From the talk in the locker room to the action on the training ground, all things are positive in the Kansas City Wizards camp ahead of what they believe to be a doable task Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park. The Wizards face FC Dallas in the last match of the MLS regular season for each side. If the Wizards win, they are in the postseason for certain; tie or lose and they must depend on other results.
"We were talking in the locker room. We'd rather be two points ahead of Colorado and [three] points ahead of Los Angeles as opposed to being in [their] spot trying to beat us out," said forward Eddie Johnson. "[That positive] relieves some of the pressure going into this game."
On one hand, pressure often squeezes strong performances out of teams, but it can be a destructive force if allowed to be, especially after a letdown. Last Saturday in New York, the Wizards fell 2-1 to the Red Bulls despite knowing that a win would have assured their playoff destiny. But the Wizards' positive outlook keeps the balance healthy.
"Everyone's head is up after a hard loss in New York. I saw our response in training yesterday and the atmosphere that was in the locker room today -- it's all positive," said Johnson. "[We know] ... that in these last couple of games, despite the score, that we created chances. We haven't been sharp in front of goal, but we know we've been playing some good soccer for the most part, which is another positive."
There's nothing like a second chance, but recent history has not been friendly. In 2005, the Wizards needed a win at Dallas on the last day of their season to make the postseason. Their magical comeback in the last 15 minutes to gain a 2-2 draw was not enough as the then-MetroStars won their final match the next day to take the final playoff spot. Then a year ago, the Wizards went to New York needing a win, but fell 3-2 to the Red Bulls.
"We hold our destiny, once again, in our hands. ... What better way to go into the playoffs with a win and not waiting and needing a result from someone else?" said center back Nick Garcia.
In what has been a "good week of training" according to head coach Curt Onalfo, the Wizards have focused on what they believe will give them an advantage against an FC Dallas team that beat them 2-1 at Arrowhead Stadium in May.
"We know how we can be successful against Dallas," said Onalfo, "and we've concentrated on those things all week. ... Our guys are ready."
The Wizards will be without center midfielder Kerry Zavagnin due to yellow card caution accumulation. Either veteran Sasha Victorine or rookie Kurt Morsink will likely fill in.
"We are pretty confident. We know that we are just a step short in regards to winning a game. ... Looking at Dallas on paper, we match up pretty well against them," said Garcia.
Positive reinforcement for any individual or team is often the glue that can bind together a positive attitude, a plan, and the necessary execution. The Wizards have support in spades.
"My style is that I accentuate the positive. ... I want [the players] to be confident and know that the coaches believe in them, as does this organization," said Onalfo. "What I tell them is this: 'You've positioned yourselves to make the playoffs. Our goal all year has been to make the playoffs, and you have the opportunity to make it this weekend. There are teams in this league that don't have that opportunity, so consider yourselves fortunate. Go out there and make the most of this opportunity.'"
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
