More teams go onto winter break while the indoor soccer season in the US continues to move along. Four former Wizards were named to the College Soccer News team of the decade. 2005 draft pick, Chris Sawyer was a first team selection. Will Hesmer and Diego Walsh were named to the second team, and Ryan Pore was named to the honorable mention team. Here is the rest of this week's former Wizards update.
Indoor
Sean Bowers - San Diego - The San Diego Sockers defeated the California Cougars 8-7 Saturday. Defeated Estadio Azteca All Stars 11-5 in the US Arena Open Cup on Sunday.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Healey had an assist in Baltimore's 12-10 loss to Milwaukee in overtime.
Vicente Figueroa - California - California lost 8-7 to the San Diego Sockers on Saturday. Lost 9-3 to Revolucion Tijuana on Sunday.
Paul Wright - San Diego - The San Diego Sockers defeated the California Cougars 8-7 Saturday. Defeated Estadio Azteca All Stars 11-5 in the US Arena Open Cup on Sunday.
International
Herculez Gomez - Puebla FC - Mexico - Not dressing tonight in Puebla's Interliga game against Jaguares.
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Lost 1-0 to Humble Lions on Jan. 3. Play Village United today.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Are on winter break until the end of February.
Eddie Johnson - Aris FC - Greece - Did not play in Aris' 3-0 win over Atromitos, just completed his loan move to the Greek club.
Akeem Priestly - FK Mughan - Azerbaijan - On winter break until February 2nd.
Scott Sealy - Bnei Sakhnin FC - Israel - Started and played 61 minutes in Bnei Sakhnin's 0-0 draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Matt Taylor - FSV Frankfurt - Germany - On winter break.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Came off the bench and played 16 minutes in Wellington's 2-0 win over Central Coast.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
2010 Wizards Kit Leaked
It would appear that the Wizards new kits for the 2010 season have been leaked out. The above picture was posted on bigsoccer this morning in the Wizards forum. No real big changes to the uniform from last year, there seems to be more yellow piping this year and maybe a little less of the dark blue in the uniform. I do like the white away this year again, it looks good. Overall I like the new uniforms for the team, they have a basic, classic look to them.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Stadium Design Information
The Sports Business Journal put out a story yesterday talking with the architecture firm, Populous, who is the firm that will be building the Wizards new stadium. Unfortunately you need a subscription to read the full article, but a poster on bigsoccer has given us that information. The article has lots of great insight into the new stadium. The main topic of discussion is the roof which according to the article will cover all 18,300 seats in the stadium, basing the design off of European stadiums, while at the same time making it unique to the Wizards. The article also touches on "the communal premium-dining concept" as the article calls it, talking about patios for the sky boxes as well as an exclusive Cauldron pub for members of the Cauldron that will be behind the section at the new stadium. The pub will be set up like a German beer hall and will be open on non-game days as well, giving people a place for watch parties for all sorts of events.
The article gives a much better picture of the stadium than what we had before, it still leaves a lot to the imagination, but what we have gives me great visions of what the stadium is going to be looking like once it is finished. Now let's starting getting the stadium up (once it's actually warm enough outside for any work at all to be done).
The article gives a much better picture of the stadium than what we had before, it still leaves a lot to the imagination, but what we have gives me great visions of what the stadium is going to be looking like once it is finished. Now let's starting getting the stadium up (once it's actually warm enough outside for any work at all to be done).
Waiting on the Two New Players
Last night, Wizards president, Robb Heineman mentioned that the team was going to be announcing two new signings today, unfortunately today that turned out not be true as Heineman posted today. As has been the case in the past the Wizards are waiting for P-1 Visas to be finalized before the signings are official. Unlike the past few years, when the signings of Ivan Trujillo and Santiago Hirsig were announced their P-1 Visas were finalized, the Wizards are not giving away the names of the players the team has signed. According to Ives Galarcep earlier this morning, though, he confirms my thought the Wizards had indeed gotten one of the three Colombian defenders that signed with MLS.
In his tweets today, Heineman says the Wizards also have "several more pending", which means it looks like the roster overhaul we were told was coming is finally starting to happen. The question is now when the "house cleaning" will occur and current players will start leaving. The Wizards were already over the 24 man roster limit due to players being onn IR to end last season, so the Wizards will have plenty of players that will not be making the team again this year, unless rosters are once again expanded.
