Lots of Community Projects

Monday, we wrapped up our 2nd Greener Goals event, helping with cleanup and improvement of Belvidere Park in Northeast KCMO. Yesterday, Jimmy Conrad spoke to Boys and Girls Club members about the importance of staying in school. Take a look at video recaps for both:

Shavar Thomas is Back!

We know that today might seem like a slow day on the soccer with the World Cup break between the Round of 16 and the Quarters, but we're doing our best to fill in the gap. Defender Shavar Thomas is coming back to Kansas City after spending the first part of the season with the Philadelphia Union. If you want to know a little bit about Shavar off the field, take a look at the video above done by Chivas USA. If you want to know his stats and history, click on the link above and read the presser.

Shavar will join the team tomorrow at training. Another roster move will have to take place to clear room for Thomas.

Espinoza Talks World Cup

Roger returned from Honduras World Cup duty. Take a look at what he got out of the experience (updated with correct video embed):

World Cup Ratings Abound

 With ratings now out for Saturday's match against Ghana, the NY Times checked in yesterday with a story about the ratings, which have been excellent. Also, today we received word that for the USA-England match, Kansas City's local ratings were the 6th highest among major U.S. markets. The top five were widely reported after the match as:

1. San Diego – 11.5 rating
2. San Francisco – 11.2
3. Las Vegas – 11.0
4. Cincinnati – 10.8
5. Salt Lake City – 10.2

What didn't come out, was that Kansas City was number 6 with a 9.51! Thank you Kansas Citians...we love seeing all the soccer support.

Want to see all the excitement of World Cup games up close? Text "KansasCity" to 22442 to show your support for the world's greatest sporting event coming to the USA and KC in 2018 or 2022!

Whisenhunt from Johannesburg

Wizards staffer/KC Soccer Show host Josh Whisenhunt (who hasn't shaved in a month, it seems) checks in with another video from South Africa. This one comes from Johannesburg:

KCW Juniors at USSDA Nationals

The official KCW Juniors blog has the scoop, but our boys are 1-1 through two games at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs. After losing a hard-fought game to the Baltimore Bays 2-1 Friday, we defeated the Dallas Texans, last year's champions, 1-0 Satuday. Jordan Rideout has both goals for the Juniors thus far. We play Chivas USA's U16 squad today. Winning the group would put us through to the final 8.

More Donovan PK Reaction

This view is from the stage looking out at the entire crowd in the KC Live! area. Dig it:

Donovan PK Reaction in P&L

Take a look...all 12,000 went nuts here in the Power & Light District when Landon Donovan put his PK home off the right post:

GREAT CROWD

Holy cow...these pictures were taken 45 minutes before kickoff, and the crowd was absolutely bonkers already!! Today is going to be an amazing day in Kansas City and the USA for our beautiful game. Enjoy:

Busy, Busy Saturday!

Everyone who has come down so far already knows, but the entire USA is about to realize that our Power & Light watch parties are among the best in the country. From the Living Room area to the American Outlaws-run Johnny's Tavern, the whole place is hoppin'. For a full rundown of the events going on tomorrow, read the excerpt from our last press release:

Saturday will be a busy day for Kansas City soccer fans, as the Wizards host a huge Summer of Soccer World Cup watch party for the USA-Ghana Round of 16 match at 1 p.m. CT in the Kansas City Power & Light District. The Wizards will later host the New York Red Bulls in an MLS match at 7:30 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Limited tickets remain available for the MLS game, and the Wizards will be selling Buy One, Get One tickets at Saturday’s USA-Ghana watch party.

Fans are encouraged to arrive to the watch party as early as possible to reserve quality seats and to pack the house for ABC’s cameras. ABC/ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez will be on hand for live pre-game, halftime and post-game segments from the watch party. Atmosphere in the Power & Light District has been among the best in the United States, thanks in part to the local chapter of the American Outlaws, a USA supporters’ group and The Cauldron, Kansas City’s supporters’ section. The American Outlaws have packed Johnny’s Tavern for each USA game, erupting in joy when goals are scored.

The weekly Kansas City Soccer Show on Sports Radio 810 WHB will air live from McFadden’s in the Power & Light District from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT. Jake Gutierrez will be live at McFadden’s, with co-host Josh Whisenhunt calling in from South Africa. Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad will join the duo at 11 a.m. CT. Metro Sports will also be live from the Power & Light District Saturday with a special USA pre-game show from 12:30 – 1 p.m. CT. Wizards President Robb Heineman, Vice President of Development David Ficklin and TV Commentator Sasha Victorine will take part in the Metro Sports show.

USA fans are encouraged to help bring the FIFA World Cup to Kansas City in 2018 or 2022 by registering their support at www.goUSAbid.com/kc or texting “KansasCity” to 22442.

Royals to Show USA Game

Just got word that the Kansas City Royals will be providing updates of the USA-Ghana game to fans during Saturday's Royals-Cardinals contest. They will even have the game on TVs on the concourses and in their bar areas for you soccer fans out there who will be attending the baseball game but want to keep track. 

If you're not going to the baseball game, we obviously want to see you at the Power & Light District for our Summer of Soccer watch party that ESPN will be filming. If you are going to the game however, at least you won't be completely in the dark to the USA's performance. Thanks Royals for looking out for our soccer fans!

Whether you're going to the Royals-Cardinals game or our watch party, we definitely want to see you Saturday night for our first MLS game since June 10. This one will be against the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. CT. CAll 888-4KC-GOAL to reserve your seats.

Support the USA Bid, Clinton Does

President Bill Clinton and other board members of the USA Bid Committee to bring the FIFA World Cup to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022 met Thursday in Johannesburg with Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, host of this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup.  With Former President Mandela, from left, is Sunil Gulati, president of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and chairman of the USA Bid Committee; President Clinton, honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee; Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer; Carlos Cordeiro, vice chairman of the USA Bid Committee; and Dan Flynn, USSF CEO and secretary general.  President Clinton later spoke at the Nelson Mandela Foundation to pay tribute to Mandela's life and legacy. President Clinton will rejoin the U.S. team on Saturday in Rustenburg for its Round of 16 match vs. Ghana.  For more information on the U.S. bid, please visit gousabid.com.

Kansas City is one of 18 cities still in the running to host matches should this amazing tournament come to the USA. Games would be hosted at the New Arrowhead Stadium. To show your support for the bid, text "KansasCity" to 22442. Send the text, and tell all your friends to do the same!

President Bill Clinton sports a scarf promoting the United States’ bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 during a break Thursday with U.S. reporters in Johannesburg. President Clinton, the honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee, also met Thursday with various members of the FIFA Executive Committee who will vote December 2 on the nations that will host the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2018 and 2022.

President Bill Clinton, honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, discusses the efforts supporting bid during a meeting Thursday with U.S. reporters in Johannesburg.  Supporters of the U.S. bid have now logged nearly 650,000 petition signatures at gousabid.com.

President Bill Clinton, honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, is joined by Sunil Gulati, chairman of the USA Bid Committee and president of the United States Soccer Federation, during a reception Thursday with various members of the FIFA executive committee in Johannesburg.

ESPN to Shoot KC Live!

 

If you've been watching the ESPN or ABC broadcasts of USA matches (which I know you have been), you've seen the reaction shots from inside bars all around the country. So far I've seen reactions from bars in New York and Seattle. This Saturday, folks all around the country (and the world, counting our military men and women watching on the Armed Forces Network) will be seeing Kansas City and the Power & Light District's KC Live! block. 

We spoke with ESPN today, and they have confirmed that they will have a camera in the "Living Room" area of the Power & Light District for Saturday's watch party. With that information, we'd like to ask everyone to make sure to show up nice and early Saturday. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. CT, with pre-game beginning at 1 CT. The more people that we have in the area, the better. Let's show ESPN and the rest of the country how much we here in Kansas City love soccer and our National Team!

Don't forget: Another way to show your support for the effort to land the 2018 or 2022 tournament is to text "KansasCity" to 22442. Send the text, and tell all your friends to do the same!

