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MLS Bound?
As a player or manager - who knows...
Word has come in through my own channels, and according to a credible source, Matteo has been speaking to a couple of clubs in the United States. The question is, will we see him on the pitch - or will he be a coach. My money is on him being a coach, I can see this as a good move to get more experience under his belt before trying out again as a coach in England.
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2022 Kansas City Wizards Roster
| No. | Pos | Name | Ovr |
| 21 | GK | J.Kampin | 59 |
| 18 | GK | E.Kronberg | 58 |
| 2 | DEF | M.Harrington | 60 |
| 6 | DEF | S.Thomas | 61 |
| 32 | DEF | N.Kounenakis | 62 |
| 17 | DEF | R.Espinoza | 64 |
| 7 | DEF | C.Myers | 61 |
| 25 | DEF | J.Leathers | 25 |
| 5 | DEF | M.Besler | 59 |
| 15 | DEF | A.Hohlbein | 59 |
| 3 | DEF | K.Aiyegbusi | 60 |
| 22 | MID | D.Arnaud (c) | 62 |
| 8 | MID | S.Auvray | 64 |
| 4 | MID | C.Rocastle | 61 |
| 28 | MID | G.Zusi | 60 |
| 23 | ATT | K.Kamara | 64 |
| 10 | ATT | L.Matteo | 75 |
| 27 | ATT | B.Biop | 63 |
| 19 | ATT | S.Chetri | 63 |
| 20 | ATT | Z.Hercegfalvi | 61 |
| 24 | ATT | J.Beasley | 57 |
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2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule
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Week 1
(0-0) Kansas City Wizards vs (0-0) Chivas USA
3/27/22
Home Depot Center (Carson, CA), 7 PM ET
Weather - Rainy
3/27/22
Home Depot Center (Carson, CA), 7 PM ET
Weather - Rainy
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to be edited.
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| Match Stats | ||
| Chivas | KC | |
| Shots (On Target) | 12 (8) | 5 (2) |
| Fouls | 8 | 16 |
| Corners | 5 | 5 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Possession | 48% | 52 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 3 | 8 |
Carson, C.A. (AP) -- Even though each side grabbed a point to star the season out, the fans at the Home Depot Center were without excitement as they watched their beloved Chivas take on the visiting Kansas City Wizards to a scoreless draw.
The match started off with direct pressure on Kempin's goal led by the highly creative Gavin, who's connection with Braun in the Chivas attack caused trouble for the center backs of Kansas City.
While the attacking was solid for Chivas, it was their defending that was praised, and certainly counted as the saving grace versus Lam Matteo and company.
"When facing a strong attacking core like the Wizards, you have to be one step faster than them," states Chivas head coach, Preki, "We accomplished that today, and I just wish we could have found the back of the net."
Despite absorbing 12 shots in the game, the Wizards defense remained in tact. The problem with the Wizards attack was the lack of creative midfield, occupied by a defensive oriented line. Kerry Zavagnin's starting line up placed captain Arnaud, and Auvray - but the support came from the flanking Espinoza and Harrington, who were both considered "Man of the Match" in the manager's eyes.
"It takes a lot of pressure to run up and down the field, not only to defend, but also to attack. We got off 5 shots total and each one of them was a result of the solidarity on our supporting flanks."
Man of the Match was given to Wizards keeper, Kempin. Kempin produced 8 total saves, including a crucial one in the dying minutes of the match after Padilla had slipped past Thomas, and was one on one. The Chivas forward's shot was low and well struck, destined for the far post, but Kempin's outstretched left leg flicked the ball just enough to grazed the outside of the post, and out for a corner.
With a point to start off the season, Kerry Zavagnin is confident in his side to get the job done in Kansas City next week against a brused, and battered, Real Salt Lake side next weekend.
"We are going to take this year game by game, but to say I'm not excited for next weekend would be a lie. We are going to score goals starting next week."
---
Match Summary:
Caution: Arnaud (KC), Thomas (KC)
Substitutions: 75' Padilla for Braun (Chivas), 75' Zusi for Rocastle (KC), 83' Jazic for Bornstein (Chivas), 88' Lahoud for Gavin (Chivas), 88' Leathers for Diop (KC)
Gameshots:
Good start
A bit rusty, but not terrible
"Things are still going the way I want them. I had my chances, hope to have a few more I can grab a goal out of though."
