Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update
Published on April 20, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
The Kansas City Wizards enter their first two-game week of the 2009 season on a 2-0-1 streak that includes wins over Seattle Sounders FC and the San Jose Earthquakes and a road tie against the first-place Chicago Fire. The Wizards host the New York Red Bulls Thursday in a nationally televised match on ESPN2, then travel to take on Toronto FC Sunday at BMO Field. The week's press conference has been moved to Wednesday afternoon at the Swope Park Training Center due Thursday's game.
Date Time Location
Tuesday, April 21 10 a.m. CT Swope Park Training Center
Wednesday, April 22 10 a.m. CT Swope Park Training Center (Press Conference 12:30 p.m. CT)
Thursday, April 23 7 p.m. CT CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City vs. New York on ESPN2
Friday, April 24 10 a.m. CT Swope Park Training Center
Sunday, April 26 4:00 p.m. CT BMO Field - Kansas City at Toronto FC on Metro Sports
WIZARDS FANS ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE EARLY THURSDAY:
All Kansas City Wizards fans are encouraged to arrive early for Thursday night's match against the New York Red Bulls at 7 p.m. CT. Gates at CommunityAmerica Ballpark will open at 5:30 p.m. CT. Due to giveaways, pre-game events and altered parking plans for the match, fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible.
Wizards fans will not have access to the outer West parking lot at Nebraska Furniture Mart due to another event Thursday night. Fans are encouraged to utilize the parking lot outside TJ Maxx or use the outer lots at Cabela's. The Wizards will add a stop on the parking shuttle route for fans who park in the outer lots at Cabela's. The Wizards are very appreciative of Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabela's, The Legends and Red Development for their cooperation and the use of their parking facilities during matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
JOSH WOLFF NAMED MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK, UP FOR GOAL OF THE WEEK AWARD:
Kansas City Wizards forward Josh Wolff has been honored with his 6th career MLS Player of the Week award for his two-goal performance Saturday. The Wizards came back from a two-goal deficit after Wolff scored his first two goals of the 2009 season late in Saturday's contest against the Chicago Fire, Wolff's former team. Wolff now has 64 career goals, ranking 16th all-time in MLS. He ranks 9th in career goals among active MLS players. Wolff is also nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week award. Fans can vote for Wolff's first strike from Saturday at www.kcwizards.com.
"It's always nice to received an individual honor like this," Wolff said. "Our team showed a great will to win, pushing forward those last 15 minutes. The important thing from Saturday was that we worked hard for each other to get a point out of the match. Now we look forward to coming back home and playing well in front of our fans Thursday against New York."
The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected each week of the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com.
2009 MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS
WEEK 1: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC) WEEK 2: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC) WEEK 3: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids) WEEK 4: Donovan Ricketts (Los Angeles Galaxy)
WEEK 5: Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)
WOLFF PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS Year Week Team
1998 27 Chicago Fire
2002 17 Chicago Fire
2005 7 Kansas City Wizards
2005 20 Kansas City Wizards
2006 27 Kansas City Wizards
2009 5 Kansas City Wizards
THURSDAY'S MATCH FEATURES JIMMY CONRAD BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY:
In addition to the exciting match-up against the New York Red Bulls, Kansas City's game Thursday at 7 p.m. CT will feature plenty of promotional perks surrounding the game itself. The first 5,000 fans into the stadium will receive a Jimmy Conrad bobblehead, and all fans will receive thundersticks, both courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Wizards season ticket holders will also be able to collect their 2009 Kansas City Wizards scarves that were included in each season ticket holder package.
MATTHEWS, STARR TO JUDGE ESPN2 SIGN CONTEST:
ESPN2 will broadcast the Red Bulls match Thursday, marking the first ESPN home broadcast since the Wizards moved to CommunityAmerica Ballpark prior to the 2008 season. To celebrate the occasion, local media celebrities Jenny Matthews of Mix 93.3 and Holly Starr of 38 the Spot will judge an ESPN2 sign-making contest. Fans are encouraged to hold up signs for the ESPN2 cameras. Jenny and Holly will pick the best, and the lucky sign-maker will win a seat upgrade courtesy of the Wizards.
