MLS ticket renewals bucking the economy

The Soccer365 Grapevine

Sealy Signs With Tel Aviv; Gets Assist In Debut

Wizards goalkeeper Hartman chronicles training in diary

MLS PreseasonPreview

U.S. bids for 2018, 2022 World Cups; no expansion news; Athletica notes

USA vs. Mexico countdown: Your chance to make a historic call

Kansas City Wizards Weekly Update

* Kansas City Wizards Announce 2009 Schedule
* Wizards Continue Preseason Training with Two Friendlies
* Espinoza Makes First International Start, Scores First International Goal
* Jewsbury Remains with U.S. National Team
* Kansas City Wizards Lower Season Ticket Prices for 2009 Season
* Demolition Commences at Bannister Mall
* Wizards Hold 2nd Annual Open Tryouts March 7-8
 
Kansas City Wizards Announce 2009 Schedule
 
The Kansas City Wizards announced last week the 30-game 2009 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season schedule. For a third consecutive season, every Kansas City Wizards game will be televised. Games not shown exclusively in English by a national broadcast partner will be shown live locally on Metro Sports. Metro Sports is available on Time Warner Cable (Channel 30), Comcast (Channel 258) and Sunflower Cable in Lawrence, Kan. (Channel 37). Metro Sports will also televise Wizards games in Spanish on Time Warner Cable Channel 5, the Around Town Channel. The Wizards open the season Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT against Toronto FC at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
 
Season ticket packages for 2009 are still available, starting as low as $180. Contact the Wizards at (913) 387-3400 for tickets or visit www.kcwizards.com. Individual tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on Thursday, Feb. 19.  Contact Ticketmaster via phone at (816) 931-3330 or online at Ticketmaster.com. Call for details on how to get the limited tickets available at CommunityAmerica Ballpark to see the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, July 25.
 
Kansas City Wizards 2009 Schedule
 
GMDATE (TV)OPPONENTVENUETIME (CT)
1Saturday, Mar 21 (MS)Toronto FCHome7:30
2Saturday, Mar 28 (MS)Colorado RapidsAway8:30
3Saturday, Apr 4 (MS)San Jose EarthquakesHome7:30
4Saturday, Apr 11 (MS)Seattle Sounders FCAway9:30
5Saturday, Apr 18 (FSC, FSE)Chicago FireAway7:30
6Thursday, Apr 23 (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)New York Red BullsHome7:00
7Sunday, Apr 26 (MS)Toronto FCAwayTBD
8Wednesday, May 6 (MS)D.C. UnitedHome7:30
9Saturday, May 9 (FSC)Columbus CrewAway6:00
10Saturday, May 16 (MS)Real Salt LakeAway8:00
11Saturday, May 23 (FSC)Club Deportivo Chivas USAHome7:30
12Saturday, May 30 (MS)Los Angeles GalaxyAway9:30
13Saturday, Jun 6 (MS)Columbus CrewHome7:30
14Saturday, Jun 13 (MS)New England RevolutionHome7:30
15Saturday, Jul 4 (MS)Houston DynamoHome8:00
16Saturday, Jul 11 (MS)New England RevolutionAwayTBD
17Saturday, Jul 25 (MS)Los Angeles GalaxyHome7:30
18Saturday, Aug 1 (MS)FC DallasAway7:30
19Saturday, Aug 8 (MS)D.C. UnitedAway7:00
20Sunday, Aug 16 (TeleFutura, MS)Chicago FireHome2:00
21Saturday, Aug 22 (MS)San Jose EarthquakesAway9:00
22Saturday, Aug 29 (MS)Real Salt LakeHome7:30
23Saturday, Sep 5 (MS)New England RevolutionAway6:30
24Saturday, Sep 12 (MS)New York Red BullsAway6:30
25Saturday, Sep 19 (MS)FC DallasHome7:30
26Saturday, Sep 26 (MS)Colorado RapidsHome7:30
27Sunday, Oct 4 (TeleFutura, MS)Houston DynamoAway2:00
28Saturday, Oct 10 (MS)Club Deportivo Chivas USAAway9:30
29Saturday, Oct 17 (MS)Seattle Sounders FCHome7:30
30Saturday, Oct 24 (MS)D.C. UnitedHome7:30

 
Key:
MS = Metro Sports (English), Time Warner Cable Channel 5 (Spanish)
FSC, FSE = Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports en Español
 
Wizards Continue Preseason Training With Friendlies Wednesday Against Chicago Fire, Saturday Against New York Red Bulls
 
The Kansas City Wizards continue pre-season training this week in Bradenton, Fla. with a pair of exhibition matches against MLS opponents. On Wednesday, Kansas City will face the Chicago Fire at 9 a.m. CT. The Wizards will then face the New York Red Bulls, 2008 MLS Cup finalists, Saturday at 9 a.m. CT. Kansas City will train in Bradenton through Feb. 11. The Wizards will then return to Kansas City for five days before departing to Guadalajara, Mexico to train at the facilities of partner club Atlas AC of the Mexican first division.
 
