Kempin Signs Pro Deal

Today we announced a major first for our organization, the signing of goalkeeper Jon Kempin as our first Home Grown Player. Kempin, 17, goes to Blue Valley North High School and has been a member of the U16 and U18 USA National Teams over the past couple years. For some quotes from the presser, take a look at our Twitter page: http://www.Twitter.com/KCWizards.

Take a look at this video from April just before Kempin went on U18 duty:

Home Grown Player - !!

U19 team that competed in 2008 U.S. Youth Soccer Nationals.

Tomorrow we will announce our first-ever home grown player. That's a big deal. No other pro team in Kansas City can develop a player from his youth playing days and eventually add him to the professional roster. Only in soccer is that possible.

This signing is just a preview of things to come from our club in the future. We have invested significant resources in our KCW Juniors program already, and that will pay off for the first time tomorrow, but it won't be the last time. President Robb Heineman said in a tweet over the weekend that he'd like to see six such signings on our roster by 2013. Will we hit that number? Only time will tell, but the odds that just one player have been signed are very low. Our youth program is talented and stacks up against the best programs across the country. 

Our announcement will come tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT. Follow us on Twitter, or Facebook or check the website or here at the blog for more information around that time. It will be an exciting day for one lucky young man, but it will also be an exciting day for the rest of our organization.

Sept 11 Game Moved

Our match versus the Houston Dynamo that was scheduled for Saturday, September 11 has been moved to Wednesday, September 22 due to the T-Bones playoff schedule. After Saturday's match at Philadelphia, we will now be off until Sunday, September 19 when we again travel to the Home Depot Center, this time to play Chivas USA. 

We then return home for matches September 22 and 25 at home against Houston and FCD, respectively. By the time we play Chivas, Chicago's games in hand will have disappeared, giving a more clear look at the playoff picture. We are then Chicago's lone mid-week game with our match Tuesday, October 12 that was originally scheduled for July 24. We currently sit just three points out with only TFC between us and 8th place SJ. Winning this weekend in Philly would be huge, but it won't be easy!

Watch Bravo Before KC-LA

Tomorrow night, 2011 DP Omar Bravo and Chivas Guadalajara will be in action at 7 p.m. CT just before the Wizards face the LA Galaxy at 9:30 p.m. CT. If you want to get some advanced scouting in, you can watch the match on Telemundo. Bravo has scored one goal in each of Chivas' last two games, so let's hope he keeps the goals coming!

Our match will be shown live on KCWE 29 as always, with pre-game starting at 9 p.m. CT. If the significant other is down, you can watch 4.5 straight hours of footie tomorrow night, and that's assuming you didn't watch European, Mexican or South American action all day before that. I love when MLS overlaps the Euro season.

For the rest of your viewing options tomorrow, click here to read the KC Star's listing.

Bunbury Sold!

Last night, rookie striker Teal Bunbury took part in a bachelor auction for the American Cancer Society. He raked in $500 for the charity and made some women excited in the process.

Warning: If you don't like dudes without shirts on, don't watch.

Submit a Community MVP

 Fans, you have the opportunity to nominate individuals in the local community who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others as part of the Home Depot Community MVP Contest going on now through Friday, September 17. The league-wide contest launched in July and will culminate with one winner being selected to represent each market. The winner will receive VIP tickets and team merchandise, as well as recognition at a Kansas City Wizards home game in October and national recognition during halftime of MLS Cup 2010 in Toronto. The individual will also be eligible for the national prize package, an all-inclusive trip for two to MLS Cup 2010 in Toronto.

Individuals will be selected based on their efforts in one of the following areas:
•    Community Service for a local, national or international charity or community organization
•    Positive impact on youth
•    Environmental sustainability
•    Health, wellness and education
•    Military or Civic Service

Fans can submit their nominations online here. MLS W.O.R.K.S. was launched in 2007 as Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs.

Champions League Groups

The draw took place earlier today, and there are some doozy groups, as always. Which is the group of death for you? I'll take G. Ryan Smith's former club Arsenal has a pretty reasonable group, while summer friendly combatants Manchester United has one that is a little tougher, but they should still probably advance.

