Former Wizards Update

Another week of former Wizards updates, MLS is back in action, and the third round of the US Open Cup is going on yesterday and today. Lots of action this week between league and cup action. This is the last week on the list for Shavar Thomas who was traded to the Wizards today as he becomes the fifth former Wizards player to return to the Wizards after leaving, following behind Diego Gutierrez, Matt McKeon, Preki, and Josh Wolff. Here's the rest of your former Wizards update.

MLS
Preston Burpo - New England - Out with injury
Adam Cristman - DC United - Started and played 72 minutes in DC's 2-0 loss to Columbus. Did not play in DC's 2-0 win over Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Nick Garcia - Toronto - Suspended for Toronto's 0-0 draw with LA.
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with San Jose.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 3-1 loss to Philadelphia. Started and played 101 minutes for Seattle before being red carded in Seattle's 1-1 (4-3) PK win over Portland in the US Open Cup
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 2-1 win over Chivas USA.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Columbus' 2-0 win over DC. Dressed but did not play in Columbus' 2-1 win over Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Chris Klein - LA - Dressed but did not play in LA's 0-0 draw with Toronto. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in LA's 2-0 win over AC St. Louis in the US Open Cup.
Claudio Lopez - Colorado - Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 2-2 draw with Houston.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Real Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with San Jose.
Kurt Morsink - DC United - Dressed but did not play in DC's 2-0 loss to Columbus. Started and played 90 minutes in DC's 2-0 win over Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not dress in San Jose's 0-0 draw with RSL.
Carey Talley - DC United - Did not dress in DC's 2-0 loss to Columbus. Did not play in DC's 2-0 win over Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Shavar Thomas - Philadelphia - Dressed but did nont play in Philadelphia's 3-1 win over Seattle in his last game as a former Wizard.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 3-1 loss to Philadelphia. Started and played 120 minutes in Seattle's 1-1 (4-3) PK win over Portland in the US Open Cup.
Alex Zotinca - Chivas USA - Did not dress in Chivas' 2-1 loss to Dallas. Did not dress in Chivas' 1-0 win over Austin in the US Open Cup.

USSF Division 2
Doug DeMartin - Portland - Started and played 72 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Tampa Bay. Came off the bench and played 35 minutes, scoring his penalty kick in Portland's 1-1 (4-3) penalty kick loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 3-1 win over Baltimore.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes in Baltimore's 3-1 loss to Minnesota.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 3-0 win over Puerto Rico. Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 2-1 loss to Columbus in the US Open Cup.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 2-2 draw with Montreal.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 68 minutes in Portland's 1-0 win over Tampa Bay. Started and played 120 minutes, recording an assist, but missing his penalty kick in Portland's 1-1 (4-3) PK loss to Seattle in the US Open Cup.
Abe Thompson - Miami - Started and played 45 minutes in Miami's 2-1 loss to Austin. Started and played 90 minutes in Miami's 1-0 loss to Houston in the US Open Cup.
Lance Watson - Austin - Did not play in Austin's 2-1 win over Miami. Did not dress in Austin's 1-0 loss to Chivas in the US Open Cup.

USL-2
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 65 minutes in Charleston's 0-0(3-0) penalty kick win over Chicago in the US Open Cup.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 45 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to DC in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Maryland.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-1 draw with Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 2-0 loss to DC in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 120 minutes in Charleston's 0-0(3-0) PK win over Chicago in the US Open Cup

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 53 minutes in Ocean City's 2-2 draw with Reading. Came off the bench and played 37 minutes in Ocean City's 1-0 loss to Central Jersey. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Ocean City's 2-0 win over Central Jersey.
Mauro Fuzetti - Michigan - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Michigan's 5-1 win over Kalamazoo.
Sergei Raad - Central Florida - Started and played 83 minutes in Central Florida's 1-0 win over Bradenton. Started and played 73 minutes in Central Florida's 2-0 loss to Baton Rouge.
Michael Todd - Long Island - Did not dress in Lond Island's 0-0 draw with Western Mass. Started and played 90 minutes in Long Island's 3-1 loss to Albany.

National Teams
Herculez Gomez - USA - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in the USA's 2-1 extra time loss to Ghana that saw them eliminated from the World Cup.

International
Chris Konopka - Waterford United - Ireland - Dressed but did not play in Waterford's 3-0 loss to Mervue United.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesund - Norway - Did not have a game this week.

Shavar Thomas Back in KC

Today the Wizards made a move to try and help improve their defense. The Wizards made a trade with the Philadelphia Union, bringing former Wizard, Shavar Thomas back to Kansas City. To bring Thomas back to KC, the Wizards sent 2 second round picks (one in 2011 and one in 2012) and allocation money to the Union. Word that I'd heard and that Thad confirmed is that the Union is picking up a portion of Thomas' salary and also gave the Wizards some cap space. The part about covering a portion of his salary evens this deal out just a little bit as my initial impression was that the Wizards got the raw end of this deal and over paid for Thomas.

The Wizards traded Thomas to the LA Galaxy for a conditional second round pick that the Wizards used to select Jonathan Leathers. Thomas was traded to Chivas USA before even playing a game for the Galaxy. He was taken by the Union in the expansion draft this past year.

To make room on the roster, the Wizards are going to have to make another roster move. Whether that's waiving, trading, or putting a player on injured reserve, the Wizards are going to have to make some move. Whatever the move is, it doesn't have to be for an international player, as the team currently has 2 open international slots from Igor Kostrov's waiving and Stephane Auvray picking up his green card.

New Byline 2 Back Post

This week's From the Byline to the Back Post is up for your listening pleasure on iTunes and Posterous. This week Thad and I discuss the World Cup, the USA's game against Ghana, the comments made by Jurgen Klinsmann about the state of US Soccer, how to end draws, the Wizards designated player news, the games against New York and Dallas, and more. Enjoy.

Nielsen Up for Save of the Week

Once again Jimmy Nielsen is up for save of the week after a week where he wasn't up for the award. Get out and vote for the White Puma.

Chances of Gudjohnsen in Wizards Blue?

Ever since Robb Heineman announced that the Wizards had made an offer for Icelandic forward, Eidur Gudjohnsen the question many Wizards fans have asked how likely it is that Gudjohnsen would actually come to KC. When Heineman made the announcement he said the Wizards were going up against Tottenham for Gudjohnsen's signature. Lately though, it appears that the Wizards are going to end up on the losing end of this deal. Along with Harry Redknapp still pushing for Spurs to sign Gudjohnsen, Fulham has now really gotten into the race, and appear that they may be the ones that sign Gudjohnsen if Spurs don't step up and sign him first. The lack of news on the Wizards place in this deal outside the US could be seen as a little worrisome as well, but it could also be that lack of belief in this from across the pond. Overall while people are excited to see the team at least trying to bring in a designated player, it certainly doesn't seem like the Wizards have much of a shot at him. London vs KC would seem to be an easy choice for some people, but it's not that easy, I still hold out hope that Gudjohnsen will be in a Wizards jersey, even if that hope is small. Do I think it will happen though? Probably not.

Wizards News

Here's some information that likely isn't really needing it's own thread, but some things that I want to touch on real quick.

First, the Wizards Juniors were in North Carolina this past weekend for the group phase of the US Soccer Developmental Academy playoffs. The Juniors started the weekend on Friday night when they took on the Baltimore Bays. After taking the lead early, the Juniors missed a PK, then conceded 2 goals to lose to the top seeded Bays 2-1. Saturday night the Juniors took on the Dallas Texans in their second group game. Jordy Rideout scored the lone goal, his second of the weekend as they defeated the Texans 1-0. Today the Juniors defeated Chivas USA's team 2-0 on goals by Lucas Throckmorton and Derek Schrick. Unfortunately the Bays took care of the Texans to advance as the group winner. You can see the final group standings here. Congrats to the Juniors on a strong season and finishing second in their group even though they were the "32nd and final" team in.

In more news from the senior team, word from Thad at The Back Post in a post on Bigsoccer, Thad posted that Stephane Auvray is now no longer an international player. Auvray apparently now has his green card. This along with the Igor Kostrov/Jamar Beasley moves early this season currently gives the Wizards two international spots that they can use on players including a DP and the other non-DP that Thad has mentioned previously. Whether the Wizards now use these two spots is still up in the air.

Finally, for those that missed it last Saturday I made a post about the Wizards being turned down by Montenegrin defender, Milan Jovanovic who currently plays for Rapid Vienna. Later that same day, Robb Heineman tweeted back to me that he had never heard of the guy. Can't say I'm extremely disappointed about that. While Jovanovic is an international defender, and the Wizards could definitely use some help on the back line, the Wizards should be able to pick up someone else.

Sunday After Stats

Here's your stat break down for this week's game.

Davy Arnaud's red card was his 4th career MLS red card, putting him alone in second place for the most red cards for a Wizards player behind Nick Garcia.

Arnaud's red card was his 3rd of the season, that's a new single season high for a Wizards' player in league play, and we're only 12 games into the season.

Arnaud's red card was also his 3rd in all competitions this season, tying him with Nick Garcia in 2001 for the most red cards in a single season in all competitions.

Arnaud also made his 201st league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Chris Klein for 4th place on that list.

In the 20th minute, Jack Jewsbury moved past Mo Johnston and into 7th place for the most league minutes played for KC, he finished the game with 12,652 minutes played.

Jewsbury also made his 157th appearance for KC in all competitions moving him into a tie with Johnston for 8th place on that list. It also moved him past Tony Meola who is was tied with at 156.

In the 7th minute, Josh Wolff moved past Diego Gutierrez for the most minutes played in all competitions for KC. Wolff finished the game with 12,324 minutes played.

Michael Harrington made his 106th start for the Wizards in all competitions, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi for 16th place on that list.

Disappointing is Not Strong Enough

After the US crashed out of the World Cup earlier in the day, I was ready to get that taste out of my mouth with the Wizards coming back to action against the New York Red Bulls. Unfortunately the Wizards ended up playing like a team that was still on break, especially late and for the third time this year, the Wizards lost by 3 goals. The Wizards started out as the more aggressive team, creating half chances that kind of tested Bouna Coundoul but not incredibly seriously. Kei Kamara had a chance that he pushed wide, as did Davy Arnaud. As that half wore on, New York started to pick up a few chances. In the 43rd minute, both teams were lucky not to go down to 10 men after Jimmy Conrad fouled Joel Lindpere. The foul by Conrad was tactical as Lindpere was breaking in on goal. Instead of yellow Conrad could have seen red. As referee Ricardo Salazar had pulled out the yellow and was going towards Conrad, Lindpere got up (presumably saw it was only going to be a yellow) and pushed out at Salazar. Lindpere also only got a yellow for pushing out at the referee, although we could see the league step in and review it later, but we'll have to wait and see on that. KC also had a late chance as Coundoul came up with a nice save on a cross by Jimmy Conrad with Josh Wolff lurking in the box.

In the second half, KC continued to control the game, but still lacked in getting any real dangerous chances. Ryan Smith tested Coundoul, but his shot was right at the Red Bulls keeper, and Arnaud had a chance but couldn't make good contact with the ball. Jack Jewsbury also had a chance, almost redirectly a cross by Smith. Off the ensuing goal kick, the Wizards found themselves down 1-0 as Coundoul's goal kick was headed on behind the Wizards defense. Aaron Hohlbein attempted to head it back to Jimmy Nielsen, but didn't get enough on it. Nielsen then started to come out and attack the ball but stopped his charge, leaving him in no man's land, allowing Salou Ibrahim to head the ball over him and into the net. KC almost responded immediately as Kamara took a pass from Arnaud off a free kick and first timed it on net forcing a good save from Coundoul. The game at this point was stretched, as New York than basically came back down the field and Seth Stammler blasted a 25 yard shot off the bar almost doubling New York's lead. The back and forth play continued as the Wizards came right back down the field with Kamara laying the ball off to Arnaud who had his shot parried away by Coundoul. Stammler again almost doubled New York's lead in the 65th, but Nielsen made a nice save. The rebound fell to Juan Pablo Angel, who also had his show saved, but he was offside and the play was waived off. Both teams had chances, but it was New York that doubled their lead in the 82nd. Another goal kick by Coundoul towards Angel got by both him and Hohlbein, but Angel was the quicker to react, easily getting around Holhbein. Angel got in on goal and fired a shot that Nielsen should have saved, but the ball went under him and into the net giving New York the 2-0 lead.

From there, things just continued to fall apart for KC as they didn't really threaten New York the rest of the game. Instead it was New York that grabbed a third, again through the mismatch of Hohlbein and Angel. Hohlbein and Angel muscled for a long ball over the top. Both players went down, but Angel was the quickest to react, getting back to his feet and collecting the ball. Nielsen had come out to the edge of the box to challenge for the ball and Angel easily passed him and had an open net to slot the ball into to make it 3-0. To pour more salt in the wound, in stoppage time, Arnaud made a stupid, reckless, studs up challenge on Lindpere and was given a straight red for it, his third red card of the season. Arnaud can complain about the fact that he didn't actually get Lindpere, but the red card on the challenge could just as easily been handed out for the intent of the challenge. As captain, Arnaud has to be smarter than that in those situations, it's a stupid card.

Wizards Man of the Match - Craig Rocastle - I'm surprised I'm saying it after seeing his name in the starting lineup, but Rocastle had a strong game. He did well to control the game and the ball for the Wizards. He had a strong influence on the game, and while I'm still not a big fan of his, he did well last night.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 3, Myers 4, Conrad 4, Hohlbein 1, Harrington 4, Rocastle 5, Jewsbury 4, Arnaud 3, Wolff 3, Kamara 4, Smith 3. Subs Zusi 4, Bunbury 4, Diop NR.

Spent

I'm going on about 4 hours of sleep combined over the past 2 days, so if this rambles, I apologize. Usually I try to leave my commentary on the games until the next game so that I don't let my passion on the performance cloud my vision. I attempt to be impartial as much as I can, but tonight's performance was so bad I am going to go off.

I'm not a journalist, even if from time to time I like to attempt to be one. My reason for this blog is not to try and get a job with a newspaper, or with the team or anything else that will pay me to do this, it's purely for my love of the Wizards. I've supported them since they were formed in 1995 and have been as fanatical about them as anyone, especially the last 7-8 years or so. Today I'm incredibly ashamed of this team due to that performance against New York. I've spent countless hours making banners, writing articles, driving to home games, driving to away games, and numerous other things in my support for the team. I've also probably spent thousands of dollars in these different endeavors as well. This is time I could spend doing other things, or money I could spend to help out around the house, but I choose to spend it on the Wizards because I love the team and I love soccer. In return I get yet another performance like this, the second one I've watched live this year (along with the game in RSL).

I'm tired of what seems like one way loyalty in this situation. I would have thought I would have learned my lesson about this having read "Fever Pitch" but I haven't. I still am one of the first ones out there every game day, one of the last ones to leave having a good time, hanging out with friends and cheering on my team. But even that now is getting tiring by this point I am physically and emotionally spent on this team. It's not as fun as it used to be to go out to the stadium and cheer on the Wizards, there's just not that connection it seems anymore. But I'll still be at a watch party next Saturday for the Dallas game, I'll be in the Cauldron at CAB on July 10th and I'll even be in Colorado on July 17th, apparently I'm a gluten for punishment the way this team is playing.

All that said I want to also get three knee jerk reactions from tonight's game.

1. Vermes needs to go. I've tried to sit on the fence post on this discussion not completely taking a side in the debate, but this is just bad. The team has won one of it's last 10 games, and only picked up 6 of a possible 30 points in those 10 games. The only win coming against a 10 man Philadelphia team that actually dominated. Vermes is now 6-12-6 since becoming head coach, picking up 24 of a possible 72 points. As a head coach he's averaging a point a game. That's not good enough. And that's only his head coaching record, his record as technical director isn't exactly rosy either as this team has a grand total of 1 playoff win in the 3 plus years he's been in charge.