HARTMAN TO BE HONORED THURSDAY:
Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman broke the all-time MLS saves record during the first half of the match against the Colorado Rapids March 28. The Kansas City Wizards will honor Hartman this Thursday before kickoff for breaking his latest MLS record. Wizards President Robb Heineman and Technical Director Peter Vermes will present Hartman with a display featuring replicas of the jersey and goalkeeper gloves he wore March 28 when his four saves against the Colorado Rapids surpassed the mark of Tony Meola for the all-time MLS lead.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for the April 5 match against San Jose but was postponed due to the poor weather. Hartman presented his game-worn jersey and gloves from March 28 to National Soccer Hall of Fame Director of Museum and Archives Jack Huckel after the game April 5. After Saturday's six-save performance in a tie with Chicago, Hartman stands on 1148 career stops. Hartman is now the League's all-time leader in wins (140), shutouts (79) and saves.
WIZARDS, CAULDRON HOLD PASSBACK DRIVE THURSDAY:
The Kansas City Wizards and their supporters' section, The Cauldron, are excited to take part in the US Soccer Foundation's Passback Program. The Passback Drive is a grassroots initiative with a goal of increasing the collection of new and gently used gear and equipment by 40% for disadvantaged and "at-risk" soccer communities nationally and abroad. Each season, the soccer equipment drive will be held on the Kansas City Wizards official Passback Night from the time the gates open until the start of the game
The 2009 Passback Drive will be held before this Thursday's game against the New York Red Bulls. Collection bins will be placed at each gate and items will be accepted once the gates open. Make sure to bring your donations early, as the first 250 donors will receive a Passback T-shirt, courtesy of All-American Indoor Sports. Please come out and support the 2009 Passback Drive. Family budgets are tight and there is a lot of need in the Kansas City area. You can help make a difference.
THURSDAY'S GAME BROADCAST LIVE ON SPORTS RADIO 810 WHB:
Thursday's game against New York will be the first 2009 match to be broadcast locally on English-language radio. The match will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB starting at 7 p.m. CT. Dave Borchardt will handle play-by-play duties, with injured Wizards forward Adam Cristman joining him in the booth.
BATTLE OF STATE CHAMPIONS TAKES PLACE THURSDAY BEFORE MLS MATCH:
The 2008 Kansas State Champions St. James Academy Varsity Soccer Lady Thunder will play the Missouri State Champions Incarnate Word Academy of St. Louis Thursday at 3:15 p.m. CT before the Wizards match at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The St. James Academy dance team and drum line will perform at halftime of the high school contest. Fans can only enter the high school match with a ticket to the Kansas City-New York MLS game. All fans who enter CommunityAmerica Ballpark for the high school match will be asked to leave the stadium after the conclusion of the game and will be able to re-enter the facility after gates open at 5:30 p.m. CT.
WATCH PARTY SUNDAY AGAIN AT COACH'S BAR AND GRILL:
For the third straight away match, Kansas City Wizards fans are encouraged to gather at Coach's Bar and Grill on 103rd street near Wornall in KCMO. Each of the last two events has featured a packed house full of Wizards supporters. Coach's will again offer drink specials to Wizards fans who watch the game together at their establishment.
DEFENDER CHANCE MYERS FEATURED AT COSMOGIRL.COM:
Second-year Wizards defender Chance Myers is one of 15 MLS players featured at CosmoGirl.com. Major League Soccer and CosmoGirl.com unveiled today an online photo gallery where readers can comment on who they believe is the best looking young player in MLS. The photo gallery of MLS players can be seen here. Readers are encouraged to leave their comments on who they think is the best looking.
