Peter Vermes = Technical Director: After 3 seasons in this position I feel Vermes has done a less than stellar job. Yes, the hires, drafts and the team depth are done with the coach, but truth be told he should have had the final say. His final say should have been “Nay” when it came to Colombano (who I personally liked), Trujillo, Marinelli, Thompson, and his failure to have a fully competitive team that not only had a stable heavy presence on the field but have a pool of trusted and established set of backup players that could step up and could be worked into the starting lineup.

Truth be told, although he did score some positive points with players like Claudio Lopez and to some extent Santiago Hirsig (Zoltan and Kamara look positive but it’s still too early), and I think KC has a nice pool of young players that at times have stepped up when given a real chance, Vermes as a Technical Director has done a sub-par job and I believe he does not deserve to keep his position. Three years on the job and KC seemed to have peaked in mediocre year one and gone down after that.

John Pascarella = Goalkeeping/Fitness Coach: Although at times it looked like the team was a bit out of gas, fitness was something that seemed to be a strong point for KC. Also, Kevin Hartman looked superb this year keeping the team in games that under normal circumstances should have been losses. He is a definite keep in my book.

Peter Vermes-Coach: I personally don’t like his style and at times it looked like he was slow to react, especially in those games where at the end of the season we needed a win but we still finished playing with 4 or 5 defenders and would either go play 3 defensive midfielders one game and then would play 4 offensive midfielders in another; interesting to say the least but I will acknowledge that it seemed that the team started to respond to his coaching style. I will also say that I believe he lost a great chance at the end of the year to give some younger players a chance to prove their worth and evaluate talent. I won’t buy the “we were still in it” excuse (yes we might have been mathematically alive but there was no way it was going to happen.

If the Front Office wants to give Vermes a shot at a whole season as a coach they need to go look for a capable and experienced Technical Director because very few (in any sport) have done a good job when performing the GM/Coach double duty. I’ll give Vermes the Coach a maybe with a short leash attached to his stint so that if the team does not show a significant turn around I would cut his coaching career short.

Kerry Zavagnin-Assistant Coach: Zavagnin is an interesting case and is someone that I can see as a possible future coach for the Wizards if they prepare him well. I think the first step to prepare him well is to get him out of KC; the FO needs to flex some diplomatic muscle and get Kerry a job as an assistant coach (paid by the Wizards) either in England, Scotland, or Holland for example, so that he can learn from other coaches and assistants and get a feel of how teams in better leagues do things. He knows the MLS, now he needs to know other leagues and systems.

Call it enrichment, call it internship, but the Wizards need to help get Zavagnin prepared if they want to see him as a successful future MLS coach for KC. Add to that the fact that there is a reason that institutions like the military move their Soldiers away to other units when they get promoted up the chain to a position of power; because the line of respect and camaraderie sometimes gets blurred when you are in charge of your ex-peers and as a coach you want that line to be there. If Zavagnin moves out for a few years on some kind of internship it will serve both for his preparation as it will allow for a roster turn over and help avoid any problems.

What’s your take on it? Who should stay, who should go?

The future of Peter Vermes the Technical Director(polls)

Kerry Zavagnin’s future(survey)

Should John Pascarella stay with KC ?(answers)

Peter Vermes as a Coach(answers)

• First and foremost, the big guns over at ESPN offer up a fairly optimistic preview. They list Trujillo as a player to watch.
• A FIFA preview briefly mentions Kansas City at the bottom of the page.
• Goal.com predicts a playoff berth.
• Soccerlens says that KC will do well if they find the back of the night. Duh.
• A pre-season power rankings from Center Holds It has KC in fifth. They also have a complete Eastern Conference preview available. KC is a ‘darkhorse’
• Ives puts the Wizards in fourth.
• North American Soccer magazine offers not only a long name but also ugly layout. Blerg!
• The most in depth preview is available at the Wizard’s official site. Bob Russert takes a long look at the team’s ‘08 outlook.
• Fox Soccer editor Robert Burns has an Eastern Conference preview coupled with a pre-season power rankings. They have the Wizards in 10th.
• Last but not least, you can also meet the 2008 Wizards right here.

Most of the ‘experts’ have KC right on the fringes of being a contender. That’s why they play the games.

If you found a preview I missed let me know before the season starts. Tomorrow I’ll have a preview of the opening match.

Part Two: Midfield

Kerry Zavagnin: One of the rocks of the midfield, has played his entire MLS career with the Wizards. Usually taking on the defensive midfield role, he is usually called upon to help shut down the opposing team’s best player. Also chips in a few goals here and there, as he had three last season.

Kurt Morsink: A second year player out of James Madison (my alma mater), Morsink played regularly last season after joining the squad. He even cracked the starting lineup 10 times. I remember watching him in college and recognizing that while he was the best player out there, I had no idea he was MLS material. Shows what I know, right?

