Kansas City Wizards » Chicago Fire

Lopez article

travis — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:42:19 +0000

With the Wizards sitting on top of the Power Ranking from Ives and ESPN, so far so good. The Fire definitely did us a few favors with their poor finishing last weekend, but a win is a win, especially with the poor record the Wizards have had at Chicago.

Not much is going on this week, but check out this article on Claudio Lopez from the Houston Chronicle. It has an interview with Onfalo as well, a good read to give you an idea of how Lopez is adjusting and the high expectations KC has placed on him.

Highlights from the Chicago game right here:

Somehow escaping with three points is quite nice

travis — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:07:36 +0000

Time for a celebration. The Wizards are in first place! The best record in the MLS is a title to hold and treat with such dignity and respect….

Oh yeah, it’s just the fourth week of the season. Still, it’s a good thing to get a road trip off on the right foot even if your team didn’t play up to par. Jack Jewsbury got the winner in the fourth minute off a beautiful ball from Claudio Lopez. Jewsbury controlled the ball, was helped out by a dodgy move from the Fire’s goalie, and smashed it home nicely.

They did well to hang on for the rest of the game and come away with the win. Both sides had chances to win it. The Fire ended the game with 19 total shots. For the Wizards, Tyson Wahl came close, lashing a shot off the post while Chance Myers saw his chance (ha!) go over the bar. Hartman played well and would be my pick for man of the match – although I didn’t see the game. Thanks, Univision. Claudio actually got a brief respite, coming out for the last four minutes of the game. And Sasha Victorine made his midfield debut as well after battling injuries this off-season. The promising thing about this squad is that the MLS has yet to see them with everyone health.

Next Opponent:
Next stop on the tour is Toronto. Should be a tough crowd, but a winnable game on the road. Toronto has picked up their game thus far. It will be no walk in the park.

Wizards look to put out the Fire, gain first place

travis — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:32:25 +0000

Let’s here it for lame, clichéd headlines! Nothing better than talking about dousing the opposition, especially when they are so cleverly named. What’s neat about the game aside from that is the battle for first place. It is early in the season, but gaining early momentum for the long haul of the season is crucial. Well, not entirely, because the playoffs still determine the champion, but gaining confidence on the road is critical for the Wizards at this early juncture of the season. After all, they won’t play another game in Kansas City for two months. Brutal, if you’re a Wizards fan.

A few interesting tidbits to follow coming into this weekend’s match:

Claudio Lopez has played in all but one minute of every game this season. So much for him being old. Although as the season progresses, will he wear himself down?
Two months away from the CAB will be a challenge. How will the team respond?

Carlos Marinelli will probably miss today’s game, with Kurt Morsink replacing him as the attacking midfielder. Not sure if the Wizards will have the legs for this one, but I think they can steal a point.

Chicago 1-1 Kansas City