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April 3, 2007
MLS PREVIEW
Kansas City Wizards
Kathryn L. Knapp, Editor, ChicagoLandSoccerNews.com
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Davy Arnaud poses an offensive threat from midfield.
Photo by Phil Stephens |
NEWCOMERS: Edson Elcock, A.J. Godbolt, Willy Guadarrama, Michael Harrington, Kevin Hartman, Chris Konopka, Michael Kraus, Kurt Morsink
KEY RETURNEES: Jimmy Conrad, Nick Garcia, Scott Sealy, Jose Burciaga, Jr., Eddie Johnson
GOALKEEPING: Kevin Hartman will be taking over for the Wizards in goal this season. After spending 10 years guarding the net for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Hartman brings leadership to an already strong back line. Hartman is the league's leader in career saves with 903. Eric Kronberg will be his back-up in goal. Kronberg was drafted by KC in 2006. He spent much of last season on loan to Miami FC (USL-1). Bo Oshoniyi and Will Hesmer spent time in goal for Kansas City in 2006. Between the two keepers, they allowed 45 goals and posted six shutouts. Neither player returns for 2007.
DEFENSE: Kansas City's defense is as strong as the best of them. Jimmy Conrad and Nick Garcia keep things under control in the back. Conrad is now a regular on the U.S. National Team. Garcia has played in 197 games for Kansas City and started every one. Wizard returnees Shavar Thomas, Jose Burciaga Jr., Tyson Wahl and Ryan Raybould join the leaders. Burciaga had a strong offensive season in '06 as well, recording eight goals and eight assists. Rookies Michael Harrington and Aaron Hohlbein could see minimal playing time.
MIDFIELD: Kerry Zavagnin (1 assist) is the veteran in the midfield, as he starts his 10th MLS season. Zavagnin is one of the top defensive midfielders in the country. Sasha Victorine (3 goals, 8 assists) appeared in 31 games for the Wizards last season and is always a force to be reckoned with. Davy Arnaud (4 goals, 4 assists) is also a mainstay at midfield and poses an offensive threat. Matt Groenwald, Jack Jewsbury, Will John, Ryan McMahen and Lance Watson add depth to the midfield. Rookies Edson Elcock, A.J. Godbolt, Aaron Hohlbein, Michael Kraus and Kurt Morsink could also challenge for playing time in the center of the field.
OFFENSE: Despite the loss of Josh Wolff (5 goals, 2 assists) to Germany's 1860 Munich, Kansas City's offense remains rather strong. Scott Sealy led the attack for Kansas City in 2006 with 10 goals and one assist. Eddie Johnson joined the Wizards in 2006, but injuries limited the forward to 19 games, two goals and one assist. Yura Movsisyan and Ryan Pore return to the squad. Jewsbury and John can also help if called upon. Rookies Elcock, Willy Guadarrama and Kraus could see playing time up front as well.
OUTLOOK: It's a new start for Kansas City in 2007. Under new management and leadership, the Wizards are starting with a clean slate. The team has some of the top players in the league, but in 2006, they were unable to make things happen. With Kevin Hartman in goal, Jimmy Conrad signed for another four years and a healthy Eddie Johnson, this team could be trouble.
Curt Onalfo will lead the Wizards in the new era. Onalfo brings a wealth of experience with him. He began serving as a U.S. Men's National Team Assistant Coach in 2003. He also worked as an assistant coach and interim coach at D.C. United. Onalfo is familiar with the league, since he played from 1996-99 with Los Angeles, San Jose and D.C. United. He officially joined the Wizards as head coach in late November.
Bob Gansler stepped down in July 2006, after coaching the team for seven full seasons. Gansler joined the squad in 1999, when the team had a 0-7 record. He stayed with the team until 2006, posting a 85-85-51 record.
In 2006, 13 different players combined for 43 goals. Scott Sealy and Jose Burciaga Jr. paved the way. Davy Arnaud stood strong. All are back for another season and expected to pick up where they left off. Eddie Johnson also has played for the USA in 2007. He looks to be in good shape and should be ready for action.
The defense has a chance to start fresh this season. Kevin Hartman will bring a new energy to the back line. Jimmy Conrad may miss some games due to National Team duty. Nick Garcia will sit out the first game of 2007 after receiving a red card Oct. 14, 2006, against the New York Red Bulls. Other than that, the defense should be in top shape.
The veterans will lead the way for Kansas City in 2007, but there is always room for a rookie or two to step in and make an impact.
The bottom line - a healthy Kansas City with a new coaching style could lead the East in 2007. They'll be a team to tangle with.
For the complete 2007 MLS preview, Download the MLS preview here
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