Ryan Pore: Another one of those versatile players. Saw time in the preseason at attacking midfield and forward, the positions where he sees the most playing time. Looking to build on last season where he started four games and played in 17.

Michael Harrington: A potential starter on the left side who can also fill in at defense. Brings in a great deal experience from last season where he saw action in 29 games. One of three players to start every preseason game up to this point, so expect to see him a lot this season, most likely on the left side of midfield.

Carlos Marinelli: Attacking midfielder in his second year. Has failed to live up to the great hype he saw as a child, as he once was labeled the ‘next Maradona’. Bounced around different clubs, going from Boca Juniors, to Middlesborough, Torino, and Racing Club just to name a few. Hopefully he has found a home here in KC and will continue to lead the attack out of midfield.

Roger Espinoza: The second pick in the 2008 draft out of Ohio State, Espinoza was injured during preseason and missed the team’s trip down to Argentina. He broke a metatarsel in his foot and was diagnosed to miss 3-4 weeks. That was made a few weeks ago, so he should be back and in playing shape as the season starts.

Lance Watson: A developmental player trying to increase his role with the team. Injured his foot during preseason and will miss 6 weeks, maybe more with a broken foot.

Ryan McMahen: Holding midfielder still trying to break through with the team. Yet to feature for the first team and only saw limited action in the preseason. Will end up getting most of his time with the reserves.

Sasha Victorine: Established veteran that sticks in the midfield. Played in 29 games the previous season and looks to make an impact upon return. Has yet to play in a preseason match due to injury and the birth of his child. His future is kind of up in the air right now, but I’d expect him to come back soon.

Davy Arnaud: Attacking midfielder who also spends time at forward. Appeared in 28 games last season, netting four goals. Is currently injured and will miss the beginning of the 2008 season. A key player who will be missed during the beginning of the season, but the new signings will ease the pain of his early loss. Expect him back by the end of April.

Amir Lowery: 24 year-old from Washington, DC trying to carve out a career in pro soccer. Has bounced around a bit, but is listed on the roster, and has appeared 10 times during the preseason. Chalk him up to the reserve squad, I would have to say. Also can fall back into a defensive role.

Bottom Line: The midfield features a blend of youth and experience. The foundation for the forwards will be found right here, as the likes of Marinelli and Zavagnin will work to create space and play the right passes to open things up in the front of the pitch. This is one outfit that has been hit by injuries already, as Espinoza, Watson, and Arnaud already face time out with injury. But there is no question that the midfield is deep enough to handle these setbacks.

Also, there are a few players on trial who won’t be counted. I’m going off mostly the roster I see on the KC official website, throwing in draft picks. If any readers have knowledge of someone who I missed or who I’m incorrectly including, please chime in. I also realize that the positions may not be exact, however I have done extensive research and hope to have it close.

Part One: Defense
I figured I would start looking at each player starting at the back and move forward.

Goalies

Kevin Hartman: Slotted in the number one spot. An eleven year veteran, he started all 34 games of last season. His position is secure on the team, and he is a solid option in goal. The only concern about him is his age as he is currently 34. But that shouldn’t affect him this season, as he has worked hard this past offseason and has lost a lot of weight.

Eric Kronberg: Backup keeper. Spent 2006 on loan to Miami FC. Received playing time in the preseason and has the backup goalkeeping position locked up. It would be good to give him some first team time this season, possibly in the US Open Cup, to gain valuable experience if he’s to be the keeper of the future.

Andrew Kartunen: Selected in the 2008 Supplement Draft out of Stanford. Should get a good look in developmental games, perhaps going out on loan. Unsure of his exact status, as he isn’t listed on the roster.
ED Note: According to a source, he’s staying in school right now and isn’t with the team.

Boris Pardo: A goalie who has seen a bit of playing time in the preseason; he was a “pool player” last season. Like Kartunen, not sure of his status.

Defense

Jimmy Conrad: One of the most well-known players on the squad. Strong central defender who played in 25 games last season. He’s team captain again this season and the younger players will look to him for leadership. Will anchor the middle for the duration of the season and is a vital component to the play of the Defense. Has 24 caps for the USMNT. Expect another strong season from the player who is almost as well known for his brilliant writing and outgoing demeanor with the media.

Jack Jewsbury: Listed at a Defender on the Wizards sight, but spent some time last season as a Defensive Midfielder. Started 27 games last season. Spent time playing holding midfield and right midfield during the preseason as well as a defender.

Chance Myers: Rookie out of UCLA. First pick in the 2008 MLS Draft. The team thinks highly of him, as they traded away defender Nick Garcia for the number one pick overall. Will either play a wingback type role or on the wing as a midfielder. Played both right and left midfield during the preseason. Could see more of an attacking role. I expect Chance to crack the starting lineup at some point during the season.

Aaron Hohlbein: Defender/Midfielder in his second year our of University of Wisconsin. In competition as a potential starter on defense.

