The Wizards play two scrimmages and come out with a draw and a loss.

From mlsnet.com

The Kansas City Wizards played two scrimmages against first division Argentinean side San Lorenzo Tuesday, with the reserves tying the first match 2-2 and the senior squad falling 2-1 in the second game.

The reserves began their early-morning game at 9:30 a.m., featuring the same lineup of players who started against Defensa & Justicia on Saturday. Both matches consisted of two 35-minute halves. San Lorenzo scored in the 11th minute, but the reserves answered when Ryan Pore, assisted by Will John, scored four minutes later. The first half ended with a score of 1-1.

In the second half, Lance Watson scored on a through ball from Willy Guadarrama in the 41st minute. The reserves played well and held their own against the first division team, but San Lorenzo managed to score in the last minute and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

"One of the main reasons we came down to Argentina was to play against very good competition," Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo said. "Today was a perfect example of that, as we played two competitive games against a team that is in first place in the Argentinean first division. Our reserves outplayed the other team in many stretches of the game, and this competition will only make us better."

Next, the Kansas City Wizards senior squad faced off against San Lorenzo's veteran team in San Lorenzo's indoor stadium. Once again, the Argentinean side scored early, this time in the eighth minute, and the Wizards were unable to catch up throughout the slow-paced first half, which ended 1-0.

In the second half, San Lorenzo scored their second goal at the 50-minute mark and Wizards' forward Eddie Johnson missed a penalty kick with 10 minutes left. However, Scott Sealy scored in the 60th minute, when he stole the ball off the goalkeeper's foot and found the net. The game ended with a 2-1 victory for San Lorenzo.

"This was great experience for us to go up against a great team that is in the middle of the season and has already found its rhythm," Onalfo said. "Right now, we are a new team trying to find our rhythm. While we spent the first half trying to adjust, I was very happy with how we responded in our second half performance. Overall, it was a good game for us."

                    1  2   F
Wizards Reserves    1  1   2
San Lorenzo         1  1   2

     
                  1  2   F
Kansas City Wizards 0  1   1
San Lorenzo         1  1   2

Scoring Summary:
Reserves:
Pore (John, 16th minute)
Watson (Guadarrama, 41st minute)

Kansas City Wizards:
Sealy (60th minute)

Reserves
Lineup for first half: Pore, Guadarrama, Elcock, John, Raybould, Kraus, Watson, Thomas, Hohlbein, Godbolt, Konopka

Lineup for second half: Pore, Guadarrama, Kraus, Nuñez, Nekuda, John, Tsiskaridze, Thomas, Hohlbein, Godbolt, Konopka

Kansas City Wizards
Lineup for first half: Johnson, Sealy, Harrington, Morsink, Zavagnin, Arnaud, Burciaga Jr., Garcia, Conrad, Jewsbury, Kronberg

Lineup for second half: Johnson, Sealy, Harrington, Morsink, Zavagnin, Raybould, Burciaga Jr., Garcia, Conrad, Jewsbury, Kronberg

Wizards shopping for a playmaker in Argentina

from soccer365.com

Not only are the Kansas City Wizards chasing a playmaker in Argentina, but general manager Peter Vermes says the team want to get their act together before they return to the United States.

“We’re still not game sharp,” he told the Kansas City Star. “We need to get in game fitness and sharpness and start solidifying our starting 11.”

“We have four games scheduled for the first team, and four games for the reserves,” explained Vermes.

“We hope to progress from weakest opponent to strongest,” he said. “We’ve planned it all out very carefully.”

From KC Media Relations:

GET CLOSE Events
The Kansas City Wizards have several exciting events coming up designed to allow fans to GET CLOSE to the players and staff of Kansas City's soccer club. The technical side of the organization is in Argentina training until March 22. Upon the team's return to the States, there will be many chances for fans to see the players before the season starts April 14 at D.C. United.

March 24 - The Kansas City Wizards and Harrah's North Kansas City Casino will throw an exclusive kick-off party for players and fans at VooDoo Lounge. VIPs, including season ticket holders and other invitees, will begin arriving at 7 p.m. and will have a chance to mingle with the players and staff. Doors open to the general public at 8 p.m.

VooDoo Lounge and the Wizards are bringing in well-known San Francsico-based DJ Fashen for the event, and Go-Go Dancers will perform throughout the evening. Voice of the Wizards Sean Wheelock will emcee the event and introduce each player individually on stage. Contests and giveaways will be offered, with a grand-prize drawing at midnight for the chance to be a VIP guest at the Sept. 27 match against David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

April 5 - The Wizards are looking for a theme song to play at home games, and we need your help. On April 5, Wizards players will be at Blonde on the Plaza, where Kansas City's premier DJs will compete against each other for the top spot and the chance to play their winning song at Wizards home games and to perform live at various Wizards functions. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to hang out with your favorite Wizards players and help choose the Wizards new theme song.

April 6 - The Kansas City Wizards will be at Fuel at 119th and Metcalf for happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Drink specials and contests will highlight the evening. In addition, Mix 93.3 and Fuel will offer $1 hamburgers and the Wizards will hold a soccer trivia contest and team personality scavenger hunt.

April 7 - The Wizards will take on the Seattle Sounders and the University of Evansville in a preseason double header at the Blue Valley District Activities Complex at 135th and Switzer. Come see the Wizards Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 5-7 and GET CLOSE to the players and the action on the field. The first team plays at 5 p.m., and the reserves will follow with a game of their own at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will cost only $5. Check www.kcwizards.com for more information.

Wizards Training in Argentina
The Wizards were scheduled to scrimmage against Argentinean side Defensa & Justicia yesterday at 1 p.m. (CT), but the match was cancelled due to rain and poor weather conditions. Check back with www.kcwizards.com for the latest information regarding scrimmage times and opponents.

CANCELLED ****** March 8th vs. Defensa & Justicia

March 10th vs. Arsenal FC
March 14th vs. Boca
March 21st vs. TBD

KCW Blog Spot: An American 'Keeper in Argentina
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman premiered his preseason blog, An American 'Keeper in Argentina on Wednesday. The first edition was posted on www.kcwizards.com and will be updated with new entries during the team's trip to South America.

Throughout the year, various Wizards will blog about their experiences as professional soccer players in Kansas City and around the country. Each blog will appear in a special section on the website and will offer unparalleled insight into the lives of our players and staff.

KC sign Conrad to 4 year deal.

According to Wizards public relations, the team has signed defender Jimmy Conrad to a four year contract extension. Conrad has been with the Wizards since 2003 and was rumored of moving to play in Europe.

Wizards fall to Columbus Crew

Wizards fall to the Crew 1-0 in Bradenton Florida.

Kansas City Wizards
Lineup for first half - (4-4-2)
Hartman, Jewsbury, Garcia, Conrad, Burciaga, Jr., Elcock, McMahen, Morsink, Victorine, Johnson, Sealy

Lineup for second half - (4-4-2)
Pardo, Godboldt, Hohlbein, Wahl, Anderon, Watson, Raad, Raybould, Pore, Guadarrama, Todd

Welcome to the Kansas City Wizards Fan Blog

This blog was started for fans of the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer. Bloggers are needed to contribute to this blog. Please email me at europunk3@yahoo.com if you are interested.