Kansas City opened its exhibition schedule with a 7-0 win over the United States Under-17 National Team. KCW Juniors goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin played the opening 45 minutes for the youth national team, allowing two goals while making two saves. Kempin played for the KCW Juniors U-16s and Blue Valley North High School before being recruited to join the U.S. U-17 Residency Program.
 
UPCOMING TRAINING CAMPS
 
Dates                                     Location
Jan. 29 – Feb. 11                Training Camp in Bradenton, Fla.
Feb. 13 – Feb. 17                Training in Kansas City
Feb. 19 – March 4               Training Camp in Guadalajara, Mexico
 
Midfielder Roger Espinoza Earns First Career Start, Scores First Career Goal for Honduras
 
Kansas City Wizards midfielder Roger Espinoza earned his first career start and scored his first career goal Sunday in a 1-0 win over El Salvador. Honduras finished in 3rd place in the 2009 UNCAF (Central American Football Union) Nations Cup with the win. By finishing in the top five in the tournament, Honduras qualified for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Espinoza played in three matches in the tournament, recording one start and one goal. He has quickly become one of Honduras’ brightest prospects, as Head Coach Reinaldo Rueda tabbed Espinoza an up-and-coming star. Honduras travels to face Costa Rica Wednesday, Feb. 11 in a World Cup 2010 qualifier.
 
Midfielder Jack Jewsbury Remains with U.S. National Team
 
Wizards midfielder Jack Jewsbury remains with the U.S. National Team ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium. Jewsbury has been with Bob Bradley’s squad since early January. The heated United States and Mexico rivalry sees a third installment from Crew Stadium, where the U.S. is 2-0 against the tri-color. The match starts at 6 p.m. CT live on ESPN2 HD and Univision.

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Espinoza’s First Start

A View of the Terraces – Respectable Attendance Figures in the MLS

Herculez Suffers Torn Meniscus

INCOMING: Ferenc Béres to Kansas City?

Honduras vs. El Salvador – UNCAF Nations Cup

US-Mexico countdown: No. 11

In Florida, Wizards won’t be taking a break

Wizards Trialists

Pride 1/30/09  “Kansas City Wizards Passback Program: Willard Parks and Recreation has been selected to take part and receive donations in the Kansas City Wizards / US Soccer Foundation Passback Program. The Passback Program is a grassroots initiative designed to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities, regardless of income, gender or location. The Kansas City Wizards will be collecting new soccer equipment from March June of this year. After the drive, a large portion of the donations will be coming directly to the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. The donations will be distributed to the Willard Soccer teams for the fall 2009 season”

Former Wizards Update

Bradley calls 19 from MLS to train for Mexico qualifier

Time to Plan the Rest of My Year

Fate gives Becker chance to shine

Peter Vermes interview 01-28-2009 Part 1

First XI: The early slate

2009 Cauldron Leadership Elections

Wizards release 2009 schedule

The Schedule is Out – UPDATE

Entregados y de buen ánimo

“You suck, ref!”

Wizards Preseason Continues

2009 Best Boys Club  Look who came in the 30 ith slot?

Wizards Preseason Schedule and MLS Schedule

Final Practice Right Now/Team Leaves Tomorrow

Rapids Shed Four Well-Knowns

Is Freddy Dead?

