Center Circle Series Kickoff
Last Wednesday, the Kansas City Wizards and 360 Architecture hosted the first Center Circle Series event of the year, heavily attended by clients and friends of 360 Architecture. Center Circle events are designed to allow current and prospective fans the ability to interact with our organization in a close environment. The Wizards would like to extend our gratitude to 360 Architecture for hosting the event and all the guests who attended that evening.
Midfielder Sasha Victorine and goalkeeper Eric Kronberg were on hand (promptly at 5 before most of the guests even arrived) to interact with the crowd and answer questions during a Q & A session toward the end of the night. Sasha broke the silence when the crowd was hesitant to start the session, and the questions flowed from that moment on.
Head Coach Curt Onalfo and President Robb Heineman then addressed the about the future of the organization both on the field and off. Having heard many of these speeches before, I have no doubt the crowd was left impressed by these two men. Each is a great speaker and truly cares about where this team is going. Both are passionate about making this club the best in MLS and will do everything in their power to make it happen.
Kudos to Experience Development Manager Patty Wolfe for her effort in putting together a successful evening. More Center Circle Series events are coming in the near future. If you are interested in co-hosting an event with the Wizards, contact Patty at pwolfe@kcwizards.com.
Jimmy and Eddie Return
As much as we love watching Jimmy Conrad and Eddie Johnson perform for the national team, we love much more them performing for our squad day in and day out! Jimmy and Eddie both played very well in their latest stint with Bob Bradley’s squad. (I feel that Jimmy single-handedly kept the U.S. defense from falling apart in the first half against Ecuador.)
It was enjoyable watching Conrad and Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala/FC Dallas battle it out in Frisco. I can only imagine that the heavyweight matches between these two will continue into the MLS season and add an interesting storyline to Kansas City/Dallas matches. Neither Ruiz nor Conrad is afraid to mix it up. Round two comes May 12 at Arrowhead Stadium.
Though we all wish Eddie could have put home one of his chances against Guatemala, his play was very encouraging. His confidence on the ball seemed excellent, and he was not afraid to run at players. By all accounts, Eddie has been outstanding in camp with both the national team and the Wizards and could be primed for a big year.
Both returned to Kansas City over the weekend and will be back to work with the club Tuesday on the Sprint Campus.
Speaking of Sprint…
Let me give a shout-out and thanks to everyone at Sprint for the warm welcome we have received since we began practicing there last week. (Don’t tell Sprint’s management, but…) employees have been out each day to take in practice, and players mentioned seeing many faces in the windows of the adjacent buildings during their time on the pitch.
My mom works on the campus and has said many ladies have commented on the presence of our finely toned, athletic lads running around their campus. Apparently some women are starting to use the workout facilities again after some time off. It looks like the Wizards are promoting positive health among female Sprint employees. Who knew sex appeal really worked?
Hartman, Defense Post Shutout Against Columbus Saturday
The Wizards and Crew tied 0-0 in an exhibition at Wake Forest University Saturday in an event touted for the return of former Wake Forest players Scott Sealy and Will Hesmer (formerly of Kansas City, currently with Columbus).
Columbus appeared to have the better of the attack early (though it was hard to tell at times because the Columbus radio broadcasters conveniently stopped talking about the game when the Wizards had the ball) but Kansas City improved its play offensively in the second half and generated several good scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made at least one spectacular play, coming out of his goal 35 yards to clear a Columbus through ball that would have resulted in a 1 v 1 opportunity. Crew midfielder Danny O’Rourke then had a shot at goal from the half line that missed wide as Hartman scrambled back into position.
Sealy narrowly missed scoring twice in what was a homecoming of sorts for him, putting two attempts wide of goal. His pass also led to a Yura Movsisyan near goal as Yura played a nifty touch around the Columbus defense and forced a nice save from onrushing goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.
Clearly, a win would have been great, but playing without national team members Jimmy Conrad and Eddie Johnson against a Columbus team that starts MLS competition this coming weekend was a tough task. The defense, including rookie Aaron Hohlbein in place of Conrad, was up to the challenge and shut down a speedy, dangerous Crew attack.
Get Close April 6-7
This coming Friday and Saturday, join the Wizards for two GET CLOSE activities showcasing our players. Friday, join the Wizards at Fuel – American Made Bar and Grill in Overland Park for a happy hour hosted by the Wizards and Mix 93.3 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Mix morning show host Ponch will be present, (it will be his birthday, so he’ll be in a festive mood) and food specials highlight the Wizards portion of the evening. Fuel will offer $1 Half Pound American Icon Burgers and half off most appetizers.
The players love this sort of activity, getting out and having fun with the fans, so please stop by. Everyone involved enjoyed our VooDoo Lounge kickoff party, (see Ball Boy Banter issue 1) and we look forward to making our trip to Fuel just as successful. All ages are welcome; bring the whole crew.
Saturday, we invite families out to the Blue Valley District Activities Complex at 135th and Switzer in Overland Park. We have a doubleheader that day. The First Team plays the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division at 5 p.m. The Reserves play University of Evansville at 7:30 p.m. Players will be available for autographs from 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are only $5 for the event. Come watch two MLS matches for a very reasonable price and mingle with the players before and after the First Team game (shameless sales pitch I know, but really, it will be a good time). For tickets call 913.387.3400.
Adios.
Question of the week:
If there were relegation in the Major League Baseball, who would be more likely to remain in the top flight, the Kansas City Royals or West Ham United? Having said that, go Royals! I love Dayton Moore and the job he’s done so far. Beat the BoSox!
Correct answers get 25 Ball Boy Brownie points and a free packet of relish at the next Royals game.