2. KC needs a new captain. I love Davy Arnaud, but 3 red cards in 10 games played. That's pathetic and tonight's was just horrible. He lost his head, and you can't have your captain losing his head like that. Suggestions to replace him, Jimmy Nielsen, Stephane Auvray, Jimmy Conrad or even Kei Kamara, he seems to at least lead off the field post game.

3. Sit Josh Wolff. Wolff was a decent player in his time, but he should not be a starter anymore. He doesn't look like he's completely in the game, or even fully interested in being out there. At best he should be coming off the bench at this point. But with his salary, maybe it's time to let him go.

Full more even minded write up will be out tomorrow, but this needed to be said.

Wizards Turned Down By Montenegrin Defender

So I found a post online that said Rapid Vienna defender, Milan Jovanovic had turned down an offer from "Kansas." I went searching online and found this article talking about it. Earlier this week, Thad at The Back Post had mentioned that along with the DP the team was looking at a non-DP defender. Could Jovanovic of been that defender that was being referred to? Or was this another defender who turned the club down before they found the one mentioned by Thad? Apparently Vienna is trying to unload the defender and he's turned down offers from KC, Norwegian teams, and others as well. We all know how well we can trust Wikipedia, but according to that he hasn't played a whole lot of games anywhere he's been, although he also hasn't spent more than 2 years at any club he's been at either. He was a member of the Montenegrin national team in their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign where they finished 6th in their group behind Italy, Ireland, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, but ahead of Georgia.

MLS is Back

Most people are probably still wrapped up in the World Cup, and the fact that the USA plays tomorrow against Ghana I'm sure does nothing to dampen those feelings. Still tomorrow is also the return of MLS soccer to KC, as the Wizards take on the Red Bulls at Community America Ballpark. New York comes into the game undefeated in their last two, although both games are at home. They'll also be missing Andrew Boyens who is still with New Zealand after their elimination from the World Cup (although he's not a huge miss for them). New York has a fairly full injury list right now but they'll still have their most dangerous weapon, Juan Pablo Angel on the field. Angel almost always seems to find a way to score against the Wizards, it's a matter of whether the Wizards can score more than Angel can.

The Wizards return from the World Cup break having won their final game before break, to stop their long winless streak. KC now gets to try and build on that as New York is in town. Stephane Auvray looks like he could make his return from his knee surgery as he is now listed as being probable for the game. While there are other players on the injured list this week, including Davy Arnaud and Ryan Smith, but I'd expect both of them to be playing this weekend. KC will still be without Roger Espinoza who was only today eliminated from the World Cup.

Nielsen
Myers - Conrad - Escobar - Harrington
Jewsbury - Auvray - Arnaud
Kamara - Wolff - Smith

Key Match Up - Jimmy Conrad vs Juan Pablo Angel - They seem to like playing against each other and they both seem to bring out the best in the other. It's always fun to see these two go at it during games and I'm sure tomorrow will be no different.

PREDICTION - Hopefully the Wizards come back from the World Cup break with some confidence from their 2-0 win over Philly before the break. This is a crucial time of their schedule. They need to start getting wins, especially at home if they want to make the playoffs at the end of the season. Getting a win against New York would be a great way to come back from the break. Hopefully a combination of a US and Wizards win will make for a great day tomorrow. KC will need to be stronger overall than they were against Philly, they'll need to have better control of the game, but they're certainly able to pull it off.

KC - 2 (Kamara, Arnaud)
NY - 1 (Angel)

Espinoza Sits as Honduras Goes Out

Honduras didn't score a goal in the 2010 World Cup, but they did come away with a point in their final group play game, a 0-0 draw with Switzerland that also put the Swiss out of the tournament as well. Wizards midfielder/defender, Roger Espinoza spent the entire 90 minutes on the bench after starting Honduras' previous two games. Honduras became the first CONCACAF team to be eliminated from the World Cup as they finish at the bottom of Group H with 1 point. Still Espinoza had a solid game against Chile in Honduras' loss. His game against Spain was not as good, but then again none of the Honduran team looked particularly good in that game. Espinoza will now return to the Wizards, but I don't expect him to be back on the field in a game probably until July 10th against Chivas.

New Byline to Back Post

This week's From the Byline to the Back Post is up on iTunes and Posterous. This week Thad and I discuss the World Cup, the US performance, watch parties in KC, the Wizards potential DP signing (this was recorded before the announcement by Robb), and the upcoming game against New York. We do jump around a little bit, so apologies for that.

Wizards After Gudjohnsen

Yesterday evening, Thad over at The Back Post said that the Wizards were close to signing or making an offer to a player to be the Wizards second designated player in team history. Tonight on bigsoccer, Robb Heineman let the cat out of the bag and said that the Wizards have made a formal offer to Icelandic international, Eidur Gudjohnsen. Gudjohnsen has a strong club history having played for both Chelsea and Barcelona. Most recently, Gudjohnsen played for Tottenham Hot Spurs in the Premier League on loan from Monaco. Gudjohnsen is 31, still some years left for him to play. As long as he's willing to really play and not just collect a pay check he could be one of the best, if not the best designated player in the league.

I've been a fan of Gudjohnsen's for years, and I'm very excited about this potential move. Here's a highlight package of Gudjohnsen.

Former Wizards Update

This week's former Wizards update is dominated by the second round of the US Open Cup. With MLS teams still on a World Cup break, the minor leagues of the US have most of the action. Including the second round of the US Open Cup. The biggest former Wizard appearance of the past week is Herculez Gomez's two appearances for the US in the World Cup in the USA's second and third game of the group phase.

MLS
Preston Burpo - New England - Out with injury
Adam Cristman - DC United - Did not have a game this week.
Nick Garcia - Toronto - Did not have a game this week.
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Did not have a game this week.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not have a game this week.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Did not have a game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not have a game this week.
Chris Klein - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Claudio Lopez - Colorado - Did not have a game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Real Salt Lake - Did not have a game this week.
Kurt Morsink - DC United - Did not have a game this week.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not have a game this week.
Carey Talley - DC United - Did not have a game this week.
Shavar Thomas - Philadelphia - Did not have a game this week.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Did not have a game this week.
Alex Zotinca - Chivas USA - Did not have a game this week.

USSF Division 2
Doug DeMartin - Portland - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Minnesota. Started and played 86 minutes in Portland's 2-0 win over Minnesota. Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 4-1 win over Kitsap in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Started and played 90 minutes in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Portland. Came off the bench and played 23 minutes in Minnesota's 2-0 loss to Portland. Started and played 45 minutes in Minnesota's 1-0 loss to AC St. Louis in the US Open Cup.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Dressed but did not play in Baltimore's 1-1 draw with Carolina.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 1-1 draw with Montreal. Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Rochester's 3-0 win over Pittsburgh in the US Open Cup.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in Carolina's 1-1 draw with Baltimore. Started and played 57 minutes in Carolina's 2-1 loss to Charleston in the US Open Cup.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Minnesota. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Portland's 2-0 win over Minnesota. Started and played 74 minutes, recording an assist in Portland's 4-1 win over Kitsap.
Abe Thompson - Miami - Did not dress in Miami's 3-1 loss to Austin. Started and played 120 minutes, scoring a goal in Miami's 2-1 extra time win over Tampa Bay in the US Open Cup.
Lance Watson - Austin - Did not dress in Austin's 3-1 win over Miami. Play Arizona in the US Open Cup.

USL-2
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 66 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 win over Carolina in the US Open Cup.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 67 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Maryland in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes, getting a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh's 3-1 win over Charlotte. Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 3-0 loss to Rochester in the US Open Cup.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 win over Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal, in Richmond's 3-1 win over Maryland in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-1 win over Carolina in the US Open Cup.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 90 minutes, recording a goal and an assist in Ocean City's 2-2 draw with Carolina.
Mauro Fuzetti - Michigan - Started and played 66 minutes in Michigan's 3-2 win over Indiana.
Sergei Raad - Central Florida - Did not have a game this week.
Michael Todd - Long Island - Did not play in Long Island's 1-0 loss to Portland. Did not play in Long Island's 1-0 loss to Harrisburg in the US Open Cup.