Milan Wanting To Keep Beckham

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Espinoza Earns First Cap

Wall come tumbling down – part 2

 World of sports has had its famous 44s

Bizarre Jimmy Conrad interview

US-Mexico countdown: No. 20

TRR First Look: 2009 KC Brass schedule

Weekly Wrap-up

Largest Capacity Stadium in Every European Country

Roller Warriors open another season Saturday at Municipal Auditorium

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See you in St. Louis

Live: SuperDraft Chat (Starts Thursday)

I feel a cold draft…

 MLS SuperDraft Special: Five Sleepers in MLS History

Zakuani still the likely top pick in the SuperDraft

MLS SuperDraft: How the Draft Will Go Down

Wizards preparing for an eventful day

Mock Draft #1…

Name game takes a mundane turn on the streets of Philadelphia

US Soccer Interviews Jack Jewsbury at MNT Camp

10,000 Minute Club

MLS SuperDraft tomorrow

New Hillcrest Road is Here

FCD fill flank void with van den Bergh

Cristiano Ronaldo Ignites Legends

Thomas Dooley: One of Those Rare Times When Getting Someone Knocked Up Overseas Actually Kinda Works Out for the Best

–PRESS RELEASE–

Wizards Launch Re-Designed Blog Hillcrest Road
 
Monday, the Wizards launched a new look for their team blog, Hillcrest Road. The site, accessible at www.hillcrestroad.blogspot.com, is the official blog of the organization and features regular updates on players, community initiatives and front-office events.
 
The new look matches the “KCW 2009” theme employed by the team on its website, www.kcwizards.com, and other collateral. The Wizards want fan feedback on the new look. Visit the blog today and comment on the look and feel.
 
2009 MLS SuperDraft Takes Place Jan. 15, Airs Live on ESPN 2
 
Learn the names of those aiming to become the next MLS stars this Thursday when 60 young players will be selected in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The event will begin at 1 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET) in St. Louis, Mo., in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The first hour of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will be televised live on ESPN2. Members of the Wizards Technical Staff will be in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Tuesday for the final day of the 2009 adidas Combine, which serves as the final showcase for many of the elite college players eligible for the draft.
 
The Wizards currently control five picks in the SuperDraft. Kansas City has one first-round selection, two second-round selections, one third round selections and two fourth-round selections. One of the fourth-round selections will be sent to the Colorado Rapids to complete the trade late in the 2008 regular season for midfielder/forward Herculez Gomez
 
Held at the St. Louis Convention Center – America’s Center, the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will consist of four rounds of 15 picks each.  The first overall selection belongs to Seattle Sounders FC, which is set to kick off their inaugural season in MLS this year. 
 
The 2009 MLS SuperDraft order follows (as of January 13, 2009):
 
1st ROUND:
1.   Seattle Sounders FC
2.   Toronto FC (from San Jose)
3.   Los Angeles Galaxy
4.   Toronto FC
5.   FC Dallas
6.   D.C. United
7.   D.C. United (from Colorado)
8.   Kansas City Wizards
9.   Chivas USA
10.  New England Revolution
11.  FC Dallas (from San Jose, Houston)
12.  Real Salt Lake
13.  Toronto FC (from Chicago)
14.  New York Red Bulls
15.  New England Revolution (from Columbus)
 
 
$ – Per a previous trade Colorado is to receive the lower of KC’s 2009 4th round SuperDraft picks. This pick is to be determined 48 hours prior to the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. This trade will not include any future picks KC may receive in 2009 4th round SuperDraft.
 
Selection Order:
The MLS SuperDraft selection order is determined as follows: The first selection is awarded to Major League Soccer’s expansion team, Seattle Sounders FC. The next six selections are from teams that did not qualify for the 2008 MLS Cup Playoffs beginning with the team with fewest 2008 regular season points (3 points per win, one point per tie). The remaining eight positions are ranked by fewest regular season points among the teams that were eliminated in the same round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
 
Procedural rules for the 2009 MLS SuperDraft
 
Draft Rounds: The 2009 MLS SuperDraft will include four rounds and 60 selections.
 
Selection Clock: Teams are permitted four (4) minutes to make a selection in the First and Second Rounds. Teams are permitted three (3) minutes to make a selection in the Third and Fourth rounds.
 
Intermissions: There will be a five (5) minute break between each round.
 
Timeouts: Each team is permitted one (1), five (5) minute timeout. Selections must be made immediately following the timeout (no additional time given). More than two (2) timeouts BY ANY TEAMS cannot be used consecutively.
 
Failure to Make Selection in Designated Time: Teams that fail to make their selection in time must wait until the next selection is made, regardless if their choice is presented prior to the next team’s decision. The team that was delinquent with its selection must immediately have its choice in hand following the selection of the team that followed. If not, the original team must again wait for the next selection to be made.
 
