The Kansas City Wizards came back to practice today rested and ready to train after three days off. The team focused on footwork throughout the morning, and worked on keeping passing and receiving drills short and crisp. The team then broke into four groups on two different fields and played keep away. Next, the players pared off into groups of five and played two seven-minute games with mini goals.
The Wizards finished practice with a 9 v. 9 scrimmage, where the three teams all had a chance to play each other. Highlights of the scrimmage included three goals by midfielder Will John, and a goal each scored by forward Eddie Johnson and forward Yura Movsisyan. Midfielder Davy Arnaud also scored a goal in his first preseason appearance on the field.
The team will practice at the Arrowhead indoor training facility tomorrow before departing for Buenos Aires, Argentina, tomorrow evening. Check back with www.kcwizards.com for tomorrow's training camp update.
From a Player's Perspective: Aaron Hohlbein
On his experience in Bradenton...
"I roomed with A.J. Godbolt and Willy "Speed" Guadarrama. It was definitely an interested experience rooming with them. They are both great guys and in addition to A.J.'s fishing and Willy's computer games, we just watched TV and hung out at the apartment. On one of our days off, we went down to Siesta Key beach and had a great time. There were a few stragglers we had to round up toward the end of the evening, but it was a lot of fun."
On A.J. Godbolt's fishing habit...
"A.J. bought a fishing pole early on in the trip, and spent a lot of time fishing at the little ponds by our apartment. But I have to give him credit; he did catch one big fish. And we all managed to stay away from the alligators."
On his days off in Kansas City...
"My girlfriend came down here and visited. Today is her birthday, so we're going to go out to dinner. We're going to the Melting Pot, because she suggested it. I also looked at apartments and hope to have all that sorted out by the time we get back from Argentina. Other than that, I've just been bumming around town and exploring Kansas City and the Plaza."
On the team's upcoming trip to Argentina...
"I haven't been down that way at all. I'm excited to travel and experience a different culture. We had an FBI agent come talk to the team today and he gave us tips on how to survive down there. He advised us on how to avoid things like pick pocketing - it was kind of nerve-wracking but I'm really looking forward to it."
On which rookie is the biggest ladies' man so far...
"I would have to say Willy Speed (Guadarrama). Why, you may ask? Because he tries the hardest; we'll just put it that way."
