Somewhat quietly, the Kansas City Wizards have built one of the strongest records in MLS over their last eight matches. A single loss is buried by 13 points in the other seven matches, via three wins and four draws, a streak which has built a quiet confidence.
As the Wizards head into a matchup with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, they feel that their building wisdom with the ball, the width available at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and the recent addition of forward Josh Wolff, can carry them through to victory.
Lauded for his passing ability by head coach Curt Onalfo, rookie left back Matt Marquess knows how important it will be for K.C. to "limit their unforced errors" and make smart decisions on the ball as they battle the Rapids and Denver's altitude.
"We have great passers all over the park, so as long as we keep the ball, we can use the size of the field to our advantage. We want to make them do the running," Marquess said.
The field's 80 yards of width is inviting to a Wizards side that has recently paired the aggression and speed of second-year player Michael Harrington and the guile and finesse of designated-player Claudio Lopez at wide midfield.
But those abilities will only be optimized if possession and defending are maintained.
"We feel like we can exploit space wide," said Onalfo. "[But] they have a lot of good attacking players. They've been very unfortunate. So we have to be rock-solid defensively in how we move as a unit."
Kansas City will also battle the Rapids' extra man in the midfield from Colorado's 3-5-2 setup. Training all week at the Wizards' Swope Park Training Facility has been on a field the exact dimensions they will see on Saturday, and in addition to helping K.C. adjust, training has increased Wolff's readiness to perform at his highest level.
"He played very well for 55 minutes in the last game. That's a good sign," said Onalfo. "He's not 90-minute game fit. He's about 75-minute game fit, and he's getting closer."
Wolff's presence, just a scant five weeks, has made the Wizards a markedly improved side.
"He makes us a better team. He has a calming influence on our team. He's been an excellent addition; I'm very pleased with him," Onalfo said. "He's another leader who knows what it takes to win. He's a smarter player than he was a year-and-a-half ago when he left here. I think he feels comfortable with me. I think he feels comfortable with the group. I've empowered him to help his leadership qualities come out."
Being wise on the ball, using the expansive width at Dick's Sporting Goods Park to bring Harrington and Lopez into the match so Wolff and strike partner Davy Arnaud can operate will take leadership, especially to break the spell the Rapids seem to have over the Wizards. Kansas City last won in the Mile High City on June 9, 2004.
History doesn't bother a confident side though, and the Wizards are confidently looking to continuing their move up the standings against a team they defeated 3-2 on April 5 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in their second match of the season.
"These are points we need to get," said Marquess. "Our team is definitely looking forward to this weekend."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
