Kansas City Wizards Prepare for 2008 MLS SuperDraft


The Kansas City Wizards coaching staff is in the final stages of preparation for the 2008 MLS SuperDraft in which the team, barring trades over the next two weeks, will add five players to the roster. Kansas City is one of five teams that possesses more than the four natural selections.

Kansas City coaches will travel to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. for the MLS Combine beginning Friday. Over 60 MLS prospects will compete Jan. 11-15 at Lockhart Stadium, attempting to join the next wave of young talent to enter the league.

Kansas City Wizards SuperDraft Selections

*Acquired from Chivas USA for defender Alex Zotinca

Traded to Los Angeles Galaxy for goalkeeper Kevin Hartman; re-acquired in trade for defender Shavar Thomas

SuperDraft Selections by Team

**As of Monday, January 7

Kansas City Wizards Re-Sign Attacking Midfielder Carlos Marinelli

The Kansas City Wizards announced today that skilful attacking midfielder Carlos Marinelli has re-signed with the club after his first season in Major League Soccer. Marinelli, 25, joined the Wizards in April of 2007 and went on to play in 26 games (19 starts). He scored one goal and added five assists, good for fourth on the team.

Marinelli last played with Sporting Braga of the Portuguese first division. He has previously suited up for Middlesbrough (English Premier League), Torino FC (Italian Serie A) and Boca Juniors (Argentine first division).

Assistant Coach Chris Henderson Resigns

Kansas City Wizards assistant coach Chris Henderson has resigned from Kansas City's coaching staff to pursue other options throughout Major League Soccer. Henderson was a fan favorite in two seasons for the Wizards as an outside midfielder, playing in 61 games and recording 12 goals and 15 assists with Kansas City from 1999-2000.

Henderson, an MLS original, played 317 league games for four teams including the Wizards. He currently ranks 2nd all-time in MLS in games played (317) and minutes played (26,242). Henderson is currently tied for 7th all-time in assists (80).

Wizards to Open Versus D.C. United on March 29 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in KCK

The Kansas City Wizards will open 2008 regular-season play at temporary home CommunityAmerica Ballpark Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. CT against Eastern-Conference rivals D.C. United. Kansas City played United in their first match of 2007, defeating the eventual Supporters' Shield winners 4-2 at RFK Stadium. Kansas City went 1-1-1 against United in 2007.

Deposits for 2008 season tickets are now being accepted. Call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400 or (877) 828-7222 to reserve your seats today.

The 2008 ticket-pricing chart is listed below: