The goal for the Kansas City Wizards is simple: get into the MLS Cup Playoffs. The means are simple: defeat the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Giants Stadium.
And fortunately for the Wizards, other factors are coming together to help the process.
"[Training this week] has been excellent," said Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo. "Going into a game having [Davy] Arnaud, [Eddie] Johnson and [Scott] Sealy, I always feel really good. We put teams on their heels [with them], and that takes pressure off our defense. Sometimes your best defense is your attack. I felt like it was a very good week; we got a lot accomplished, and we have a good game plan going in."
Right-sided midfielder Arnaud and team captain and center back Jimmy Conrad sat out last Friday's 1-1 home draw with D.C. United because of suspension. Viewing from the stands and the broadcast booth gave Conrad some insight that he feels will serve him and the team well going into the last two weeks of the season.
"Sometimes as the season goes on, you kind of lose out on the little things you maybe take for granted, simple things like communication, talking early, making simple passes, trying not to force it, and trying not to do too much... It comes down to simplifying your game," said Conrad.
For Conrad, a straightforward approach to their game can hopefully help the Wizards hold leads, like the one they had against D.C., for longer than the 12 minutes of last Friday's match.
"There needs to be some awareness on everybody's part to make sure that they're doing their part defensively. It would be nice to get a shutout and feel good about ourselves defensively for a game," Conrad said.
Gaining a shutout would certainly lessen the need for complicated decisions on part of the coaching staff. If the Wizards are tied with the Red Bulls late in the match Saturday, Onalfo will have to decide between holding on for what would be a beneficial point or going for the three points -- a risk that could leave the Wizards susceptible to leaving the Meadowlands with no points and having to win in their last match at FC Dallas to make the playoffs.
"We talked about it as a staff. It's going to be a feel. It's one of those things where if we feel a real sense that we can get [a win] and it's not too much of a stupid risk, we would go for it. My M.O. has always been to go for it, so when push comes to shove, that's probably what I'll do," said Onalfo.
Red Bulls forward Juan Pablo Angel is certainly a key focus for the Wizards' defense and a factor in any late-game tactical decision for Onalfo. Last time the two sides met in East Rutherford, Angel struck twice in the 3-3 draw. His opening goal was a wonder-strike as the Colombian placed the ball in the right side netting with a well-directed header from the far post while being forced away from goal by Conrad's defensive leap.
"He's a world-class player. He's a great professional. I got a chance to play with him in the All-Star Game and see his approach and how he came into a game and how serious he takes every touch he makes. It's quite impressive, so I have a lot of respect for him and his game," said Conrad. "He is someone you have to pay attention to at all times, no matter what the situation is, especially around the box."
Yet Angel and his 17 goals are not the only threat emanating from former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena's roster.
"They have three or four guys who can change a game on one play," said Conrad, such as 17-year-old Jozy Altidore or Clint Mathis. "We need to make sure we don't let them do what they want to do."
To adjust to whatever permutations the 90 minutes might bring, the Wizards will have a strong bench at their disposal with midfielder Kurt Morsink and defender Tyson Wahl returning to the bench after starting last Friday and midfielder Sasha Victorine coming back to health.
"Sasha is creeping back. He's not ready to start, but he will be available as a sub, so that's encouraging too," Onalfo said. "We have some really good options off the bench both to help us preserve leads and if we need a goal."
In the end, there is one factor that could go far in simplifying Saturday's game for Onalfo and his club.
"I just hope that everything goes our way for once, and we finish all our great chances that we create," he said. "It sure would take a lot of pressure off our team."
The lead up to the Wizards' latest biggest match of the year has been good. But one last factor will make the difference. Conrad put it simply.
"Once the whistle blows, you either decide to show up and win the game or you don't," he said.
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
