MLS Sporting Kansas City

Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update

Published on December 7, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


MYERS, ESPINOZA APPEAR IN GENERATION ADIDAS WIN OVER AJAX CAPE TOWN IN SOUTH AFRICA:

Kansas City Wizards players Chance Myers and Roger Espinoza both appeared in Sunday's 2-0 win for the MLS Generation adidas squad over the reserves of Ajax Cape Town, a team from South Africa's 1st Division. Myers played the full 90 minutes at right back, while Espinoza entered in the 65th minute in the midfield and scored the second goal of the match for the MLS select team. Read the full match report here at MLSnet.com.

Generation adidas is a programming allowing the best young players in the country to become professionals before the completion of college. Players receive stipends from adidas to continue their college education and do not count against MLS senior rosters.

MLS Generation adidas 2, Ajax Cape Town 0

MLS Generation adidas: Stefan Frei (Josh Lambo 46); Tony Beltran, Rob Valentino, Chance Myers, Jeremy Hall, Danny Cruz (Alex Nimo 59), Baggio Husidic, Rodney Wallace (Roger Espinoza 65), Eric Avila (Bruno Guarda 65),

Patrick Nyarko, Chris Pontius (Peri Marosevic 62) SHOTS: 14; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9, FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 3

Ajax Cape Town: Petim (Roberts 62); Alexander, Archford (Pefers 46), Selolwane (Archford 62), Jenniker (Xolani 75), Scott, Ngobeni (Paris 62), Lewis (Cale 46), Diallo (Mentoen 75), Fofana, Memela (Adams 46) SHOTS: 5; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 7

Generation adidas 2009 Tour Match Schedule:

Date Opponent Result

Nov. 30 Orlando Pirates Reserves 2-0 Win

Dec. 3 Santos Reserves 2-1 Loss

Dec. 6 Ajax Cape Town Reserves 2-0 Win

OCTAVIO ZAMBRANO ANNOUNCED AS WIZARDS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH

The Kansas City Wizards announced Thursday that Octavio Zambrano is joining the team's coaching staff. Zambrano, a former MLS Head Coach with the second-best winning percentage in League history, will serve as an assistant head coach under Manager Peter Vermes. Kerry Zavagnin, Zoran Savic and John Pascarella will remain on the technical staff as assistant coaches.

"We worked to add an assistant coach with head coaching experience," Wizards President Robb Heineman said. "Octavio (Zambrano) has excellent knowledge of our League and the international game. His presence will allow Peter Vermes to focus both on day-to-day coaching of the team and player personnel decisions more easily."

Zambrano, 51, was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he lived before moving to the United States in 1980 to attend Chapman University. Zambrano is fluent in both English and Spanish. He also speaks Italian, Russian and Portuguese. Zambrano played for Ecuador's U-20 National Team and First Division club Union Deportiva Valdez before starring at Chapman University in the U.S. Zambrano then played professionally for the Los Angeles Lazers in the USISL before becoming a coach.

"This is a great opportunity to return to MLS and join an organization with such a strong vision," Zambrano said. "I anxiously await coming to Kansas City to start working with the team and preparing for the 2010 season."

Zambrano was a Head Coach in MLS for both the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York/New Jersey MetroStars, coaching143 games and winning three division championships over six seasons. Zambrano went 80-55-8 as a head coach, including a 32-18-0 record in Los Angeles and a 48-37-8 record in New York. Zambrano coached some of the best players in MLS history, including Paul Caligiuri, Robin Fraser, Carlos Hermosillo, Eduardo Hurtado, Cobi Jones, Clint Mathis, Welton, Tim Howard, Lothar Matthaus and Tab Ramos.

Zambrano's teams are known for playing fast-paced, attacking soccer. In 1998, the Zambrano-led Galaxy scored a League-record 85 goals in 32 games (2.65 goals/game) and posted the most wins and best winning percentage in League history (24-8-0,.750). In 2000, Zambrano's New York scored 64 goals in 32 games (2.00 goals/game), the 8th most goals in League history by a club in one season. Zambrano also served as Head Coach of CS Tiligul-Tiras Tiraspol of Moldova from 2006-2008 and FC Tatabánya of Hungary from 2008-2009.

Zambrano holds "A" coaching licenses in the United States as well as in Europe, and is also an innovator in youth player development, having developed the first soccer academy in Major League Soccer with the MetroStars. He also founded and coached the Latino-based LA Salsa U-19 team to the finals of the McGuire Cup, the top youth competition in the United States.