National Teams
Herculez Gomez - USA - Came off the bench and played 10 minutes in the USA's 2-2 draw with Slovenia. Started and played 45 minutes in the USA's 1-0 win over Algeria in the World Cup.

International
Chris Konopka - Waterford United - Ireland - Did not have a game this week.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesund - Norway - Did not have a game this week.

Rangers Top Brass

Quick post on this as there's not a lot of information, but the Swope Park Rangers defeated the KC Brass today out at the Swope Park training complex 5-1. The game was supposed to be at 5pm, but when I got to the Swope training facility a little after 6:30, the game was already over and appeared like it had been for a while. So it looks like it may have started earlier. From Tweets from the Wizards, Graham Zusi and an unnamed trailist had the first 3 goals for the Wizards. We'll hopefully find out soon who scored goals 4 and 5.

Construction Update

With the lack of other real news right now, I figured it was time for an update on the construction of the Wizards stadium. It's been a while since I just linked to the webcam, so there it is for you to check out again, lots of work continues to be done. The concrete ring that goes around the field looks like it is done and the west side of the stadium looks like it has all the steel in place. They continue to move at a fast pace, working on weekends and some evenings working to have the stadium ready for about this time next year. It's fantastic to see how quick it is going up. Check out the latest full construction update from Turner Construction.

Honduras Close to Elimination

Honduras lost their second group play game of the World Cup 2-0 to Spain today in Johannesburg to a pair of goals from David Villa. Wizards midfielder/defender, Roger Espinoza started his second game of the Cup again on the wing in midfield. He played 45 minutes before being subbed out for another forward as Honduras sent numbers forward to try and find an equalizer. Honduras is not eliminated yet from the competition, but will need to defeat Switzerland on the 25th and need help from Chile against Spain in order to advance.

Lack of Posts

Sorry for the lack of posts the past few days, been on a much needed (and probably deserved) vacation. With the Wizards not doing a whole lot this week and me trying to keep this as a Wizards centric blog, there hasn't been a whole lot for me to write about. But tomorrow Honduras will take the field again and hopefully Roger Espinoza will get the start again. Then on Saturday the Wizards are back in league action so this blog will once again be covering the Wizards again.

Byline to Back Post 6/15/10

This week's From the Byline to the Back Post is up for you on iTunes and Posterous for your downloading and listening pleasure. This week Thad and I discussed the World Cup as a whole, including the ball and the vuvuzelas, along with the games. We also discuss the US-England game, the Wizards-Union game, and other Wizards news, including the recently released salaries. Enjoy.

Former Wizards Update

It's a slow week of former Wizards news this week. Lots of former Wizards were off this past week with the World Cup kicking off. MLS only had two games in the past week. Herculez Gomez was about to come on, but didn't get on in the first World Cup game for the US. The other news of this week was that the US Open Cup kicked off with all the lower level US team's getting started yesterday. Other former Wizards returning to the list, at least for this week, is Scott Vermillion, and Sergei Raad who both played in the Open Cup, although through more research, Raad has played more for Central Florida. Here's your former Wizards update.

MLS
Preston Burpo - New England - Out with injury
Adam Cristman - DC United - Came off the bench and played 28 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 3-2 win over Seattle.
Nick Garcia - Toronto - Did not have a game this week.
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Did not have a game this week.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 3-2 loss to DC.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Did not have a game this week.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Did not have a game this week.
Chris Klein - LA - Did not have a game this week.
Claudio Lopez - Colorado - Did not have a game this week.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Real Salt Lake - Did not have a game this week.
Kurt Morsink - DC United - Dressed but did not play in DC's 3-2 win over Seattle.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Did not have a game this week.
Carey Talley - DC United - Did not dress in DC's 3-2 win over Seattle.
Shavar Thomas - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philly's 2-0 loss to KC.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 3-2 loss to DC.
Alex Zotinca - Chivas USA - Did not have a game this week.

USSF Division 2
Doug DeMartin - Portland - Did not dress in Portland's 1-0 loss to Miami. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, recording an assist in Portland's 3-0 win over Sonoma County in the US Open Cup.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Did not dress in Minnesota's 4-2 win over the KC Athletics in the US Open Cup.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Started and 55 minutes in Baltimore's 2-1 loss to Rochester. Came off the bench and played 40 minutes in Baltimore's 1-0 extra time loss to Richmond in the US Open Cup.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 2-1 win over Baltimore. Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 2-0 win over Dayton in the US Open Cup.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-0 win over the Charlotte Eagles in the US Open Cup.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes in Portland's 1-0 loss to Miami. Started and played 90 minutes, getting an assist in Portland's 3-0 win over Sonoma County in the US Open Cup.
Abe Thompson - Miami - Started and played 90 minutes in Miami's 1-0 win over Portland. Started and played 120 minutes in Miami's 5-1 extra time win over Central Florida.
Lance Watson - Austin - Did not dress in Austin's 2-1 loss to Vancouver. Did not dress in Austin's 3-0 win over DFW Tornados in the US Open Cup.

USL-2
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 67 minutes in Charleston's 4-1 win over Richmond. Started and played 78 minutes in Charleston's 4-2 win over CASL in the US Open Cup.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 65 minutes in Richmond's 4-1 loss to Charleston. Started and played 120 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 extra time win over Baltimore in the US Open Cup.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg. Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over Detroit United.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 4-1 loss to Charleston. Started and played 120 minutes in Richmond's 1-0 extra time win over Baltimore in the US Open Cup.
John Wilson - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 4-1 win over Richmond. Did not play in Charleston's 4-2 Open Cup win.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 62 minutes and scored a goal in Ocean City's 3-2 win over West Virginia.
Mauro Fuzetti - Michigan - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, scoring a goal in Michigan's 2-2 draw with Forest City.
Sergei Raad - Central Florida - Started and played 120 minutes in Central Florida's 5-1 extra time loss to Miami.
Michael Todd - Long Island - Started and played 90 minutes in Long Island's 1-0 win over Western Mass. Started and played 90 minutes in Long Island's 2-0 win over NY Pancyprian Freedoms.

USASA (Open Cup)
Ryan Barber - KC Athletics - Started and played 82 minutes in the Athletics 4-2 loss to Minnesota in the US Open Cup.
Boris Pardo - KC Athletics - Did not play in the Open Cup match.
Brian Roberts - KC Athletics - Did not play in the Open Cup match.
Scott Vermillion - KC Athletics - Started and played 90 minutes in the Athletics 4-2 loss to Minnesota in the US Open Cup.

National Teams
Herculez Gomez - USA - Was getting ready to come on as a sub in the USA's 1-1 draw with England, but the final whistle was blown.

International
Vicente Arze - Club Aurora - Bolivia - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - Waterford United - Ireland - Did not have a game this week.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesund - Norway - Did not have a game this week.

Espinoza Goes 90 for Honduras

Roger Espinoza hadn't started any of Honduras' friendlies leading up to the World Cup, but today when the starting 11 was named for Honduras' World Cup opener against Chile, there was Espinoza's name, in the Honduran midfield. Not only did Espinoza get the start, but he went the full 90 minutes for Los Catrachos in their 1-0 loss to Chile in their Group H opener in Mbombela Stadium. Espinoza had a solid if not unspectacular performance, but it wasn't enough to help Honduras get an opening win in their group. Their next game is Monday against Spain.

Athletics Fall in Open Cup

The KC Athletics were the only KC area club to qualify for the 2010 US Open Cup, but that run ended early this year as the Athletics fell 4-2 in Minnesota tonight to the NSC Minnesota Stars. Stephen Hoffman and Kyle Perkins scored the Athletics two goals. Former Wizards players Scott Vermillion and Ryan Barber started for the Athletics. Other former Wizards that were part of the team, Brian Roberts and Boris Pardo did not travel. You can learn a little more about the team by checking out the feature on TheCup.us website about the team. Congrats to the Athletics for a nice run to qualify and hopefully they do it again next year.