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Week 2
(0-0-1) Real Salt Lake vs (0-1-0) Kansas City Wizards
4/3/22
KC Soccer Stadium (Kansas City, KS), 7 PM ET
Weather - Sunny
4/3/22
KC Soccer Stadium (Kansas City, KS), 7 PM ET
Weather - Sunny
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KC Wizards 2-1 Real Salt LakeUpdated: April 3, 2022, 10:13 PM ET
Wizards pull off victory in front of home support
| Match Stats | ||
| KC | RSL | |
| Shots (On Target) | 11 (5) | 18 (5) |
| Fouls | 7 | 4 |
| Corners | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 49% | 51% |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 4 | 3 |
Kansas City, KS (AP) -- Kerry Zavagnin stated that there would be goals scored this weekend against Real Salt Lake, and his men definitely delivered through Lam Matteo and Kei Kamara. Matteo bagged his first MLS career goal, while Kamara is only 4 goals away from topping all-time Wizards goal leader, Preki (71).
This evening, Kamara's goal turned out to be the match winner after RSL's Espindola scored with ten minutes remaining. The goal a produce of some ruthless defending and air it out attack by the visitors.
The match began with two shots, one was on Kempin's goal, which the KC goalie had no trouble with after Beckerman wriggled free before shooting a dribbler. The second, was a blast from captain Davy Arnaud - who launched a knuckler from 30-yards out, the ball dead-spinned in the air before glancing just wide of Rimando's goal.
After the two initial shots, it was a defensive battle for both sides, due to some lackluster passing from the midfielders, even the highly regarded passing pro, Kyle Beckerman.
"We struggled to find eachother today," the 32-year old reflects, "They (KC) pressured us to no end, a very high line that just was not easy to get by - they were well disciplined even when we tried to mix it up with some long balls too."
Even though the Wizards defense seemed to prevail on the RSL attack, the three forwards up top yet again failed to communicate effectively, in particular Diop who chose to hold onto the ball a bit longer than his teammates Lam Matteo and Kei Kamara wanted.
The opening goal came a result of nothing but hard work by Wizards forward, Lam Matteo. Matteo, signed in the preseason, had launched onto a through ball by Roger Espinoza, but it scooted past the forward. However, instead of stopping, he raced on in towards RSL keeper Rimando - who baffled the crowd by using his feet instead of his hands.
The result was a heavy touch by the RSL keeper, and Matteo took advantage by dispossessing him instantly, and was left with nothing but a tap in.
"Funnily enough I was pretty nervous with a wide open goal," Matteo chuckled post game, "You put all that effort into a play - then bam, it's on a silver platter - weaker players would think the "what ifs", I just smashed it home - and breathed a sigh of relief."
The goal was definitely what the Wizards needed right before half time; and at the start of the second half, Kei Kamara made it two nil after his hard work paid off running onto a through ball, then having his initial shot saved by Rimando - before having the ball bounce back to Kamara, who made no mistake and pushed the ball under the keeper for the second goal of the game.
"We needed that goal pretty badly," stated manager, Kerry Zavagnin, "I know as a team you always need goals, but we needed to show them what we intended to do in the second half - we weren't going to let off the gas pedal."
Real Salt Lake shared the sentiment, and the visitors left nothing on the field - and when Espindola scored in the 80th minute, instead of the Wizards heads dropping, Zavagnin answered by bringing on the speedy forward Chetri.
Chentil's pace combined with Matteo's first touch proved to keep the ball away from the desperate Real Salt Lake side, and the fina whistle blew to confirm the first win of the season for the Wizards.
The match began with two shots, one was on Kempin's goal, which the KC goalie had no trouble with after Beckerman wriggled free before shooting a dribbler. The second, was a blast from captain Davy Arnaud - who launched a knuckler from 30-yards out, the ball dead-spinned in the air before glancing just wide of Rimando's goal.
After the two initial shots, it was a defensive battle for both sides, due to some lackluster passing from the midfielders, even the highly regarded passing pro, Kyle Beckerman.
"We struggled to find eachother today," the 32-year old reflects, "They (KC) pressured us to no end, a very high line that just was not easy to get by - they were well disciplined even when we tried to mix it up with some long balls too."
