Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today that the team has acquired midfielder Khari Stephenson from the Chicago Fire in exchange for the Wizards natural 3rd round pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Stephenson, who was drafted by the Fire in the 3rd round of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft (28th overall), will sign as a developmental player for the Wizards, pending his approval of a P-1 Visa.
Stephenson, 23, attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts where he was a two-time NCSAA All-American and two-time NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) Player of the Year. He led the team in scoring his senior season in 2003 with 15 goals and 34 points. He finished he collegiate career with 40 goals and 18 assists for 98 points.
A native of Jamaica, Stephenson is classified as a Transitional International. He will be a part of the Wizards developmental roster and will not count against the Wizards salary cap. Stephenson was teammates with Wizards defender Shavar Thomas on the U-23 Jamaican National Team that took part in Olympic Qualifying in Mexico last month.
KHARI STEPHENSON
Number: 24
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
Born: January 18, 1981
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
College: Williams College (Massachusetts)
Last Club: Chicago Fire
Acquired: Acquired from Chicago Fire in exchange for the Wizards natural
3rd round draft pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, 4/7/2004
