It's early days yet, but the Kansas City Wizards have shown some good signs in 2007, beginning with a season-opening victory against D.C. United last Saturday and even in their 2-1 extra-time loss at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night in a play-in match in the U.S. Open Cup.
"[I'm liking] a lot of things about this team. We're playing really confidently across the back line with [goalkeeper Kevin] Hartman all the way up to our forwards," said right back Jack Jewsbury.
Despite the hiccup at Real Salt Lake, the Wizards will look to continue their winning ways on the road in the league Saturday when they travel to a place that has not been friendly in the past, taking on the Chicago Fire at their Toyota Park home (7:30 p.m. CT, HDNet).
While the Wizards have allowed four goals in two games, that mark includes one possibly offside goal by Luciano Emilio of D.C. United and a penalty kick goal by Jeff Cunningham of RSL. A question mark going into the season because of Jewsbury's adjusting to right back and memories of last season's woes, the back line has performed admirably. There seem to be few questions now as they are gaining in understanding and in strength.
"We need to be good with our line -- at what point we push up and what point we need to hold off," said Jewsbury. "We just need to continue to play good defense."
Also acclimating themselves well are two players who will be counted on in the midfield throughout the season. Rookie Michael Harrington, who played left back Wednesday, has shown the ability to score and the decision-making of a more experienced player. Recent acquisition, Argentinean midfielder Carlos Marinelli, turned the match against RSL after coming on in the 61st minute.
"He came on and definitely provided a spark for us. The more times he gets on the field, the more comfortable we get with his style of play and what he's going to provide when he comes on," Jewsbury said. "He's a great addition to this team. Technically he's very, very good and should help us throughout the season."
While Harrington and Marinelli are showing why they were so sought after by Wizards brass, high-profile forward Eddie Johnson is confidently wielding his many weapons. Johnson garnered MLS Player of the Week recognition for his one goal, two assist performance against D.C. where his speed decimated the United defense.
Good signs aren't good victories, but putting them all together to forge the Wizards' second victory in 14 games in Chicago would certainly be a good result, one that would put the Wizards on a high going into their home opener at Arrowhead Stadium next Wednesday against Toronto FC.
And the way the Wizards are playing, they are beginning to expect to win.
"We're very organized; we talk a lot about how we move and touch the ball, and we feel like we have good soccer players," said Onalfo.
"Confidence has spread among the team," said Jewsbury. "We know our style of play, and we're getting out on the field and implementing it."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