Even though the Wizards defense seemed to prevail on the RSL attack, the three forwards up top yet again failed to communicate effectively, in particular Diop who chose to hold onto the ball a bit longer than his teammates Lam Matteo and Kei Kamara wanted.
The opening goal came a result of nothing but hard work by Wizards forward, Lam Matteo. Matteo, signed in the preseason, had launched onto a through ball by Roger Espinoza, but it scooted past the forward. However, instead of stopping, he raced on in towards RSL keeper Rimando - who baffled the crowd by using his feet instead of his hands.
The result was a heavy touch by the RSL keeper, and Matteo took advantage by dispossessing him instantly, and was left with nothing but a tap in.
"Funnily enough I was pretty nervous with a wide open goal," Matteo chuckled post game, "You put all that effort into a play - then bam, it's on a silver platter - weaker players would think the "what ifs", I just smashed it home - and breathed a sigh of relief."
The goal was definitely what the Wizards needed right before half time; and at the start of the second half, Kei Kamara made it two nil after his hard work paid off running onto a through ball, then having his initial shot saved by Rimando - before having the ball bounce back to Kamara, who made no mistake and pushed the ball under the keeper for the second goal of the game.
"We needed that goal pretty badly," stated manager, Kerry Zavagnin, "I know as a team you always need goals, but we needed to show them what we intended to do in the second half - we weren't going to let off the gas pedal."
Real Salt Lake shared the sentiment, and the visitors left nothing on the field - and when Espindola scored in the 80th minute, instead of the Wizards heads dropping, Zavagnin answered by bringing on the speedy forward Chetri.
Chentil's pace combined with Matteo's first touch proved to keep the ball away from the desperate Real Salt Lake side, and the fina whistle blew to confirm the first win of the season for the Wizards.
---
Match Summary:
Wizards Goals: Matteo 45', Kamara 58'
Real Salt Lake Goals: Espindola 80'
Caution: Matteo (KC), Thomas (KC), Leathers (KC)
Substitutions: 69' Beltran for Russell (RSL), 75' Chetri for Diop (KC), 83' Campos for Gonzalez (RSL), 89' Leathers for Rocastle (KC)
Gameshots:
2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------
March
3/27/22 - v Chivas USA (away) -Draw 0-0
April
4/3/22 - v Real Salt Lake (home) - Won 2-1
4/17/22 - v Houston (away)
4/24/22 - v LA Galaxy (home)
Easy as they come
Great to have the first goal
Match Summary:
Wizards Goals: Matteo 45', Kamara 58'
Real Salt Lake Goals: Espindola 80'
Caution: Matteo (KC), Thomas (KC), Leathers (KC)
Substitutions: 69' Beltran for Russell (RSL), 75' Chetri for Diop (KC), 83' Campos for Gonzalez (RSL), 89' Leathers for Rocastle (KC)
Gameshots:
Matteo celebrates his first goal for KC, Kamara gets his shoes shined after some hard work
----------------------------------- 2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------
March
3/27/22 - v Chivas USA (away) -Draw 0-0
April
4/3/22 - v Real Salt Lake (home) - Won 2-1
4/17/22 - v Houston (away)
4/24/22 - v LA Galaxy (home)
Easy as they come
Great to have the first goal
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Week 3
(1-1-0) Kansas City Wizards vs (1-0-2) Houston Dynamo
4/17/22
Robertson Stadium (Houston, TX), 7 PM ET
Weather - Cloudy, chance of Rain
(1-1-0) Kansas City Wizards vs (1-0-2) Houston Dynamo
4/17/22
Robertson Stadium (Houston, TX), 7 PM ET
Weather - Cloudy, chance of Rain
Comment
Houston 4-3 KC WizardsUpdated: April 17, 2022, 11:26 PM ET
Matteo's performance shadowed by Ngwenya's late winner
| Match Stats | ||
| HOU | KC | |
| Shots (On Target) | 12 (6) | 13 (7) |
| Fouls | 7 | 6 |
| Corners | 1 | 2 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 49% | 51% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 4 | 4 |
Houston, TX (AP) -- Joseph Ngwenya's 87th minute blast from outside the box was enough to put the Houston Dynamo past an inspired Kansas City Wizard side, led by the incredible two goal-and assist performance by Lam Matteo.
Ngwenya's goal, however, was worth more than 100 goals after the team had got slapped around by Toronto last week in a 3-1 loss in front of their home fans.
"This win means the world to me, my fans, our fans, everyone," said an exhausted Ngwenya after the game, "After last week, we were almost ashamed to show up on the pitch again - glad we did."
The first goal of the game came as a result of some unfortunate play by Craig Rocastle, who's attempt to clear a dangerous ball on a Houston corner kick ended up flying into the air and spinning over Kempin in the KC goal, and fell just over the line before Espinoza tried to conceal by clearing the ball. However the play was called - a goal for Houston - a terrible way to start for the Wizards.
The response was swift however, and 5 minutes later, a quick one two through pass between Matteo and Kamara on the sideline allowed the speedy Sierra Leon international to race down to the edge of the goalline. Kamara spotted his teammate Matteo, and with a tight angle, managed to squeeze the ball in between the keeper and onrushing defender. Matteo showed his natural goal scoring ability by sliding into the ball's path, barely scuffing the ball, and pushing it softly into the back of the net.
The jubilation for the Wizards quickly became pure anger when the Dynamo's Corey Ashe scored just two minutes later against the run of play. The reason for the anger from Kansas City was because center back, Shavar Thomas had fallen down untouched clutching his knee, resulting in the Dynamo to possess the ball. Instead of playing the ball out of play, Houston continued and attacked - scoring the goal.
"That was disrespectful, man," says Kamara post game, "You have to know your unspoken rules, man. Just a poor display by them - they did not deserve a goal, much less the win."
Thomas was subbed out, and on stepped a continuing improving Johnathan Leathers - Thomas' injury has not yet been released to the public, but rumors state it could be a torn ligament in his left knee.
The second half brought on more chances for each club, and down 2-1, Matteo would almost find the net when he latched onto a good cross by Chetri - but the ball was straight at the keeper.
Kansas City were immediately punished for their missed chance when Obodai managed to wriggle free of Espinoza's close marking, before heading a bullet past the helpless Kampin. The ball struck the keeper in the forehead, but had enough juice to continue into the back of the net.
Down 3-1, Kerry Zavagnin subbed out an underperforming Chenri and brought some more height with Diop. Chance Myers was also introduced for a lackluster Graham Zusi.
In the span of two minutes Matteo and Kamara would find the back of the net two even the game up.
Matteo once again sped past the defense and even though the he was wide open, the cross by Chance Myers found Diop - who's header was strong enough to force Hall to punch at the ball. However, the keeper's punch was weak and the ball floated into the air, allowing Matteo to quickly nod it past everyone into the back of the net.
The Wizards number ten was involved in Kamara's goal after Chance Myers made good effort to steal the ball off of Corey Ashe's feet, before sending a low pass to Matteo - who quickly looked up and slotted a perfect through ball to the racing Kamara. Kamara dribbled inside, and unleashed a venomous, low drive past Hall to even up the game 3-3 with just under 30 minutes left.
The glaring moment of the game occured ten minutes later when once again Matteo placed a perfect through pass to Kamara. Kamara, one on one with Hall, opted instead to find a rushing Diop - but the striker's pass was off the mark and the keeper intercepted easily.
"That decision will be in my head the rest of the week, man."
To make matters worse, ten minutes later, and Ngwenya caught onto a loose ball, took a side step of Leathers' tackle, before letting off a beautiful, swerving, shot that started well outside Kampin's goal, before quickly sliding back into the target - and into the back of the net.
It was a dream goal for Ngwenya, who had been criticized post season for his lack of finishing touch.
The seven goal thriller concluded, and the Wizards players collapsed with exhaustion.
"We played our hearts out today - there's no doubt about that," says defender Michael Harrington, "We left it on the field - and even though we lost, we deserved to win."
"The boys didn't hold back - not once," states head coach, Zavagnin, "As a manager you can't ask for more than that. We will put our frustration, if any, into LA next weekend."
