Wizards Fall on Spot Kicks

The Wizards bowed out of the US Open Cup to the Seattle Sounders 0-0 (5-6) on penalty kicks tonight. Misses by Jimmy Conrad and Tyson Wahl during the spot kicks gave Seattle the edge, as Sebastian Le Toux hit the cross bar as well to keep it even. In the PKs, Ryan Pore, Ryan McMahen, Roger Espinoza, Kerry Zavagnin, and Michael Harrington all put their chances away.

As for the rest of the game, it was surprisingly even considering the Wizards started 10 guys who had a grand total of just over 5400 MLS minutes, along side Zavagnin to start the game. KC had some decent chances, with Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander having some decent saves. The majority of KC's shots on goal were weak grass burners, easy pickings for Eylander. On the other end of the field, Eric Kronberg had a very good game for KC, making some big key saves to keep KC in the game. He also got help from his cross bar in both regulation and overtime, along with the penalty shootout. Overall Kronberg was the Wizards best player tonight.

It's disappointing that the Wizards couldn't have put out a stronger team, as the way the tournament has gone, this was a good way for the Wizards to earn some hardware this year. Unfortunately the technical staff and coaches decided to concentrate on the upcoming league match against Red Bull New York. While I understand that a bit, it's only 1 game in a 30 game season. But it means we need to have a big performance from the first team on Thursday then.

Wizards Man of the Match - Eric Kronberg - I could name the crossbar, but that wouldn't be fair to Kronberg's performance, it was top notch for the Wizards. His play tonight was impressive and gives me hope for the future after Hartman retires.

Honorable Mention - Michael Harrington