The Kansas City Wizards have taken 46 shots in their last two matches. The problem for the Wizards is that in that time, only one of them has gone in the goal.
"I don't think it's anything but one or two bounces going our way," said defender Jack Jewsbury. "Some guys getting some confidence from a goal."
Saturday it was more of the same for the Wizards. Outshooting D.C. United 21-11, goalkeeper Troy Perkins made eight saves as United claimed a 1-0 victory to move to the top of the Eastern Conference.
There were plenty of things to point to in the match. Perkins got a hand on Jewsbury's free kick, pushing it onto the post in the first half. A kick save turned away another strong scoring chance. A point blank chance was turned away in the second on a rebound from another shot that hit the post.
The simple fact is that the Wizards have only scored two goals in four matches. And they are in the midst of a five-game winless streak.
"We've been dominating these past five games and haven't gotten a win," Jewsbury said. "It's going to come -- we're not getting that frustrated yet."
Similar sentiments were echoed by Wizards midfielder Davy Arnaud.
"We aren't losing and playing poorly. At least we can say that. That being said we have to get results, especially at home," Arnaud said.
"We're not putting the ball in the net, that's the only thing. We're playing well, we're moving well, we're keeping the ball, we're creating chances."
The new attack of Wizards coach Curt Onalfo is refreshing to Arnaud -- a contrast to Wizards teams of the past for which Arnaud has played.
"I don't remember a team here in Kansas City that has created so many chances," Arnaud said.
Onalfo was a bit frustrated by the Wizards creating so many chances, but once again having no victory to show for it.
"It's cruel. It's a cruel game at times, but that's life," Onalfo said. "We had the majority of possession throughout the game. We created more than enough chances to win. I guess the only thing we can do is move on and attempt to get better."
The imminent return of Wizards forward Eddie Johnson and center back Jimmy Conrad will help the Wizards in their attempt to get back on track.
""When you are without two of the best players in Major League Soccer it will affect your team," Onalfo said. "Good teams find ways to get through it. I think we are a good team and we will find a way to finish. I think our approach is the same. We are creating the same amount of chances -- we just can't find the back of the net."
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