GROUP A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Spurs, Twente
GROUP B: Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel Aviv
GROUP C: Manchester United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor
GROUP D: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan
GROUP E: Bayern Munich, Roma, Basel, Cluj
GROUP F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, Zilina
GROUP G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre
GROUP H: Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga, Partizan Belgrade

Bunbury for Sale

Kansas City Wizards rookie Teal Bunbury will be among the bachelors being auctioned off at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Bachelor Auction tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Cashew. All proceeds from the 2nd annual event, being emceed by Mix 93.3 host Teresa, will go towards the cancer advocacy organization.

Bunbury’s date package is valued at $635 and includes two all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink field side reserved tickets to an upcoming Wizards home game, a $125 gift certificate for dinner and drinks at Blanc Burger, a personalized Kansas City Wizards uniform, and two Kansas City Wizards scarves. The lucky winner will also receive a gift certificate to Zafar Salon, Spa & Boutique, samples from The DERMAdoctor, and sterling silver heart earrings from Silpada Designs.

Individuals interested in attending the event can find more information on the American Cancer Society website here. VIP passes are $30 in advance and general admission tickets are $20. The Cashew is located at 2000 20th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

Coin Toss Wizard

Lauren McCarthy of LaurenWantstoKnow.com came out to our match last weekend and performed the opening coin toss. Lauren did good work, putting us in position to head toward the East goal in the first half, making Matt Reis look into the sun. Check out the video she has posted from the toss:

Champions League Fun

Today, there are more tasty Champions League matchups. They kickoff shortly, with Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus on the coverage. If you're a DirecTV user, every match is available starting on channel 480. 

Tottenham heads into their second (home) leg against BSC Young Boys down 3-2. A 1-0 win would be enough for Spurs to move on with their two away goals looming large. Other matchups include: Auxerre v Zenit St. Petersburg (0-1); MSK Zilinia [Slovakia] v Sparta Prague (2-0); Ajax v Dynamo Kiev (1-1) and FC Copenhagen v Rosenborg [Norway] (1-2). Enjoy the action on TV, or follow along here.

Last night, Columbus fell 1-0 at Santos Laguna in controversial fashion and Toronto FC lost 1-0 at Arabe Unido after suffering two red cards. Tonight, Seattle Sounders FC host Monterrey at 9 p.m. CT and Real Salt Lake visit Cruz Azul at 7 p.m. CT. Both games will be on Fox Soccer Channel as well. Enjoy another day of Champions League action!

Wow! Unlucky Reporter

Dirty Tackle is great.

Champions League Day

Today in Europe, there was some Champions League craziness as Sporting Braga (former club of former Wizard Carlos Marinelli) bounced Spanish side Sevilla 4-3 (5-3 on aggregate). Hapoel Tel Aviv scored a late goal to sneak past Red Bull Salzburg. Sampdoria forced extra time and won the match 3-2 over Werder Bremen, but lost on aggregate 5-4. FC Basel rolled over Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. More craziness ensued as Anderlecht and Partizan Belgrade went to PKs. Anderlect missed back-to-back spot kicks and were eliminated. For all the details from the matches, click here.

Tonight, MLS sides Toronto FC and Columbus Crew are in action in the CONCACAF version of the Champions League. Toronto visits Arabe Unido at 7 p.m. CT, while Columbus is at Santos Laguna at 9 p.m. CT. Will an MLS team finally win in Mexico? We shall see. Both games will be shown on Fox Soccer Channel.

World Cup Bid Talk

The FIFA Inspection Tour of England is taking place right now ahead of the December 2 announcement of where the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be staged. As you know, the USA is bidding and Kansas City is among the final cities that could host matches if the USA bid is successful. While the Guardian says that Sepp Blatter has tabbed England the favorites, Soccernet uses the same quotes to say that Blatter warned England. Whichever it is, both reports seem to think that only England and Russia are in the running for 2018. That might be a mistake. The U.S. isn't out of the running yet, and our stadiums don't need to be renovated to hold enough people.

To show your support, text "KansasCity" to 22442 or visit www.goUSAbid.com/kc and sign the petition. Invite all your friends and family to do the same. If people hit the polls in the next couple days, we could hit the 1 million signature mark while FIFA is still in England. How sweet would that be?

Monday Links

This Monday sure felt a little better after Saturday's result. Will we be able to keep the momentum going Saturday night at LA? Let's hope! Here are some links to enjoy from Monday.