In his tweets today, Heineman says the Wizards also have "several more pending", which means it looks like the roster overhaul we were told was coming is finally starting to happen. The question is now when the "house cleaning" will occur and current players will start leaving. The Wizards were already over the 24 man roster limit due to players being onn IR to end last season, so the Wizards will have plenty of players that will not be making the team again this year, unless rosters are once again expanded.
Wizards Linked with Andy Herron
As I tweeted earlier today, it would appear that the Wizards are after former Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew forward, Andy Herron. Reports out of Costa Rica are linking the Wizards with a move for the forward last played with CS Herediano in Costa Rica. According to one of the reports Herron is hoping to have a deal finalized by Friday. Herron is hoping to finalize a deal that will allow him to continue to play in Costa Rica until the MLS season starts in March.
While Herron is right in his quote that the Wizards need a striker, I'm very underwhelmed with this rumor. Herron at the age of 31 is not the type of striker the Wizards should be bringing in to cure their scoring woes. In my mind he's not an upgrade over any of the current Wizards' strikers other than maybe Michael Kraus. This move be bringing in a player that really is no better than the team's current strikers who didn't score much last year. My mindset seems to be the same of many fans I've conversed with today, the words underwhelming and unimpressive were heard multiple times when discussing this potential move.
While many Wizards fans will remember him for his bicycle kick goal against the Wizards on July 4, 2006, the first thing that came to my mind when I heard this rumor was his elbow to the face of New England Revolution defender, Jay Heaps. Hopefully this is just one of many rumors involving the Wizards and potential strikers and not one that comes to pass. Because I personally don't see how this move would improve our team for next year.
UPDATE: Robb Heineman has come out tonight on bigsoccer and basically put this rumor to bed, saying there is nothing to the Herron stuff.
While Herron is right in his quote that the Wizards need a striker, I'm very underwhelmed with this rumor. Herron at the age of 31 is not the type of striker the Wizards should be bringing in to cure their scoring woes. In my mind he's not an upgrade over any of the current Wizards' strikers other than maybe Michael Kraus. This move be bringing in a player that really is no better than the team's current strikers who didn't score much last year. My mindset seems to be the same of many fans I've conversed with today, the words underwhelming and unimpressive were heard multiple times when discussing this potential move.
While many Wizards fans will remember him for his bicycle kick goal against the Wizards on July 4, 2006, the first thing that came to my mind when I heard this rumor was his elbow to the face of New England Revolution defender, Jay Heaps. Hopefully this is just one of many rumors involving the Wizards and potential strikers and not one that comes to pass. Because I personally don't see how this move would improve our team for next year.
UPDATE: Robb Heineman has come out tonight on bigsoccer and basically put this rumor to bed, saying there is nothing to the Herron stuff.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Herculez Gomez to Puebla FC
This rumor started early yesterday, I didn't find a link at the time, but have found one now. Anyways, it appears that the first movement of the offseason for the Wizards is to lose Herculez Gomez to Mexican first division side, Puebla FC. According to the article, Puebla has signed Gomez to be a boost to their offense, which was apparently one of Puebla's biggest struggles this past season. While Gomez was dangerous many times on the field for the Wizards, his boost to the offense was not that much. In his 34 league games with the Wizards, Gomez only scored one goal (although it's a memorable one for Wizards fans). He added 5 assists as well. Gomez did appear to fall out with the Peter Vermes and the team late in the season, as Gomez appeared in only 1 of the Wizards last 5 games of the 2009 season, which could be part of the reason for his departure from KC.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Soccer America MLS All-Decade Team
With the end of 2009 lots of people are putting together lists on the "best of the decade" stuff. Soccer America has put out their MLS All-Decade team. The Wizards are represented pretty well on the list, with 2 current and 2 former Wizards on the team.
The only representative on the Best XI team is the Wizards current captain, Jimmy Conrad. Conrad was selected to the Best XI team 3 times and earned one Defender of the Year award in the decade. Goalkeepers Tony Meola and Kevin Hartman were named to the reserve squad. Meola was MLS MVP in 2000 and was a consistent performer for both KC and New York. Hartman became the MLS all time leader in most goalkeeping categories during this decade. Also on the list is the best player in Wizards history (and I don't think anyone can argue that point), Preki. While Preki was an MVP in this decade his only playing in half the decade is why he's likely not on the first team. There is one former Wizard who did not make the list that I thought probably deserved a mention. That player is Nick Garcia who has been in the league since 2000 and while he hasn't brought in the awards has been a strong defender in the league.