Wizards Fan Gaucho Juggles KC

Wizards fan Felipe de Jesus Gaucho has created the following video of juggling all around Kansas City. Take a look. It's pretty long, but at the end, enjoy watching his unfortunate plight when he doesn't have any cash on him at Taqueria Mexico. Gaucho was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a ref in addition to playing and coaching soccer. He coaches KC Milan.

Johnny's Tavern Reaction

Here was the scene inside Johnny's Tavern with the American Outlaws and friends today as Donovan scored the game winner and then as the final whistle sounded. Thanks to Wizards sponsorship dude Jeff Foster, who quickly snagged this video with his spiffy new HTC EVO 4G device from our partners Sprint.

USA-Algeria Hype

As Mashable notes, YouTube keeps pulling Donovan highlights down, so watch the above package from rights-holders ESPN. Also from Mashable, Donovan's goal set off an internet spike that resulted in the 2nd highest amount of traffic EVER on the interwebs. The only period with greater traffic? The opening day of this World Cup. Soccer-lovers really like to be online, don't they?

Need more hype than that? LandonDonovan.com went down today (it's now back up as of 3:15 pm. CT) presumably from receiving too many hits. 

Yahoo! Sports had this excellent article from Dan Wetzel about the player, the match and the moment. The Lawrence Journal World had this story with video reactions from both the Red Lyon on Mass Street and our P&L Summer of Soccer Watch Parties. (Earlier in the day, they had a preview with quotes from our own World Cup vet Josh Wolff.)

Here's the MLSsoccer.com recap from Jonah Freedman, who is on the ground in South Africa.

Think that you've had fun today? Imagine if the World Cup were in the United States and, specifically, Kansas City! Another way to show your support for the effort to land the 2018 or 2022 tournament is to text "KansasCity" to 22442. Send the text, and tell all your friends to do the same!

USA P&L Watch Party Reaction

Take a look....the whole place went nuts....just after everyone was deflated because the initial shot was saved:

Buy 1, Get 1Tix @ USA Watch Party

At tomorrow morning's USA-Algeria World Cup Watch Party in the Power & Light District, we will be offering Buy One, Get One tickets to Saturday's MLS match versus the New York Red Bulls. RSVP to the event on Facebook and invite all of your friends. Thousands of folks have showed up for both USA matches so far, so it is sure to be an excellent crowd for this crucial game.

Wizards players will be at the event, watching the USA try to advance with the fans. Come see your favorite players tomorrow, then see them back in action Saturday night against New York.

Bloemfontein Video

Josh Whisenhunt uploaded the following video from his South Africa trip today. First he talks to Martin Keown, who apparently isn't too impressed with the U.S. team. Then, he eats some monkey rump steak and watches some Slovakia fans get down in a bar. After that it's on to the Paraguay-Slovokia game, where we see some South American celebration:

Final Group Games Begin

The first round of final group games took place this morning, and the drama was excellent. For a time, South Africa was just two goals from moving into advancement position, but France's 70th minute strike and no additional goals from Uruguay meant that South Africa would not move on and France ended up in 4th place in Group A. Uruguay and Mexico advance, with a likely showdown against Argentina on the cards for Mexico. That's going to be a fun one! 

The 1:30 p.m. CT afternoon games feature a Argentina-Greece (ESPN) game that has you feeling a little sorry for the Mediterranean fellows after Argentina's strong form in the last match. South Korea and Nigeria (ESPN 2) play in the other contest. Theoretically, Greece, South Korea and Nigeria all have a chance at the 2nd place spot and a round of 16 match against Uruguay. We'll give South Korea the advantage heading in since Greece is playing Argentina and S. Korea has the better goal differential than Nigeria. An Argentina win and a draw in the other game would put South Korea through.

Saturday's Giveaway

This Saturday, the first 5,000 people into CommunityAmerica Ballpark will receive an eco-Koozie from our friends at Deffenbaugh Indisturies. The New York Red Bulls and star Juan Pablo Angel come to town Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. CT match. Don't yet have your tickets? Click here to buy or give us a call at 888-4KC-GOAL for more info.

