Kansas City Faces New England Wednesday, Houston Saturday
The Wizards conclude a busy two-week home stand this weekend after matches against the 2007 MLS Cup finalists, New England Revolution on Wednesday and Houston Dynamo on Saturday. Kansas City enters the week atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a 2-0-0 record after wins over D.C. United and Colorado Rapids.
New England comes into Wednesday's (7 p.m. CT, Metro Sports) match with a 1-1-0 record and a short-handed roster. Revolution will be with out normal starters Taylor Twellman (knee injury), Steve Ralston (dislocated shoulder) and Jeff Larentowicz (red card suspension). New England will lean on a strong defense anchored by goalkeeper Matt Reis and 2007 MLS Defender of the Year Michael Parkhurst. On offense, the Revs will look for contributions from young forwards Adam Cristman and Kenny Mansally in Twellman's absence.
Houston will come to town Saturday (7 p.m. CT, HDNet) with an 0-1-1 record and, potentially, similar injury problems to New England. In Sunday's 3-3 draw with intra-state rivals FC Dallas, Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad was forced to exit the match due to a right shoulder injury. Defender Eddie Robinson was later helped off the field due to injury after the last play of the match. Houston lost 3-2 to New England in their season opener
Wizards, Cauldron Join Forces for U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program
The Kansas City Wizards and their supporters' section, The Cauldron, are excited to take part in the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program. The Passback Program is a grassroots initiative designed to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities, regardless of income, gender or location. The goal of the program is to increase the collection of new and gently used gear and equipment by 40% in disadvantaged and "at-risk" soccer communities nationally and abroad. The Kansas City Wizards be accepting new and used soccer gear and will be donating the items locally, to groups such as the Don Bosco Center and the Guadalupe Center.
This year, the Kansas City Wizards and The Cauldron will be holding the drive at Community America Ballpark every night leading up to their official Passback Night. The collection bin will be located inside the stadium at Gate B, next to the Guest Relations tent, from the time the gates open until the start of the game. While suplies last all donors will receive a special Passback T-shirt, courtesy of The Cauldron, as a thank you for their donation.
Collection Dates:
Wednesday, April 9th - 5:30-7:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 12th - 5:30-7:15.p.m.
Saturday, June 14th: 5:30-7:15 p.m. - U.S. Soccer Foundation Passback Night
Wizards Players, Starting 11 Girls, Dynamo to Participate in Salsa in the Streets at The Legends Saturday
Who: M Roger Espinoza, M Lance Watson, Starting 11 Girls, Mascot Dynamo the Dragon
When: Saturday, April 12; 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Where: The Legends Entertainment District (near Smokestack Tower), Kansas City, KS
What: The Wizards family will participate in pre-game festivities at the Legends Entertainment District. The Legends will be holding Salsa in the Streets, with live music, free salsa lessons, and Wizards appearances to get everyone excited about the Legends and the Wizards game later that night. In addition, The Wizards will celebratethe opening of Corona Cantina #1 and Margarita Mama's. Make sure to bring the family, as there will be many fun games and contests for the kids to participate in too.
The Jimmy Conrad Show Postponed This Week due to Game
The Jimmy Conrad Show will not air this week from McFadden's downtown due to Kansas City's match against New England Revolution at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. Conrad and voice of the Wizards Sean Wheelock will be back in action April 16 from 7-8 p.m. CT from McFadden's, with the show broadcast live on 810 WHB in Kansas City, kcwizards.com and MLSnet.com.
Upcoming times for The Jimmy Conrad Show at McFadden's on Wednesday's:
April 16 7-8 p.m. CT
April 23 8-9 p.m. CT
April 30 8-9 p.m. CT
Weekly Press Conference Held Thursday After KCW Reserves Match
For the duration of the 2008 season, the Kansas City Wizards will hold weekly press conferences each Thursday at the pavilion adjacent to the team's Swope Park Training Center. Head Coach Curt Onalfo and players will be available beginning at 12 p.m. Planet Sub sandwiches and cookies will be provided to all media members who attend.
Each Kansas City Wizards practice will still be open to media. Outlets are encouraged to take advantage of the Wizards media policy.
Wizards Weekly to Air Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Wizards Weekly, Kansas City's weekly magazine show covering the Wizards will feature Head Coach Curt Onalfo this week. Metro Sports will air Wizards Weekly three times per week.
Wizards Weekly show times:
Thursday's 9:30 p.m. CT
Friday's 6:30 p.m. CT
Saturday's 11:30 a.m. CT
Wizards, Star102 Offer Barry Manilow Prize Pack
The Kansas City Wizards and Star102 have joined forces to offer a Barry Manilow prize pack for moms. Kansas City kids are encouraged to call in to the Star102 morning show with Nycki and Dave and explain why they love the Wizards and why their mom's love Barry Manilow.
Four children will be chosen as finalists and receive two (2) tickets to the Kansas City Wizards home match on April 12 versus Houston Dynamo. From the group of finalists, one grand-prize winner will be chosen to additionally receive:
• Two (2) tickets to "Manilow: An Evening of Music and Passion" on April 26 at Sprint Center
• Complimentary dinner for two before the concert at Ted's Montana Grill
• Complimentary limousine use for the night
• One (1) $50 gift certificate to A Perfect 10 (or 20) nail salon
• One (1) Kansas City Wizards jersey autographed by Barry Manilow
The contest will run April 7-11 on Star102.1 FM.
Dynamo to Participate in Greater Kansas City Day Tuesday
Who: Mascot Dynamo the Dragon
When: Tuesday, April 8; 5:30-8:30 a.m.
Where: Kansas City, MO
What: Kansas City Wizards mascot Dynamo will be participating in Greater Kansas City Day, riding on one of the trolleys and supporting the cause. Keep an eye out for him as he travels around town Tuesday.
2007 Stadium Signage Auction Continues
Auctions for 21 banners from the 2007 season at Arrowhead Stadium continue at kcwizards.com through April 13. To bid on your favorite Wizards player, including stars Jimmy Conrad, Kevin Hartman, Davy Arnaud and more, click here. Proceeds go to The Kansas City Soccer Foundation.
