Preview: Kansas City Wizards vs. Red Bull New York (The Season’s Most Important Game Yet)

By: Michael | June 1st, 2007

The Skinny:
After a brief stumble against Dallas and Colorado and a string of injuries, the Wizards pulled it off once again in New England by winning 4-3. The three points earned from their improbable victory sets up what may be the most important game yet in this young MLS season. Those outside Kansas City may not know it, but there is a bitter taste in the Wizards’ mouth when it comes to RBNY. Virtually tied for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, the Wizards and Red Bulls met in New York for the final game of the season to decide whose season would be moving on. A controversial red card call against Nick Garcia a to-the-whistle loss later, the Wizards were going home. Not only is this a game for

My Take:
I think the more apt focus of this game is the clash of two teams who were similar in talent in 2006 but took diametrically different approaches towards building a winner. While New York threw cash at the old guard and has brought in some big names (Angel not the least of them), Kansas City has more frugally used its dough to fill specific holes and has focused on building a committed, coherent, and young team who play as a successful unit.

The Starting XI:
According to the MLS injury report, six starters are currently nursing injuries - seven if you count Aaron Hohlbein, who with three defenders injured would most certainly have been used. Since I don’t want to start crying and do not trust MLS’ injury reports anyway, I’m going to assume what I have actually heard - that Conrad will miss but Garcia will play - is true.

——————Hartman————–
Jewsbury—-Hohlbein—-Garcia—–Wahl
—————-Zavagnin—————-
Arnaud———-Marinelli—–Harrington
———Sealy———Johnson———

If Sealy doesn’t start, he’ll most likely be subbed in for Yura in the second half. Scott is a competitor and I imagine if he’s as recovered as MLSNet would have us believe, he’ll be playing for such a big game. Look for Marinelli - again, if he’s truly healthy - to run circles through RBNY and make the geezers (Reyna especially) in New York’s center midfield tired within the first half hour.

Prediction Time:
My Prediction: KC 3 - 2 New York
Kansas wins another wide open game with its healthy attack and patched-together defense. Marinelli sets up the opening goal and puts a ball on Sealy’s foot for a feel-good late winner.
FIFA ‘03 Prediction: KC 1 - 1 NY/NJ
Has anyone ever heard of a more silly name than the New York/New Jersey MetroStars?

Enjoy the game, everyone…