Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

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8/20/21
Guedioura returns to Wolves

News has just surfaced that Guedioura has completed a move back to Wolverhampton after an unsuccessful loan spell with premiership side, Nottingham Forest. "I am happy to be back with the club that helped me get to where I'm at today. I hope to contribute soon."

Guedioura is expected to dress for tonight's league cup draw against West Brom.
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[Matt10]

 

[Matt10]

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9/10/21
Matteo prepares for Watford

Not too long ago, before joining the ranks of Wolves and Newcastle, Lam Matteo played brilliantly for Watford, becoming one of the league's top midfielder and displaying his skill in the Uefa Cup (disbanded now).

Today, on his 31st birthday, Matteo's focus will be to beat his old club, and grab all three points, because Wolves desperately need it. After being knocked out of the League Cup by West Brom, Wolverhampton have lost their last 2 matches; including a 4-0 drubbing to league rivals Crystal Palace.

Played, not reported:

Wolves 1-2 Burnley
Crystal Palace 4-0 Wolves
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[Matt10]

 

[Matt10]

9/18/21
Schedule change

The match against Southampton has been pushed back, and Sheffield United will take their place, visiting Molineaux next weekend.

 

[Matt10]

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10/12/21
State of Emergency

It is official, Lam Matteo is unable to salvage Wolves season. With only one point gained after the last 4 matches, Wolves sit dead last place of the npower championship. It is all but inevitable that Matteo will be sacked, unless he can pull off some sort of miracle in the next 3 matches.

"I have faith in my men. It has been a sight of pain for me to see this rich tradition club go down the way it is. It's my fault, so I will do my best to turn things around in the next coming weeks. I welcome the challenge."

Played, not reported:

Sheffield Utd 4-4 Wolves
Reading 3-2 Wolves
Wolves 0-3 Norwich City
Portsmouth 3-0 Wolves

Upcoming:

10/15/21 - Wolves v Doncaster
10/22/21 - Leeds v Wolves
10/29/21 - Wolves v Millwall
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[Matt10]

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Match Report: Molineaux almost suffered another defeat today thanks to Wolves poor defending, a theme that has plagued Matteo's side all year. Sitting in last place the majority of this season, it has been one to forget thus far. Matteo's head is being called for - and it is almost an embarrasment to ask for Wolves faithful to wait any longer for the removal of the head coach.

Despite the request, Matteo managed to grab a point for his team against a resilient Doncaster side led by living legend, Billy Sharp.

Chris Pontius grabbed his first goal as a Wolves player after Ebanks-Blake initial shot was not handled well in the rain by Doncaster keeper, Woods.

The match next weekend against 2nd place Leeds is already sold out at Elland Road, it's quite obvious goals are expected to be flooding into Wolves helpless net.

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[Matt10]

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Matteo Sacked
As expected, Wolves release American manager
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 1 October 2021

Wolves faithful will not miss the underperforming Matteo.

Reuters - Lam Matteo has been let go as Wolves boss after just two months into the 2021 Npower Championship season. During his tenure, Matteo sunk the newly relegated Wolves from a prominent candidate to be promoted, to the absolut bottom of the pile.

In a a statement received via voicemail, Wolves chairman, Sir Jack Hayward had this to say:

"While we are deeply regrettful of our decision to hire Matteo in the first place, we believe the talent of players he has brought in has more than surpassed our expectations. It is now time to find an adequate replacement for the man to direct said players."

Matteo, now 31, is jobless as a manager - and while his playing career is not officially over, it is not likely the calls will come his way for either department.

Wolves have yet to announce Matteo's replacement, however rumors are pointing towards experienced manager, and ex-England international, Gareth Southgate.
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Harsh
But who could blame them, he failed.

"I'll take every day in stride now. It's embarrasing to be let go so early, and it's also right at the time when the players started to truly wake up. Will I manage again? Who knows at this point."

 

[Matt10]

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2021-22 Season Concludes
Cardiff City, Leeds and Wolves promoted, Fulham, Forest and Middlsbrough relegated
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 1 October 2021

Fulham are relegated after 15 years in the Premiership.

Reuters - After nearly 20 years away from top tier Football, Leeds United have completed the historic comeback into the Premiership. Along with Leeds is Cardiff City and the highly improbably Wolverhampton after the club had hired Glen Hoddle after the unfortunate 2 month era of Lam Matteo.

Fulham struggled all season with no scoring threat with all 4 strikers injured after the transfer window, while Nottingham Forest was no match for the level of the Premiership.

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[Matt10]

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Matteo Q&A Sit down
The unanswered questions...TBA?

While Matteo is no longer welcome near Wolves, he has made some good connections through being a manager, and it seems that Lam is on his way to cashing out on some promises throughout his brief time as Wolves number one.