Live from South Africa Reports

We have been lucky to receive some great content from friends of the family on the ground in South Africa throughout the first round of the World Cup. The latest reports come from Wizards sales dude and KC Soccer Show host Josh Whisenhunt, who talks about flying on a tiny plane from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, meeting up with Martin Keown and seeing a "sleepy" Slovakia-Paraguay match from the very last row of the stadium. Check it out.

The other new report comes from Kurt Austin, who was in the stands last Friday for the USA-Slovenia thriller. He sat 14 rows back from the goal in which all four goals were scored, so he had a great view of Edu's near winner. See what he has to say about the experience.

Whisenhunt also sent back some pictures from the airport in Johannesburg and the "Airport Game Lodge" just outside. Take a look at some of the wildlife:

What a Day

Holy cow...first we were down and out, then we were down but not out...then we were completely in it, then we had won it...then we hadn't. That match was nuts. Read the recap from MLSsoccer. Read Peter King's great story about the call and why Americans should sound off about it. See what Peter Vermes, Kei Kamara, K Aiyegbusi and Craig Rocastle thought of the call:

Want to see pics from the watch party? How about a re-cap story from the KC Star?

Oh by the way, England tied Algeria 0-0. What?! the U.S. controls its destiny heading into next Wednesday's match. If we win, we're in. If we tie, we still have a chance, but let's not let it get to that this time.

Jack and Davy Closest to the Pin

Jack and Davy Challenge #3 is here. It's 1-1 going into the 3rd contest, a closest-to-the-pin battle:

Best. Photo. Ever.?

This picture is stolen from The Offside Rules (MLS Insider), but I agree with his assertion that it is the best photo ever. Mr. Obama seems to be happy. We all know Mr. Beckham isn't.

Wizards to Host Job Fair next Wed

Want to work in sports? Think you have what it takes? Prove it!

Come join us next Wednesday, when there's a watch party for a certain USA-Algeria World Cup group stage match. There will also be a mini job fair for those interested in working in professional sports as a sales person. Candidates should treat the opportunity as a regular interview with a member of the Wizards' management team.

•    Date: Wednesday, June 23
•    Time: 7am - Light breakfast and coffee
            7:15am - Interviews start
            8:30 - 9:00am - Wrap-up
•    Where: Maker's Mark outside patio at Power and Light District
•    Limited Availability
•    RSVP to Jill Prather jprather@kcwizards.com by Monday, June 21 @ 5pm to reserve your spot

Espinoza by the Numbers

Kansas City Wizards midfielder/defender Roger Espinoza played 90 minutes for Honduras on the left side of midfield in their World Cup-opening 1-0 loss to Chile. Espinoza becomes just the 2nd MLS player to go 90 minutes in a World Cup match this year. Landon Donovan was the other, playing 90 for the U.S. against England last Saturday. To see where Espinoza spent most of his time on the field, look at the heat map above.

STATS:
Minutes: 90
Distance Covered: 10,133 meters (most on the team)
Shots: 1 (deflected out for CK by Gary Medel)
SOG: 0
CK: 1
FC: 5
FS: 1 (drew yellow card)

Johnny's Going Crazy

Thad posted a video from inside Johnny's Tavern in Power & Light the other day at The Back Post. Below is another video from inside the packed house for the USA-England game. Johnny's is the official watch party spot of the American Outlaws. They know how to have fun...join us and them Friday morning inside Johnny's or the Living Room area for USA-Slovenia. The match kicks off at 9 a.m. CT. You can show up as early as 6:30 a.m. CT.

Jimmy Conrad Talks Vuvuzelas

They're everywhere. Some people hate Vuvuzelas. Some people seem to love them, or at least think they're funny. Social media blog Mashable is in on the act, linking to some of the best Vuvuzela-related web content. One such video, is the following piece by Discovery News that includes our very on Jimmy Conrad:

USA-England TV Ratings

ESPN/ABC has announced the TV ratings for the USA-England match from Saturday, and they weren't too shabby. The two-hour match window averaged a 7.3 household rating (8,391,000 households and 12,956,000 viewers) based on fast nationals. The three-hour telecast, which included one hour of pre-match coverage, delivered a 6.1 household rating (7,034,000 households, and 10,763,000 viewers). In addition, 3.8 million watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Univision. These totals surpass both Game 4 of NBA Finals (12.8 million) and game 6 of Stanley Cup Playoffs (8.28 million).