• Charles Gooch of the KC Star wants to know what other teams you support. Tell him.
• Apparently Eddie Johnson says that Americans don't get a fair shake in England.
• Kyle McCarthy at Goal.com looks at the team that Peter Vermes is trying to build both now and for the future.
• John Moore of Sedalia is pretty pumped about our new stadium and has some pictures of it you can enjoy.
• We learned a little bit more about how Vancouver and Portland will stock their teams for the 2011 season.
• Don't forget to vote for our Pepsi Refresh campaign idea! We're going to rehab Belvedere Park. Vote up to 25 times per day!

Vote KC for Pepsi Refresh

Today, MLS kicked off a Pepsi Refresh project that will result in $50,000 being donated by Pepsi to a charitable project around the League. Our project is for the 50K to be used to update and upgrade Belvedere Park in Northeast Kansas City, Missouri. Vote for Kansas City's proposal here up to 25 times per day, and tell your friends!

Jimmy Conrad, our representative for the project, explains the program here:

Hat Trick (Plus One) Special

With the rampant 4-1 win tonight (well last night now), our boys kicked in the Planet Sub Hat Trick Special for tomorrow (well today....Sunday). Click here for details...it's easy, just ask for the special at any KC-area P-Sub location.

Birahim Diop was the star tonight with two goals (on his first two shots on goal in his MLS career) and an assist (a thing of beauty along the ground to Kei Kamara). Kamara wasn't bad either, with a goal and two assists. Jack Jewsbury added the 4th with a nice clean-up play after Ryan Smith forced a bad back pass. Who was your man of the match? Read the quotes here. See the notables here. Watch the highlights below:

Pelada Returns to KC

After the show first appeared in KC back in May and was a rousing success, Pelada is coming back to Kansas City Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the Studio Movie Grill at Zona Rosa in the Northland. Each show will begin at 7 p.m. CT. Buy your tickets here.

Dont' know much about the move? Visit their site or watch their trailers:

NEW Pelada Trailer from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.


Pelada from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.

Jewish Vocational Service Visits

The Kansas City Wizards welcomed 25 local refugee children to the team’s practice on Wednesday, featuring a special meeting with Wizards forward Kei Kamara, who came to the United States in 2000 as a refugee from Sierra Leone. Kamara talked to all of the children about his experience as a refugee, and also signed autographs, took pictures, and played soccer with the youth refugees throughout the team’s morning scrimmages at Swope Park Training Facility.

The refugees came from various countries across the globe, including Burma, Somalia, Iraq and Sierra Leone. Kamara is the team’s leading scorer with seven goals this season, and is tied for seventh most in the league in 2010.

Community Wizards

On the same day that Kei Kamara helped out a Lawrence High School student who is donating soccer-related items to Kamara's native Sierra Leone, defender Jonathan Leathers stopped in at a KCK Library to spend some time with local children.

See the Lawrence Journal-World's report on Kei and the Kansas City Kansan's report on Jonny.

Bravo Shines; Chivas Falls

While he would rather it came in a victory, Omar Bravo played well Wednesday night for Chivas Guadalajara as they fell to Internacional of Brazil in the Copa Libertadores final. Read the game recap here. To see his assist, his goal, and the post-game scuffle watch the videos below.

Wizards Players Abroad

Today, forward Sunil Chhetri scored two as the India National Team defeated a Portuguese club team 3-1. He scored the first two goals in the match.

Tonight at 6 p.m. CT, defender Aaron Hohlbein and Miami FC visit the Carolina Railhawks. You can watch the match here.

Tonight at 8 p.m. CT (pre-game starts at 6 p.m. CT), future striker Omar Bravo and Chivas Guadalajara visit Internacional of Brazil in the final match of Copa Libertadores. Chivas goes to Brazil down 2-1 after losing by that margin last week at Estadio Omnilife. Bravo played 90 minutes in that match and has scored four goals this year in Chivas' run to the Libertadores final. Read a match preview here at KCWizards.com. You can watch the match live on Fox Sports en Español or follow along with us via Twitter.

Hernandez Red Card

You can't fully see Jason Hernandez or Teal Bunbury in this clip, but you can definitely see the full swing to the neck that Hernandez used on his red card last Saturday in San Jose. Take note that both of his feet were off the ground when he clocked Teal. That's some pretty good force. Update: Vote on which play was dirtier, this challenge against Bunbury or Khano Smith's two-footer in 2008 against Herculez Gomez. Khano and New England will be at CAB Saturday.