Tyson Wahl: Another defender contending for a starting spot. Appeared in only 6 games last season and should be seen more and more in ‘08.

Jon Leathers: Draft pick out of Furman. Provides depth on the backline and will most likely get a lot of time with the reserves. Wouldn’t be surprised if he made some appearances in a cup match either.

Yomby Williams: Another rookie draft pick. Big, strong defender out of Old Dominion that will provide backup for Jimmy. Comes all the way from Cameroon and is excited to be playing for the Wizards. Expect to see him playing more developmental games.

Rauwshan McKenzie: The Wizards fourth round pick out of Michigan St. Another backup who can play central defense. The front office thinks that he’s the steal of the draft; we’ll see how that pans out.

Matt Marquess: Third round pick out of Santa Clara. Injured during the preseason and currently isn’t practicing.

Bottom Line: The defense is going to be a big question mark for the Wizards this season. Hartman is experienced and claims to be in some of the best shape of his life, but the defense has received an overhaul during the offseason. Jimmy should be the usual rock that he is, but depending on how the outside backs play will play a huge role in determining the success the Wizards have this season. There are a lot of young players in defense, so if some of the veteran players go down, the rookies may play a bigger role than the think right now.

The team has training all week to prepare for the Saturn Challenge Cup this Saturday. Tickets are available here. The Wizards will be going up against Real Salt Lake at the University of Oklahoma’s field.

Any trip where you manage to win all but two of your games can only be considered a success. Not to mention also bringing in a prolific striker with the addition of Lopez. While Lopez has yet to make even a preseason appearance, Frank Dell’Apa writes how El Piojo is one of the best Designated Player signings yet. I love Frank’s optimism, but let’s be a bit more realistic. I find at least two things wrong with making that statement already: one, Lopez has yet to see a minute of play in either the preseason or regular season. Two, there have been only a total of seven DPs signed. Lopez is no spring chicken at 33, and while that might not make a difference, common sense tells you that it will take some time for him to adjust. Reserve judgment until at least the first month of the season maybe? Dell’Apa does make a good point about how this signing is about nothing more than landed a quality soccer player. The article is definitely a must read, especially for those who think Beckham and Blanco are far superior.

Last but not least, Lopez does not have a visa so it’s unclear whether he will return to train with the team in Kansas City. Seeing that Trujillo took two months to secure paperwork for, I wouldn’t be surprised if this also took some time. If he makes it back in time and is ready to start the season, the storyline for the opening game against DC: two former Argentina World Cup teammates, now 30 something, up against each other in the opening weekend of the MLS. What a cracker. Stay tuned as the saga unfurls…

Injury News: Lance Watson, who suffered a broken foot in the friendly against Velez Sarsfield, looks to be out for 6 weeks after undergoing surgery. He’s now the second player to suffere a broken foot, as rookie Roger Espinoza suffered one a few weeks ago and missed out on the trip to Argentina

This is a huge boost for the Wizards. With the obvious loss of Eddie Johnson over the offseason, they now have a prolific striker to fill his boots. While a bit over the hill (in soccer years) at 33, he gives them a high-profile attack option up top. Or at least someone with the pedigree to be a high-profile option. I’m always skeptical about the MLS building a rep of a “retirement league.” I know that he’s got to have a bit left in the tank, but still. A bit weary.

And of course, in non-Claudio Lopez news, River Plate backed out of the friendly they had agreed to play Friday morning. KC’s victim instead? Deportivo Moron. That’s right, moron. Can’t help but laugh at that, although I know that’s wrong on some kind of level. Anyways, the Wizards dispatched them easily, 5-1, as Moron plays in what is the equivalent of third-Division soccer down in ‘tina. Detailed recaps available at other blogs here and here. I was correct with yesterday’s prediction: Trujillo played a half, netting two goals.

Trialist Andrew DiCicco scored the game winner, giving him three goals in the preseason already. Will that be anough to make the roster? No sign of Trujillo either. I would guess he’ll be making his preseason debut soon. Maybe this week, perhaps the week after.

Up next: River Plate. Should be fun.

It’s been raining a lot since the Wizards arrived and they have been practicing mostly inside. In fact, the first exhibition they were scheduled to play against Defensa y Justicia. It has now been rescheduled til Tuesday. The other three teams on the schedule are Velez Sarsfield, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. I’m familiar with the last two teams as they are two of the bigger Argentinian clubs (if not THE big clubs). I’ll post reactions and post game thoughts from each game as they take place, or if they are canceled again.

And what’s another post without a Lopez update? Steve Goff is reporting the two sides are close. They’re only “ironing out the final details.” I can send them an iron if that would help speed up the negotiations and end this dragged out sequence of events. Although it really hasn’t been that long. According to downthebyline, who have read or translated this Argentine article into English, Lopez has been practicing and training with some of the players and will continue to do so during this preseason. Looks like we’re close.