Mark Schwarzer, current editor for Skysports.com (and Matteo's ex teammate from fulham) interviewed his old friend, and while the summary has not been published - I have my inside sources to post for a bit:

Lam, you held a firm grip as being manager for Wolves - did you ever feel any doubt about the future after losing so many matches?

Matteo: Absolutely not. I couldn't come into it with that kind of mindset. I played for that team not 3 years ago, it just felt like home; so I guess that was my downfall because I got too comfortable, thinking there was no chance they would sack a former player.

So after all is said and done with Wolves, you would have done it no other way?

Matteo: The easy answer is to say I'd win more matches, but the nucleus of that team was not just about winning - it was about tradition and the values Wolverhampton has on the country. When you mention Wolves, people listen, and it's not because they're thinking of Aesop Fables.

Rumors are starting to come in, I read recently that your services are required by a newly promoted Premiership club; can you validate this rumor in particular?

Matteo: First off, I doubt any rumors that are being started about me are holding any ground at all. If there are such clubs interested, I haven't heard anything. While, I'm not ashamed of how I performed at Wolves, I'm not one-hundred percent confident in my abilities to pursue a managing position at this time.

You know how British tabloids are, the other day there was a picture of your son, Alex, sporting a Liverpool FC kit with "Matteo" on the back - can you explain?

Matteo: Honestly, I think in this case I'd have to present a word the common folk here use when absurd comments are made - "Mark, you're daft." if you think because my son had a Liverpool kit on means I'm going to be involved with the Reds anytime soon. Totally bogus, sir. 'Lex wears all sorts of kits, all of them say "Matteo" on the back of it. He's got a bib too, you know, fancy I'll join Babies R' Us as my next profession?

I see. Final question, Lam. Are you retired from playing? Why the secrecy? You're getting up in numbers, but I've seen you play - there are many matches still ahead for you.

Matteo: I've not retired yet. I honestly never wanted to get near to thinking about that until I turned 40. The truth is my accident from a couple years ago was detrimental to my career. I knew I would never be the same player, and recently I have had episodes involving nauseua when running. While, I do not believe my overall health is deteriorating, I feel the pressure that I have placed on myself is weighing in hard against my heart.

Well, I hope your heart stays strong - and if we do not see you on the pitch, I hope we are graced soon with you in a suit - and a Premiership trophy in your hands. All the best, Lam.

Matteo: Living the dream - thanks, Mark.
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[Matt10]

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[Matt10]

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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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[Matt10]

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Welcome Home Wizards sign USA international Lam Matteo

Kansas City, KS - The prodigal son returns. 31-year old Lam Matteo has signed a 2 year contract with the Kansas City Wizards after negotiating for less than 48 hours.

"It was the easiest decision I have ever made," states Matteo, "I grew up here, my family is here. This is a perfect place for my family, and myself as a footballer. All I did was ask Ess (his wife) and she beamed, it's a beautiful place to raise a family - and that's what I intend to do."

Speculation had it that Matteo would be the new head coach, some even mentioned the possibility of the player becoming a player-manager; a rare feature for the sport.

"It crossed my mind. I really tried to be a manager in England (for Wolves) but it just didn't pan out. Maybe some other day or life. For now, I'm ready to get on the pitch again."

Matteo started his career in Holland after the then 23-year old was noticed in a pick up game while he was in on a business trip as a wireless telecom consultant. Matteo was picked up by Dutch Eredevisie side, Willem II. He completed almost 3 years of faithful service for the club, before a very brief stint with RSC Anderlecht, before being transferred to English premiership side, Hull City.

Hull City was not the place for Matteo, and during the mid-season transfer window, the American joined Fulham, where he would eventually start and become one of the all time top scorers for the club with 74 goals in only 3 1/2 years with the side.

During the middle of the 2014-15 season, Matteo was involved in a one car accident that shattered his ribs, pelvis and suffered a broken right leg. His career at Fulham was also shattered as the club was unable to retain the striker after the accumulation of medical bills grew uneven for the player to continue his profession.

The remarkable comeback occured not 2 years later, when Matteo rose from the wheel chair and came back stronger and faster.

Eager to get back on track, he was given a chance at Welsh club Swansea City, then Leicester, then Watford. Matteo aided Newcastle United towards promotion with 19 appearances (3 goals) in 2017 before leaving the club to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Matteo's international career has been short, but he did receive 5 appearances with 1 goal, also he was part of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Along with the World Cup appearance, Matteo won the Gold Cup with his teammates in 2018.