The players in the photo gallery include: Chicago Fire MF Logan Pause, Colorado Rapids MF Colin Clark, Chivas USA MF Sacha Kljestan, Columbus Crew MF Robbie Rogers, D.C. United F Chris Pontius, FC Dallas F Peri Marosevic, Houston Dynamo MF Stuart Holden, Kansas City Wizards D Chance Myers, LA Galaxy D A.J. DeLaGarza, New York Red Bulls GK Danny Cepero, New England Revolution D Chris Tierney, Real Salt Lake MF Will Johnson, San Jose Earthquakes MF Arturo Alvarez, Seattle Sounders FC MF Brad Evans and Toronto FC D Marvell Wynne.
WIZARDS PLAYERS, STARTING 11 GIRLS APPEAR WEDNESDAY AT POWER & LIGHT DISTRICT: Wizards players and Starting 11 Girls will appear Wednesday night in the Living Room at the Kansas City Power & Light District. Players will sign autographs and demonstrate skills while Starting 11 Girls sell and autograph their 2009-2010 swimsuit calendar.
PLANET SUB HAT TRICK SPECIAL CONTINUES THURSDAY, SUNDAY:
The Kansas City Wizards and Planet Sub announced last week a new program offering discounted meals to Wizards fans after strong offensive performances by Kansas City. If the Wizards score three or more goals in any MLS game home or away, Planet Sub will offer its patrons a 6-inch "Planet Sub sandwich", a chip and a cookie for just $3. Fans must simply ask for the Wizards Hat Trick Special at Kansas City-area Planet Sub locations to receive the discount. Should the Wizards score three or more Thursday night or Sunday afternoon, fans will benefit from the Hat Trick Special Friday or Monday at area Planet Sub locations.
THE JIMMY CONRAD SHOW RETURNS WEDNESDAY:
Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad will be back on the radio airwaves Wednesday night offering the latest news and talk from around Major League Soccer. The Jimmy Conrad Show, presented by Budweiser, returns Wednesday night on Sports Radio 810 WHB from 7-8 p.m. CT and simulcast online at kcwizards.com.
In 2009, the Wizards will take registrations from fans at each edition of the Jimmy Conrad Show for month-end drawings. Prizes will include Field Side Reserved tickets, a clinic from a Wizards player, a Football/Futbol double-header package and a VIP Meet & Greet session after a training session. Each fan can enter that month's drawing each time they attend The Jimmy Conrad Show.
The Jimmy Conrad Show will be held at different bars throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, and the schedule for future weeks will be released in the coming days. The show will run from 7-8 p.m. CT each week except for a small number of nights when the time will change due to programming conflicts on Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Month Prize
April 2 Field Side Reserved tickets to Kansas City Wizards vs. D.C. United May 6
May VIP Meet & Greet session for 10 at a Wizards practice
June 4 Terrace Table tickets to Kansas City Wizards vs. Houston Dynamo July 4
July Youth-team clinic with a Kansas City Wizards player
August Football/Futbol Double-Header package including KU, K-State or MU Football tickets
September 2 Field Side Reserved tickets to Kansas City Wizards vs. Colorado Rapids Sept. 26
October Autographed Wizards jersey and on-field VIP experience at 2009 playoff game
Fans can download archives of The Jimmy Conrad Show from the podcast page at kcwizards.com.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE COACH'S SHOW AIRS WEDNESDAY ON 1480 AM:
Wizards Head Coach Curt Onalfo and midfielder Roger Espinoza will join Enrique Morales Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT for his weekly Spanish-language coach's show on Ke Buena 1480 AM. Spanish-speaking fans are encouraged to listen for a recap of last weekend's dramatic 2-2 tie against Chicago and a look ahead to Thursday night's game.
WIZARDS PLAYERS ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY THIS WEEK:
Who: Mascot Dynamo the Dragon
When: Saturday, April 19; 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Blue Valley West, Overland Park, KS
What: Dynamo the Dragon will be participating in Blue Valley Soccer Club's Future Stars Extravaganza. He will be interacting with the children and their families and encouraging all the soccer fans to make it out for ESPN Night on Thursday, April 23rd vs. the NY Red Bulls.