UPDATE: Had this pointed out to me as I missed it originally, but Diego Gutierrez is on the list as well. While he's only listed as being on Chicago, Gutierrez played for the Wizards from 02-05. During that time he was the club captain in 04 and 05 and won the US Open Cup.
The only representative on the Best XI team is the Wizards current captain, Jimmy Conrad. Conrad was selected to the Best XI team 3 times and earned one Defender of the Year award in the decade. Goalkeepers Tony Meola and Kevin Hartman were named to the reserve squad. Meola was MLS MVP in 2000 and was a consistent performer for both KC and New York. Hartman became the MLS all time leader in most goalkeeping categories during this decade. Also on the list is the best player in Wizards history (and I don't think anyone can argue that point), Preki. While Preki was an MVP in this decade his only playing in half the decade is why he's likely not on the first team. There is one former Wizard who did not make the list that I thought probably deserved a mention. That player is Nick Garcia who has been in the league since 2000 and while he hasn't brought in the awards has been a strong defender in the league.
UPDATE: Had this pointed out to me as I missed it originally, but Diego Gutierrez is on the list as well. While he's only listed as being on Chicago, Gutierrez played for the Wizards from 02-05. During that time he was the club captain in 04 and 05 and won the US Open Cup.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Wishes
We're about to ring in 2010 and the start of a new decade. With a new year about to start it's time to look at my wishes for another year.
1. The stadium starts to take shape - Forget this whole breaking ground stuff, I want to see the stadium actually start to take shape this year. I want to see the bowl start to come around, I want to see the stadium actually start to take shape. Because if it hasn't in the upcoming year I have a feeling we're going to be seeing the move KC crowd get VERY loud.
2. Qualify for the playoffs early - I'm tired of waiting until the last week or two of the season to see if we qualify for the playoffs. Let's qualify with a few more weeks to go please.
3. Some Silverware - Yes, again, I want silverware, every year I'll be asking for this.
4. SI's that contribute more - The contribution by this past year's new SI, Santiago Hirsig left something to be desired. He did decently enough, but his contribution was less than I think many people expected. Hopefully the two new signings Robb Heineman mentioned as well as the offensive players he alludes to will conntribute more to the cause this year.
5. Re-sign Kei Kamara - This one should be known pretty quickly. Kamara brings something to the Wizards that they've probably not ever had in a forward. A combination of size, speed, and strength Kamara will be an asset to the Wizards this season.
6. Round of 16 appearance for the US in the World Cup - I'm leaning on the side of caution on this one. I want to put a wish further in the World Cup, but getting out of the group is the first and biggest goal. While most US fans (including myself) want the US to advance further, a date potentially for revenge against Germany from the 02 World Cup or against Ghana for the 06 World Cup would be big for the US.
7. A home record with at most 1 loss - Going from a very conservative wish to a much more difficult one. The Wizards had a horrible home record last season, the worst in the league. The season before CAB was more of a fortress. The road record was adequate for a playoff team in MLS, but for the Wizards to be successful in 2010 the team needs to be much better at home than their 4-6-5 last season.
8. At least 40 goals this season - That's a 12 goal increase from last season. That's definitely a big increase, but having been tied for second worst in the league last year, the team needs drastic improvement. The team can't expect Josh Wolff to score 11 goals again next season. Kamara, Claudio Lopez, Davy Arnaud, Herculez Gomez, and any offensive signings need to contribute more to the team.
1. The stadium starts to take shape - Forget this whole breaking ground stuff, I want to see the stadium actually start to take shape this year. I want to see the bowl start to come around, I want to see the stadium actually start to take shape. Because if it hasn't in the upcoming year I have a feeling we're going to be seeing the move KC crowd get VERY loud.
2. Qualify for the playoffs early - I'm tired of waiting until the last week or two of the season to see if we qualify for the playoffs. Let's qualify with a few more weeks to go please.
3. Some Silverware - Yes, again, I want silverware, every year I'll be asking for this.
4. SI's that contribute more - The contribution by this past year's new SI, Santiago Hirsig left something to be desired. He did decently enough, but his contribution was less than I think many people expected. Hopefully the two new signings Robb Heineman mentioned as well as the offensive players he alludes to will conntribute more to the cause this year.