For some perspective, the Guardian in England is reporting that an average of 17.65 million folks watched the game in England on ITV. Counting the Spanish-language broadcasts in the U.S., only 1 million more people watched the game in England than the U.S.

The game was also the most-watched ESPN soccer match in Kansas City history! The U.S.-England match ranks as the highest-rated World Cup game on the ESPN networks for 19 of the 56 metered markets, including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Greenville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, Norfolk, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Tulsa.

For more on World Cup ratings thus far, click here. So far, viewership is through the roof compared with 2006. 

Power & Light Weather Shield

Don't forget that the Kansas City Power & Light District has a huge roof over the KC Live! block and the Living Room area. The rain won't hit you while you're in here, and the forecast tells us the rain will be gone by kickoff anyway. We're getting pumped for USA-England. Johnny's Tavern is packed with fans of both teams (chanting loudly), and the middle area is filling up. Rosters will be out in about 40 minutes. CANNOT WAIT!

ESPN's USA Graphic

Just to get you more excited:

What are your predictions for today?

The Day is Here

USA-England kicks off in 6.5 hours. Are you ready? What will the result be? If you want to watch with friends, join us in the Power & Light District. It's going to be crazy and fun...crazy-fun even. In the mean time, watch the processional that brought a World  Cup ball from CAB Thursday night to P&L yesterday morning, starting with a big punt from the White Puma and stopping in several parks along the way.

USA-England - 19 Hours Away

"I have not yet begun to fight." - U.S. Patriot John Paul Jones

Colonies 3, Crown 0

That's right everyone. The match we've been waiting for since the World Cup groups were drawn in December is upon us. Tomorrow the United States (the Colonies) will face England (the Crown) in a competitive match for the first time since we pulled the huge 1-0 upset in the 1950 World Cup. Both of the shirt above will be on sale. Pick one up when you arrive for $15 (s-m-l-xl) or $17 (xxl).

The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. CT (coverage starts on ABC at 12:30 p.m. CT), and we are hosting a massive watch party in the Living Room area of the Power & Light District. Today, there was a great turnout for the Mexico-South Africa World Cup opener. See some pics.

While you're at the watch parties, make sure to check in on Foursquare "Summer of Soccer World Cup watch parties"...let's go for the swarm badge! You can also take our trip on Gowalla. Once you've attended all eight places, you'll get a special stamp on your Gowalla passport.

Before USA-England will be another great match between Argentina and Nigeria. That one kicks off at 9 a.m. CT. See you there.

Wizards Beat Union 2-0

Here's a good look at the ball just after Kei struck it on the opening (and game-winning) goal.

Now that one was a little more fun. Kansas City takes the first-ever meeting with expansion Philadelphia Union 2-0 on the strength of Kei Kamara's 6th goal of the season and Graham Zusi's 1st MLS goal. Ryan Smith assisted on both plays, moving into a tie for 6th in MLS with five goals on the year. Kamara is tied for 3rd in MLS and has matched his career high (set last year). 

Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen and the defense notched their 5th shutout of the season and 2nd in as many games. Check out the quotes, including some from Davy Arnaud about playing in his 200th MLS game for the Wizards. The notables can be found here through the post-game release.

Join the Bracket Challenge

So far, 76 people have signed up for our Summer of Soccer ESPN Bracket predictor for the World Cup (WHICH STARTS TOMORROW!!!). If you haven't yet, go ahead and do so. We will have a cool prize for the 1st place finisher. (If a member of the Wizards staff wins, the first non-staff finisher will receive the awesome prize, whatever it is).

Hillcrest has Argentina winning. With word that Maradona is starting Messi, Tevez AND Higuain together, I think there's just too much firepower.

