On to the game. This is the third meeting between the two sides, with Columbus winning both, 2-1 at Crew Stadium and then 3-0 at the CAB a few weeks ago. I can’t see a good reason why the Wizards would be able to get something out of this game, although I’d like to be a bit more optimistic than that. They have the defense to hold back the Schelotto-led attack, but it comes down to who is going to score? Someone like Davy Arnaud or perhaps even Kurt Morsink, who connected on Davy’s game winner last week needs to step up and score. Conrad as the leading scorer reflects poorly on the attack.

Who would start up front? I expect to see Wolff and Trujillo up front, with Lopez keeping his spot on the left side of the midfield. Or perhaps the return of the Lopez-Trujillo combination. Whatever the combination, goals are needed. I don’t think I can emphasize that any more than I already have. I’m boring myself by saying it so much. Regardless, it’ll hopefully be an entertaining match and the first time the Wizards appear on ESPN2 (I think).

Other previews:
+Down the Byline
+Official MLS
+KC Soccer Review
+Yahoo! Sports
+ESPN Soccernet

Links to official preview and Goal.com preview.

In other news, Mike over at Down the Byline has a stadium update.

Another soft goal was conceded in the 34th minute, as Chance Myers and Kevin Hartman had a miscommunication just outside the box. Myers looked like he was trying to shield his man, Robbie Rogers off the ball so Hartman could grab it, but Hartman couldn’t get to it in time and Rogers poked it in. So the Wizards faced an uphill battle, compounded by a red mist moment by Roger Espinoza. He lashed out with his elbow at Frankie Hejduk and landed a shot to Hejduk’s face. The ref had an easy call giving Espinoza his marching orders.

The Wizards were the better team in the second half, although it wasn’t until Carlos Marinelli made a substitute appearance and helped spark the offense. In the 79th minute, Scott Sealy (another substitution) was pulled down in the box and Claudio Lopez calmly finished from the spot. Unfortunately, the Wizards couldn’t steal a point in the last 10 minutes.

The coach was proud of how his team responded to adversity. Disappointing to concede soft goals like that, but in the end, defense will continue to be key. It would also have been nice not to be down to 10 men, but what happens, happens.

Going forward, there were more than a few positives. The team had a positive reaction to the adversity of being down a man, and showed composure scoring. Lopez continues to play well, and despite not exactly lighting up the score sheet, his passing and skill automatically make the Wizards a better team.

Next Opponent:
The Wizards don’t play again until May 17, as they will next travel to face the New York Red Bull who drew 1-1 at Toronto. Time to step up and bring the losing streak to a halt.

Finally, the highlights:

The difference this week (aside from actually scoring) will lie in the midfield. Last week against Toronto, the Wizards did a poor job of holding onto the ball. Obviously, they were under intense pressure, but consistent mental mistakes made things easier for Toronto. With Carlos Marinelli scheduled to return to the starting line up, this could potentially solve the problem. However, with the depth available to Curt Onalfo, maybe a slightly different line up to keep players on their toes.

Look for Chance Myers to continue his solid play on the right hand side. The few times that I’ve been able to see him, he adds a counter attacking option whenever running forward from his right back position. I think it also may be only a matter of time before Claudio Lopez gets another goal. After scoring in the first game, I thought he could start out in fine form. But he deserves time to adjust and let his teammates adjust to his style of play as well. In the end, I don’t think the Wizards will be able to get anything off this game.

Columbus 3-1 KC