Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update
September 8, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
WOLFF NAMED MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Kansas City Wizards forward Josh Wolff has been voted MLS Player of the Week for the third time this season for an outstanding two-goal performance Saturday in a 4-2 win against the New England Revolution. In addition to scoring two goals, Wolff created two more in Saturday's victory. The honor marks his 8th career MLS Player of the Week award. Wolff, currently tied for 9th in goals in MLS, joins Colorado Rapids striker Conor Casey as the only players to be named MLS Player of the Week three times in 2009.
Wolff, 32, created both of Kansas City's tallies in the opening half, helping the Wizards improve to 7-1-5 all-time at Gillette Stadium. In the 3rd minute, Wolff collected a loose ball on the right side of the penalty area and turned immediately to goal. His centering pass deflected off a New England defender directly into the path of Claudio Lopez for a clean finish underneath the goalkeeper. In the 29th minute, Wolff helped put Kansas City ahead 2-0. Wolff took a ball in space at the top of the penalty area, then promptly split a pair of New England defenders to win the end line. His cross back toward Davy Arnaud making a near-post run was deflected into the net by New England defender Jay Heaps.
Wolff scored a well-deserved goal in the 73rd minute after completing a long diagonal run across the face of goal near the penalty spot. Claudio Lopez deftly slid the ball into his path as Wolff got position on a defender. Wolff then dragged the ball past the goalkeeper and fired into the open net from a sharp angle for his 7th strike of the season. Wolff completed the brace in the 91st minute, slotting home a first-time effort off passes from Chance Myers and Jack Jewsbury for his 70th career MLS strike. Wolff is now tied with Cobi Jones for 15 th place on the all-time MLS goals list. He ranks 9th among active players.
HARTMAN NOMINATED FOR MLS SAVE OF THE WEEK:
Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman is nominated for the MLS Save of the Week award for an outstanding stop Saturday against New England striker Edgaras Jankauskas. Hartman came quickly off his line in the first half Saturday to deny a point-blank opportunity off the foot of the Lithuanian forward. Fans can vote for the MLS Save of the Week award at http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/save_of_the_week/.
ASSIST ADDED TO SATURDAY'S GAME-WINNING GOAL:
An assist has been added to Kansas City's game-winning goal Saturday against the New England Revolution. Claudio Lopez has been credited with the assist after the play was initially scored as an unassisted goal for MLS Player of the Week Josh Wolff. After taking a long outlet pass from Davy Arnaud, Lopez deftly slid the ball into Wolff's path as Wolff got position on a defender. Wolff then dragged the ball past the goalkeeper and fired into the open net from a sharp angle for his 7th strike of the season. Lopez is tied with Jack Jewsbury for the team lead with five assists this season. Lopez has 12 assists in Wizards colors in 49 games since signing prior to the 2008 season. Lopez now has two game-winning assists on the year.
VERMES, ZOLTAN TO VISIT EMBASSY OF HUNGARY THURSDAY:
Thursday, Technical Director/Interim Head Coach Peter Vermes and striker Zoltan will visit the Embassy of Hungary while the team remains in Washington, D.C. after facing D.C. United Wednesday at RFK Stadium. Zoltan signed for the Wizards July 28 from Honved FC in Budapest, Hungary. Zoltan played most of his 11-year professional career in his native Hungary with childhood club Honved FC, FC Fehérvár and Lombard-Pápa TFC. Vermes and Zoltan will meet with Diplomats at the Embassy before a press session for members of the Hungarian press core.
CLUB AMERICA FACE CHIVAS IN CLASICO BUD LIGHT SEPT. 16 AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM:
Soccer United Marketing (SUM), Saral, the Kansas City Wizards (Major League Soccer) and the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), announced August 26 that Mexico's most popular teams, Club América and Club Deportivo Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. (Chivas), will add a new chapter to their storied rivalry when the clubs meet for another edition of Mexico's "Clásico Nacional," or national derby, on Wednesday, September 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri at 8:30 p.m. CT. The game, which will celebrate Mexican Independence Day, will be presented by Bud Light.
Tickets went on sale to the general public last Thursday. Prices start at $25, and tickets can be purchased by visiting the Kansas City Wizards front office at 8900 State Line Road, Leawood, KS 66206 or by calling the Wizards toll free at 1-877-828-7222 or 1-913-387-3400.
Seating Category Sections Price*
End Line (End Zone) 109-111, 127-129 $25
Corner 105-108, 112-115, 123-126, 130-133 $35
Sideline 102-104, 116-118, 120-122, 134-136 $50
Club Level 201-246 $50
Half Line 101, 119 $75
*Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
PAVEL PARDO FROM CLUB América TO SPEAK ABOUT "EL CLASICO" IN KANSAS CITY:
Pavel Pardo, starting midfielder and captain for Club América, will participate tomorrow, Wednesday, in a media teleconference prior to Club America's international match against CD Guadalajara (known as Chivas), next week Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Arrowhead Stadium. Please note that Pardo is bilingual (English and Spanish), and translation will be available on the call as necessary.