As for remorse? There wasn't really any.

“There’s a lot of things that go on [during a game] that I think a lot of people don’t see,” said Hernandez, who wouldn't describe the foul in detail. “He put [Quakes right back] Tim Ward down earlier in the half, got him a little bloodied, and I kind of thought he was trying to do the same to me.

"It was foolish on my part because I [was] the captain and I set the example, but it’s just kind of the heat of the moment kind of thing. It’s what happens in games all over the world and, unfortunately, I let it get the better of me. But maybe it’s a lesson learned.”

Today, the MLS Disciplinary Committee announced that Hernandez has received an additional fine and suspension:

The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee today issued an additional fine and one-game suspension to San Jose Earthquakes defender Jason Hernandez for actions taken against forward Teal Bunbury during the San Jose versus Kansas City Wizards game on Saturday, August 14th.     

In the 88th minute, Hernandez struck Bunbury during an off-the-ball incident in the middle of the field.  The officials issued a red card to Hernandez during the match however, after reviewing the incident, the Disciplinary Committee determined that due to the nature of the action, which endangered the safety of his opponent, additional sanctions should be levied.

In addition to the one-game suspension and $250 fine automatically issued for the red card, Hernandez has been suspended for one additional game and fined an additional $250. Hernandez will serve his suspension during San Jose’s next two League games on August 21 against the LA Galaxy and August 28 against the New York Red Bulls.

Weekly Interview Schedule

You can see and hear the Wizards in the media at the following times this week:

-Tuesday - Davy Arnaud phone interview - "The Program" with Soren Petro, Sports Radio 810 - PODCAST
-Wednesday - 7:30 a.m. - Jack Jewsbury phone interview - 105.1 Jack FM
-Wednesday - 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Robb Heineman in-studio interview on 1510 AM KCTE and www.1510.com.
-Wednesday - 3:45 p.m. - Michael Harrington phone interview - KLWN (Lawrence)
-Wednesday - 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Zona Wizards Spanish Radio Show - La Gran D 1340 AM
-Thursday - 7:30 a.m. - Jimmy Conrad in-studio interview - Mix 93.3 FM
-Thursday - 4:30 p.m. - Wizards player TBD phone interview - 92.7 FM in Salina, KS
-Thursday - 4:40 p.m. - Jimmy Conrad phone interview - Hot Talk 1510 AM
-Friday - 2:00 p.m. - Matt Besler phone interview – V100.3 FM (Topeka)

Kei Kamara Helping Out

Everyone who follows the Wizards closely already knows that Kei Kamara loves being on Twitter. A lot of people also know the he loves helping out, especially people of his native Sierra Leone. Recently it came to Kei's attention that a Lawrence High School student is collecting items to ship back to Sierre Leone to help out kids in need. Kei jumped all over it and will be taking items he has collected. Here's a story from yesterday in the KC Star and a blog post from a site dedicated to talking about Sierre Leone.

As Pete Grathoff said in the Star story, Laurel Nagengast is the student from Lawrence High sending items over. She has asked people to contribute soccer jerseys, T-shirts and balls that are in good condition and set up a drop-off day at her high school parking lot from 5:30 to 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday. If you're in Lawrence and have stuff to donate, stop by!

Back to School, Back to School

To celebrate the school-starting part of our year, we have put together a neat package for kids 12 and under who want to attend Saturday's match against the New England Revolution and get a sweet piece of Wizards gear. For just $16, the child will receive one bleacher ticket and one item of Wizards youth apparel. This includes jerseys, shorts and hoodies. The first 300 to take advantage of the offer will also receive a Wizards lunch pail. If you have a young Wizards fan, this is a great package to bring them out to a match. To order, call us at 888-4KC-GOAL to speak with a friendly KCW rep.

Monday Rewind

This morning, we tweeted out a link to a story in which Thierry Henry says that American soccer fans need to drop the inferiority complex. I like to hear that from one of the biggest stars of the last 10 years in top-flight footie.