Kamara Up for Goal of the Week

It wasn't a big week of games, but Wizards forward, Kei Kamara's blast against the Philadelphia Union is up for goal of the week (and currently winning by a big margin). So get out and continue to vote, and enjoy the goal again below, along with Sasha Victorine's great comment about "baby bounces on the school yard".

2010 U-17 SUM Cup

The 2010 version of the U-17 SUM Cup will be held this year in Houston, TX in conjunction with the MLS All Star Game against Manchester United. Once again the Wizards Juniors will be competing in the tournament. This year, the Wizards Juniors have been grouped in Group D. KC will play the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and New York in their group. Below is a list of the 4 groups, in order of their seed based on the balls chosen. Good luck to the Juniors both in the US Developmental Academy playoffs and in the upcoming SUM Cup.

Group A
DC
Chicago
Colorado
San Jose

Group B
Dallas
Seattle
Columbus
Philadelphia

Group C
New England
Chivas
Houston
Toronto

Group D
LA
Kansas City
Real Salt Lake
New York

2010 Wizards Salaries

Today the MLS Players' Union released this year's player salaries which means it's time to take a look at who is over paid, under paid, and just about right. First, here's the Wizards players' salaries.

KC Aiyegbusi Olukorede D $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
KC Arnaud Davy M $ 220,000.00 $ 228,750.00
KC Auvray Stephane M $ 140,000.00 $ 148,125.00
KC Beasley Jamar M $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
KC Besler Matt D $ 50,600.00 $ 61,850.00
KC Bunbury Teal F $ 65,000.00 $ 163,000.00
KC Chhetri Sunil F $ 100,008.00 $ 110,008.00
KC Conrad Jimmy D $ 232,750.00 $ 244,000.00
KC Diop Ibrahim M $ 57,000.00 $ 58,250.00
KC Escobar Pablo D $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
KC Espinoza Roger M $ 75,000.00 $ 108,750.00
KC Harrington Michael M-D $ 78,516.00 $ 97,266.00
KC Hercegfalvi Zoltan F $ 168,000.00 $ 168,000.00
KC Hirsig Santiago M $ 75,000.00 $ 75,000.00
KC Hohlbein Aaron D $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
KC Jewsbury Jack D $ 145,000.00 $ 154,125.00
KC Kamara Kei F $ 180,000.00 $ 182,500.00
KC Kronberg Eric GK $ 56,000.00 $ 56,000.00
KC Leathers Jonathan D $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00
KC Myers Chance D-M $ 70,000.00 $ 142,000.00
KC Nielsen Jimmy GK $ 100,000.00 $ 141,666.67
KC Rocastle Craig M $ 96,000.00 $ 102,062.50
KC Smith Ryan M-F $ 125,000.00 $ 129,375.00
KC Wolff Josh F $ 220,004.00 $ 220,004.00
KC Zusi Graham F-M $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00

The first amount is the players' base salary, which counts against the cap. The second is the players' guaranteed compensation salary, which is basically their base salary plus their guaranteed bonuses annualized. For a better break down, read the information on the players' union website.

Here's a bit of a break down.
Jimmy Nielsen is making $100,000 base salary, that's compared to Kevin Hartman's $70,000 at Dallas currently. My understanding that Hartman's contract negotiations were not as much about money as it was about length of contact. Still it's hard to argue with the move now anyways as Nielsen has proven himself to be more than capable of replacing Hartman.

Some of the other players who are earning their money are Ryan Smith and Stephane Auvray. Although both are making over $100K, they're definitely earning it for their play this season. Some lower level pay earners that are playing above their pay level are Pablo Escobar and Graham Zusi. Escobar has had some up and down moments, but has definitely been worth his $40,000 a year with some solid performances against the likes of Seattle, LA, and Columbus. Zusi has contributed plenty in the absence of Auvray and has done a good job, improving each time he's gotten on the field.

As for some players that aren't exactly earning their salary. The biggest one that comes to mind is Josh Wolff who is making just over $220,000. Wolff has one goal and one assist this season and has been frustrating to most fans when he's out the field. Another one making more than I think many fans think he should is Craig Rocastle who is making close to $100,000. Rocastle could already have 3 red cards this season if different referees were in the game. It just seems like quite a bit for a player who was playing in the 5th division in England before coming to KC. Sunil Chhetri is another one that would appear to be over paid, as he's only played 45 minutes for the Wizards in a US Open Cup qualifier and has yet to make the bench for the first team, even when they were struggling to score goals.

Overall, adding up the base salary of all the players on the roster (not counting Teal Bunbury, Roger Espinoza, and Chance Myers who are roster exempt as Generation Adidas players) and the Wizards are using about $2,283,878 of the $2,550,000 cap. That leaves the Wizards with about $266,000 of cap space left. Not enough at the moment to bring a DP, but with allocation money, and the potential extra space from a waived player to make roster room and there's space for a designated player.

US-England Tomorrow

Normally I focus on the Wizards or other KC related soccer news. I'm stepping away from that a bit. Tomorrow the USA open the 2010 World Cup with a match up against England. It's likely one of the most intriguing matches of the first round of the World Cup mainly due to the two team's meeting in 1950, largely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. If you're in KC, the biggest watch party location is likely going to be out at the Power and Light District in down town KC. With the Wizards watch party in the Living Room, and the American Outlaws at Johnny's Tavern, it should be a big party tomorrow.

KC Athletics Potential Second Round Matches

Next Wednesday the KC Athletics have their first US Open Cup game up in Minnesota against NSC Minnesota Stars. Today the official announcement was made on where the Athletics will play should they defeat the Stars. If the Athletics win on Wednesday and the Des Moines Menace defeat AC St. Louis, then KC will play Des Moines in West Des Moines, IA June 22nd at Valley Stadium. If the Athletics and AC St. Louis both win, the location is still TBA, with the Athletics being a USASA team and AC St. Louis in financial trouble the fact that they haven't picked a location should those two teams win is not surprising. Hopefully KC gets the chance to host should they advance.

Should KC lose to the Stars, the winner of the Des Moines-St. Louis game will travel up to Minnesota for the second round.

Friday After Stats

Kei Kamara tied a career high for MLS goals, scoring his 6th goal of the season tonight in league play.

Kamara made his 75th start in all competitions of his MLS career.

Davy Arnaud made his 200th league appearance for the Wizards, he's the 5th Wizards player to hit that mark.

Arnaud also made his 200th start in all competitions for the Wizards, he's the 6th Wizards player to hit that mark.

Arnaud's 200th league appearance ties him with Chris Klein for 4th place on that list.

Jack Jewsbury made his 200th appearance in all competitions for KC, he's the 7th player to hit that mark for KC.

In the 17th minute, Jewsbury passed Tony Meola, moving into 8th place for the most minutes played in all competitions for KC. Jewsbury finished the game with 14279 minutes played.

Jewsbury made his 156th start in all competitions for KC, tying him with Tony Meola for 9th place on that list.

Graham Zusi scored his first professional goal.

Josh Wolff made his 151st appearance for KC in all competitions, breaking his tie with Chris Brown, giving him sole possession of 11th place on that list.

Michael Harrington made his 112th appearance in all comeptitions, giving him sole possession of 19th place breaking his tie with Digital Takawira.

Harrington also made his 96th league appearance for KC, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi for 20th place on that list.

Harrington also was making his 105th start for KC tying him with Oshoniyi for 16th place on that list.

Winless Streak Broken

The Wizards finally broke their 9 game winless streak last night with a 2-0 win over the expansion Philadelphia Union. Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi scored for the Wizards, giving them enough for the win. They also got some help when Michael Orozco Fiscal was sent off late in the second half for a second yellow card offense.