Trades: Prior to being announced, trades need to be verified and approved by the Commissioner and/or his designee. Trade announcements should not reveal the identity of players until those players have been contacted by their respective clubs. For example, Team A trades a “player to be named later” for Team B’s first selection.
 
Team Passing: Once a team has passed, it may no longer participate in the Draft (e.g. may no longer select players, use a timeout, etc.).

Red Bulls eyeing deals

2009 MLS Draft – Counting Picks…

Earthquakes trying to trade for first-round draft pick

What to do on your Monday Morning

MLS Hot Stove: Marmol leaves Fire, Houston waits on Ngwenya and no DP rush for KC   “Wondering just how good a deal the Kansas City Wizards made in getting Claudio Lopez to agree to a new, non-DP contract? Try $200000 …”

Lopez’ New Salary

Keeping Up With Jack

–PRESS RELEASE–

Kansas City Wizards Re-Sign Forward Claudio “El Piojo” Lopez
 
(January 12, 2009) – The Kansas City Wizards announced Monday that they have re-signed striker Claudio Lopez for the 2009 season. Lopez, who became the club’s first-ever Designated Player prior to last season, has signed a new deal that will not require the Wizards to use the Designated Player tag on him in 2009. Per League and club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
 
“Re-signing Claudio Lopez was a priority of ours heading into the off-season,” Technical Director Peter Vermes said. “Claudio’s international experience is invaluable to our team, and having a year of experience in Major League Soccer and his understanding of how our League works will be a huge benefit for him in 2009.”
 
Lopez joined the Wizards prior to the 2008 season after playing for several of the most prestigious teams in international football. He began his career with Racing in Argentina’s first division before playing at world powers such as Valencia (Spain), Lazio (Italy) and Club America (Mexico). Lopez, 34, has 58 career appearances and 10 goals for Argentina’s national team and appeared in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.
 
Last season, Lopez scored six goals and added seven assists in MLS play. Including Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches and the MLS Cup Playoffs, Lopez scored seven goals and recorded 10 assists. He played in 28 regular-season games (25 starts) and was selected MLS Player of the Week in Round 30 after a one-goal, two-assist performance led the Wizards to a vital 3-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes that helped the team qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Lopez then assisted on Davy Arnaud’s goal in the 1-1 home draw with the eventual champions Columbus Crew in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series. He now has 129 league goals in his storied career.
 

AG

Royals Head Coach Leaves To Join MLS’ Wizards

And with the 8th Pick

Northern Virginia Royals coach accepts position with Kansas City Wizards

Baggio enters MLS Draft

Strong bids for Soccer Hall glory

 Lopez Returning

MLS Boomerang Players

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MLS Hot Stove: Trade talk galore ahead of draft

So it’s not the whatstheirnames then?

U.S. Men’s National Team Settles Into January Training Camp 

Reinaldo Rueda: “Roger Espinoza dará mucho que hablar”

Goleadas en entrenamiento

All Competition Scorers Through the 2008 Season

Sounders scouting for No. 1 pick in MLS draft

Murph’s Turf: Wish List 2009 “Ridgefield native Curt Onalfo to guide the Kansas City Wizards to the MLS (Major League Soccer) title. Onalfo did a masterful job last season, using some trades and fresh tactics to help the Wizards lose just once in their final seven regular-season games and make the playoffs.”

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TRIO OF REVS DEPART  “Cristman – a 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist – was traded to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for allocation money and the Wizards’ natural third-round selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft …”

U.S. Soccer Futsal Training

Vote for Ives

ABOUT JIMMY

Venue Capacity

Pair of Wizards Receive “All-American” Honorable Mention

Matches of the Year, Lack of News

Jack Jewsbury Opens US MNT Camp With Big News

The Best Superdraft Picks by Draft Position (#16-112 posted)

U.S. U-23 WNT Kicks Off Year in San Diego  

Equipos capitalinos se fueron de pretemporada

Will MLS and WPS Cannibalize One Another?