Summer of Soccer Kick Off

Want to take part in Friday morning's leg of the Summer of Soccer kick off event? We're looking for dribblers to take part in the final part of the dribbling marathon that will see an official FIFA Match Ball travel from CAB Thursday night to Power & Light Friday morning before the first match of the 2010 World Cup (Mexico v South Africa at 9 a.m. CT). 

If you want to take part, email events@kcwizards.com. The first 150 to RSVP will receive the T-shirt shown above!

USA-England Prediction

ESPN has an EA Sports simulation of the group-stage opener between the United States and England. Take a look. EA doesn't have it turning out well for the USA.

Interview Schedule

Take a look at the upcoming Wizards phone interviews, beginning with goalkeeper Jimmy "White Puma" Nielsen today on Sports Radio 810 WHB.

Today - 11:05 a.m. - Jimmy Nielsen phone interview - Sports Radio 810 AM
Wednesday - 2:00 p.m. - Matt Besler phone interview - V100.3 FM (Topeka)
Wednesday - 3:30 p.m. - Wizards player TBD phone interview - SportsradioKC.com
Wednesday - 4:40 p.m. - Jimmy Conrad phone interview - Hot Talk 1510 AM
Wednesday 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Zona Wizards weekly Spanish radio show--La Gran D 1340 AM
Friday - 7:30 a.m. - Wizards player TBD phone interview - Sports Radio 810 AM
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - Kansas City Soccer Show - Sports Radio 810 AM (This will be broadcast live from the Power & Light District in conjunction with the Summer of Soccer World Cup watch party events)
Sunday - 10:40 p.m. - Wizards player TBD in-studio interview - KCTV 5 "Off the Bench" TV Show

World Cup Watch Parties

Don't forget everyone, we're hosting watch parties for EVERY World Cup game in the KC Live! block of the Power & Light District, beginning with the opener this Friday at 9 a.m. CT between Mexico and South Africa. RSVP to the event on Facebook, and you could win some awesome prizes, such as 2 Manchester United tickets, Wizards merchandise or other cool stuff throughout the duration of the World Cup.

Woody Harrelson Hilarity

Who knew, but apparently Woody Harrelson is soccer guy. He didn't start playing until he was 40, but now he has scored a winning penalty in a major match at Old Trafford. Read this Yahoo! Sports post for all the details.

Tie at Toronto

Saturday's game was physical throughout.

Kansas City picked up their first road points of 2010 with a 0-0 draw Saturday afternoon at Toronto FC, who had yet to surrender any points at home this season. After Nick Garcia's first-half red card, it looked like KC would be able to drive the game, but Craig Rocastle received a 2nd yellow in the 57th minute to level the playing field back at 10-men each.

Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen was far and away the man of the match, coming up with three HUGE saves and a nice play with his feet in the first half to cut out a cross from Chad Barrett that was likely headed straight for a Toronto teammate for an easy tap-in. Props to the White Puma, who once again made a face save to keep the ball out of the back of the Kansas City net. Check out the quotes here and the notables here in the post-game press release.

Gameday/Watch Honduras

It's gameday for several big soccer games, including the USA's 3-1 win over Australia this morning. Former Wizard Herculez Gomez scored the final goal for our boys just one week before the big USA-England World Cup opener.

We, of course, face Toronto FC at 3 p.m. CT. Hillcrest is in Toronto for the match (and had an excellent evening out with a few Wizards season ticket holders who will be repping our blue today at BMO Field), so expect some behind-the-scenes Tweets and Twitpics. 

Espinoza is on the bench for Honduras to start, but if you want to watch the match, press play below:

Watch live video from casabe_12 on Justin.tv

To see what The Guardian thinks of Honduras, click here.

Game is in US Promo

Take a look at the latest promo from the USA Bid Committee. Show your friends who haven't signed the petition, and invite them to help KC show we want to host games when the World Cup comes back to the USA! www.goUSAbid.com/kc

Tomorrow is Soccer Saturday

Right this very moment, we're 1 WEEK from the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The tournament you've been looking toward for the last three years and 11 months is about to begin. Tomorrow is one of the final days for pre-World Cup friendlies. The action begins bright and early with a 7:30 a.m. CT match between the USA and Australia. The game will be shown live on ESPN2 and Galavision. If you want to watch with friends, visit Johnny's Tavern at the Power and Light District, where the American Outlaws will be holding a watch party. 

