Crazy but True

So it wasn't our player, but this is too good not to pass on. In this week's SUM U-17 Cup, DC United 'keeper Dakota "Cody" Niedermeier stopped FIVE STRAIGHT PKs. That's cool and all. But his PK is the shot that helped DCU to the title over Real Salt Lake after 9 rounds. No, we're not kidding. Craziness.

ESPN Page 2 in KC

Hampton Stevens joined us for the Man Utd match last Sunday, getting the views of some fans traveling from all over the country and world to see the Wizards host United. Check out his post here or watch the video below:

Kamara Cam Post Man Utd

Ha. You know what happens when Kei Kamara busts out the flip cam. This time he did so after the win over Manchester United. See the results:

Preki Figurines on Saturday

The first 4,000 fans to enter the stadium on Saturday will receive a complimentary Preki figurine courtesy of Time Warner Cable. The former Wizards standout and two-time league MVP returns to Kansas City as head coach of Toronto FC. In nine seasons with the Wizards, Preki recorded 79 goals and 102 assists and will be inducted in the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame prior to the U.S. Men’s National Team exhibition against Brazil on Tuesday, August 10th at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

What was your favorite Preki moment? Can you chip a PK like he did? What will the score be Saturday? If you don't already have tickets, you can get them here.

Help us Stuff the Bus

The Kansas City Wizards Wives Club and 94.9 KCMO are teaming up again this year to assist City Union Mission to provide school supplies for less fortunate children in the Greater Kansas City area. As part of KCMO’s four-week campaign asking listeners to donate school supplies, clothing and monetary donations, the Wizards Wives Club will be organizing a collection site at the Wizards July 31 match against Toronto FC at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Bins will be set up at each entrance into the stadium for fans to drop off items and those that contribute three or more items at the gates will receive a four-pack of Wizards tumblers.

KCMO will broadcast via a live remote from CommunityAmerica Ballpark before the match against Toronto FC. Single-game tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or at any area Ticketmaster outlet. 

KC Star Loves KCW

So, if you haven't seen the Kansas City Star today or you don't live in Kansas City to see it, we thought we'd take a couple of pictures for you. Our win over Manchester United was the LEAD STORY on the front page A1. It was then the lead story on Sports 1, and we had a full page of sidebars and related stories inside the sports section, next to a full-page ad for 2011 season tickets going on sale. Take a look below and call 888-4KC-GOAL to reserve your seats in the new stadium next year! (Current season ticket holders are already reserved.)

2,011 for 2011

If you were at Arrowhead Stadium last night or watching on Fox Soccer Channel, you might have seen the commercial above. As it shows, the players are pretty pumped about the new stadium opening next summer. Now is your chance to reserve your spot! 

If you're not already a season ticket holder, initial payments for 2011 season tickets are now being accepted.  (Current season ticket holders are already in line.) How many of them? 2,011. The phones are ringing fast this morning, so don't delay. Call us at 888-4KC-GOAL or click here and use the promo code 2011 to reserve your seats at our sparkling new stadium! Forget what it will look like? See below:

Wow. What a Win.

Can you believe it? Our boys just beat Manchester United. That's right...the Red Devils...the 11-time English Premier League champs. Wow. Watch the highlights above. See the notables here in the post-game press release. See the quotes here, including this one from Nani:

MANCHESTER UNITED MIDFIELDER NANI
On Kansas City’s style of play
“Their entire team played very well today. They played with a lot of motivation because they played Manchester United. It's difficult to compare them directly to Barcelona because they're one of the best teams in the world to play that kind of football, but they play very nice and quick and they passed the ball well like a quality Spanish club. Their style was good.”

Tomorrow morning, the first 2,011 season ticket deposits become available for the new stadium. (Season ticket holders, not to worry, you're already in line and that won't change.) If you're not currently a season ticket holder, call us tomorrow at 888-4KC-GOAL to make your initial payment of $50 per seat.

