Fifteen years ago today, Sporting Kansas City won their first MLS Cup. Then known as the Kansas City Wizards, KC rode one of the best defenses in league history to the title. Behind league MVP Tony Meola in goal, defender of the year Peter Vermes in the center of defense, and rookie of the year finalist, Nick Garica along the back line, KC's defense was a strong one.
At MLS Cup the Wizards took on the league's highest scoring team, the Chicago Fire. In the 11th minute though it was KC that struck first as Chris Klein picked up the ball off Diego Gutierrez and dribbled down the wing. Klein eventually played the ball into the middle for Danish forward, Miklos Molnar. Molnar flubbed his first chance, but the ball hit off Jesse Marsch right back into the path of Molnar who made no mistake the second time putting the ball away and giving KC the lead.
Chicago were the real aggressors throughout the game and really tested Kansas City's Meola in goal. Meola though held up, making some fantastic saves to claim the finals MVP away.
You can see highlights here.
And the full game here.
I have this game on VHS. Went to the celebration at Arrowhead after and met Lamar Hunt and thanked him. Jason Whitlock was being harassed by fans for not covering the Wizards and yelled "Look, do you want me to write about this, or not" as if he was doing soccer a favor. Great season and an incredible team. We supported the Wizards, because that's the way we liked it.
ReplyDeleteI have this game on VHS. Went to the celebration at Arrowhead after and met Lamar Hunt and thanked him. Jason Whitlock was being harassed by fans for not covering the Wizards and yelled "Look, do you want me to write about this, or not" as if he was doing soccer a favor. Great season and an incredible team. We supported the Wizards, because that's the way we liked it.
ReplyDelete