Things started brightly for the Wizards as they pressed the game from the start of the game, controlling the game. The Wizards were rewarded in the 9th minute with their first goal. Ryan Smith started the play on the left side of the field playing the ball across the middle to Davy Arnaud who picked out Kamara as he streaked into the corner of the box and fired a 1 time shot past Chris Seitz to give KC the lead. After the goal the Wizards sat back and let Philadelphia bring the game to them. The Union were able to create some half chances that tested Jimmy Nielsen, but KC was able to withstand the pressure. KC started to get some breaks on the counter through all the Union's possession, and in the 35th minute, KC doubled their lead. Smith received the ball in the offensive half of the field, dribbled at his two defenders before a slide tackle took him out he laid the ball off to Zusi who was making his way into the box. Zusi took a touch and slotted the ball past Seitz for his first career goal to give the Wizards the 2-0 lead.

Along with the goals, the first half also saw a lot of fouls, some particularly hard ones that saw some of the Wizards players, particularly Smith, need some treatment before the half time whistle. The Union paid for their physical play though, as in the 42nd minute, Orozco Fiscal brought down Josh Wolff near the sideline with a scissor tackle. The tackle was could have been a straight red, but Orozco Fiscal was shown his second yellow card and given his marching orders, the second time in as many weeks the Wizards have been up a man in the first half. KC almost made Philly pay in first half stoppage time, as Smith picked the ball up just inside the Wizards half dribbled deep into the Union's end and fired a shot that went just wide of the post.

While the first half the Wizards were able to pick up a couple goals and grab the lead, the second half was very disappointing considering the Wizards were a man up. KC seemed content to let Philadelphia have possession and dictate the game with 10 men while the Wizards sat back and absorbed pressure. And while it didn't come back to bite KC in the ass, it made for a very dull second half. The best chance for KC in the second half came in the 59th with Kamara and Korede Aiyegbusi played a one-two into the Union's box and while the play was broken up Kamara got the ball back, turned and fired a shot that went well over the goal. As the second half wore on the Union continued to get half chances that Nielsen dealt with to preserve the shut out and send the Wizards into the World Cup break with a win. And while the win is nice, it's disturbing that the Wizards allowed the Union so much possession and control of the game, especially up a man. It seemed that the Wizards grabbed the goal and then decided to try to kill the game off. It succeeded this game, but that's not going to be something the Wizards can expect to do against most teams, a lot of teams will punish the Wizards for giving up that much possession, especially in their own half of the field.

Wizards Man of the Match - Ryan Smith - He only played 53 minutes due to a minor knock from the rough treatment from the Union, but Smith showed more flashes of what he really can do. It's disappointing that we only get to see flashes instead of regular consistent play, but picking up 2 assists and being a few inches away from a goal is a nice way to finish the game.

Honorable Mention - Jimmy Nielsen, Kei Kamara

Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Myers 6, Conrad 6, Escobar NR, Harrington 5, Jewsbury 6, Arnaud 6, Zusi 7, Wolff 6, Kamara 7, Smith 7. Subs Besler 5, Aiyegbusi 5, Leathers 5.

One More Before the Break

The Wizards have one more chance to break their 8 game winless streak (9 in all competitions) before the two week World Cup break, and they get to try and break it against expansion side Philadelphia. The Union have played one game less than the Wizards and sit two points back in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia will also be finishing up a three game road trip with this game against KC. They've gone 1-1 so far on the trip winning 3-2 late against Houston and losing at Chicago last weekend. They have improved their performance since early in the season, but they're certainly not last year's Seattle Sounders.

Kansas City get back captain, Davy Arnaud, but will be without Craig Rocastle (not that big a loss) but also Stephane Auvray still. While the original announcement from the Star was that he'd be out 10-14 days, I don't think many people expected him back before the World Cup break. Back at CAB, Arnaud and Jack Jewsbury may be better off attempting to fill Auvray's role due to the smaller field. The big question though continues to be on the offensive end of the field, where KC has only scored 5 goals in the last 9 games. Ryan Smith has been off and on with his play, Teal Bunbury seems to still be adjusting a bit to the professional game, while Kei Kamara is now getting double and triple teamed as he's usually the lone forward up top as Smith and Bunbury are forced to play deeper to cover defensively for the lack of Auvray. Hopefully a visit from the expansion side can help KC recover. With Arnaud back and Rocastle out, I think we're likely to see that be the only real change to the lineup from the TFC game I think.

Nielsen
Myers - Conrad - Escobar - Harrington
Arnaud - Jewsbury
Wolff
Bunbury - Kamara - Smith

Key Match Up - Kamara vs Danny Califf - Kamara has been held in check by the opposing defenses lately, mainly due to the way that KC has ended up playing their other two forwards. It's left Kamara isolated up top and easy to contain for the opposing forwards. For the Wizards to be successful, Kamara is going to have to find a way to get open and win this match up for the Wizards to win tomorrow.

PREDICTION - I don't want to say this is a must win, but it's a must win. The Wizards are already a third through the season and have only 2 wins. To make the playoffs or to even have a semi-respectable season, KC needs to start winning their home games, especially against teams that they should beat. KC should beat Philadelphia. Will they is another question entirely. I think this game is a scrappy, hard fought game decided by just one goal, hopefully it's the Wizards.

KC - 1 (Arnaud)
Phi - 0

New Byline to Back Post

This week's From the Byline to the Back Post is up for your listening pleasure. This week Thad and I talk about the TFC game, the upcoming Philadelphia game, the World Cup, and players. You can get it on iTunes or on Posterous. We tried to get it all in between the storm cells last night, but there is some thunder and rain during the broadcast. Enjoy.

Former Wizards Update(UPDATED)

Another week for your former Wizards update. This week we see the return of Alex Zotinca to MLS as he re-signed with Chivas USA and played the first 45 minutes in their loss to New York in his first game back. Herculez Gomez continues his good run of form, scoring another goal for the US in their win over Australia. There are lots of games tonight as well in MLS and the USSF second division so there will be an update to this post tomorrow some time.Here is the rest of your former Wizards update for this week.

MLS
Preston Burpo - New England - Out with injury
Adam Cristman - DC United - Came off the bench and played 9 minutes in DC's 0-0 draw with RSL.
Nick Garcia - Toronto - Started and played 27 minutes before being red carded in TFC's 0-0 draw with KC.
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with DC. Dressed but did not play in RSL's 1-0 win over LA.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in Seattle's 3-0 win over New England.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes, recording the shutout in Dallas' 2-0 win over San Jose.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Chris Klein - LA - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in LA's 4-1 win over Houston. Dressed but did not play in LA's 1-0 loss to RSL.
Claudio Lopez - Colorado - Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 1-0 win over Columbus. Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Real Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 0-0 draw with DC. Dressed but did not play in RSL's 1-0 win over LA.
Kurt Morsink - DC United - Dressed but did not play in DC's 0-0 draw with RSL.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Started and played 64 minutes in San Jose's 2-0 loss to Dallas.
Carey Talley - DC United - Did not dress in DC's 0-0 draw with RSL.
Shavar Thomas - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 2-1 loss to Chicago.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 3-0 win over New England.
Alex Zotinca - Chivas USA - Started and played 45 minutes in Chivas USA's 1-0 loss to New York.

USSF Division 2
Doug DeMartin - Portland - Came off the bench and played 12 minutes in Portland's 1-1 draw with Carolina. Dressed but did not play in Portland's 0-0 draw with Austin.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Started and played 90 minutes in Minnesota's 0-0 draw with Rochester. Started and played 81 minutes in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Montreal.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Came off the bench and played 14 minutes in Baltimore's 3-3 draw with Miami.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Dressed but did not play in Rochester's 0-0 draw with Minnesota.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-1 draw with Portland. Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 1-1 draw with Vancouver.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Portland's 1-1 draw with Carolina. Started and played 75 minutes in Portland's 0-0 draw with Austin.
Abe Thompson - Miami - Started and played 75 minutes in Miami's 1-1 draw with Montreal. Started and played 73 minutes in Miami's 3-3 draw with Baltimore.
Lance Watson - Austin - Started and played 90 minutes for Austin in their 2-1 win over Puerto Rico. Did not play in Austin's 0-0 draw with Portland.

