The Kansas City Wizards defeated Argentinean club Defensa y Justicia Tuesday morning in rainy Buenos Aires on a goal from midfielder Lance Watson. The clubs played two 45-minute halves, with Kansas City changing nearly the entire roster at halftime. Kansas City will play again Wednesday morning against Velez Sarsfield, who currently sits seventh in the Argentinean first-division table.
Watson scored in the seventh minute after a strong build-up through midfield. Attacking midfielder Carlos Marinelli unlocked the play with a long switch to overlapping defender Michael Harrington up the left flank. Harrington then won the end line and crossed for Ryan Pore. Pore then laid the ball back to the top of the 18-yard area for Watson, who had cut inside after Harrington's overlapping run. Watson collected the ball then beat the goalkeeper at the back post for the game's lone goal.
In the 43rd minute, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman stopped a penalty kick, as the Defensa y Justicia shooter attempted to score with a high shot to the center of the goal. Hartman blocked the ball, and defender Tyson Wahl cleared to end the opportunity.
Wizards Lineup
First Half:
Kevin Hartman, Jack Jewsbury, Jimmy Conrad, Tyson Wahl, Michael Harrington, Chance Myers, Kerry Zavagnin, Carlos Marinelli, Lance Watson, Ryan Pore, trialist Paulo Troyano
Second Half:
Eric Kronberg, Jonathan Leathers, Aaron Hohlbein, Rauwshan McKenzie, Matt Marquess, Michael Kraus, Amir Lowery, Kurt Morsink, Kevin Souter, Andrew DiCicco, trialist Paulo Troyano