Manchester United Touch Down

That's right folks, the most valuable sports team in all of the world is now right here in Kansas City. Manchester United touched down just a few moments ago, as you see in the photo above. There's a press conference after 3 p.m. this afternoon, then a training session at Swope (not open to the general public without already-purchased special tickets). Tomorrow night, your Wizards play United at 5 p.m. CT at Arrowhead Stadium! Tickets are still available starting at just $20. Buy them here if you don't yet have them.

Ask the Commissioner

Sunday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber will make the trip to Kansas City to watch our Wizards host English powerhouses Manchester United. Mr. Garber has agreed to answer some questions posed by fans through the blog, Facebook and Twitter. If you have a question about MLS, post it in the comments section. We will ask select questions and post the responses after the match.

KZ Thanks Unicorn Wizards

As you see above, the coaching staff was very appreciative of the Unicorn Wizards, our U13 friends from the Manchester area, giving an in-depth scouting report of Manchester United. The MLS Wizards face world-renowned Man Utd Sunday at 5 p.m. CT in the first-ever event at the New Arrowhead Stadium. Buy tix here if you haven't already.

Wolff at USYS Championships

Yesterday Wizards striker Josh Wolff ventured out to the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Overland Park to sign some autographs and mingle with the kids who are playing this weekend. The website folks from US Youth Soccer caught up with Wolff for an interview about his experiences as a young player and where the game has grown to today in the USA.

Modelmakers get Famous

Populous MødelShop from Populous on Vimeo.

So the Populous team has created the above video about the model shop members turning famous. Their work, including our new stadium model, will be featured on the cover of Star Magazine this Sunday. Sweet! Thanks Populous for the excellent work on our model, as seen below:

The model now resides at our offices in the Crossroads district. Soon it will be on display in the front lobby area.

A look at the model version of what will be the supporters' club in the new venue.

Nielsen Says Thanks, #32

Jimmy Nielsen won his 4th MLS NAPA Save of the Week honor of the season this week for his excellent tip over the bar on a blast from the Crew's Adam Moffat last Wendesday. Nielsen has dominated the Save of the Week award in 2010. No other players have won more than once. Nielsen said this:

"I appreciate all of the fans out there for voting for me. I never get tired of winning 'Save of the Week.' That being said, soccer is all about winning, and we won that game in Columbus, so this definitely feels good."

We also confirmed today that newly signed Greek defender Nick Kounenakis will wear #32 for the Wizards. See the picture of Nick the Greek yesterday at training. Anyone else love the old-school adidas boots?

Get to Know Manchester United

If you don't know too much about our opponent in Sunday's big contest, Charles Gooch helped you out with a big story on the front page of the KC Star sports section. It's also available online here, so check it out. Show your friends who might not know the history behind Man Utd. If you don't yet have tickets, there are upper-level seats now available for $20. Buy them here and spread the word. (If you tried buying $20 tix last night and had issues, they have now been resolved.)

My favorite part of Gooch's piece:

You’ve mentioned the New York Yankees twice so far. Is that the best American equivalent of the Red Devils?
If you judge a team based solely on its brand recognition, overall value, on-the-field results, year-after-year domination, the hatred of opposing teams’ fans and the proclivity to purchase the biggest and most expensive players, then the answer is, obviously, yes.

$20 Tix, Chhetri for Man Utd

Due to high demand, we have released additional upper-level tickets for Sunday's contest against Manchester United. The tickets will cost $20, so tell your friends if they were on the fence about the game. Buy tickets here if you haven't already.

Also, the match Sunday will likely feature Indian national team star Sunil Chhetri. Fans in India will be able to watch the match live online (it will be 3:30 a.m. there, but some folks might want to) through MUTV Online.

Nielsen for Save of the Week (x2)

Last week, Jimmy Nielsen's performance against Columbus was deemed twice as nice, as he had two big stops nominated for Napa's MLS Save of the Week. Take a look at the video above, then let us know on Twitter (@KCWizards) which save you prefer, so we don't split votes. You can go vote here at MLSsoccer.com.

Welcome Nick Kounenakis

Photo courtesy of InTime Sports.

Greek central defender Nick Kounenakis has agreed to terms with the Wizards and will be added to the roster pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC. Kounenakis has completed a trial with the club and will add depth to the center back position. For full details, read the press release.