Matteo left Wolves in 2020 after a good stint, and for the first time in 10 years, he branched out of England, and was signed by Italian Serie A side, AC Siena.​

The transition to Italian soccer was not ideal, Matteo was quoted as saying the year was a "blur" and before he knew it, he was back in England, but not as a player.​

Matteo's first coaching job ever was to take care of the recently relegated Wolves (his former team). Unfortunately, the results did not go his way, and he was sacked within 2 months.​

The journey continues here in Kansas City for Matteo, he is already slotted to play in the upcoming friendly against French Ligue 2 side, Stade Lavallois in Laval. ​

*please note: I'd like to personally thank Mamizu (OS) for compiling all Matteo's stats, seriously incredible, thank you sir*​

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[Matt10]

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2022 MLS Regular Season Outlook

Eastern Conference

Chicago Fire​

Players in: None
Players out: M. Pappa (to Seattle)
Retired: Ljungberg, John, McBride
Prediction: A strong contender despite lack of depth at the forward position, but speed in Nyarko is always something teams take notice of.​

DC United​

Players in: None

Players out: Najar (to Middlesbrough)
Retired: Moreno, Alsopp, Talley
Prediction: Creative team under potential USA head coach, Pablo Mastroeni. Led by many veterans with plenty of postseason experience.​

New York Redbulls​

Players in: Rothen (from PSG)
Players out: None
Retired: Henry, Marquez, Angel
Prediction: Losing their superstars will not hurt the MLS Cup runner ups from last year. Rothen is an exciting addition to the club, and will surely disturb defenders of the leage.​

New England Revolution​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Reis, Joseph
Prediction: Taylor Twellman has stated this is his final year on the field, look for plenty of passion radiating from a club with rich tradition, who have been on the wrong end of the postseason the last 5 years.​

Columbus Crew​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Schelotto, Mendoza, Padula
Prediction: Always a team that is in the hunt, this year will be no different. There has not been any offseason activity, head coach Chris Henderson has opted to keep a strong squad in unity.​

Kansas City Wizards​

Players in: Matteo (Free Agent)
Players out: Smith ( to PSG), Bunbury (to Leeds United)
Retired: Nielsen, Conrad, Wolff, Jewsbury
Prediction: The emergence of Lam Matteo joining the side improves rookie head coach, Kerry Zavagnin's chances for a postseason appearance; something the Wizards have not done since 2011.​

Toronto FC​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: De Rosario, Mista, Garcia
Prediction: Always invited to the wedding, but never doing the inviting themselves. TFC have coped well since the retiring of De Rosio in 2018, but with no transfer activity, can they uphold the aggression to win it all?​

Philadelphia Union​

Players in: None
Players out: Le Toux (to FC Lorient)
Retired: Mapp, Fred, Moreno
Prediction: Ater almost a decade of faithful service from Le Toux, the weight of the club lays on Mwanga, who has not appeared in an MLS game since the beginning of 2020. If he can get going, the Union will be a force.​

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[Matt10]

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2022 MLS Regular Season Outlook

Western Conference

Colorado Rapids​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Casey, Cummings, Lopez, Mastroeni
Prediction: Colorado is a team that flies under the radar no matter who the coach is. This year it's Claudio Lopez's chance to shine at the helm.​

FC Dallas​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Ferreira, Hartman, Cunningham, Sala, John
Prediction: With only 2 wins last year, new head coach Richard Mulrooney is expecting his veterans to pick up the slack, and show the Screaming Eagles that they have a voice again.​

LA Galaxy​

Players in: Owen (Manchester United)
Players out: Donovan (to Everton), Beckham (to Man Utd), Buddle (to Bolton)
Retired: Juninho
Prediction: Since Donovan left in 2013, and Beckham soon after to finish off his illustrious career where it started, the Galaxy have continued to shine bright; speaking of shining, a star joins the club in Michael Owen.​

Houston Dynamo​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Davis, Ching, Onstad, Mulrooney
Prediction: A very dangerous team, but this year the lack of depth at the forward spot could hurt the team. Ngwenya has been leading in goals for the team, but the last 3 years he hasn't sparked past the Top 5 in the league.​

Real Salt Lake​

Players in: None
Players out: Saborio (to Pananthainaikos), Findley (to FC Schalke)
Retired: Morales, Olave
Prediction: No more physical presence in the backline, also no more speed, what will RSL do this year? Aging player, Espindola believes Real will win the US Cup along with the MLS Cup though.​

Chivas USA​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Thornton, Zotinca
Prediction: There was speculation that leading scorer of all time for the club, Justin Braun, would leave; however he has continued to stay loyal to the club and with him in the fold, it's hard to say just exactly how good Chivas will be this year.​

Seattle Sounders​

Players in: Davies (Sochaux)
Players out: Montero (to Birmingham City)
Retired: Keller, Marshall, Noonan, Vagenas
Prediction: Charlie Davies may be in town, but the rain continues to fall for the Sounders as they are still without a head coach after Curt Onalfo was severed from his post yet again.​

San Jose Earthquakes​

Players in: None
Players out: None
Retired: Geovanni, Cannon
Prediction: Who knows what San Jose is able to do this year. They have always been a team that threatens a big season, but flops towards the last month in October, the last postseaon appearance for the club was in 2010.​

