Preview: KC Wizards vs. Real Salt Lake

By: Michael | July 14th, 2007

The Skinny:
The official win tally for the Wizards w/o EJo or Conrad: 0. Winless since Eddie Johnson put in three against RBNY to make MLS history, the Wizards have gone from being a point behind New York with two games in hand to two points down with only the hard way left to make up the gap: wins. Their last chance to solidify a good position going into the All-Star break, today’s game against RSL is extremely important to KC.

My Take:
True, a goal from fifteen minutes of 11 on 10 against TFC would have seen KC tied for the Eastern Conference lead or a non-call during the controversial penalty awarded late to Angel in New York would see then on top, but with all their chances, the Wizards did not do what was needed while EJo and Conrad were away with the Men’s National Team. This game against RSL is now absolutely vital in setting up the tone of our second half. Will we enter as contenders or as a team struggling to maintain a playoff spot. With Eddie and Jimmy back and RSL dismally frustrated as of late, I think the Wizards will get their much needed win.

The Starting XI:
Awhile ago, I commented on the fact that the Wizards had a long time yet before they would be able to finally play with their starting XI. As MLSNet now reports, that day is poised to come, and I think this will be a major boost for the club. As I see it, the XI stands as follows:

————————Hartman————————
-Jewsbury—Garcia—-Conrad—Burciaga-
————–——Zavagnin—-——————
-Arnaud——————————–Harrington-
———————Marinelli———————-
——-Sealy—————-Johnson———–

This XI comes with full apologies to Mr. Victorine, whom I with great regret left off the XI.

Prediction Time:
My Prediction: KC 3 - 1 RSL
FIFA Prediction: KC 3 - 3 San Jose Earthquakes

Enjoy the game, all!