Nick, welcome to Kansas City, the Wizards and MLS!

Wizards Get Man Utd Scouting Report

Our friends at Unicorn Wizards over in a suburb of Manchester have offered up their thoughts on Sunday's match against local giants United, even generating some media attention in the UK (as you can see in the image above). Take a look at the full scouting report. What do you think, did the Unicorn Wizards help plot the defeat of many of their players' favorite team?

Unicorn Wizards Scouting

View more presentations from Kansas City Wizards.

Sunday's Fan Zone

Come out to the Fan Zone before Sunday's game against Manchester United.

This Sunday, there will be a Fan Zone outside of Arrowhead before the match against Manchester United. The Fan Zone will begin at 2 p.m. CT (also the time that parking lots open), concluding at 5 p.m. (also kickoff time). The Fan Zone will be located between Lot M and the Founders Club on the north side of Arrowhead. Don't yet have tickets to the game? Buy them here.

U2 cover band Rattle and Hum will play a pair of hour-plus sets during that time, so the chances are good that you'll hear some good music while you're there. There will also be a beer garden and displays from sponsors of Man United, among other companies. Entrance into the Fan Zone will be free, so come on out and enjoy the atmosphere!

Don't forget that all events at Arrowhead charge for parking. It will be $25 per car.

Man Utd Numbers

 Giggs will wear his familiar number 11.

For those of you who are stat/number geeks (like me), we thought we'd post the list of jersey numbers Manchester United players will be wearing. The match kicks off Sunday at 5 p.m. CT at Arrowhead Stadium. If you don't yet have your tickets, get them here.

1 Edwin van der Sar - goalkeeper, Holland.
29 Tomasz Kuszczak - goalkeeper, Poland
18 Paul Scholes - midfielder, England
11 Ryan Giggs - midfielder, Wales
9 Dimitar Berbatov - striker, Bulgaria
22 John O'Shea - defender, Republic of Ireland
6 Wes Brown - defender, England
21 Rafael - defender, Brazil
23 Jonny Evans - defender, Northern Ireland
24 Darren Fletcher - midfielder, Scotland
28 Darron Gibson - midfielder, Republic of Ireland
12 Chris Smalling - defender, England
17 Nani - winger, Portugal
20 Fabio - defender, Brazil
27 Federico Macheda - striker, Italy
19 Danny Welbeck - striker, England
32 Mame Biram Diouf - striker, Senegal
35 Tom Cleverley - midfielder, England
30 Ritchie De Laet - defender, Belgium
31 Corry Evans - midfielder, Northern Ireland
40 Ben Amos - goalkeeper, England
26 Gabriel Obertan - winger, France

MLS All-Stars Announced

Today, Bruce Arena announced his 10 choices for the MLS All-Star team, and Commissioner Don Garber announced his two selections. Read the full run-down here at MLSsoccer.com. The MLS All-Stars will face Manchester United next Wednesday, July 28 at Reliant Stadium in Houston at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and TeleFutura.

While no Wizards made the game day roster, nine more inactive All-Stars will be selected for statistical and CBA purposes, so hopefully we'll see some KC-based names on that list. Here is the full All-Star game roster:

2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game Roster

Goalkeepers (2): Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (7): Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire), Kevin Alston (New England Revolution)
Midfielders (9): Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC), Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire), Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew), Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union), David Ferreira (FC Dallas), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids)
Forwards (5): Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)

What's Going to Happen

Give us your predictions in the comments section for tomorrow night's game against the Colorado Rapids. We're 1-1 vs Colorado this year, with a 1-0 MLS win and a 1-2 Open Cup play-in loss. Kamara scored the lone goal in victory. Teal Bunbuy scored the lone KC goal in defeat. Will Teal's strong mid-week performance carry over? Let's hope!

Down the Byline to the Back Post

I don't believe we've ever officially recognized Mike and Thad for their combined podcast here at HR, so here is a long overdue shout-out. The two blogger extraordinaires have been combining forces for the past couple months on a weekly podcast discussing all-things Wizards. Take a listen to the latest installment, and make sure to visit their fan blogs: Down the Byline, the Back Post.

