Kansas City Wizards to Visit Bradenton, Argentina During 2008 Preseason Training
The 2008 MLS SuperDraft on Friday marks the starting point for Kansas City's preseason preparation. The MLS Combine wraps up tomorrow in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and marks the final chance for prospects to impress MLS brass. Wizards players will then report to camp Jan. 26 for the start of preseason training which will include trips to Bradenton, Fla. and Argentina.
Jan. 11-15: Coaching staff in Ft. Lauderdale for MLS Combine
Jan. 18: 2008 MLS SuperDraft
Jan. 24: 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft
Jan. 26: Players report for preseason training
Jan. 27: First day of training open to media
Jan. 28 - 31: Training in Kansas City*
Feb. 1-16: Preseason training in Bradenton, Fla. ##
Feb. 9: Kansas City vs. Columbus
Feb. 12: Kansas City vs. D.C. United
Feb. 16: Kansas City vs. Toronto (split squad)
Feb. 16: Kansas City vs. Chicago (split squad)
Feb. 19 - 26: Training in Kansas City*
Feb. 27 - March 14: Training in Argentina**
* All Kansas City training sessions will be held at 10 a.m. CT either at the Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center or KC Sports Lodge, depending upon weather.
** Specific match dates and times will be announced in the coming weeks.
## All preseason games subject to change
Kansas City Wizards Training Facility
6310 Lewis Road
Kansas City, MO 64132
Sports Lodge
Indoor Soccer Facility
19310 East 50th Terrace
Independence, MO 64055
SE of M-291 &, 40Hwy 64055
With questions about Kansas City practice times, contact Kyle Rogers in the communications department at (913) 568-2213 or by email at krogers@kcwizards.com
Peter Vermes up for National Soccer Hall of Fame
Kansas City Wizards Technical Director Peter Vermes is among 35 individuals eligible for National Soccer Hall of Fame induction. Vermes received the 8th most votes in 2007 voting. Voters selected Vermes on 31 percent of the ballots.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible in the Player category an individual must have met Number 1 and either Number 2 or Number 3 of the following criteria:
1.) Retired as a player for at least three years but no more than 10 years.
2.) Played at least 20 full international games for the United States. This requirement is reduced to 10 games if the games were prior to 1990.
3.) Played at least 5 seasons in an American first-division professional league, and won either the league championship or the U.S. Open Cup, or was selected as a league all-star at least once.
Players who have met either Number 2 or Number 3 of the above criteria but who retired more than 10 years ago are automatically placed on the Veterans eligibility list.
Any player named on less than 5% of the ballots is dropped from the eligibility list and placed on the Veterans list when he/she meets the Veterans' eligibility criteria. (effective with the 2007 ballot results)
Selection Committee
The Committee consists of all present and former coaches of the Men's and Women's full National Team; all active MLS coaches with a minimum of 4 years as Head Coach; MLS management representatives; MLS Commissioner; US Soccer Secretary General; designated members of the media; all Hall of Famers.
Procedure
Committee members may vote for up to 10 candidates from the ballot. No write-in votes will be counted.
Election Criteria
Any player named on at least 75% of the ballots cast is elected.
Other former Wizards players on the ballot include: Brian Bliss, Mike Burns, March Chung, Frank Klopas, Roy Lassiter, Preki and Mike Sorber.
Midfielder Davy Arnaud to Miss Start of 2008
Kansas City Wizards midfielder/forward Davy Arnaud will miss the beginning of the 2008 season due to micro fracture surgery received in November. Arnaud recently started pool rehabilitation and hopes to begin running in the next month. A return date cannot yet be determined.
Wizards to Open Versus D.C. United on March 29, 2008 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.