Later in the day, Manchester United rolled 3-0 over Newcastle United in Newcastle's return to the Premier League. Dimitar Berbatov, who was Man Utd's only scorer against us July 25 opened the 2010 season with an early goal. Darren Fletcher, who was in the US but injured for our match, scored the second, and legend Ryan Giggs, who played in the center of the park at Arrowhead, scored the 3rd. It's kind of nice to be able to say you beat Manchester United. I might keep saying it throughout the rest of the EPL season.

Tomorrow you'll have the chance to chat live with Manager Peter Vermes. Click here to set up an email reminder about the chat. We'll open the chat lobby at 12:45 p.m. CT tomorrow, with PV joining from 1-1:30.

The was more Omar Bravo talk today. We got PV's thoughts on Bravo's longevity and the new stadium. Then Robb Heineman and PV talked about the deal and the excitement for next year. Jimmy Conrad also says that the fans will be proud of OB as our DP.

Preki Video; Game at SJ

If you haven't yet seen it, take a look at the video US Soccer put together for Preki's Hall of Fame induction. Enjoy:

Tune in tonight as the Wizards face San Jose on the road. Pre-game show starts in just a few moments on KCWE 29. Match kicks off just after 9 p.m. CT. If  you feel like a party, the official watch party spot is Fox and Hound off Metcalf in OP. Join your fellow Wizards fans there. Our lineup is the same as it has been of late. Former Wizards midfielder Khari Stephenson is in the starting 11 for SJ. To follow the match live on your computer, follow us on Twitter or view the MatchCenter here.

More Bravo!

Check out PV's thoughts above. Also, take a look at the gallery of Bravo playing for Chivas Guadalajara. An interesting story came out this afternoon courtesy of Simon Borg at MLSsoccer.com headquarters. Players from all over Mexico respond to the Bravo signing. Their opinions, including that of former Wizard Herculez Gomez, are very interesting. Check it out.

Other articles of note:

• KC Star checks in on the move, including information about the home-and-home friendlies.
• US Soccer Players chatted with Vermes, who says we're still looking to add players this window.
• TSN (Canada's ESPN) has a story on the move.
• Goal.com has their report.

Otras Noticias en Español

• Informador.com.mx
• Yacutan.com.mx
• Puente Libre
• Univision Futbol
• La Aficion
• Terra

Omar Bravo to Kansas City in 2011

Bravo taking on current Wizards midfielder Stephane Auvray last summer during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

It's official. We've signed Mexican star Omar Bravo and loaned him to Chivas Guadalajara for the remainder of 2010. He and the team will chase the Copa Libertadores championship next Wednesday, with the 2nd leg against famed Brazilian side Internacional (live on Fox Sports en Español). Bravo has scored four goals in Chivas' run to the finals (they are just the 2nd Mexican club to ever make it that far). He started and played 90 minutes in the Libertadores game Wednesday in Guadalajara. Here's our English press release about the signing y comunicado de prensa en Español. Here's a sweet photo gallery of Omar playing for Mexico.

As part of the agreement, we will play a friendly in Guadalajara during our 2011 preseason. Chivas Guadalajara will then play us in our new venue next summer!

Check out 10 of Bravo's goals below and his 100th goal for Chivas:

Juniors Training Recap

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, three KCW Juniors players joined the first team for training. Defender Konner Knoll (from Wichita), goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin (US U-18 National Team) and striker Jordan Rideout (2010 U16 leading goal-scorer and son of Paul, former Wizards player) became the first Juniors players to get an extended look with the first team. Watch the video above to see what Peter Vermes thinks about having the young players get a look with the senior team and how the guys themselves thought the experience went.

Extreme Soccer Champions Brazil?

Extreme Soccer Champions 2010 Etapa Sao Paulo from Extreme Soccer Champions on Vimeo.

Yes please. Take a look at that video. The XSL in the USA might not have worked out the best, but the Brazilian version is pretty sweet. Thanks to The Offside Rules for posting first and showing us the light.

Thomas Plays 89 for Jamaica

89 minutes, not games. He's played in 28 of those. Yesterday he helped anchor the back line in a 3-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. He will re-join the team in San Jose and will be eligible for selection. SJ has just signed former Wizard and Thomas' Jamaica teammate Khari Stephenson. No word on if Stephenson will be eiligible for our game Saturday.