Mateus Manoel Joins Staff

Photo courtesy of Thad Bell/The Back Post.

The Kansas City Wizards are pleased to welcome the newest member of our training staff, Mateus Manoel as Fitness and Conditioning coach. Manoel comes to our club after working as an assistant fitness coach for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team for the past year and a half. 

Manoel has an extensive background in soccer. From January 2007 to August 2008, he worked as a fitness coach for D.C. United, and then as a fitness coach for the Mexican National Soccer Team from July 2008 to May 2009. He also currently holds a position as a performance specialist at Athletes’ Performance.

In 2003, Manoel received his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology an exercise science from the University of Maryland at College Park. He received his Master of Science in exercise science from The George Washington University in 2006.

ESPYs Love Donovan

Landon Donovan (and the U.S. National Team) rocked it out last night at the ESPYs. Donovan took home three awards, and the USA team grabbed two. Donovan won for Best MLS Player, Best Performance Under Pressure and Best Moment. The latter two honors were for the last-gasp goal against Algeria that put our boys into the Round of 16. See some acceptance here:

Night of Firsts

On the night Teal Bunbury scored his 1st MLS goal, the Wizards earned their 1st road win of 2010 and Roger Espinoza picked up his 1st assist of the season. Ryan Smith also recorded his 6th assist of the year. Jimmy White Puma Nielsen was superb, making a season-high seven saves for his 6th shutout of the year. He made three highlight-reel saves and will most likely be up for MLS Save of the Week once again. Enjoy this one, but get ready for our next match Saturday at Colorado. 

Can the boys make it six points out of two road games this week? Let's hope! See the quotes here and the notables here on the press release.

Roof Construction Day

Today, crews began installing trusses that will eventually form the backbone of our new stadium's most iconic feature, the roof. We will have more pictures and info for you later, but let's start out with these:

The framing for one of the Level 1 suites.

Ryan Giggs Wants BBQ

 

Come on Man Utd, let him out to try out some Oklahoma Joe's while he's here! As you know, Giggs and Man Utd visit the Wizards July 25 at Arrowhead Stadium. If you don't yet have tickets, click here.

U.S. Women Face Sweden Tonight

Tonight, Abby Wambach and the USA Women's National Team faces Sweden just up the road in Omaha, NE. The match will be shown live on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. CT. If you leave now, you could still make it to Creighton in time for the match. If not, tune in tonight as our women prepare for the 2011 Women's World Cup CONCACAF Qualifying. Read U.S. Soccer's game preview here.

Roster for the game:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Jill Loyden (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Atlanta Beat)
DEFENDERS (8): Rachel Buehler (FC Gold Pride), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Ali Krieger (FFC Frankfurt), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Kate Markgraf (Chicago Red Stars), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Shannon Boxx (FC Gold Pride), Sarah Huffman (Washington Freedom), Kristine Lilly (Boston Breakers), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Allie Long (Washington Freedom), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)
FORWARDS (5): Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (California), Kelley O’Hara (FC Gold Pride), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)

All-Star First XI Named

No Kansas City Wizards players made the All-Star First XI (chosen based on fan voting, media voting, player voting and coach/GM voting), but goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen finished 2nd to Donovan Ricketts among goalkeepers thanks to a huge fan vote.

In the 15th annual midsummer event, the MLS All-Stars will face the 2009 English Premier League champions Manchester United in the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at Reliant Stadium, in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, July 28 (live on ESPN2 and TeleFutura at 7:30 p.m. CT). 

The First XI (not necessarily the starting 11...coach Bruce Arena can use different players for competitive purposes) is comprised of:

Goalkeeper: Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)

Defenders: Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)

Midfielders: Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire) Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)


First XI Voting Results:
GOALKEEPERS        Fans    Players    Media    Coach/GMs    Combined
Donovan Ricketts (LA)    2.34    15.76    16.43    21.98    56.51
Jimmy Nielsen (KC)    9.24    .12    1.43    0.00    10.79
Nick Rimando (RSL)    1.59    2.13    4.29    1.29    9.30
Kasey Keller (SEA)    2.29    1.30    0.00    .43    4.02
Stefan Frei (TOR)    1.39    1.18    0.00    1.29    3.86