WHEN: Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m., CT / 11:00 a.m., PT
WHAT: Teleconference call with team captain Pavel Pardo of Club América prior to "El Clásico" in Kansas City
MEDIA IN THE UNITED STATES: Call free of charge: +1-877-391-5953. When prompted, please enter code: 29695948
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA: Call +1-706-634-9483
For more information, please contact Irene Gutierrez of SUM Communications at +1-212-450-1222.
Additionally, single-game credentials for the Clásico Bud Light between storied Mexican soccer teams Club America and CD Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. (Chivas) must be submitted by tomorrow. All media members with full-season credentials to Kansas City Wizards matches will have access the contest on Wednesday, September 16 at Arrowhead Stadium with their season pass. Those without full-season credentials to Wizards matches must apply using the online accreditation form at https://sum.iwebreg.com/apply by TOMORROW.
WIZARDS HOST FC DALLAS SEPTEMBER 19 ON LAMAR HUNT NIGHT:
After the upcoming three-game road trip to the East coast, the Wizards will return home to CommunityAmerica Ballpark to face FC Dallas September 19 at 7:30 p.m. CT on Lamar Hunt Night. The Wizards will pay tribute to their founder on the night that FC Dallas, owned by Hunt Sports Group, comes to town. As part of the festivities, Wizards players will wear special "LH" armbands and the initials "LH" will be mowed into the grass at CAB.
Tickets start at just $15 for General Admission seats. Bleacher tickets are still available for $20, as are Stadium Reserved tickets for $25 and All-You-Can-Eat Seats for $35. Tickets are available online at www.Ticketmaster.com/kcwizards. For more information, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400.
The Pepsi/Price Chopper Family 4-Pack is also offered for the matches. As part of the package, fans will receive:
Four (4) Kansas City Wizards Tickets
Four (4) Hot Dogs at CAB
Four (4) Pretzels at CAB
One (1) Stadium Blanket
One (1) Pepsi Coupon Package for redemption at area Price Chopper stores:
One (1) Free 6-Pack of Dr. Pepper or Sierra Mist (20 oz. bottles)
One (1) Free 2 Liter of Crush or Sierra Mist
One (1) Buy One, Get One SOBE Lifewater (20 oz. bottle)
One (1) Kansas City Wizards Merchandise Discount Coupon good for $5 off a merchandise purchase of free customization of a Wizards jersey.
All coupons expire on November 30, 2009
WIZARDS HOST SCOUTS CAMPOUT AT CAB SEPTEMBER 19:
After the Wizards take on FC Dallas Saturday, September 19, local Scouts troops will be allowed to camp out on the field at CommunityAmerica Ballpark and watch movies on the video board. Participants will receive the second half of a commemorative Wizards patch after the first half was given to attendees of a game earlier in the season. Proceeds from tickets purchased through the program will go back to the Boy Scouts. Contact the Wizards at (913) 387-3400 for more information.
WIZARDS HOST COLORADO RAPIDS SEPTEMBER 26 ON SCHOOL NIGHT:
The Colorado Rapids will come to town Saturday, September 26 for a 7:30 p.m. CT contest on School Night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Students who bring a test with a grade of a "B or Better" and receive a FREE Wizards t-shirt at the game. Students can also send essays to the Wizards detailing what makes their teacher great. One lucky winner will receive a Wizards player meet and greet and a FREE catered lunch for their class in addition to having their teacher named the winner of the Wizards Teacher Appreciation Award at halftime of the game. All teachers nominated will be recognized on the field during the Wizards match. The first 400 students that order tickets get the opportunity to high five the players on the field as part of the "Human Tunnel" before the game. Also, don't miss a special half time appearance by National Spelling Bee Champion, Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe, Kansas
For only $20, the School Night Package includes:
One (1) bleacher ticket to the Wizards vs. Rapids match
One (1) Wizards drawstring backpack
One (1) 2009 Wizards Sticker Book compliments of State Farm
One (1) Hot Dog
One (1) Soda
Email all Teacher Appreciation Essays to customer.service@kcwizards.com. Please title each email "Teacher Appreciation".
