The Kansas City Wizards open the 12th season in club history on Saturday evening when they take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
For OnGoal, LLC, the Wizards' new investor-operators, the contest marks the first season opener in their reign that began back in August of 2006. Curt Onalfo, hired in November as the club's new head coach, will coach his inaugural game in MLS as well.
And few things bring more excitement than a new beginning. For Onalfo, that excitement began the day he interviewed for the Wizards head coaching position.
"I was in a very, very stable situation in Northern Virginia. I did not have to leave. But I chose to leave because I felt this was a place where I could be successful," Onalfo said. "I believe 100 percent in Robb Heineman and all five of the other owners and in Peter Vermes, our technical director. I felt like this was a place where I could be successful as a coach and we could be successful as an organization."
Heineman, the Wizards president, and his staff have taken a multitude of actions that show their intentions of making the Wizards a top organization in MLS.
"I am extremely pleased with what I've seen. This is a group that is very serious about making sure that we have the resources to be successful and I feel that I'm in a great spot," said Onalfo. "They have been great. I couldn't be more excited about the ownership group and how serious they are about making the Kansas City Wizards into a premier team in MLS."
And the changes have left a definite impression on the players.
"With the new owners coming in, everything is in perspective now. Guys are looking forward to playing for an ownership group who is interested in seeing the team go somewhere. They've done a magnificent job thus far in getting the training facility and working on the new stadium sites," said forward Scott Sealy, referring to the $2 million training facility that will be ready in June. "They're helping us think about where the K.C. Wizards are going to go in the next few years."
Essentially, On Goal, LLC has applied what many business studies have shown: happy employees plus an atmosphere conducive to success equals positive results.
"From the first day, excitement has been there from an ownership group who has put in a lot of effort, time and money to make this a professional organization. I think the coaching staff has taken a hold of that and pushed that onto the players, and the guys have responded," said midfielder Sasha Victorine.
"It's a lot more exciting to be playing for an organization who wants to treat you like a professional," he continued. "That attitude creates the desire in the players to want to get out on the field and win games and push hard."
Onalfo has been doing just that, making sure the players have something to come to work for each day.
"Our objective [at training] is to create a competitive environment," he said. "Our sessions are game related and are very competitive. The way I coach is a very holistic approach - a lot of teaching within the game. [The guys] have responded very well."
Having been under the guidance of Bob Gansler and his assistant Brian Bliss for seven-plus seasons, the players are taking to the ways of Onalfo and his staff.
"His whole approach is good. Curt is more of a players' coach. He's always asking the veterans how we feel, always making sure we are fine," said defender Jose Burciaga Jr. "He doesn't want to overwork us because he knows how long the season is and that we need everyone healthy."
In addition, the Wizards tactical play will shift its focus, according to Sealy.
"It's definitely a new experience. Coach Gansler has his way. He was more defense first, attack counter. With these guys, it's a younger coaching staff. ... Their approach is that we want to be a solid team defensively, but we also want to be a team that attacks and plays attractive soccer," Sealy said. "It's definitely a better situation in terms of attacking because the focus and the emphasis is not less on attack than it is on defense. They're really pushing guys to step up and take players on and put numbers in the attacking third. So it's going to be an interesting and exciting time when the season begins.'
Saturday, against a strong D.C. United side at RFK Stadium, a new era begins for the Kansas City Wizards. Building on the newness and excitement is what must come next; it's all for naught unless success comes in more tangible ways. But history is filled with what a supportive base, an injection of excitement and newfound confidence can do.
"There is a tremendous amount of excitement within the organization, specifically within the team. We've had a pretty productive preseason," said midfielder Kerry Zavagnin. "We feel like this organization is headed in a new direction, and obviously the results on the field are going to be an important factor in whether this organization is headed in a positive direction. We're all anxious and we're all doing our part."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