The White Puma's Past

We know and love our goalkeeper as Jimmy "White Puma" Nielsen, the 4-time winner of the Napa Save of the Week award and a 2010 MLS All-Star. For a time in Denmark, he was known as Casino Jimmy after his very private battle with a gambling addiction became very public and caused him to be removed from consideration for the Denmark National Team.

Today, Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star wrote a column about Nielsen's gambling past and the reasons it got as bad as it did. Check it out.

Juniors Come to Training

Today, three members of the KCW Juniors U18 team trained with the first team at our Swope Park Training Center. Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, a regular USA U18 call-in; defender Konner Knoll, a big, technical outside back and striker Jordan Rideout, son of former first-teamer Paul and the leading scorer on last year's U16 team. These three are the first members of our Juniors program to ever train with the first team. Kempin even stopped two old-school MLS shootout attempts at the end of training to give his team the win of the day's small-sided game round robin. 

The boys will be back Wednesday and Thursday. Here are some pics from day 1.

Konner Knoll was playing right back for the blue team alongside Nick Kounenakis and in front of Jimmy Nielsen.

Jordan Rideout on the left wing dribbling the ball.

Jon Kempin covering an old-school MLS shootout attempt from Craig Rocastle.

Kempin and Rideout during post-practice conditioning drill.

Knoll picking up cones after practice. The boys got the rookie treatment, helping put away the equipment today.

Kempin doing an interview after training.

Wednesday: Scrimmage and Friendly

Tomorrow morning, the team will play an inter-squad scrimmage from 9 a.m. CT to 9:45 a.m. CT. Then, the reserves will play a friendly against Rockhurst club. Come out to Swope tomorrow and brave the heat to see the guys in some semi-competitive action.

Former Wizards Forwards

One of them scored a goal this weekend for Fulham. We've got video proof below. The other committed to the Armenia national team today, ending speculation that he could one day play for the USA. Read about Yura Movsisyan's decision here and watch Eddie Johnson's goal here:

USA-Brazil Watch Party

Tomorrow night, the U.S. Men's National Team hosts Brazil at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at Univision, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT. See the roster here.

Want to watch the match with soccer-loving friends here in the Kansas City area? The KC chapter of USA supporters' group American Outlaws is once again hosting a watch party at Johnny's Tavern in the Power and Light District. Seem to remember something about AOKC and Johnny's? Let us refresh your memory with this lovely video taken with the HTC Evo 4G from Sprint:

2010 Mayor's Night Kicks Tournament

For the third straight year, we are hosting the Mayor's Night Kicks tournament at our Swope Park Training Center. Take a look at the package that aired during the pre-game show for Saturday's match versus RSL. 

Wizards Tie RSL 1-1

Cauldron: major props tonight for the Special K sign and for bringing it in general. You were loud; you were big, and you sounded great both in person and on TV. Excellent Kei celebration photo by Jamie Squire/Getty images.

For Peter Vermes and the guys, a point wasn't enough, but the tie pushes us to 2-0-2 in our last four MLS games and 3-0-2 in our last five overall counting the Man Utd match. Smith and Kamara connected perfectly for the opener early in the first half, then a defensive lapse let RSL tie it up later in the half. (For what it's worth, Findley admitted after the game that the ball hit off his hand after he headed it. Nielsen wasn't objecting to the referee just for fun.)

The White Puma made a pair of great saves to stop Javier Morales in the second half, and only the AR's flag could keep Bunbury from scoring his 3rd game-winner in four games in the 86th minute. Read the quotes here (we're not very satisfied with the tie...they are a little more so). See the notables here on the press release at KCWizards.com.

Watch the full highlights here:

Hohlbein's First Game for Miami

Can be seen online right here. He started in central defense at Puerto Rico, who has taken a first-half lead.

Gameday Traffic Info

The exit from westbound I-70 to northbound I-435 is currently closed. Fans traveling west on I-70 should continue to the next exit (#410) for 110th Street. After exiting, take the first right onto Village West Parkway for the quickest route to CommunityAmerica Ballpark. This route will also take you directly past the new stadium just down the road from CAB.

LIVESTRONG Army Visits

Today, the LIVESTRONG Army of Kansas City came out to our training session and co-hosted a clinic for children affected by cancer with some of our players and coaches. See the full report (video) here on KCWizards.com. Below are a few pictures from the event, graciously taken by Zach Cobb of Westside Studio. Check out their website here. They're excellent photographers.