DEFENDERS        Fans    Players    Media    Coach/GMs    Combined
Omar Gonzalez (LA)    1.27    3.35    4.52    4.97    14.11
Jamison Olave (RSL)    .59    1.41    4.05    2.41    8.46
Chad Marshall (CLB)    .76    2.52    1.19    2.98    7.45
Jonathan Bornstein (CHV)1.02    .88    2.14    1.28    5.32
Wilman Conde (CHI)    .36    1.33    .24    2.98    4.91


MIDFIELDERS        Fans    Players    Media    Coach/GMs    Combined
Dwayne De Rosario (TOR)    1.42    2.42    3.49    3.33    10.65
G. Barros Schelotto (CLB)    1.00    1.34    2.91    2.65    7.89
Kyle Beckerman (RSL)    .94    1.45    1.31    2.65    6.35
Javier Morales (RSL)    .48    1.31    2.47    1.54    5.80
Marco Pappa (CHI)    .36    1.17    2.18    1.71    5.42
Sebastien Le Toux (PHI)    1.21    .74    1.60    .51    4.06
Brad Davis (HOU)    .48    .90    1.31    1.28    3.97

FORWARDS        Fans    Players    Media    Coach/GMs    Combined
Edson Buddle (LA)    3.07    7.95    9.64    11.44    32.11
Landon Donovan (LA)    5.24    5.11    8.93    7.84    27.12
Juan Pablo Angel (NY)    3.07    2.22    1.07    2.33    8.69

Bold= All-Star First XI

Exclusive Opportunity to Test New Kid’s Activity Website

The Wizards have openings for 50 lucky Wizards fans between 8 and 15 to test a new website, HealtheAthlete, dedicated to keeping kids active. By signing up to be a part of this exclusive pilot testing group, HealtheAthlete will give you an activity device to wear for 30 days that tracks your steps and activity levels. Kids can log on to HealtheAthlete.com and see how active they have been, challenge others to competitions, plus compare themselves to the Wizards very own Kei Kamara and Jimmy Conrad as they train for their upcoming games!

Participation in this pilot is free, and spots are closing up fast!  Each participant will get a free HealtheAthlete t-shirt, 2 tickets for the July 31st Wizards game against Toronto FC and be entered into drawings for exclusive prizes.

Please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MSDCD3X and be a part of this new web experience!  Registration is limited to 50 kids and will go to the first people to sign up…spaces are going fast.

KC in ABC World Cup Montage

You know how awesome it is to see your favorite team (whether that's MU, KU, K-State, Duke or someone else) featured in One Shining Moment at the conclusion of the NCAA Basketball tournament? Well, that's what it felt like and then some upon seeing the Kansas City Power & Light District's crowd of over 12,000 explode after Landon Donovan's goal at the 0:53 mark of this ABC World Cup recap video. How cool is that? Were you there with us? Will you always remember the U.S. run in this World Cup? I know I will. Thanks to all the fans that joined us throughout the tournament at the Power & Light District. Can't wait to host you all in 2014 at our shining new stadium!

Man Utd Pays a Compliment

Manchester United's training center at Carrington.

Manchester United staffer Rob James has paid Kansas City and the Wizards a great compliment in a newspaper article back in the UK. James has been the one putting together the U.S. tour and came to Kansas City a few weeks back when Denis Irwin came. James likens our Swope Park Training Center to Man Utd's famed Carrington training ground:

“Kansas City Wizards' training ground is a smaller version of Carrington - with two excellent grass pitches. The Reliant Stadium in Houston has unbelievable training pitches and the Chicago Fire (MLS) ground is also impressive."

Man United will play our boys in less than two weeks onSunday, July 25 at 5 p.m. CT in the first-ever event at newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium. Buy your tix here if you haven't already. It's sure to be a spectacle!

Wizards Drop 2-0 Decision to Chivas

Justin Braun did us in with a pair of second-half goals. Outshooting Chivas 20-8 didn't do us any good. Thanks to everyone who came out to CommunityAmerica tonight. It was a big, supportive, festive crowd. Sorry you didn't see a better result. For the quotes, click here.