5. Re-sign Kei Kamara - This one should be known pretty quickly. Kamara brings something to the Wizards that they've probably not ever had in a forward. A combination of size, speed, and strength Kamara will be an asset to the Wizards this season.
6. Round of 16 appearance for the US in the World Cup - I'm leaning on the side of caution on this one. I want to put a wish further in the World Cup, but getting out of the group is the first and biggest goal. While most US fans (including myself) want the US to advance further, a date potentially for revenge against Germany from the 02 World Cup or against Ghana for the 06 World Cup would be big for the US.
7. A home record with at most 1 loss - Going from a very conservative wish to a much more difficult one. The Wizards had a horrible home record last season, the worst in the league. The season before CAB was more of a fortress. The road record was adequate for a playoff team in MLS, but for the Wizards to be successful in 2010 the team needs to be much better at home than their 4-6-5 last season.
8. At least 40 goals this season - That's a 12 goal increase from last season. That's definitely a big increase, but having been tied for second worst in the league last year, the team needs drastic improvement. The team can't expect Josh Wolff to score 11 goals again next season. Kamara, Claudio Lopez, Davy Arnaud, Herculez Gomez, and any offensive signings need to contribute more to the team.
End of the Year Wishes Review
The year 2009 ends tonight so it's time to take a look back at my wishes for the year of 2009. For reference here are my original wishes and my mid-year review of them.
1. Ground breaking on the stadium - Well, Robb Heineman said it would happen by the end of the year, but with the late snow and everything, that looks extremely unlikely. But the Wizards seem to have a permanent location (although I thought the same about the Bannister site) and hopefully the paper work for the Legends site will be signed off early in 2010 and official ground breaking will be soon behind.
2. 10-15 goal scorer for the Wizards - This wish was actually fulfilled as Josh Wolff hit a career high with 11 goals. Unfortunately the other 23 players that appeared in league games for the Wizards this season only scored 20 (with 2 own goals). The Wizards finished the season tied for 13th in scoring. I was thinking at the time that with a 10-15 goal scorer it would mean KC would have over 40 goals.
3. US qualifies for World Cup 2010 - This one happened with one game to go thanks to a 3-2 win in Honduras. The draw for the World Cup was fairly kind to the US when looking at other groups. The US will be playing England, Algeria, and Slovenia in Group C. Definitely a group the US can qualify out of.
4. US does well at the Confederations Cup - (Reposting my comment from the mid-year review) If you'd have told me at the beginning of the year that the US would finish second at the tournament, I would have been ecstatic. And while I am very happy with the performance in the second half of the tournament, seeing how the US finished second is disappointing. Sure it was Brazil in the final, but up 2-0 you would hope the US could hold on. Still, though, a big win over Spain in the semifinals, and a nice win over Egypt are two good things to take from the competition.
5. Some Silverware - LOL, yeah that didn't happen, not even close.
6. Lopez has a 2009 season like the end of the 2008 season - Not a bad season for Lopez overall, he contributed on almost half of the Wizards 33 goals this past season (7 goals, 8 assists). Any other player and most fans would be very happy with that type of performance out of a player.
7. A blowout home win - Another one that wasn't even close to happening especially with KC's poor home form this past season. KC had a league worst, 4-6-5 at Community America Ballpark this past season. Probably the biggest thing that needs to improve heading into next season.
1. Ground breaking on the stadium - Well, Robb Heineman said it would happen by the end of the year, but with the late snow and everything, that looks extremely unlikely. But the Wizards seem to have a permanent location (although I thought the same about the Bannister site) and hopefully the paper work for the Legends site will be signed off early in 2010 and official ground breaking will be soon behind.
2. 10-15 goal scorer for the Wizards - This wish was actually fulfilled as Josh Wolff hit a career high with 11 goals. Unfortunately the other 23 players that appeared in league games for the Wizards this season only scored 20 (with 2 own goals). The Wizards finished the season tied for 13th in scoring. I was thinking at the time that with a 10-15 goal scorer it would mean KC would have over 40 goals.