Initial Payment Discounts for WyCo

With our new stadium going at Village West in Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County, we are offering an initial payment discount to our new neighbors in the county. If you live or work in Wyandotte County, your initial payment for 2011 season tickets can be $25 per seat instead of $50. Season tickets will still be the same price, but you can reserve your spot in line for half price.

Want to take advantage of the offer? Call us at 888-4KC-GOAL or click this link from Ticketmaster and use the promo code "WYCO2011".

Hohlbein to Miami FC

Today we have loaned center back Aaron Hohlbein to Miami FC of the USSF D-2 Pro League. Hohlbein, who has played in two games this season (one start) is already on his way to Miami and will be available immediately. Hohlbein joined us in 2007 and has played 43 MLS games (41 starts) in his career.

One memorable off-field moment of Hohlbein came last year when he was...nut...megged. See the video below:

Nielsen for Save of the Week

I feel like I write this every week, but Jimmy "White Puma" Nielsen is up for MLS Save of the Week! What a save it was, denying Toronto FC striker Mista with a lunging effort to his right after the TFC attacker had neatly brought the ball down and fired from the top of the 18. Nielsen was leading the votes big early today, but Chicago Fire rookie Sean Johnson is closing the gap now. Go vote here. Watch all the saves below.

USA Roster for Brazil Match

Today, Bob Bradley announced the USA roster for next Tuesday's friendly against Brazil. The match, 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and Univision, will be the first for both squads since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Props to former Wizard Herculez Gomez for his call-in. With only three forwards on the roster, he stands a good chance of seeing action once again. Read more about the match and roster here.

Players I'm hoping to see play in the match? Bedoya and Jones. Hopefully both of them see the field so fans can see what they've got.

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (6): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Étienne), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht)
FORWARDS (3): Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca)

Arnaud Responds to Donovan Goal

As we told you yesterday, US Soccer is looking for fan reactions to Landon Donovan's huge goal against Algeria. Today, Davy Arnaud told us what it was like as a fan that day. Check it out:

In case you forgot, this was the scene at the Power & Light District for that memorable moment:

Fun Soccer Vids

We Tweeted about it not too long ago, but the first video below is worth sharing. Dave Stala, slot back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL, scored a nice touchdown Saturday night and capped it off with a terrific soccer-centric celebration. Take a look. Below that is a compilation sports video from Yahoo! that includes some funky dribbling at the 1:49 mark. Ignore the soccer-bashing rhetoric.

Construction Update - WOW

Click to enlarge!

Each week we've been posting a KC Soccer Stadium update courtesy of our friends at Turner Construction detailing accomplishments and tasks from the week before. The latest version is up on KCWizards.com, but I just had to include this image that wouldn't fit in the other image spaces on the site. How cool does that look? The whole place is really taking shape! What excites you the most about our stadium opening in less than a year? 

If you aren't currently a season ticket holder and haven't yet put down your initial payments for 2011 tickets, do so now today by calling 888-4KC-GOAL to speak to one of our lovely ticket reps.

US Soccer Wants to Know

Landon Donovan and the rest of the U.S. Men's National Team wants to know how you reacted to his goal versus Algeria. Watch the video above, click through to the US Soccer YouTube page, and let them know! This from the US Soccer press release:

More than 2.8 million people have watched “The World’s Reaction to Landon Donovan’s Game Winning Goal,” video on YouTube which compiled those reactions from fans. Watching the video from South Africa, the team was blown away by the reaction and response of the fans.

Now, the U.S. players want to know exactly what that moment meant to you.

How did you react? Where were you? The U.S. players want to know.

Wizards Beat Toronto FC

It wasn't always pretty, but through steadfast defending, one huge save from the White Puma and a great opportunistic goal from rookie striker Teal Bunbury, the Wizards picked up three important points tonight at CAB. The crowd, by the way, was FANTASTIC. It was a packed house, and everyone was loud. Thanks to all who came out and to all who watched at home on TV. Hopefully you enjoyed the show. For the notables, click here and see the press release. For the quotes, click here. Toronto, by the way, wasn't very impressed with us to tonight. You'll see what we mean if you read the quotes.

For game highlights, view below: