In a physical 1-0 win in which the Kansas City Wizards got what they expected from the Columbus Crew, left back Jose Burciaga Jr.'s 90th-minute strike ended a long, patient wait by the Wizards -- and gave a fitting start to his burgeoning off-field charity work.
"We knew exactly what they were going to bring," said Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo of the Crew. "They're a very good team in terms of they defend well, they fight for each other, and they're physical. Their tactics were to get numbers behind the ball and frustrate us, and we didn't let it get to us. Our guys did a great job to get the three points."
Along with dominating possession, the Wizards outshot Columbus 15-5, yet had nothing to show for it through the first 89 minutes. It seemed the Crew had the Wizards bound and tied. But the situation was not unanticipated by Kansas City.
"Curt said all along that it was going to take to the 90th-plus minute to get the goal," said Burciaga. "We stayed patient."
Patient, but active. Onalfo inserted forwards Scott Sealy and Ryan Pore in the 54th and 78th minutes respectively to hopefully get the one goal it would take to defeat Columbus who rarely threatened Kevin Hartman's net.
"I was trying to point out to [my players] that [the Crew] were playing 4-v-1 at times in the back, and we need to push players on and try to be more dangerous, especially in the latter stage of the game when they're tired," Onalfo said. "I was telling [right back] Jack [Jewsbury] to push farther up the field which would push Pore as the third forward so we could advance the ball. We talked about it at halftime - this is going to take to a 90th minute to get a goal - and we did it."
And how. Burciaga's goal was a memorable one. Picking up a clearance 36 yards from goal, Burciaga began centrally, went around one defender to the right, moved left with five defenders in front of him at the top of the box, beat two challengers, and launched a left-footed strike from just outside the area that beat Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum low to the left.
"I just wanted to get a touch and get a little opening to strike it far post. As I took a look up, I saw the 'keeper drift to the opposite side, so I knew as he's going that way, with the way I hit the ball, he wasn't going to have a chance," said Burciaga.
Besides the drama and the skill, the goal was unique because Burciaga initially went to his right.
"I use my right to just stand on," Burciaga joked. "It caught them by surprise."
As well, the goal had some special significance beyond simply being the lone goal for a victory.
"It's something special. My family was in town for the kickoff of my foundation. [It was] something special for me today, and what a way to kickoff my foundation with a goal," he said.
Launched today, the Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. Foundation is geared towards assisting Hispanic youth and underprivileged students in promoting involvement in sports, education, community service, and cultural awareness. It will provide adequate resources for students to develop key skills learned both on and off the soccer field such as teamwork, discipline, respect, a competitive attitude, and determination.
Burciaga's willingness to reach out to others is reflected in his capping off of a diligent effort by he and his teammates.
"It was a fair result at the end of the day," said midfielder Kerry Zavagnin. "We've seen what [Jose's] done in front of the goal, especially last year. It's nice to have that weapon in your arsenal."
It's nice for the Wizards to have four wins in five games. And it's terrific for Burciaga to be able to share his success with those around him.
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