---
Match Summary:
Dynamo Goals: Rocastle 23' (OG), Ashe 30', Obodai 49', Ngwenya 87'
Wizards Goals: Matteo 28' 62', Kamara 64'
Caution: Appiah (Houston)
Substitutions: 34' Leathers for Thomas (KC), 52' Appiah for Ashe (HOU), 52' Myers for Zusi (KC), 52' Diop for Chetri (KC), 72' Serioux for Palmer (HOU), 84' Weaver for Oduro (HOU)
Gameshots:
Kamara looks on as he sets up Matteo's first goal, but all was forgotten when Ngwenya's unlikely strike proved winner
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2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------
March
3/27/22 - v Chivas USA (away) -Draw 0-0
April
4/3/22 - v Real Salt Lake (home) - Won 2-1
4/17/22 - v Houston (away) - Lost 3-4
4/24/22 - v LA Galaxy (home)
Taking control
Two solid goals, and an assist
(please note: second goal not recorded, FIFA cut it off before could record, sorry)
Match Summary:
Dynamo Goals: Rocastle 23' (OG), Ashe 30', Obodai 49', Ngwenya 87'
Wizards Goals: Matteo 28' 62', Kamara 64'
Caution: Appiah (Houston)
Substitutions: 34' Leathers for Thomas (KC), 52' Appiah for Ashe (HOU), 52' Myers for Zusi (KC), 52' Diop for Chetri (KC), 72' Serioux for Palmer (HOU), 84' Weaver for Oduro (HOU)
Gameshots:
Kamara looks on as he sets up Matteo's first goal, but all was forgotten when Ngwenya's unlikely strike proved winner
-----------------------------------
2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------
March
3/27/22 - v Chivas USA (away) -Draw 0-0
April
4/3/22 - v Real Salt Lake (home) - Won 2-1
4/17/22 - v Houston (away) - Lost 3-4
4/24/22 - v LA Galaxy (home)
Taking control
Two solid goals, and an assist
(please note: second goal not recorded, FIFA cut it off before could record, sorry)
Comment
Players Strike: 2022 MLS Play suspended
4/20/22
New York, NY (AP) --- Breaking news arrived early this morning when MLS commissioner Alexi Lalas held an emergency news conference stating that the Major League Soccer player's union had developed a formula that would allow the players of the league to increase their yearly salary, plus bonuses. However, the league has rejected the proposal, stating that the formula developed interferes with the organization's plans for a World Cup bid in 2026.
"This is a sensitive subject," started Lalas, "In the history of MLS we have never had a player strike - I wish not to be part of one now. The proposal we received from Eric (Wynalda) and his party is not something the board can agree on. We have voted, and the results are in, ladies and gentleman - the proposal is denied - the season must continue."
The PFU (Player's Federation Union) had no comment as of yet, however it was quite clear what board member representative Eric Wynalda was thinking when asked on what would be the solution to the strike:
"It's a catch-22 to be honest. The only way for us to remove the unwanted strike is to pay the players more than they are currently making - I'm talking 30% increases."
According to financial analysts, the only alternate method to "free up" funds would be in regards to contractual stipulations, which involve Designated Players (DPs, international players) from within the last 3 years to be released and/or traded by the current respective MLS club.
"That is an option we have considered," replied Lalas, "But who is going to decide someone else's future like that. You? Certainly not me. We will take a vote today."
If the vote goes in favor of releasing 3-year prior DPs, this would mean the likes of Michael Owen, Jeremy Rothen, and would also include USA international abroad inbound transfers, Lam Matteo and Charlie Davies.
"This is a sensitive subject," started Lalas, "In the history of MLS we have never had a player strike - I wish not to be part of one now. The proposal we received from Eric (Wynalda) and his party is not something the board can agree on. We have voted, and the results are in, ladies and gentleman - the proposal is denied - the season must continue."
The PFU (Player's Federation Union) had no comment as of yet, however it was quite clear what board member representative Eric Wynalda was thinking when asked on what would be the solution to the strike:
"It's a catch-22 to be honest. The only way for us to remove the unwanted strike is to pay the players more than they are currently making - I'm talking 30% increases."
According to financial analysts, the only alternate method to "free up" funds would be in regards to contractual stipulations, which involve Designated Players (DPs, international players) from within the last 3 years to be released and/or traded by the current respective MLS club.
"That is an option we have considered," replied Lalas, "But who is going to decide someone else's future like that. You? Certainly not me. We will take a vote today."
If the vote goes in favor of releasing 3-year prior DPs, this would mean the likes of Michael Owen, Jeremy Rothen, and would also include USA international abroad inbound transfers, Lam Matteo and Charlie Davies.
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