The Kansas City Wizards will look to rebound from Wednesday's 3-1 loss to New England Revolution tomorrow with a match against two-time defending MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo. Saturday's game concludes a four-game in two-week home stand for Kansas City that includes wins over D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids. Houston also played a game at midweek, falling 3-0 in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinals at Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica.
Kansas City enters as a team returning to health, while Houston comes to town sporting injuries to multiple key players. In the last week, rookie defender Chance Myers, rookie midfielder Roger Espinoza and midfielder Davy Arnaud have recovered from various injuries. Myers and Espinoza made their MLS debuts in Wednesday's loss. Arnaud then played in Thursday morning's Reserve Division match and could be available for selection Saturday versus Houston.
Houston will be without the services of star goalkeeper Pat Onstad and usual starting central defender Eddie Robinson due to injuries suffered in MLS play last weekend. Young midfielder Stuart Holden, a member of the U.S. Olympic National Team, is also listed as doubtful. Dynamo was forced to use a makeshift lineup against Saprissa at midweek that contributed to their loss.
Wednesday, Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman surpassed Scott Garlick to move into second place on Major League Soccer's all-time saves list. He now trails only former Wizards standout Tony Meola for career saves and has an outside chance of reaching Meola's mark this season. Midfielder Kerry Zavagnin will tie former Wizards defender Nick Garcia for most MLS appearances in team history with his next game played. Zavagnin left Wednesday's match early due to a knee contusion but is listed as probable for Saturday.
After a high-scoring 2007 season, Kansas City has again featured one of the better offenses in Major League Soccer. The Wizards are tied for first in the league in goals scored and assists. The Wizards have also spread the wealth, as five different players have scored this season for Kansas City. Following Saturday's match-up with Houston, the Wizards will not play a home game until Saturday, June 14.
