Kansas City Wizards Weekly
Published on April 26, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
WIZARDS TRAVEL TO TEXAS TO TAKE ON HOUSTON DYNAMO:
The Kansas City Wizards head south this weekend to take on the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel, the first of three Wizards games in row to garner national television coverage.
Though the Wizards and Dynamo are currently even on points with seven, the teams have earned differing results on the field recently. While the Wizards performed well in a 0-0 draw with the league-leading Los Angeles Galaxy last week, the Dynamo slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Fire in a match that saw midfielder Danny Cruz ejected in the closing stages.
The Dynamo also suffered a setback early in the year when forward Brian Ching went down with a hamstring injury in Houston's opening game. Midfielder Brad Davis has stepped up to pick up the slack, leading the team in goals (2) and assists (2) through the team's opening five games.
Kansas City has been able to put forth a series of consistent performances thus far this season, albeit with varying results. After a strong start with two wins over D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids, the team has slumped to a narrow 1-0 loss at Seattle and a 0-0 draw with the Los Angeles galaxy in their last two games. Defense has been the constant in all the performances, with goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen holding a 0.25 goals against average with three shutouts through four games. Only the Los Angeles Galaxy's Donovan Ricketts, with a 0.20 goals against average, holds a better defensive record.
The Wizards have historically struggled against Houston, amassing a 1-4-3 regular season record against the team since 2006. The Wizards' one victory in the series came away from home in the first ever meeting between the teams four years ago. In that game, goals from Jose Burciaga, Jr. and current Wizards television color commentator Sasha Victorine carried the team to a 2-1 victory. Since then, the Wizards have earned two draws with one loss in their trips to Houston.
Catch the game live and in high definition on Fox Soccer Channel, with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. CT.
WIZARDS HOLD GALAXY, BUDDLE SCORELESS FOR FIRST TIME THIS SEASON
The Kansas City Wizards had several chances to hand the league-leading Los Angeles Galaxy their first loss of the 2010 MLS season last Saturday, but Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts came up big to preserve the 0-0 draw.
The Wizards defense performed especially well, holding red-hot striker Edson Buddle to only one shot through 90 minutes and limiting scoring opportunities with high pressure and hard-nosed play in the center of the park.
The first half started on an attacking note for the Kansas City, as the team's pressure on the Galaxy back line led to some early defensive mistakes. Wizards forward Kei Kamara had the first good chance just four minutes in, but his shot at goal after working around four Galaxy defenders went just wide of the post
Kamara thought he had the game's first goal after 17 minutes, but referee Hilario Grajeda rightly called it back for a handball. The Sierra Leone striker was in the right place at the right time to follow a deflected Davy Arnaud shot as it bounced off the post, but missed the tap-in on the rebound, putting the ball over the goal line with his hand as he slipped on the wet field.
The second half picked up where the first half left off, with both sides using high pressure and compact central play to create scoring opportunities and force mistakes out of the opposition. The strategy worked well for the Wizards, as they created five quality scoring chances in a ten minute span early in the second half. However, Jack Jewsbury, Ryan Smith and Roger Espinoza's attempts were all thwarted with timely saves from Ricketts.
Landon Donovan had a chance to put the Galaxy up on a breakaway chance in the 67th minute, but Wizards goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen came up with a good save between his legs to keep the match scoreless.
The Wizards continue the 2010 MLS Season on Saturday, May 1st when they head to Houston to face the Dynamo at Robertson Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT on Fox Soccer Channel.
The Wizards are currently taking orders for new season tickets. Season tickets are discounted up to 33% off the face value price and start at only $150 for 15 games. Fans purchasing new season-ticket packages will retain an early priority number that will determine seat locations in Kansas City's new stadium, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2011. Season ticketholders also get preferred parking at all Wizards home games, access to Wizards VIP events, merchandise discounts and much more. To purchase season tickets, call the Wizards locally at 888-4KC-GOAL or 913-387-3400 or visit www.kcwizards.com.
Major League Soccer Stories from April 26, 2010
- Earthquakes Weekly Update - San Jose Earthquakes
- Fire Chase Third Consecutive Victory Against Chivas USA - Chicago Fire FC
- Sounders FC News And Notes - Seattle Sounders FC
- Cameron will miss season with torn PCL - Houston Dynamo FC
- D.C. United Academy Excels In Mid-Week And Weekend Action - D.C. United
- Toronto FC Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario Named MLS Player Of The Week - MLS
- Kansas City Wizards Weekly - Sporting Kansas City
- Chicago Fire Juniors Launch CFJ-Florida - Chicago Fire FC
- De Rosario Named MLS Player Of The Week - Toronto FC
- New York Red Bulls Weekly Update - Red Bull New York
- Five Talented Prospects To Represent Chicago Fire At "Final Event" Of Sueño MLS 2010 - MLS
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