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[Matt10]

2022 Kansas City Wizards Roster

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD>No.</TD><TD>Pos</TD><TD>Name</TD><TD>Ovr</TD><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>J.Kampin</TD><TD>59</TD><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>GK</TD><TD>E.Kronberg</TD><TD>58</TD><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>M.Harrington</TD><TD>60</TD><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>S.Thomas</TD><TD>61</TD><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>N.Kounenakis</TD><TD>62</TD><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>R.Espinoza</TD><TD>64</TD><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>C.Myers</TD><TD>61</TD><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>J.Leathers</TD><TD>25</TD><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>M.Besler</TD><TD>59</TD><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>A.Hohlbein</TD><TD>59</TD><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>DEF</TD><TD>K.Aiyegbusi</TD><TD>60</TD><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>MID</TD><TD>D.Arnaud (c)</TD><TD>62</TD><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>MID</TD><TD>S.Auvray</TD><TD>64</TD><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>MID</TD><TD>C.Rocastle</TD><TD>61</TD><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>MID</TD><TD>G.Zusi</TD><TD>60</TD><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>K.Kamara</TD><TD>64</TD><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>L.Matteo</TD><TD>75</TD><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>B.Biop</TD><TD>63</TD><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>S.Chetri</TD><TD>63</TD><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>Z.Hercegfalvi</TD><TD>61</TD><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>J.Beasley</TD><TD>57</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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Analysis: Yes, they still look exactly like the 2010 Kansas City Wizards, which with the recent downturn financially for the league, it makes perfect sense for each player to find security within their own club. The side has been together longer than any other team in the country, which is obviously a strength for the upcoming season. In comes Kerry Zavagnin, a man who knows the ins and outs of the game, and learned from one of the best coaches in the game, Peter Vermes. While his mentor did not achieve great statistics, Zavagnin is surely ready to turn a new leaf for the struggling club.

With that said, the emergence of Lam Matteo into the limelight has boosted morale to no end, and with the likes of Kei Kamara and Diop continuing to surpass anyone's expectations in their unspoken connection, this year could be the Wizards' year.</table>
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[Matt10]

2022 Kansas City Wizards Schedule

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February (preseason)
2/27/22 - v FC Utrecht (NED) - Loss 3-1

March
3/6/22 - v Stade Lavallois (FRA) - Loss 1-0
3/13/22 - v Karabukapor (TUR) - Loss 0-2

***regular MLS season***

3/27/22 - v Chivas USA (away)

April
4/3/22 - v Real Salt Lake (home)
4/17/22 - v Houston (away)
4/24/22 - v LA Galaxy (home)

May
5/1/22 - v FC Dallas (away)
5/8/22 - v Colorado (home)
5/15/22 - v Philadelphia (away)
5/22/22 - v Toronto FC (home)
5/29/22 - v Columbus (away)

June
6/5/22 - v Chicago (away)
6/12/22 - v New England (home)
6/19/22 - v NY Red Bulls (away)
6/26/22 - v DC United (home)
6/29/22 - v LA Galaxy (home, US Open)

July (transfer window opens)
7/3/22 - v San Jose (away)
7/10/22 - v Seattle (home)
7/17/22 - v Philadelphia (home)
7/24/22 - v Toronto FC (away)
7/31/22 - v Columbus Crew (home)

August
8/7/22 - v Chicago (home)
8/14/22 - v New England (away)
8/21/22 - v NY Red Bulls (home)
8/28/22 - v DC United (away)

September
9/4/22 - v San Jose (home)
9/11/22 - v Seattle (away)
9/18/22 - v Chivas USA (home)
9/25/22 - v Real Salt Lake (away)

October
10/2/22 - v Houston (home)
10/9/22 - v LA Galaxy (away)
10/16/22 - v FC Dallas (home)
10/23/22 - v Colorado (away)

***postseasons begins***



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[Matt10]

Week 1​

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(0-0) Kansas City Wizards vs (0-0) Chivas USA
3/27/22
Home Depot Center (Carson, CA), 7 PM ET
Weather - Rainy​

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[Matt10]

to be edited.

 

[Matt10]

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Chivas 0-0 KC Wizards

Updated: March 28, 2022, 6:56 AM ET

Wizards settle for a point at Home Depot Center
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<TBODY></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#000099 align=left>Match Stats</TD><TR><TR><TD bgColor=#000099></TD><TD bgColor=#000099>Chivas</TD><TD bgColor=#000099>KC <TR><TD>Shots (On Target)</TD><TD>12 (8)</TD><TD>5 (2)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fouls</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Corners</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Offsides</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Possession</TD><TD>48%</TD><TD>52</TD></TR><TR><TD>Yellow Cards</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Red Cards</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Saves</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD></TR>





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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."
​