Teams seek future stars in SuperDraft

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Kansas City Wizards Midfielder Jack Jewsbury Called to U.S. National Team Training Camp

The End of the Reserve League

SBI MLS Mock Draft (Version 3.0)

The Difficulty of The 2009 Schedule

U.S. loses Wizards’ Espinoza to Honduras

Generation adidas Players Change MLS Game

Conrad Gets Team of the Year Nod/Streeter’s Predictions

Timbers’ Chris Brown Announces Retirement

Rafinha’s big week

Feliz Anniversaire 2009

2008 Year in Review A Look at the Year’s Top Stories

A 38 días de arrancar hexagonal, “Tri” sigue sin actividad en 2009

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Former Wizards Update

MLS Hot Stove: The Kassel situation

Soccer

USA v Mexico Video – Feb 28, 2001

Serie A – La Lazio convoite Ayala

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No UNCAF Cup for Espinoza

2009 Golden Boot – Five Players To Watch

U.S. Soccer announces first set of “Best Of” Award Winners

MUST-SEE VIDEO: Judas (The Mo Johnston Story)

PV Interview/4Years Ago Today

OUTGOING: Carlos Marinelli to Millonarios

Marinelli Experiment Over In KC

Generation Adidas Checks in From London

LA Auto Show “VOLKSWAGEN’s Major League Soccer All-Stars autograph session: Volkswagen takes Jimmy Conrad of Kansas City Wizards”

USL Announces 90 Participants For Men’s Player Showcase

Dynamo defined by perseverance

Readers respond From the great white north

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Former Wizards Getting New Teams?

Finding financing, attracting retail tenants double whammy for developers

Monday Morning Center Back: Can an MLS team succeed with two DP slots?

Espinoza and GAs lose in England

Sounders select 10 players in Expansion Draft

Davis: Who was left on the cutting-room floor?

Press release

Attend ‘Wizards Wonderland’ Select-a-Seat Event Saturday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark
 
Wizards fans are invited to join the club this Saturday, Dec. 13, for a special holiday event as the team’s newest customers pick out their seats for the 2009 soccer season. Join Santa Claus, Dynamo the Dragon, Starting 11 Girls and other Wizards staff members as the team reopens CommunityAmerica Ballpark for four (4) hours on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 – 5 p.m. CT. The Wizards will unveil some new and exciting ticket packages for the 2009 season, including All-You-Can-Eat Seats, Full-Service Terrace Tables (with all-inclusive beverage service throughout the match) and Field Side Reserved Seats.
 
Fans will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes including gift cards to popular Legends retailers, Wizards merchandise and more.  Kids can have their pictures taken with Santa Claus and Dynamo, while parents pick out their seats for the 2009 season. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will also be available for the team’s guests.   
 
The Wizards will offer a special ticket package for the holidays that includes a Wizards digital desk clock, a Jimmy Conrad autographed picture and a $50 deposit towards a Wizards 2009 ticket package – all for only $59.  The Wizards will also hold a merchandise blowout sale for the holidays on Dec. 13.  Game-used jerseys and shoes, along with a variety of other Wizards inventory, both new and old, must go. A portion of the proceeds from all game-used merchandise sales will directly benefit the Kansas City Soccer Foundation, the charitable arm of the Wizards.
 
The first 200 guests through the door will also receive a complimentary 2008 Wizards Highlight DVD.  Season Ticket Holders who bring a guest who purchases a Wizards ticket package will be entered into a Grand Prize Drawing for a Wizards Road Trip. For more information, contact the Wizards ticket office at (913) 387-3400.
 
Kansas City Wizards Lower Season Ticket Prices for 2009 Season
 
The Kansas City Wizards have lowered prices for season ticket holders from their 2008 rates and will continue to offer free parking at all events. Kansas City also introduced two exciting new seating options: All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Table Seats. Wizards fans who put down a new season ticket deposit for the 2009 season will receive a free season ticket holder scarf. To purchase season tickets for 2009, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400.
 
In addition to their existing seating categories, the Wizards are adding All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Tables for fans who enjoy premium entertainment options. All-You-Can-Eat Seats will be located in section 106 behind the West goal and allow patrons unlimited food and drink during the game. Full-Service Terrace Tables are high-tops around the stadium and will include unlimited drinks during each match.
 
The Wizards also offer a free bus to groups of 50 from within the Kansas City metro area. Contact a Wizards sales rep at (913) 387-3400 for more information about bringing your group outing to a Kansas City Wizards match via bus. Alcohol, excluding kegs, is allowed on buses to the stadium.
 
2009 Season-Ticket Prices (All packages for 18 games)
       

 Peter Vermes Interview Available at kcwizards.com Podcast Page
 
Wizards Technical Director Peter Vermes spoke candidly to staff of kcwizards.com Monday for an exclusive interview regarding the lead up to the 2009 Major League Soccer season. Head to the www.kcwizards.com home page to listen to the interview, or visit at the Wizards podcast page.
 
