The Kansas City Wizards (3-1-1, 10 pts) travel to rowdy BMO Field Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT for a mid-day match against Toronto FC (2-2-0, 6 pts) with the chance to expand their lead atop the Eastern Conference. Currently tied on 10 points with New England, who played the Thursday game this week, Kansas City has been at least tied for 1st place at the end of each week of MLS play so far in 2008.
Toronto marks the second city on a 6-game road swing for the Wizards. Kansas City defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 last Sunday in its first road test of 2008 thanks to a brilliant pass from Designated Player Claudio Lopez and calm finish by midfielder Jack Jewsbury. Jewsbury has been the offensive leader for the Wizards so far this season since moving back into midfielder after spending most of 2007 as the team's right back. He has two goals and two assists already on the year. Lopez recorded his first assist on the play and has been outstanding early for the Wizards, playing all but four minutes through five games played.
Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman has been a highlight early for Kansas City, extending his career MLS records in wins and shutouts to 130 and 70, respectively, with the shutout victory over Chicago last Sunday. Hartman currently ranks 1st in MLS in wins (3), 1st in shutouts (3), 3rd in saves (19), 3rd in save percentage (82.6) and holds the longest-active and second-longest shutout streak of the season (230 minutes and counting).
The Wizards are one of three unbeaten road teams in MLS and will look to continue their perfect record in Toronto Saturday. The Wizards are 1-0-0 all-time at BMO Field after earning a victory in the stadium's first-ever match last April on a late goal from departed striker Eddie Johnson. Kansas City is 2-0-1 overall against the second-year club.
Fans in Kansas City will have two great places to see the match, as Barley's Brewhaus in Shawnee and O'Dowd's Little Dublin at Zona Rosa. Each location will feature drink special, and Wizards staff will be on hand at each location with giveaway items that include: one jersey, one autographed team ball, mini soccer balls, posters and tickets. The Wizards next play a home match Saturday, June 14 against the Columbus Crew at 7 p.m. CT.