Mike Illig Still Alive in Main Event

As you might have seen on our Twitter stream over the last couple of days, Mike Illig (son of owners Cliff and Bonne Illig) is competing at this year's World Series of Poker Main Event. You know, the $10,000 buy-in tournament that ESPN televises every year. He won entry in a weekend game at a local casino, and he's been doing very well so far. As of his last Tweet 25 minutes ago, he's at 96,000 chips and staying strong. All players started the tournament with 30K, and he started the day at 68K, so he's going in the correct direction. If that sort of thing interests you, follow him on Twitter for the latest: @MikeIllig.To follow the tournament in general, visit WSOP.com.

During day 1, Mike rocked a Wizards polo to support the team. Today he's in a U.S. Soccer track jacket, so hopefully the lucky soccer gear keeps working. Here is a brief q/a with Mike about his play so far:

What was your best hand of Day 1?

I had Ace-King in late position, flop came Ace-King-King, I won 20-25K on that pot against a guy with Ace-7.

Any Wizards-related stories from wearing the polo?

One of the dealers was a Wizards season ticket holder from Shawnee who was in Vegas to deal for the WSOP...small world.

Who is the most famous player you’ve been at the table with?

Josh Arieh (who finished in 3rd place in 2004) and Paola Martin.

Fun With Man Utd Roster

 Portugal star Nani is among the Manchester United players coming to Kansas City.

With Manchester United's announcement today of their 22-man roster for the upcoming North American tour, we thought it was time to start speculating about who we will see in Kansas City on July 25 (pick up tickets here). Now, most of the 21 players who will be here that day (Chicharito will be joining up with Man Utd in Houston) will likely see the field. Here's one starting 11 we could see that day:

----------------------Van der Sar--------------------

---Rafael---Wes Brown---Jonny Evans---John O'Shea---

Scholes----------Fletcher-----------Giggs-------------Nani

--------------Berbatov--------------Macheda--------------

Who would you like to see as an 11-man unit against the Wizards out of the players below?

Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Amos
Defenders: John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Rafael, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Fabio, Tom Cleverley, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans
Midfielders: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Nani, Gabriel Obertan
Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Mame Biram Diouf.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville Talk Tour

As you saw yesterday, Man United has confirmed some of the star players that will be making the trip to Kansas City for the upcoming friendly July 25 at Arrowhead Stadium (Buy tickets here if you haven't already). They have now announced their full 22-man roster, including Portugal star Nani. Below, see legendary Manager Sir Alex Ferguson and captain Gary Neville (who Man Utd has announced today picked up an injury and won't be joining the team in the U.S.) talk about the upcoming trip:

We are confident that a great showing at the match will help solidify our place as a host city should the USA win the right to host the FIFA World cup in 2018 or 2022. Some quotes on that subject:

“When OnGoal purchased the team in 2006, these international players are exactly the type of stars we envisioned showcasing to the soccer fans of Kansas City and the Midwest,” Wizards President Robb Heineman said. “A great turnout at the match will enable us to continue bringing high-caliber teams and matches to Kansas City.”

“We will never have a better opportunity than this match to show FIFA that Kansas City and the United States will make ideal hosts for the World Cup in 2018 or 2022,” Kansas City Bid Committee Director David Ficklin said. “We look forward to showing FIFA that Kansas City is a world-class soccer community with a huge, enthusiastic crowd on July 25.”

Fans can show their support for the bid to bring the World Cup to Kansas City by texting “KansasCity” to 22442 or signing the petition online at www.goUSAbid.com/KC. Kansas City is one of 18 cities still in the running to host matches should the USA bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup be successful. FIFA will select the host nation for both 2018 and 2022 on December 2, 2010.

Man Utd Confirms Star Players

Dimitar Berbatov is among the confirmed players for Man Utd's North American tour.

Manchester United has confirmed several big-name players that will join the team for the friendly July 25 versus the Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium. The list of confirmed international standouts includes legendary midfielder Ryan Giggs (Wales), English stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, as well as Darren Fletcher (Scotland), Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria) and Edwin Van der Sar (Holland).