Espinoza Plays 60 Minutes in Friendly Loss Against Reading FC Reserves
 
Kansas City Wizards midfielder Roger Espinoza, the club’s 2008 team Rookie of the Year, is one of the 16 young Major League Soccer stars to take part in a nine-day trip to London, England. Espinoza, 22, played 22 games for the Wizards in 2008, scoring one goal and adding three assists. He will join 15 other players from the Generation adidas program* in a trip to London that will include matches against reserve teams of three top English clubs, tours of the famous city and the chance to watch two EPL league matches and a UEFA Champions’ League contest.
 
Today, the Generation adidas squad dropped a 1-0 result against the reserve team of English League Championship side Reading FC. Espinoza started and played the opening 60 minutes for the team of young MLS players on the left side of midfield. For more information on the match, visit this page at MLSnet.com.
 
The Kansas City Wizards will start the 2009 season with a home match against Toronto FC on Saturday, March 21, 2009.

 The game will kick off at Kansas City’s new start time, 7:30 p.m. CT, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Season ticket packages are now available by calling the Wizards ticket office at (913) 387-3400. Group packages for groups of 15 or more are also available for the home opener. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.
 
Kansas City finished the 2008 regular season with a 9-2-4 home record, good for the 3rd best mark in MLS. The Wizards defeated D.C. United 2-0 on March 29, 2008 in their first-ever match at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The stadium quickly became known for its loud atmosphere and distinct home-field advantage for the Wizards, as the team closed with a 7-0-3 mark in its last 10 regular-season home games.
 
In 2009, the Wizards will continue to offer a free bus to groups of 50 from within the Kansas City metro area. Contact a Wizards sales rep at (913) 387-3400 for more information about bringing your group outing to a Kansas City Wizards match via bus. Alcohol, excluding kegs, is allowed on buses to the stadium.
 
Kansas City Wizards to Hold 2nd Annual Open Tryouts March 7-8, 2009
 
The Kansas City Wizards will hold its second-annual open tryouts March 7-8, 2009 in Kansas City. The Wizards held an open tryout in 2008 for the first time since their inaugural 1996 season, with the event drawing over 200 players from 15 different countries. Two players eventually signed for Kansas City, midfielders Kevin Souter and Nelson Pizarro. Both went on to play in MLS matches for the Wizards in 2008, and Souter started the final four games of the regular season and both MLS Cup Playoff matches for Kansas City. The tryout costs $200, and players can sign up through www.kcwizards.com/opentryout.  
 
Participants will take part in matches Saturday, with the top players called back for Sunday’s session. Finalists will then get the opportunity to tryout with the Wizards first team in March with the chance of securing a contract. Final tryout location and times will be provided to each participant closer to the event.
 
AG

The week ahead

The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football transfer rumours

MLS First Kick

Canales Daily: Messing with Success

Wizards to have open tryouts

MLS season review

Wizards After Asian Beckham?

Press Release

Major League Soccer Announces MLS First Kick; Kansas City Wizards Move 2009 Start Times to 7:30 p.m. CT
 
Kansas City Kicks Off Home Schedule with Season-Opening Tilt Versus Toronto FC Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in KCK
 
(December 2, 2008) – Major League Soccer (MLS) announced Tuesday MLS “First Kick” 2009, Week 1 of the League’s 14th regular season. The Kansas City Wizards will start the season with a home match against Toronto FC on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The game will kick off at Kansas City’s new start time, 7:30 p.m. CT, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Season ticket packages are now available by calling the Wizards ticket office at (913) 387-3400. Group packages for groups of 15 or more are also available for the home opener. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.
 
The home opener for each MLS club is included below. Games could be added to Weeks 2 and 3 by MLS at a later date. Major League Soccer’s complete 2009 schedule, including local and national broadcast details, will be announced by early February 2009.
 
Kansas City finished the 2008 regular season with a 9-2-4 home record, good for the 3rd best mark in MLS. The Wizards defeated D.C. United 2-0 on March 29, 2008 in their first-ever match at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The stadium quickly became known for its loud atmosphere and distinct home-field advantage for the Wizards, as the team closed with a 7-0-3 mark in its last 10 regular-season home games.
 