Who: D Chance Myers, M Roger Espinoza, F Adam Cristman, GK Boris Pardo
When: Monday, April 20; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Where: KU Sorority and Fraternity Chapter Houses, Lawrence, KS
What: As the Kansas City Wizards make their visits to Greek chapter houses on the KU campus, select Wizards players will join them to increase excitement about the team and the 2009 season.
Who: F Herculez Gomez
When: Monday, April 20; 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Where: Prairie Center Park
What: Kids playing with the KC Rush White Tigers will have the opportunity to get pointers from a pro, as Herculez Gomez will "pop-in" to help with their practice and talk to the children about teamwork.
Who: D Jimmy Conrad, D Matt Besler, GK Boris Pardo
When: Tuesday, April 21; 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Where: Foreign Language Academy, Kansas City, MO
What: Conrad, Besler, and Pardo will be helping run a youth soccer clinic for FLA's End of the Season Soccer Celebrations. Following, Pardo will be speaking to the group about the value of education and the importance of hard work and persistence.
Who: M Davy Arnaud
When: Tuesday, April 21; 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Lee Middle School, Lee's Summit, MO
What: Kids playing with the KC Select Nationals will have the opportunity to get pointers from a pro, as Davy Arnaud will "pop-in" to help with their practice and talk to the children about teamwork.
Who: F Josh Wolff
When: Wednesday, April 22; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Lee's Summit North High School, Lee's Summit, MO
What: Kids playing with the Summit Arsenal will have the opportunity to get pointers from a pro, as Josh Wolff will "pop-in" to help with their practice and talk to the children about teamwork.
Who: Mascot Dynamo the Dragon
When: Saturday, April 25; 11:30-1:00pm
Where: Commerce Bank, Overland Park, KS
What: Dynamo the Dragon will be attending Commerce Bank's Grand Opening at their new branch at College and Quivira. He will be participating in the opening festivities, interacting with the children and their families.
FREE POST-RACE CONCERT SATURDAY: The Legends at Village West (located adjacent to Kansas Speedway)
Saturday, April 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
Race stars Dan Wheldon, Johnny Sauter and Jennifer Jo Cobb will attend Thursday night's Wizards match against New York, then perform Saturday at Kansas Speedway. In celebration of the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300, Kansas Lottery 100 Indy Lights and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 250, The Legends is hosting a free post-race concert featuring live music from the 60s, 70s and 80s performed by Disco Dick and The Mirror Balls. Plan on singing and dancing along to your favorite funky music surrounded by a 60-foot fountain or just hum along while enjoying a cold beverage at the outdoor brew patio. This free concert begins at 7 p.m. in the center courtyard (located in front of The Legends 14 Theatre). Come early or stay late and choose from more than 25 restaurant and entertainment venues before or after the concert and throughout the weekend. Visit LegendsShopping.com for more information on the concert and the 100 stores and restaurants now open, including 24 outlets.
Major League Soccer Stories from April 20, 2009
- Undefeated Chivas USA visits Toronto for Wednesday match, home Saturday night vs. FC Dallas - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- McBride Earns Second Consecutive Goal of the Week Nomination - Chicago Fire FC
- Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update - Sporting Kansas City
- Earthquakes Weekly Update - San Jose Earthquakes
- Fire Make Club History Going Undefeated Through First Five Matches - Chicago Fire FC
- LA Galaxy Weekly Update - LA Galaxy
- Sounders FC News & Notes - Seattle Sounders FC
- Wizards Striker Josh Wolff Voted MLS Player of the Week - Sporting Kansas City
- MLS Weekly - MLS
- Chivas USA launches online fan community - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- New York Red Bulls Weekly Update - Red Bull New York
- Hermus and Hall Named to Whitecap's Womens Coaching Staff - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- D.C. United to host Ladies Night on May 9 - D.C. United
- Undefeated Revs set to make their first-ever visit to Rio Tinto Stadium to face Real Salt Lake - New England Revolution
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