Man Utd will release the rest of the roster before they leave for the U.S. Monday. We could get the full list as early as tomorrow. The match will be the first-ever event at newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium. If you don't yet have your tickets, click here to get them. 

Off-Field World Cup Notes

A squatter village in South Africa.

We've linked to various on-field stories throughout the run-up and during the World Cup either from here at the blog or on Twitter and Facebook. Here are a pair of off-field stories that remind us about the reality in South Africa. First, this one from AP (printed on KansasCity.com) about the economic impact of the Cup. Verdict? The overall plus/minus of the tournament might not look good on the books due to all the infrastructure costs, but the value of hosting will likely prove positive in global PR and long-standing tourism boosts.

Next, a Soccernet blog post about a city of squatters in Alexandra Township. The last line of the story has a fun twist of irony.

Jack and Davy Challenge 4

Jewsbury looks to level the score at 2 in skeeball. Enjoy:

Insane Own Goal

Are you kidding me?! Check out this crazy own goal that we spotted on Yahoo! Sports' Dirty Tackle Blog. Who was the back-up 'keeper for Waterford United in the game? Former Wizards GK Chris Konopka. Nuts:

Fox 4 on @KeiKamara

Fox 4 loves @KeiKamara and his Twitter exploits. Check out this 2-minute package on the resident Twitter King of Kansas City.

 

Watch World Cup in 3D

Germany training before their World Cup semifinal Wednesday versus Spain.

Today, Uruguay takes on the Netherlands in what should be an entertaining World Cup semifinal match. Our Summer of Soccer World Cup watch parties will continue in the Power & Light District for the match (kickoff at 1:30 CT), but there's another intriguing option we'd like to share with you. NCM Fathom events has partnered with FIFA for a 3D viewing experience at the AMC Studio 30 in Olathe. Tickets will cost $30, $10 of which is redeemable for food and beverage at the theater. If you're out south (or west) and want to check out the beautiful game in 3D, click here to reserve your seats.

The Studio 30 will be hosting watch parties for all four remaining matches, including tomorrow's Spain-Germany semi, the 3rd place game Saturday afternoon and the Final on Sunday. Reserve your seats now for your new viewing experience.

Wizards Fall, Another JrWhisen Vid

Josh Whisenhunt gives us his latest update from the World Cup. Enjoy:

Tonight's game wasn't so much fun. The PK goes their way, and the one late doesn't go ours, but big props to Jimmy Nielsen for making 7 big saves to keep us in the game. Dallas controlled the run of play in the first half; we came back and had a lot of the ball int he second, but overall it just wasn't enough. To see the notables, click here.

Another Great Nike Ad

Write the Future was amazing for its wow factor. This is amazing for its significance, meaning and closeness to home. Enjoy (Thanks to Gooch for finding it first and posting last night):

Videos for your Thursday

First, see Shavar Thomas' thoughts on re-joining Kansas City. Then, Jimmy Nielsen says thanks for helping him win MLS NAPA Save of the Week. Enjoy:

23 for 2014

It's kind of a crazy game, predicting the next World Cup roster after the current tournament run ends, but it's tons of fun. Several people have done it lately, including the great Greg Seltzer at MLSsoccer.com. We figured we'd take our crack at it. Let us know what you think, and check back with us in May of 2014 to make fun or give praise.

GK- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Dominic Cervi (Just missed: Will Hesmer, Bill Hamid, Tyler Deric)

DEF- Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein, Eric Lichaj, Jonathan Spector, Omar Gonzalez, Zak Whitbread, Edgar Castillo (Just missed: Chad Marshall, Gale Agbossoumonde, Omobi Okugo, Tim Ream)

MID- Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Jose Francisco Torres, Sebastian Lletget, Sacha Kljestan (Just missed: Geoff Cameron, Charles Renken, Robbie Rogers, Luis Gil, Chris Pontius, Alejandro Bedoya)

FWD- Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies, Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury (Yes, I know he's also eligible for Canada, but why not have some fun?) (Just missed: Tristan Bowen, Mike Grella, Marcus Tracy, Yura Movsisyan)