Reserves Top Rockhurst

The Wizards reserves made it a clean sweep this weekend for the Wizards. One night after the first team beat Chivas USA 3-2, the reserves came out today and beat Rockhurst University 4-0 in a friendly game. The Rockhurst team while having Rockhurst players on it, also had some players from other schools as well. The first half was spent mostly in Rockhurst's end of the field, but the Wizards were unable to get many decent chances. The Wizards did get one goal in the first half, though, as a low cross by Ryan McMahen was met at the back post by an unmarked Roger Espinoza, who calmly put the ball away. The first half was highlighted by some confrontations between Wizards midfielder Kurt Morsink and a defender for Rockhurst. Whenever the two were near each other words were exchanged along with some pushing. Late in the first half, Boris Pardo preserved the shut out with a great save reminiscent of Hartman's first big save last night. This is how the Wizards lined up for the first half.

Pardo
Myers - Leathers - Wahl - Watson
Pizarro - McMahen - Morsink - Espinoza
Pore - Trujillo

Leathers came out in the first half after a head to head collision with a Rockhurst player left him bloodied. He was replaced by Rauwshan McKenzie. After the half, the Wizards made more changes, both forwards and both central midfielders were pulled off. The forwards were replaced by Michael Kraus, and a trialist/guest player, who was wearing number 28. In for McMahen and Morsink came Carlos Marinelli and Kevin Souter.

The second half saw the Wizards put more of a stamp on the game, and they doubled their lead soon after the restart through Marinelli, who scored with a shot from just outside the box. The third goal didn't come much later, as a quick free kick taken by Myers was then cross into the box, where Kraus met it with a side volley to beat the keeper. Like last night, with a 3-0 lead, the Wizards sat back a bit, and Rockhurst was able to get into the game more, and had a goal called back for offsides. The reserves made it 4, though, as Pizarro got in behind his defender and beat the keeper to the far post. Overall a good performance by the reserves. I thought that the mystery player, number 28 did well, not great, had some decent skill and looked willing to take guys 1-on-1 which is always a good thing. We'll see what comes of it.

Wizards Reserves Man of the Match - Roger Espinoza - Was a force on the wing today and did well running the attack when it came on his wing. Nice run to finish off his goal as well.

Honorable Mention - Nelson Pizarro, Boris Pardo