Last month, Kansas City announced that the team would lower season ticket prices from their 2008 rates. The Wizards will also continue to offer free parking at all events and introduced two exciting new seating options: All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Table Seats. All-You-Can-Eat Seats will be located in section 106 and allow patrons unlimited food and drink during the game. Full-Service Terrace Tables are high-tops around the stadium and will include unlimited drinks during each match. Wizards fans who put down a new season ticket deposit for the 2009 season will receive a free season ticket holder scarf. For more on 2009 ticket information, visit the season ticket page at kcwizards.com.
 
In 2009, the Wizards will continue to offer a free bus to groups of 50 from within the Kansas City metro area. Contact a Wizards sales rep at (913) 387-3400 for more information about bringing your group outing to a Kansas City Wizards match via bus. Alcohol, excluding kegs, is allowed on buses to the stadium.
 
REGULAR SEASON – WEEK 1  (FIRST KICK)  
 
Thursday, March 19, 2009 (ALL TIMES CENTRAL)
New York Red Bulls at Seattle Sounders FC, 8 p.m. (ESPN2/Deportes)
 
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Columbus Crew at Houston Dynamo, 7 p.m. (Fox Soccer Channel/Fox Sports en Español)
Toronto FC at Kansas City Wizards, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Fire at FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m. 
Colorado Rapids at Chivas USA, 9:30 pm (Fox Soccer Channel/Fox Sports en Español)
New England Revolution at San Jose Earthquakes, 9:30 p.m.
 
Sunday, March 22, 2009
D.C. United at Los Angeles Galaxy, 2 p.m.
 
REGULAR SEASON – WEEK 2
 
Saturday, March 28, 2008
Toronto FC at Columbus Crew, 3 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes at D.C. United, 6:30 p.m.
New England Revolution at New York Red Bulls, 6:30 p.m.
Kansas City Wizards at Colorado Rapids, 8:30 p.m.
 
REGULAR SEASON – WEEK 3
 
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Columbus Crew at Real Salt Lake, 8 p.m. (ESPN2/Deportes)
 
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Seattle Sounders FC at Toronto FC, 2 p.m.
FC Dallas at New England Revolution, TBD
 
Sunday, April 5, 2009
New York Red Bulls at Chicago Fire, 2 p.m. (Telefutura)

Garber, Kraft among Hall of Fame finalists

New Hurling & Gaelic

STADIUMS: Kansas City Stadium Moves Closer To Reality

Top Ten All-Time Chicago Fire Players

MLS Shootout

MLS: Now That the Season is Almost Over…

Saturday editorial: Be careful using tax money for risky KC projects

The buzz: Curlin headed to pasture

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Lacing up the boots 2008: an encore

Hartman combines two passions in new book

Chance Myers interview 11/12/2008

Insider: Lagerway’s Words Lift Real

What if the Premier League was American?

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Sirk’s Notebook: Crew vs. Wizards ”Shortly after the Crew booted the Kansas City Wizards from the 2008 playoffs, the Crew’s longest-tenured vet, Duncan Oughton, couldn’t help but smile. “

US: BRADLEY NAMES 19 PLAYERS FOR TRAINING CAMP IN COLORADO

Has Clark joined Toon Hunt

Vote for MLS Goal of the Year

San Jose’s Huckerby wins MLS Newcomer of the Year

Wizards’ Arnaud picked for national team training

Mustard and mayo

Argentine Goalkeeper Cuerdo Wants MLS Move Argentine Goalkeeper? I Wounder If the Wizards marketing department plans to sign him.Its all about selling Ticket. To bad the Wizards put all the eggs in the Argintinian egg basket.

Top Coach, Newcomer

Kerry Zavagnin Highlights

Expansion Draft List: Kansas City Wizards

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Crew shuts out Wizards, advances to MLS semifinals

MLS Playoffs Recap

2008 MLS Attendance

Soccer Notebook: And then there were four left in MLS

MLS 2008 Conference Championships Set

Monday MLS Breakdown: When Playoffs Work

Davis: Managers’ moves mark leg one

Vote for Goal of the Year

Missouri plans to OK $30M for $1B Three Trails job

What’s the matter with Kansas City?

–PRESS RELEASE–

 
 
Kansas City Wizards Weekly Schedule
 
The Kansas City Wizards season concluded Saturday in the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series after a loss to the Columbus Crew 3-1 on aggregate over two games. Wizards players will be available to Kansas City media members to wrap-up the 2008 MLS season on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the team’s Swope Park Training Center. Players have yearly exit physicals that day and will be available beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. CT. Exit physicals are staggered throughout the day, so please contact Dave Borchardt in the Wizards media relations department for information about  a specific player.
 
