Playing their final exhibition match of the preseason, the Kansas City Wizards put in a complete performance to down FC Dallas 1-0, claiming the inaugural Saturn Challenge Cup. Second-year player Scott Sealy tallied the matches' lone goal, and the Wizards defense allowed just two shots on goal to give Kansas City a four-game unbeaten streak heading into next weekend's regular season opener.
Sealy netted what proved to be the game-winner, and his first goal of the preseason, with a 22-yard blast across frame and past FC Dallas goalkeeper Ray Burse, Jr. for a 1-0 Kansas City lead in the 32nd minute. Midfielder Jack Jewsbury started the play from the middle of the field, drivivg a diagonal pass through the defense and out onto the right flank. Sealy touched the Jewsbury pass forward and beat his defender off the dribble, carrying it towards the top right corner of the penalty box before unleashing the low-liner into the back-post.
Kansas City finished the first half outshooting the Hoops 7-2, including a 4-1 advantage in shots on goals. Goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi was only forced to make one save to preserve the scoreless first half.
The Wizards continued their dominant play in the second half, holding Dallas to just two shots overall with a defensive unit that consisted of two rookies, Matt Groenwald and Tyson Wahl. Wahl replaced Shavar Thomas at halftime, placing him alongside Nick Garcia, Jose Luis Burciaga, Jr., and Groenwald.
Kansas City finished the match with a 12-4 advantage in total shots and an 8-2 mark in corner kicks. Sealy and Jewsbury led all Wizards with a match-high three shots apiece. Will Hessmer was credited with the Wizards' lone save in the second half.
The Wizards open their 2006 regular season next Saturday, April 1st when they host the Columbus Crew in Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff for the Wizards opener is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City Wizards Lineup (4-3-3): Bo Oshoniyi (Will Hessmer 63')-GK; Matt Groenwald, Shavar Thomas (Tyson Wahl 45'), Nick Garcia, Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. (Stephan Shirley 84'); Sasha Victorine (Lance Watson 45'), Jack Jewsbury, Alex Zotinca (Ryan Raybould 70'); Scott Sealy (Jermaine Hue 87'), Ryan Pore (Yura Movsisyan 81'), Davy Arnaud
FC Dallas Lineup (4-4-2): Ray Burse, Jr.-GK; Justin Moore, Michael Dello-Russo, Clarence Goodson, David Wagenfuhr (Blake Wagner 52'), Ramon Nunez (Miquel Guante 45'), Aaron Pitchkolan (Dax McCarty 74'), Mark Wilson, Mario Torres (Kenny Cooper 74'); Roberto Mina (Dominic Oduro 45'), Abe Thompson
Officials:
Referee- Michael Kennedy
Assistant Referees- George Gansner, Corey Rockwell
Fourth Official- Jonathan Johnson
Attendance - 4,278
KCWizards.com Man of the Match - Scott Sealy
Cautions:
KC- Matt Groenwald (Hard Tackle) 33'
FCD - Justin Moore (Hard Tackle) 52'
FCD - Blake Wagner (Hard Tackle) 65'
KC - Nick Garcia (Unsporting Behavior) 72'
