One month into his first season as head coach, Kansas City Wizards boss Curt Onalfo is proud of plenty.
"The thing I'm most proud of is that we're a team that is committed to attack. We're [also] a team committed to winning, and we're a team that's committed to each other," he said.
The Wizards' three triumphs in four attempts are a result of Onalfo and his staff setting a mood conducive to individual and team success.
His familiarity and rapport with resurgent forward Eddie Johnson, MLS' April Player of the Month, has been key. Johnson has produced the game-winning goal in each of Kansas City's wins.
Johnson's success is also a byproduct of a new team attitude on the field.
"The biggest thing for me is the sense of urgency, the sense that once we step on the field it's all business," said center back Nick Garcia. "We're going to work hard for each other, and we're all accountable to each other. Whether it's been on the road or at home, we have that winning attitude that says we can go out there and get three points."
This attitude was abundantly clear in the club's hard-fought 1-0 victory at Toronto FC in the grand opening of BMO Field.
"Part of it was our initial game plan. From the get-go we had a great plan, and we were all on the same page. ... Everybody was on their game. I don't think we had one guy at that juncture who was taking a break," said Garcia.
Wizards opponents have not being getting too many breaks this season due to Kansas City's on-field organization. The undefeated Columbus Crew, who will come into Arrowhead this Saturday for a 12 noon encounter, would do best to be ready for a high-pressure Wizards side.
"Curt [has come] in and [given] us a game plan and ideas of what we want to accomplish and how we are going to get there. ... When you can defensively not give up as many opportunities and win the ball in the attacking third, it gives you better opportunities to score goals. That's what we've been able to do so far," said Victorine.
But the organization runs deeper, creating a mind-set that defines the Wizards' early success.
"Everybody has to understand the team goal of what is going to happen and what we're trying to accomplish, and that's been huge for what Curt has brought to the team," Victorine said. "From the moment we go into the game, everybody has the same idea of how we're going to attack and how we're going to defend. That makes it easier. Then on the field you don't have to think about it. You're able to react faster because we know exactly what we're supposed to do."
Onalfo and the Wizards will continue working toward improving their intuition and all aspects of their game. At the moment, two details are especially on Onalfo's mind as he builds his side into a playoff contender.
"We can do better with our set pieces. We've been OK, but I think we're a team that should be more dangerous, and that's something we're going to work on," he said. "We can continually make sure that our defensive shape and the way we pressure the ball is good.
"Like every team, it doesn't matter if you're a good team in April. You need to make sure you are a team that gets better every single day and a team that plays its best soccer at the end of the year. There are some things we've been doing well, and there are some things we need to improve on. We're working towards that every single day."
The work has paid off thus far for the Wizards, as it has for the Columbus Crew, a team which is experiencing a similar season.
"We've been in every game and we're finding a way to not beat ourselves," Crew head man Sigi Schmid said. "As long as we are maintaining that fighting spirit, we give ourselves a chance in every game, and that's something these guys have done very well for each other."
The Crew could come into Arrowhead reinforced by their new acquisition, Argentinean star Guillermo Barros Schelotto, while the Wizards may see the return of two starters.
"Scott [Sealy] will be available to play this Saturday," said Onalfo of the Trinidad & Tobago international who has not played in an MLS contest since the season opener due to an ankle injury.
And their own Argentinean, midfielder Carlos Marinelli who left the match at Toronto in the 16th minute with a hamstring strain, will be evaluated Friday for game-day fitness.
The Wizards defeated the Crew in all four meetings last season. A scary thought for Columbus is that this year's Wizards side is armed with a new mindset. They are proud, they are organized, and they have an attitude.
"Keeping that foot on the pedal when we're up a goal or two, not getting into that defensive shell, let's go straight for the jugular - that's our motive," said Garcia. "If we can make the other team adjust to us, we're better off."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