OCTAVIO ZAMBRANO MLS HEAD COACHING STATS

MLS Regular Season W L T PCT PTS OT/SHO

1997 Los Angeles Galaxy 13 7 0 .650 37 1- 0- 0

1998 Los Angeles Galaxy 24 8 0 .750 68 2- 2- 0

1999 Los Angeles Galaxy 2 3 0 .400 2 2- 2- 0

2000 MetroStars 17 12 3 .578 54 3- 2- 3

2001 MetroStars 13 10 3 .558 42 0- 0- 3

2002 MetroStars 11 15 2 .429 35 1- 1- 2

Regular Season Totals 80 55 8 .587 248 9- 7- 8

MLS Playoffs W L T PCT PTS OT/SHO

1997 Los Angeles Galaxy 0 2 0 .000 0 0- 1- 0

1998 Los Angeles Galaxy 2 2 0 .500 6 0- 1- 0

1999 Los Angeles Galaxy 0 0 0 .--- 0 0- 0- 0

2000 MetroStars 3 2 0 .600 9 1- 0- 0

2001 MetroStars 1 1 1 .500 4 0- 0- 1

Post Season Totals 6 7 1 .464 19 1- 2- 1

MLS ALL-TIME WINNING PERCENTAGE LEADERS

RK Coach WIN % Games

1 Dominic Kinnear 0.598 184

2 Octavio Zambrano 0.587 143

3 Bruce Arena 0.581 178

4 Peter Nowak 0.580 94

5 Robert Warzycha 0.576 46

*Minimum 15 games coached

WIZARDS INTRODUCE NEW TOLL-FREE NUMBER

Wizards fans across the country now have a new toll-free number to reach their favorite club. Effective today, fans calling from out of town can reach the Wizards at 888-4-KC-GOAL. This number will ring directly into the Wizards offices, and is the best number for fans to dial for ticket purchases or for any organizational questions. Fans locally can still reach the Wizards by calling (913) 387-3400.

WIZARDS HOLIDAY PACKS NOW ON SALE

Wizards tickets always make for a great present, and the team is currently running a special offer for the holiday season. Wizards Holiday Packs are only $75, and include 4 general admission tickets to the Wizards season opener (March 27 against D.C. United), 4 Hot Dogs, 4 Sodas and a Wizards Blanket. Fans can purchase the Wizards Holiday Packs by calling (913) 387-3400 or toll-free at 888-4KC-GOAL

FOLLOW THE WIZARDS JUNIORS ON THEIR NEW BLOG

The Wizards Juniors are now part of the U.S. Development Academy, and fans can follow the teams on their new blog: www.kcwjuniors.blogspot.com The blog is frequently updated, and features recaps of all the games for the U-14, U-16 and U-18 teams. Fans can also still follow the Juniors on the Wizards official team blog www.hillcrestroadblog.com

WIZARDS TO PARTNER WITH DON BOSCO FOR "HAPPY HOLIDAY" EVENT SATURDAY

The Wizards and Don Bosco are partnering for a special holiday event for Kansas City area children. This Saturday, 60 children from Don Bosco's youth program will take part in the "Happy Holiday" event at Dave & Busters from 9:00-11:00 am. The children will be served breakfast, and then will have the chance to play games against Wizards players. All of the games will be placed on open play, so the children will be able to play any game they want. "Santa" Dynamo will also be on hand and will be handing out gifts to the children.

Event: Kansas City Wizards/Don Bosco "Happy Holiday" Event

Date: Saturday, December 12th

Time: 9:00-11:00 AM

Location: Dave & Buster's-The Legends

Participants: 60 Children from Don Bosco's Youth Program and Kansas City Wizards Players

HILLCREST ROAD NAMED FINALIST FOR BEST SOCCER BLOG:

Hillcrest Road, the Official Blog of the Kansas City Wizards, has been named a finalist for Best Soccer Blog in the annual Best of U.S. Soccer Awards. The U.S. Soccer Federation runs the Best of U.S. Soccer Awards each year, highlighting outstanding achievement in the soccer community in 12 unique categories. Hillcrest Road is the lone blog run by an MLS team named a 2009 finalist for Best Soccer Blog. Fans can vote for their favorite soccer blog once per day through Dec. 13

2009 BEST SOCCER BLOG FINALISTS

Hillcrest Road, Official Blog of the Kansas City Wizards

du Nord

Match Fit USA

No Short Corners

Pitch Invasion

The Shin Guardian

Soccer By Ives

Soccer Insider

This is American Soccer

U.S. Women's National Team Blog

The Kansas City Wizards launched Hillcrest Road in January of 2008 to provide inside news and information on the team and updates from the world of international soccer. Hillcrest Road has since expanded to Facebook and Twitter. Best Soccer Blog has been awarded in the Best of U.S. Soccer Awards since 2007. Soccer Insider captured the inaugural honor, with Soccer by Ives winning in 2008.