USL-2
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Started and played 70 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg. Did not dress in Charleston's 3-1 loss to Richmond.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Richmond's 3-1 win over Charleston.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes in Pittsburgh's 0-0 draw with Real Maryland.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 win over Charleston.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 1-1 draw with Harrisburg. Did not dress in Charleston's 3-1 loss to Richmond.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Started and played 82 minutes in Ocean City's 1-0 loss to Bermuda. Started and played 90 minutes, getting a goal and an assist in Ocean City's 3-0 win over Bermuda.
Mauro Fuzetti - Michigan - Did not dress in Michigan's 2-1 loss to Chicago. Came off the bench and played 45 minutes, getting 2 assists in Michigan's 6-0 win over Cleveland.
Michael Todd - Long Island - Did not have a game this week.

USASA (Open Cup)
Ryan Barber - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.
Boris Pardo - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.
Brian Roberts - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.

National Teams
Herculez Gomez - USA - Came off the bench and played 8 minutes, scoring a goal in the USA's 3-1 win over Australia.

International
Vicente Arze - Club Aurora - Bolivia - Did not play in Aurora's 5-3 loss to The Strongest. Did not play in Aurora's 2-1 loss to Jorge Wilstermann to close the season.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Season is over.
Chris Konopka - Waterford United - Ireland - Started and played 10 minutes before being red carded in Waterford's 1-0 loss to Longford Town in the Irish Cup. Did not play in Waterford's 8-0 win over Salthill Devon.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesund - Norway - Came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Aalesund's 2-1 loss to Brann. Started and played 41 minutes in Aalesund's 2-1 loss to Løv-Ham in the NM Cupen.

Wizards Juniors Qualify for Playoffs

In their first season in the USSF Developmental Academy, the Wizards U-16 Juniors team has qualified for the developmental academy playoffs. The Juniors finished with an 8-2-8 record to qualify as a wild card, also qualifying from their division was Real Colorado and the Chicago Fire. The Juniors will play in the group play of the playoffs June 25th through 29th in North Carolina. If they qualify as one of the top 8 teams in the age group, they will move on to LA where the quarters, semis, and finals will be held July 9th through the 17th.

Save of the Week Again

Jimmy Nielsen is once again up for Save of the Week this week. This week's it's for his save on Jacob Peterson in the first half of the Wizards 0-0 draw with Toronto. As I said in my post game right up, I really think that play knocked Nielsen out for at least a few seconds. Get out there and vote as he's currently winning the poll.

Sunday After Stats

Here's some stats for your Sunday afternoon. Thursday night should be interesting, we'll have a couple milestones being hit if guys play like they should.

Craig Rocastle made his first MLS start.

In the 23rd minute, Michael Harrington moved past Chris Brown for 20th place on the list of most league minutes for KC, Harrington finished the game with 7598 minutes played.

It was also Harrington's 111th appearance in all competitions for KC, breaking his tie with Bo Oshoniyi and tying him with Digital Takawira for 19th place on that list.

It was also Harrington's 96th league appearance for KC, tying him with Oshoniyi for 20th place on that list.

Harrington also made his 104th start in all competitions for the Wizards, breaking his tie with Mark Chung for 17th place on that list.

In the 84th minute, Jack Jewsbury moved past Mo Johnston and into 9th place on the list of most minutes played in all competitions for KC, Jewsbury finished the game with 14189 minutes played.

Josh Wolff made his 150th appearance in all competitions for Kansas City. He's the 12th player to hit that mark for the Wizards.

With Wolff's 150th appearance, he ties Chris Brown for 11th place on the list of most appearances in all comeptitions for KC.

Jimmy Nielsen got his 4th career shutout for KC, moving him into sole possession of 5th place on the list for most shutouts in league and in all comeptitions.

At Least It's Not a Loss

The Wizards are now winless in 9 games in all competitions after starting the season 2-0, but at least they didn't lose yesterday up in Toronto. Two red cards were the main talking points of what was overall a fairly dull game, especially in the second half. Early on, it was Toronto who controlled the play and had some good chances to take the lead. The first good chance fell to Jacob Peterson who got in behind the Wizards defense and 1v1 with Jimmy Nielsen. Nielsen though made the save with his face for the second time this season. The shot appeared to knock Nielsen unconscious at least for a split second as he laid of the field not moving for a few seconds after the save. Nielsen was able to continue and shortly after came up with a big save although it likely won't go down as one officially. Chad Barrett had gotten into the Wizards box and tried to play the ball across the box that would have been an easy tap in at the back post, but Nielsen got a leg out and knocked the ball away.

The game turned in the 27th minute when Nick Garcia was red carded for a poor play on a ball with Kei Kamara. The ball had been cleared up the field and both Garcia and Kamara went for the ball. Garcia came in with his leg up and missed the ball, cleating Kamara in the thigh and leaving a nice gash. Referee Baldomero Toledo had no hesitation going immediately to his back pocket for the red card. The red card was seen as a little questionable, but it was a reckless challenge by Garcia.

With the man advantage, KC controlled the possession, but were unable to really take much of an advantage of it. Once again the Wizards struggled to create real dangerous chances, this time with a man advantage. The Wizards best chance while a man up came from Ryan Smith as he cut in from the left and put a nice right footed shot on goal that Stefan Frei did well to tip out for a Wizards corner. Toronto was able to create some chances while down a man, as Nielsen once again came up with a big save on Julian De Guzman. On the same play there were shouts for a PK for Toronto as Dwayne De Rosario was knocked over by Michael Harrington, but no PK was called.

In the second half, KC continued to control the game, but in the 57th Craig Rocastle picked up his second yellow for a poor challenge on De Guzman and was sent off as well. Rocastle's first yellow was very questionable, but Rocastle has to be smarter and know he's on a yellow in that situation as he ended up hitting De Guzman up around the knee. People who have seen Rocastle play lately shouldn't really be surprised by the red card as Rocastle probably could have been sent off twice before this season for reckless challenges that only got him yellows at the time. I know as soon as I saw Rocastle starting that was my immediate worry, especially with a referee like Toledo on the field who has close to 50 red cards handed out in less than 100 MLS matches.

After the red card to Rocastle, the game really died down, with both teams having some possession, but not having really dangerous chances. The game became the stereotypical dull 0-0 game. Kamara had the Wizards best chance, another long distance shot just wide of Frei's post. Toronto's best chance came just before stoppage time, when De Guzman fired well over the bar from the top of the 18 after Jimmy Conrad's header clearance didn't make it quite far enough out.

While the draw continues the winless streak, there are a few positives from the game. We finally picked up at least a point on the road (although we need to start stealing a few wins on the road) and we're the first team to take points off of Toronto at home this season.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Nielsen - After allowing four goals last week in Salt Lake, Nielsen turned things around this week making some big saves to keep the game scoreless and give the Wizards at least a point out of this game.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 7, Myers 5, Conrad 6, Escobar 5, Harrington 6, Jewsbury 5, Rocastle 2, Wolff 4, Smith 5, Kamara 4, Bunbury 4. Subs Aiyegbusi 4, Leathers 5, Zusi 4.

Espinoza, Honduras Close Out World Cup Tune Up Winless

Roger Espinoza and the Honduran national team finished up their World Cup tune up matches today in Austria. Unfortunately it didn't go well for Honduras who were played off the field, losing 3-0 to Romania today. The news got worse for Honduras as midfielder, Wilson Palacios, was stretchered off the field. Espinoza came off the bench in the 46th minute for Ramon Nunez after Honduras was already down 2-0. Their first game of the World Cup is 11 days from today, on the 16th against Chile.

Up to the Great White North

The Wizards will reach the 1/3rd point of their season tomorrow afternoon after taking on Toronto FC at BMO Field. Toronto has been an effective team at home this season, having taken 12 of the available 12 points that have been available for them at home. In all competitions they've only dropped two points and that was on Wednesday night in a Canadian Championship game that meant nothing to TFC as they'd already clinched that tournament. So for the second week in a row KC plays one of the best home teams in the league. With that draw on Wednesday against Vancouver, the Reds moved to being unbeaten in 7 in all competitions. Along with that, TFC is 4 unbeaten in league play. On Wednesday, few of TFC's regulars got much playing time, although both Julian De Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario played at least a portion of that game. Still they should be fairly fresh for the game tomorrow.