Tuesday, November 11
OFF
 
Wednesday, November 12 – Media Availability
12:30 p.m. CT; Swope Park Training Center
 
Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center
6310 Lewis Road
Kansas City, MO 64132
Google Maps here
 
Dave Borchardt
dborchardt@kcwizards.com
(816) 665-8442
 
Kansas City Wizards Lower Season Ticket Prices for 2009 Season
 
The Kansas City Wizards have lowered prices for season ticket holders from their 2008 rates and will continue to offer free parking at all events. Kansas City also introduced two exciting new seating options: All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Table Seats. Wizards fans who put down a new season ticket deposit for the 2009 season will receive a free season ticket holder scarf. To purchase season tickets for 2009, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400.
 
In addition to their existing seating categories, the Wizards are adding All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Full-Service Terrace Tables for fans who enjoy premium entertainment options. All-You-Can-Eat Seats will be located in section 106 behind the West goal and allow patrons unlimited food and drink during the game. Full-Service Terrace Tables are high-tops around the stadium and will include unlimited drinks during each match.
 
The Wizards also offer a free bus to groups of 50 from within the Kansas City metro area. Contact a Wizards sales rep at (913) 387-3400 for more information about bringing your group outing to a Kansas City Wizards match via bus. Alcohol, excluding kegs, is allowed on buses to the stadium.
 
 
      

Shoes From Davy Arnaud, Lance Watson up for Auction to Benefit Former Soccer Coach in Houston Area
 
Wizards midfielders Davy Arnaud and Lance Watson grew up in the town of Nederland, Texas in the Southeastern part of the state that was most devastated by Hurricane Ike in mid-September. A former youth coach of both Arnaud and Watson named Brian Arendale had his house completed destroyed in the storm. Now Arnaud and Watson are auctioning off game-worn cleats, with all proceeds going to help the Arendale family rebuild their home. Visit this page at kcwizards.com to bid on the cleats from Arnaud and Watson for a great cause.
 
The Jimmy Conrad Show Live from McFadden’s Wednesday
 
The Jimmy Conrad Show will be hosted by Jimmy Conrad and voice of the Sean Wheelock live from McFadden’s in Kansas City’s Power and Light District Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. CT. This week, Conrad and Wheelock will wrap-up the 2008 Major League Soccer season, look ahead to the rest of the 2008 MLS Cup Playoffs and be joined by a guest from around the League.
 
Archives of The Jimmy Conrad Show are available online at the Wizards podcast page.
 
Wizards Weekly to Air Thursday, Friday, Saturday
 
Wizards Weekly, Kansas City’s weekly magazine show covering the Wizards will feature Head Coach Curt Onalfo and a player each week. Metro Sports will air Wizards Weekly three times per week.
 
Wizards Weekly show times:
 
Thursday’s        9:30 p.m. CT
Friday’s             6:30 p.m. CT
Saturday’s         11:30 a.m. CT

 Script Gets Flipped in MLS Playoffs

Rolfe delighted with MLS playoffs win

East Takes Three of Finale Four Places

Fast goal by Evans sets tone for Crew

MLS Playoffs: Columbus Proves Dominant

Season Ends with a Whimper

Crew-Wizards: Columbus Defeat Kansas City 2-0

Hartman turns to next year with Kansas City Wizards

Sunday After Stats

INCOMING: Frank Rijkaard to Coach in MLS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6Xca7Y_ce8

AG

Former Wizards Update

MLS Attendance Drops for 2008

MLS expansion just doesn’t make sense

Kansas City Wizards, 3 wins to the cup

Columbus’ Marshall Wins Defender of the Year

 MLS Crowds And TV Ratings Down

Wizards aiming for upset in second leg vs. Crew

Protect taxpayers in Bannister project

Wizards think a deep playoff run would boost their sport

Goal of the Year semifinalists unveiled

Playoff Previews – Who Advances, Who Goes Home

Red Bulls turn to van den Bergh

AG

McCarthy’s Musings: Halfway There

Former Wizards Up for Hall of Fame

Columbus Crew looking forward to second leg

Lopez Returning to Mexico?

Kansas City Wizards practice 11-05-2008

Despite lost lead, Wizards not worried

MLS Postseason Predictions Second Leg Edition

Who Was The Best Defender in MLS in 2008?

Underdogs

INCOMING: Kansas City Wizards After Jonathon Steele?

From My Hotel in Tijuana