The Kansas City Wizards ended one step away from what they had focused on since the preseason began in February, one step away from a chance to play in MLS Cup 2007. But their run of glory, after an at times trying regular season, came to an abrupt halt in their valiant 2-0 loss to Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference Championship.
Gaining the playoffs in their last regular season game in a 2-0 win against FC Dallas and upsetting Chivas USA 1-0 on aggregate in the conference semifinal series ultimately left them short against Dynamo, crowned MLS Cup champion for a second time this season.
"Looking back, we put a lot of energy into that series, emotionally and physically. That maybe hurt a little bit going into Houston," said Wizards captain Jimmy Conrad.
Heading into 2008, the Wizards are intent on performing more consistently throughout the year to gain a better playoff position than their fourth and final seed in the Western Conference this year. A lull after the halfway point of the year, despite a sparkling start to the season, left the Wizards struggling to make the playoffs. Finally overcoming FC Dallas in the season finale to gain the last playoff spot fulfilled a season-long goal but left them facing deep odds in the playoffs.
"One of the goals for next year is to secure home-field advantage," Conrad said. "If we had played Houston in a two-game series and had the first leg at home, it would have been a little bit different. But the way it set up -- them having a one game off in Houston in front of their fans and some questionable refereeing made it [difficult]."
A year of experience for younger players like rookie Michael Harrington and a year under first-year head coach Curt Onalfo's tutelage will hopefully result in a more consistent attack and a tighter team defense. Then matches like the 10 one-goal losses and the seven ties from 2007 can be turned into more victories.
Of course, how Onalfo and technical director Peter Vermes navigate the upcoming expansion draft, the 2008 SuperDraft and any player contracts and trades will go a long way in determining next season's fate as well.
"It was up and down. We showed what we are capable off. We had flashes of brilliance. We had flashes of playing the way Curt envisioned us to play, but we hit a rut during the season ... ," said Conrad. "We found a way at the end, which is a credit to the whole team and the staff, but we fell short against a very, very good Houston team."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