The Wizards on the other hand will be without two of their best midfielders. Stephane Auvray is still out after having the scope done on his knee, and captain, Davy Arnaud is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the team's game last week in Salt Lake. With Arnaud out that becomes the big question of week with quite a few questions of the lineup. Along with the question of who will replace Arnaud, the other lineup question has to do with the back line. Jonathan Leather had a very poor game getting beat bad a few times against Salt Lake. Other questions have to come up about the back line after giving up 4 goals against Salt Lake.

Nielsen
Myers - Conrad - Besler - Harrington
Jewsbury - Rocastle - Wolff
Bunbury - Kamara - Smith

Key Match Up - Jack Jewsbury /Craig Rocaslte vs Dwayne De Rosario - De Rosario is still one of the best players in MLS and he is TFC's leading scorer, he'll be a handful for either Jewsbury or Rocastle (if he plays), and frankly I don't favor the Wizards in that match up.

PREDICTION - Once again the Wizards find themselves on the road against a very tough opponent. TFC is a very tough side at home, they have been since they came into the league. With KC on a seven game winless streak and TFC on a 7 game undefeated streak the stats are not in the Wizards favor. Everything is just stacked against the Wizards at this point, hopefully they can break the winless streak.

KC - 1 (Bunbury)
TFC - 2 (De Rosario, Barrett)

Byline to Back Post

This week's From the Byline to the Back Post is now available for you on iTunes and Posterous. This week Thad and I discussed the Real Salt Lake game, the upcoming game against Toronto, Peter Vermes job security, and much more. Enjoy.

Former Wizards Update (UPDATED)

Another week of former Wizards updates. This week while we lose more of our foreign former Wizards whose seasons end, the American leagues are in full swing. Still, the biggest news of the week was the horrific injury that Preston Burpo suffered this past week. Here's the rest of your former Wizards update.

MLS
Preston Burpo - New England - Started and played 39 minutes, breaking his tibia and fibia in a play with Dane Richards.
Adam Cristman - DC United - Came off the bench and played 20 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 3-2 win over Chivas. Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in DC's 2-1 extra time win over RSL in a US Open Cup qualifier.
Nick Garcia - Toronto - Started and played 90 minutes in Toronto's 3-1 win over San Jose. Did not dress for Toronto's NCC game against Vancouver.
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Did not dress in RSL's 4-1 win over KC. Came off the bench and played 30 minutes in RSL's 2-1 extra time loss to DC in a US Open Cup qualifier.
Taylor Graham - Seattle - Did not dress in Seattle's 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Kevin Hartman - Dallas - Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas' 1-1 draw with Chicago.
Will Hesmer - Columbus - Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-0 loss to LA. Started and played 90 minutes in Columbus' 2-2 draw with San Jose.
Chris Klein - LA - Came off the bench and played 7 minutes, getting an assist in LA's 2-0 win over Columbus.
Claudio Lopez - Colorado - Dressed but did not play in Colorado's 1-0 win over Seattle.
Rauwshan McKenzie - Real Salt Lake - Dressed but did not play in RSL's 4-1 win over KC. Started and played 120 minutes in RSL's 2-1 extra time loss to DC.
Kurt Morsink - DC United - Came off the bench and played 1 minute in DC's 3-2 win over Chivas USA. Started and played 120 minutes for DC in their 2-1 extra time win over RSL.
Scott Sealy - San Jose - Came off the bench and played 13 minutes in San Jose's 3-1 loss to Toronto. Came off the bench and played 30 minutes, recording an assist in San Jose's 2-2 draw with Columbus.
Carey Talley - DC United - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in DC's 3-2 win over Chivas. Did not dress in DC's 2-1 win over RSL in a US Open Cup qualifier.
Shavar Thomas - Philadelphia - Dressed but did not play in Philadelphia's 3-2 win over Houston.
Tyson Wahl - Seattle - Dressed but did not play in Seattle's 1-0 loss to Colorado.

USSF Division 2
Doug DeMartin - Portland - Did not have a game this week.
Kevin Friedland - Minnesota - Came off the bench and played 5 minutes in Minnesota's 3-1 loss to Tampa. Started and played 89 minutes, recording an assist in Minnesota's 3-2 win over St. Louis.
Pat Healey - Baltimore - Started and played 90 minutes in Baltimore's 2-0 loss to Austin.
Neal Kitson - Rochester - Started and played 90 minutes in Rochester's 2-1 win over Vancouver.
Amir Lowery - Carolina - Started and played 90 minutes in Carolina's 2-0 win over Montreal.
Ryan Pore - Portland - Did not have a game this week.
Abe Thompson - Miami - Started and played 90 minutes in Miami's 4-2 loss to Puerto Rico.
Lance Watson - Austin - Started and played 90 minutes in Austin's 2-0 win over Baltimore.

USL-2
Stephen Armstrong - Charleston - Did not dress in Charleston's 2-2 draw with Real Maryland.
Edson Elcock - Richmond - Started and played 77 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh.
Tom Gray - Pittsburgh - Started and played 90 minutes, scoring a goal in Pittsburgh's 3-1 win over Richmond.
Yomby William - Richmond - Started and played 90 minutes in Richmond's 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh.
John Wilson - Charleston - Started and played 90 minutes in Charleston's 2-2 draw with Real Maryland.

PDL
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City - Did not have a game this week.
Mauro Fuzetti - Michigan - Came off the bench and played 29 minutes in Michigan's 2-1 win over Cincinnati.
Michael Todd - Long Island - Came off the bench and played 37 minutes, recording an assist in Long Island's 1-1 draw with Westchester. Play Westchester again tonight.

USASA (Open Cup)
Ryan Barber - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.
Boris Pardo - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.
Brian Roberts - KC Athletics - Next Open Cup game is June 15th against NSC Minnesota Stars.

National Teams
Herculez Gomez - USA - Dressed but did not play in the USA's 2-1 win over Turkey.
Eddie Johnson - USA - Was cut from the US World Cup team.

International
Vicente Arze - Club Aurora - Bolivia - Did not dress in Aurora's 3-0 win over San Jose. Did not dress in Aurora's 2-1 win over Oriente Petrolero.
Will John - NK Vinogradar - Croatia - Lost to Pomorac to close out their season.
Chris Konopka - Waterford United - Ireland - Started and played 90 minutes in Waterford's 2-0 loss to Derry City. Started and played 90 minutes in Waterford's 2-1 loss to Dundalk in the league cup.
Khari Stephenson - Aalesund - Norway - Did not have a game this week.

Athletics Draw Stars in Open Cup

Today was the draw for the first round of the US Open Cup this year. Local USASA club, the KC Athletics are the only local team that has qualified for this year's competition. The Athletics will begin their first trip into the US Open Cup on June 15th up at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN against NSC Minnesota Stars. The Athletics will have their hands full with the USSF Division 2 side, especially on the road, but it should be a good test for the team. If he makes the trip, former Wizards goalkeeper, Boris Pardo, could have the chance to repeat his performance last year against the Minnesota Thunder. If they advance, the Athletics would take on either the Des Moines Menace or AC St. Louis. Good luck to the Athletics, I'll certainly be following the game (hopefully the Stars have it streamed online).

Espinoza, Honduras Draw Again

Honduras has not been getting the results they probably want so far in their World Cup tune ups. Today Honduras played to a 0-0 draw with Azerbaijan in Austria. Honduras only managed one shot on goal against a team that only got 1 win in World Cup qualifying, even though Azerbaijan had a player sent off. Wizards defender, Roger Espinoza came off the bench at half time for Wilson Palacios and played the entire second half. Honduras has one more friendly before the World Cup, this Saturday when they take on Romania.

Jimmy Again

What a surprise, once again Jimmy Nielsen is up for Save of the Week for this past weekend's game in Salt Lake City. Although the save is nice, it's ruined a bit by the goal afterwards. I also thought the save he made in the first half going to the ground to palm a goal away was a bigger save. But get out and vote.