2010 SEASON-TICKET PACKAGES NOW ON SALE:

The Kansas City Wizards are now accepting renewals from current season ticket holders and new season ticket deposits for the 2010 Major League Soccer season. The Wizards will begin the 2010 campaign with a home match on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. CT against D.C. United at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Kansas City, a charter member of Major League Soccer, will play its 15th season in 2010.

Fans who renew their season tickets or purchase new season-ticket packages will retain an early priority number that will determine seat locations in Kansas City's new stadium. To renew season tickets or place a deposit for new season tickets, call the Wizards locally at 913-387-3400, toll-free at 1-888-4KC-GOAL or visit www.kcwizards.com.

Prices for the 2010 Kansas City Wizards season at CommunityAmerica Ballpark will remain unchanged, with the exception of some premium seating sections. Season tickets start at just $180 for an 18-game schedule that includes 15 regular-season MLS contests and three "Special Game" tickets. The Wizards will offer FREE parking for all matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark again in 2010.

After the season opener, the Wizards will travel to face the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The full 2010 MLS schedule will be announced in January of next year, and Kansas City's broadcast schedule will be announced leading up to the start of the 2010 campaign.

2010 Season Ticket Prices Seating Category Full-Season Rate Per-Game Rate Gate Price

Field Side Reserved $1,800 $100 $120

Terrace Table (4 Seats) $3,600 $50 $60

Stadium Reserved $396 $22 $25

Bleacher Reserved $324 $18 $20

Cauldron $252 $14 $20

Grass Berm/General Admission $180 $10 $15

KANSAS CITY BID COMMITTEE LAUNCHES ONLINE PETITION TO SUPPORT FIFA WORLD CUP™ EFFORT:

The Kansas City / USA Host City Bid Committee has announced that an electronic petition drive has begun to boost the city's chances of hosting FIFA World Cup™ matches in 2018 or 2022 should FIFA choose the United States as a host nation. Kansas City is one of 27 remaining cities in the running to be part of the USA Bid Committee's bid submission to FIFA. The USA Bid Committee is expected to include 18 cities in their bid to FIFA. Matches in Kansas City would be played at Arrowhead Stadium. To support the effort, Kansas Citians are asked to sign the petition at www.goUSAbid.com/kc and pass the petition along to their friends and family.

A series of emails will be sent from community leaders to their employees, patrons and clients in the coming days to support to the online petition effort. All Kansas Citians are encouraged to click through the email and sign the petition, then pass the message along to their friends and family members. 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. The USA Bid Committee will select final cities to be included in the bid in December. The USA Bid Committee will then submit their bid to FIFA, world soccer's governing body, in May of 2010. FIFA will select host countries for the 2018 and 2022 events in December of 2010.

"On behalf of the Kansas City Bid Committee, I would encourage sports fans across the Midwest to sign the petition to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Kansas City," Hunt said. "Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ at Arrowhead was a longtime dream of my father's. The time is right to bring the world's most prestigious soccer competition to the Kansas City community. The USA Bid Committee will soon make its final selections for cities to be included in the USA Bid. We need the community's help to ensure that Arrowhead and Kansas City will showcase the international excitement that is the FIFA World Cup™."

A study released previously by the USA Bid Committee indicates that the total economic impact projected for any one host city ranges from approximately $400 million to $600 million at today's dollar value. That figure is based on 12 host cities staging five to six matches, along with ancillary venues such as the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in one city and FIFA Fan Fest™ in each city. The study also estimates 5,000 to 8,000 jobs would be created in each host city during the event's operation.

"It is not often that citizens from every walk of life have the opportunity to play such an important role in bringing a world-class event to their city," Patterson said. "This is one of those rare opportunities. I encourage all Kansas Citians to visit goUSAbid.com/kc and sign the petition. Hosting an event of this magnitude would showcase our fine community to the rest of the world and bring hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy."

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; the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA); and POPULOUS, formerly HOK Sport Venue Event.

The full list of cities still in the running includes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York City, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Glendale-Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.

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