In another game of note for Wizards fans, Honduras and KC midfielder/defender Roger Espinoza takes on Romania at 12:30 p.m. CT, just before the Wizards face Toronto FC at 3 p.m. CT on KCWE 29 in HD. For the full list of fixtures tomorrow, click here and check out ESPN Soccernet's schedule.

For fun, read this awesome TIME Magazine article that talks about the state of soccer in the U.S. Hint: It's rosy.

Sweet World Cup Calendar

With the tournament now just 8 days away, it's crunch time. Today we had a Jozy Altidore injury scare, thanks to a mis-worded Tweet. Now, everyone has calmed down slightly with the word from U.S. Soccer that he's day-to-day. Phew!

Take a look at this awesome World Cup calendar from Marca.com. It has both English and Spanish versions, so you should be able to select the one you are most comfortable with. The calendar allows you to select either a team, a group, a date or a host city and see all associated matches. Take a look at it in action.

Jack and Davy Challenge 2

This week's Jack and Davy Challenge includes mini golf, about which both players are equally as intense. The contest came down to the final roll of the ball. Take a look and see if Jack can even up the score of the overall challenge:

Espinoza Plays 45 for Honduras

Today, Honduras continued FIFA World Cup preparations with a 0-0 friendly tie at Azerbaijan. Wizards defender/midfielder Roger Espinoza was one of three halftime substitutes and played the entire second half. He came on for Wilson Palacios, who had been playing left midfield.

It appears Espinoza will wear number 13 during the tournament, which starts for Honduras June 16 at 6:30 a.m. CT against Chile. Don't forget, you can watch that match and every other during the World Cup at the Summer of Soccer in the KC Power & Light District. Hopefully Espinoza puts on a great show!

Brad Pitt Joins USA Bid Committee

Brad Pitt, the newest member of the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee, joins fellow Board of Directors member Spike Lee over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  Join Brad and Spike on behalf of the effort to bring the FIFA World Cup to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022 by signing the petition at gousabid.com/kc.

That's right, Springfield, Missouri's own Brad Pitt has joined the effort to bring the World's Greatest sporting event to the USA. He, along with over 400,000 other people (nearly 20,000 of which support Kansas City becoming a host city) have signed the petition stating their support for the bid. Sign up today and let FIFA know you want the 2018 or 2022 World Cup here on American soil!

“Soccer is a truly global sport and the opportunity to join the effort to have the U.S. host the world’s greatest sporting event again is a great honor,” said Pitt. “FIFA has set a world standard for using sport as a tool for positive social change and I’m proud to be associated with a United States World Cup Bid that has so ardently adhered to the principles established by FIFA.”

Pitt, a Springfield, MO native, went to the same high school (Springfield Kickapoo) as Wizards midfielder Jack Jewsbury.

Summer of Soccer WC Viewing Parties

We told you about it in this morning's World Cup month post, but now it's officially out there. EVERY SINGLE GAME of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be shown live in the Living Room area of Kansas City Power & Light District. Read all the details.

We have also created a World Cup Bracket predictor group. Sign up...there will be some cool prizes (they are still TBD).

World Cup Month is Here!

Soccer City Stadium.

Wow...after four years of waiting and three of qualifying, the next FIFA World Cup is upon us. The first match kicks off Friday, June 11th when our CONCACAF rivals Mexico play hosts South Africa in what is sure to be an exciting opener. The following day, Saturday, June 12th, the USA plays England at 1:30 p.m. CT live on ABC. We will have watch parties for these two games (and ALL of the rest of them). Details to come later today. 

For the next 10 days, there will plenty of news and information to digest about the upcoming tournament. Today we start with the numbers that USA players will wear and the final England squad. Anyone else happy that Theo Walcott isn't on the list?!