Headlines for the week of February 19, 2006:
First-round Draft Pick Michael Harrington Represents United States in Draw Against Japan
Defender Michael Harrington came on late in 0-0 draw today to help preserve the shutout for goalkeeper Chris Seitz and the U-23 squad against Japan's U-22 team.
Harrington entered in the 83rd minute for attack-minded Jamie Watson to help shut down Japan's skillful offense, which outshot the U.S. team 14-9 on the game. Harrington contributed as the United States' play improved in the second half.
"I thought it was a good game," said Bradley, who remains undefeated as a head coach for both the U-23's and the full national team. "This is a new group, and in the first half I thought there were many players who were nervous. It took them a half to adjust, and I thought the second half was a very good step. The commitment was much better, and you could see the confidence growing as the game went on. It was a great atmosphere tonight and a good learning experience for our players."
The U-23s, who are in preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, will conclude their two-match tour on Friday night when they face local JFL side Rosso Kumamoto. Kickoff at KKWing Stadium is set for 7 p.m. local time (5 a.m. ET). The players will depart Japan on Saturday morning and return to their respective clubs to resume training.
Kansas City Trades Zotinca to Chivas USA for 2008 Draft Pick
The Kansas City Wizards traded defender Alex Zotinca to Chivas USA for a conditional 2008 SuperDraft pick. Kansas City will receive either a second or third round pick depending on the number of games Zotinca plays in and/or starts for Chivas.
Zotinca, 30, has played in 85 regular-season and six postseason games for Kansas City in four MLS seasons. He has three goals, two assists and one post-season assist over that span.
Kansas City Announces first-ever Wives Club
For the first time in club history, the Kansas City Wizards are organizing an official wives club for players' spouses. The goal of the wives club is to provide a place for players wives to meet and socialize throughout the season while making a difference in the community.
"Many of the players have wives or significant others who are eager to make a difference in Kansas City," Community Relations Coordinator Erin Lawless said. "Now they can use the Kansas City Wizards name and profile to make a positive impact."
Initial plans for the club include a kickoff event in April to familiarize the wives with each other and plan out the season and various charity drives and events throughout the season.
"This is a great chance for the wives to come together as a group and help the Kansas City community," Lawless said. "I look forward to working with all the ladies."
KCW Kids Club Kicks Off
Kansas City is proud to announce the new KCW Kid's Club for the start of the 2007 season. Replacing the old Zard Card program, the KCW Kid's Club will provide additional programming for young fans that ties them to the organization.
"We felt like it was time to improve the service for our young fans," Community Relations Coordinator Erin Lawless said. "We want our young fans to have a group they can call their own."
The club is open for anyone ages 4-14. Cost is $20 and includes the following:
-Button
-Memo Board
-KCW Pennant
-Autographed picture of Dynamo the Dragon
-Welcome letter from Head Coach Curt Onalfo
-Team photo
-Pass to tour new training facility and meet the players
-Pass to be part of KCW human tunnel prior to a home game
Those interested in joining KCW Kid's Club can visit www.kcwizards.com and find the link on the "fans" page. Brochures and information will be passed out and area schools and youth soccer events.
Camp Roundup: Individual Winners and Losers
Training camp is a time of new beginnings, fresh faces and renewed competition. Here is a rundown of the most distinguished Kansas City Wizards during training camp 2007:
Uno Champion- In a hard-fought game, defender Ryan Raybould held on to beat all challengers.
"It feels great to win among such fierce competition," Raybould said. "Uno today, MLS Cup tomorrow."
Cereal King- After a trip to the grocery store, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was found to have eight boxes of cereal on top of his refrigerator. Wow.
"I like to snack," Hartman said. "I'm a goalkeeper."
Worst Sunburn- The newest member of training camp is also the most red. Midfielder Zourab Tsiskaridze's bald head was completely burnt after training Wednesday.
Tsiskaridze was unavailable for comment on this report as he tried to medicate his burnt skin.
Best ponytail- Only because midfielder Sergei Raad left his hair down, goalkeeper Chris Konopka takes home this trophy.
"I have long hair," Konopka said. "If I don't do something with it, it gets in my eyes. I feel like the ponytail is the way to go."
Most retakes during team photos- In a development that surprised no one on the team, midfielder Kerry Zavagnin requested the most retakes during team photos. Zavagnin's nine, in fact, more than doubled the runner up's total of four.
Defender Nick Garcia chimed in upon hearing about Zavagnin's pickiness.
"This was an improvement," he said. "Last year it took Kerry 15 takes."
Dynamo the Dragon to Appear Twice This Week
Kansas City Wizards mascot Dynamo is preparing for a big week and weekend. His schedule begins Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with an event at Clear Creek Elementary in Shawnee.
Dynamo will be appearing with the Victory in Soccer program that promotes positive choices through the participation in soccer and other youth sports. More information can be found at www.victoryinsoccer.org.
Saturday, he will represent the organization at the Once Upon a Time Ball at the Muehlebach downtown from 5-6:30 p.m. The fundraiser event benefits The Children's Spot at St. Luke's Hospital.
The Wizards have also donated a VIP package for sale in the silent auction portion of the event.
