One of the Kansas City Wizards' most potent attackers, Davy Arnaud, reached an agreement with the club Thursday, signing a new multi-year contract. The announcement follows on the heels of Wednesday's declaration that Kerry Zavagnin, one of the top defensive midfielders in the league, will also remain in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
"When you have a bright, talented, hard-working player working under a coaching staff led by a great teacher of the game this is the result," said Wizards general manager Curt Johnson. "The 2005 season will be a new challenge and I am thrilled to know that Davy will be wearing Wizards' blue for many years to come."
Arnaud had a breakout season in 2004, his third in the league, scoring nine goals and adding eight assists for a total of 26 points. His pairing with Josh Wolff made the Wizards' front line one of the most dangerous in MLS, helping the side capture the Western Conference title to advance to MLS Cup 2004. Arnaud was the only player on the Wizards' roster to appear in all 30 regular season matches. He also recorded his first career hat trick and only the third in club history when he struck three times against the Dallas Burn on July 3.
The 24-year-old Texas native was drafted by the Wizards in the fifth round (50th overall) of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. He spent his first two seasons on the Wizards' developmental roster before being promoted to the full roster in 2003 and appeared in 18 games that season. Arnaud has appeared in 51 matches for Kansas City, including 37 as a starter. His 12 career goals rank him eighth all time for the Wizards, while his 32 points is good enough for 11th on the all-time scoring list.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