3. US qualifies for World Cup 2010 - This one happened with one game to go thanks to a 3-2 win in Honduras. The draw for the World Cup was fairly kind to the US when looking at other groups. The US will be playing England, Algeria, and Slovenia in Group C. Definitely a group the US can qualify out of.
4. US does well at the Confederations Cup - (Reposting my comment from the mid-year review) If you'd have told me at the beginning of the year that the US would finish second at the tournament, I would have been ecstatic. And while I am very happy with the performance in the second half of the tournament, seeing how the US finished second is disappointing. Sure it was Brazil in the final, but up 2-0 you would hope the US could hold on. Still, though, a big win over Spain in the semifinals, and a nice win over Egypt are two good things to take from the competition.
5. Some Silverware - LOL, yeah that didn't happen, not even close.
6. Lopez has a 2009 season like the end of the 2008 season - Not a bad season for Lopez overall, he contributed on almost half of the Wizards 33 goals this past season (7 goals, 8 assists). Any other player and most fans would be very happy with that type of performance out of a player.
7. A blowout home win - Another one that wasn't even close to happening especially with KC's poor home form this past season. KC had a league worst, 4-6-5 at Community America Ballpark this past season. Probably the biggest thing that needs to improve heading into next season.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Former Wizards Update
Here is this week's former Wizards update as we head towards the new year. I'm working on all former Wizards and kind of what they're doing now. Also here's an interesting article on Wizards draftee, Eric Frimpong who was convicted of rap in 2008.
Indoor
Sean Bowers - San Diego - Won their US Open Arena Cup game 10-6 Monday. Defeated Revolucion Tijuana 13-6.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Had an assist in Baltimore's 10-8 win over the Rockford Rampage.
Vicente Figueroa - California - Off until January 2.
Paul Wright - San Diego - Won their US Open Arena Cup game 10-6 Monday. Had 4 assists in 13-6 win over Revolucion Tijuana.
International
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Played in Harbour View's 1-0 win over Tivoli Gardens FC.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Are on winter break until the end of February.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress for Fulham in either of their games this past week, 0-0 draw with Spurs and 2-1 loss to Chelsea. There are rumors that Johnson is on his way to Greece on loan.
Akeem Priestly - FK Mughan - Azerbaijan - Did not play in Mughan's 2-1 loss to Khazar Lankaran.
Scott Sealy - Bnei Sakhnin FC - Israel - Started and played 83 minutes in Bnei Sakhnin's 1-1 draw with Maccabi Ahi Nazareth
Matt Taylor - FSV Frankfurt - Germany - Frankfurt is off on winter break until mid January.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Have not played this week, play tomorrow againnst Central Coast.
Indoor
Sean Bowers - San Diego - Won their US Open Arena Cup game 10-6 Monday. Defeated Revolucion Tijuana 13-6.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Had an assist in Baltimore's 10-8 win over the Rockford Rampage.
Vicente Figueroa - California - Off until January 2.
Paul Wright - San Diego - Won their US Open Arena Cup game 10-6 Monday. Had 4 assists in 13-6 win over Revolucion Tijuana.
International
Jermaine Hue - Harbour View - Jamaica - Played in Harbour View's 1-0 win over Tivoli Gardens FC.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Are on winter break until the end of February.
Eddie Johnson - Fulham - England - Did not dress for Fulham in either of their games this past week, 0-0 draw with Spurs and 2-1 loss to Chelsea. There are rumors that Johnson is on his way to Greece on loan.
Akeem Priestly - FK Mughan - Azerbaijan - Did not play in Mughan's 2-1 loss to Khazar Lankaran.
Scott Sealy - Bnei Sakhnin FC - Israel - Started and played 83 minutes in Bnei Sakhnin's 1-1 draw with Maccabi Ahi Nazareth
Matt Taylor - FSV Frankfurt - Germany - Frankfurt is off on winter break until mid January.
Diego Walsh - Wellington Phoenix - Australia - Have not played this week, play tomorrow againnst Central Coast.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Opening Day Just Got Interesting
Today DC United announced their new head coach, and it's someone familiar to Wizards fans. Former head coach, Curt Onalfo has been named the head coach of DC United. Onalfo is only about 5 months removed from being fired as the Wizards head coach. With the Wizards beginning the 2010 season at home against Onalfo and United this will definitely make things more interesting. You know that Onalfo has this date already circled on his calender for many reasons. Opening day is definitely going to be more interesting now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
