Result
A 2-0 defeat on Saturday night against Chivas USA (4-9-2, 14 points) at CommunityAmerica Ballpark (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS)
Table position
Tied for sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of (3-8-3, 12 points)
Three things to take away
1) Kansas City will make changes during the transfer window. As the Wizards struggle to put the ball in the net game after game, it becomes more and more obvious this team needs to improve its options at forward. Ryan Smith started the season as a revelation, but opposing teams have realized they can devote multiple defenders to shackling him without being punished. Kei Kamara is a good young forward, but he is not yet a player to build an attack around. The Wizards have already tabled a formal offer for AS Monaco and former Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, but it appears that the Icelander will choose to play in England. Either way, it seems guaranteed that new pieces will arrive after the transfer window opens on Thursday.
2) The Wizards' tendency to give up soft goals is sapping the team's confidence. Manager Peter Vermes was adamant that his team dominated proceedings against the Goats, and the box score seemed to support his opinion. How, then, did KC lose 2-0? The exact same way they've been dropping results all season: costly gaffes in central defense. As Conrad admitted after the match, he was responsible for both of Justin Braun's strikes. The longer this trend continues, the more the team is going to wonder if things just weren't meant to be this season.
3) Michael Harrington might just be KC's player of the year so far. Despite his penchant for flashy haircuts, the young defender has been all substance this season for the Wizards and, against Chivas USA, he locked down the right side of defense, something he has done from both right and left back this season. Harrington's motor, positioning and constantly improving defensive instincts have allowed him to regain the starting spot he briefly lost last season. The only potential beef with his play at this point would be his service into the penalty area. But even that is a small complaint.
Two players who stood out
1) Midfielder Stephane Auvray. When Smith was at his best early in the season, Auvray was on top form anchoring the midfield. Observers got a taste of why that was on Saturday. Auvray's range of passing from a deep position in midfield changes the way Kansas City play. Auvray consistently found Smith and Kamara in space with room to run at defenders against Chivas USA, leading to some of the team's most dangerous moves. His defensive work shielding the back line is even more invaluable considering the team's struggles in that department.
2) Chivas USA forward Justin Braun. Is it just me, or is Braun the type of player the Wizards need to lead their line? Although the young American doesn't wow when he gets on the ball, he holds the it well, makes intelligent runs and, as KC saw Saturday night, finishes the chances that come his way. Conrad may have given Braun two gilt-edge opportunities, but the Goats attacker read both plays perfectly and beat Jimmy Nielsen with ease.
One play that changed the game
Rather than one play, it was more like an the entire first half. The Wizards dominated the first 45 minutes, playing in Chivas USA's half and creating enough legitimate scoring opportunities to take the lead. But KC couldn't finish those chances and left the door open for the Goats to exploit what few mistakes the Wizards made. Kansas City desperately need to get an early lead, because playing from behind is taking its toll on the team.
Final verdict
It’s becoming increasingly clear that what the Wizards are doing isn't working. While the play on the field often doesn't completely reflect that, the results certainly do. Vermes' team has two games left before the All-Star break, and both are away against playoff contenders Columbus and Colorado. This was, in many ways, a must-win game considering it was at home and Chivas USA were one of the few teams struggling just as much as them. Needless to say, the hole the Wizards find themselves in gets deeper and deeper by the week.
Next up
The Wizards play away at Columbus (8-2-4) on Wednesday. The Crew are 6-1-0 at home this season, something that doesn't bode well for KC. Columbus are also the third-ranked team in MLS in goals scored and goals against even though they lack a dominant goal scorer and Guillermo Barros Schelotto isn’t completely in-form. Any result would be a good result.