WIZARDS, METRO SPORTS TO HOST COLLEGE DOUBLEHEADERS BEFORE MLS GAMES:
The Wizards and Metro Sports have partnered to present opportunities for college doubleheaders prior to Wizards Major League Soccer games at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Fans can purchase tickets for $20 that grants access to the college games during the afternoon and the Kansas City Wizards MLS match that evening. The games will be filmed by Metro Sports and broadcast at a later date. The college doubleheaders continue September 19 and 26, when the following games will take place at CAB prior to Wizards games:
September 19
William Jewell College vs. Sterling College (men's) at 1:00 p.m. CT
Graceland University vs. Kansas Wesleyan University (men's) at 3:00 p.m. CT
Kansas City Wizards vs. FC Dallas at 7:30 p.m. CT
September 26
University of Saint Mary vs. Central Christian College (women's) at 1:00 p.m. CT
University of Saint Mary vs. Central Christian College (men's) at 3:00 p.m. CT
Kansas City Wizards vs. Colorado Rapids at 7:30 p.m. CT
KANSAS CITY, ARROWHEAD STADIUM MAKE SHORT LIST FOR USA BID:
The USA Bid Committee Inc. announced August 20 that Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium are one of 27 cities and 32 venues, down from 70 initial stadia in 52 cities, on the short list to be included in the United States' bid to host the FIFA World Cup⢠in either 2018 or 2022. The USA Bid Committee will submit their bid to world soccer's governing body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), in May of 2010. FIFA will select host countries for the 2018 and 2022 events in December of 2010. The Kansas City / USA Host City Bid Committee is Co-Chaired by Kansas City Chiefs Chairman of the Board Clark Hunt and Cerner Corporation's Chairman and CEO and Kansas City Wizards co-owner Neal Patterson. Fans are encouraged to show their support for the bid by visiting www.goUSAbid.com and signing the petition to bring the FIFA World Cup⢠to the United States.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup⢠in Germany announced a total economic impact of approximately $6.2 billion and the creation of 50,000 new jobs, while recording that two million tourists spent approximately $766 million. The USA Bid Committee is currently undertaking an economic impact study for an event in the United States in 2018 or 2022.
Kansas City's bid committee also includes Kansas City Wizards Technical Director/Interim Head Coach Peter Vermes, a former FIFA World Cup⢠participant who represented the United States 67 times at the international level. Vermes helped lead a young squad to an improbable qualification in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the first trip for the United States in 40 years. The United States has qualified for each of the next four FIFA World Cup⢠tournaments, one of the longest active streaks in the world.
"Appearing in the FIFA World Cup⢠was the highlight of my playing career, and helping to bring the event to my adopted hometown of Kansas City would be a highlight of my post-playing career," Vermes said. "The FIFA World Cup⢠is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I hope everyone here in the Heart of the Continent will experience the energy in either 2018 or 2022."
The Kansas City / USA Host City Bid Committee features members and expertise from a wide range of Kansas City metropolitan area public and private entities from both sides of the state line, including: The Kansas City Chiefs; Kansas City Wizards' ownership group OnGoal, LLC; the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation; the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association; the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas; and POPULOUS, formerly HOK Sport Venue Event.
WIZARDS OWNER ONGOAL SPONSORS 2009 TOUR OF MISSOURI:
Kansas City Wizards ownership OnGoal, LLC is a sponsor of the 2009 Tour of Missouri. The bicycle race, in its third year, will run from September 7-13 on roads across the State of Missouri. The Tour of Missouri is one of the two largest and highest-ranked races held in the United States. The Tour will end in Kansas City on September 13. For more information on the event, visit www.tourofmissouri.com.
JIMMY CONRAD SHOW AIRS FROM FOX AND HOUND IN OVERLAND PARK THIS MONTH:
The Jimmy Conrad Show, presented by Budweiser, will not air this Wednesday due to Kansas City's game against D.C. United. For the rest of the month, the show will be broadcast live from Fox and Hound in Overland Park, Kan. Fans are always encouraged to call in during the show at 913-3-810-810.
Fox and Hound - Overland Park
10428 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 649-1700
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. 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 Winner
April 2 Field Side Reserved tickets to Kansas City Wizards vs. D.C. United May 6 Matt Fulton
May VIP Meet & Greet session for 10 at a Wizards practice Mandy Kraft
June 4 Terrace Table tickets to Kansas City Wizards vs. Houston Dynamo July 4 Jeremy Underwood
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.
ZONA WIZARDS AIRS THURSDAY ON 1480 AM:
Wizards Interim Head Coach Peter Vermes will join Enrique Morales each Thursday at a new time from 1-2 p.m. CT for the weekly Spanish-language coach's show Zona Wizards on Ke Buena 1480 AM. This week, Spanish-speaking fans are encouraged to listen for a recap of Saturday's win against the New England Revolution and the game Wednesday against D.C. United and a look ahead to Saturday's match against the New York Red Bulls.
Major League Soccer Stories from September 8, 2009
- Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update - Sporting Kansas City
- Chivas USA faces New England Revolution this Sunday - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Revs and Chivas USA Meet on Sunday in Impact Game of the Week - MLS
- Real Salt Lake Weekly Update - Real Salt Lake
- Sounders FC News & Notes - Seattle Sounders FC
- Wizards Striker Josh Wolff Voted MLS Player of the Week for 3rd Time in 2009 - Sporting Kansas City
- Dynamo announce 2010 MLS All-Star Game will be held at Reliant Stadium - Houston Dynamo FC
- Marc Burch undergoes successful ankle surgery - D.C. United
- Chicago Fire Goalkeepers to Show Off Their Bartending Skills Tomorrow to Benefit Fire Foundation - Chicago Fire FC
- Revolution Update: September 8th - New England Revolution
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