wizards will hold its second-annual open tryouts March 7-8, 2009 in Kansas City. The Wizards held an open tryout in 2008 for the first time since their inaugural 1996 season, with the event drawing over 200 players from 15 different countries. Two players eventually signed for Kansas City, midfielders Kevin Souter and Nelson Pizarro. Both went on to play in MLS matches for the Wizards in 2008, and Souter started the final four games of the regular season and both MLS Cup Playoff matches for Kansas City. The tryout costs $200, and players can sign up through www.kcwizards.com/opentryout.

Participants will take part in matches Saturday, with the top players called back for Sunday's session. Finalists will then get the opportunity to tryout with the Wizards first team in March with the chance of securing a contract. Final tryout location and times will be provided to each participant closer to the event.

Kansas City Wizards Open Tryouts

March 7-8, 2009

Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center

6310 Lewis Road

Kansas City, MO 64132

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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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