July 25: Another CAB sellout watched Wizards Tie 1-1 vs LA Galaxy

KC Wizards forward Claudio Lopez scored from over half field and LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan evened the score as the Wizards and Galaxy tied 1-1 at Community America Ballpark on July 25, 2009.

Wizards vs. Galaxy from Whitney Mathews on Vimeo.

KC Brass win 2-1 over Real Colorado Foxes in Regular Season Finale

Ryan Hennessy (North Kansas City HS/KC Pace/Missouri State U) and Brian Wurst (Park Hill South/KC Pace/Drake) finished the regular season leading the KC Brass in games played and played the full 90 minutes on defense in the KC Brass' 2-1 win over Real Colorado Foxes on July 18, 2009 at William Jewell College. KC Brass goals scored by Matt Kuhn (Raytown South, KC Legends/Wizards U19/Drake) and Chris Markey (UMKC). KC Brass goalkeeper Andy Fitzpatrick (Winnetonka/KC Pace/Oklahoma City) recorded the win in goal.

KC Brass win 1-0 over Springfield Demize

Coleton Henning (St. Thomas Aquinas, KCFC/KC Wizards U19, Furman) scored the game's only goal as the KC Brass 1-0 win over the Springfield Demize at William Jewell College on July 9, 2009. KC Brass goalkeeper Andy Fitzpatrick (Winnetonka, KC Pace, Oklahoma City) earned the shutout.

KC Brass: Another Tie at St. Louis: 2-2

Luke Gorczyca (St. Thomas Aquinas, KC Legends, Drake) and Brett Lewis (Blue Springs, KC Attack, William Jewell) each scored for the KC Brass in a 2-2 tie at St. Louis Lions on July 5, 2009.

KC Brass Tie 4-4 at St. Louis Lions

Brian Wurst (Park Hill South, KC Pace, Drake) had a goal and assist in the KC Brass' 4-4 tie at St. Louis Lions on June 13, 2009.

KC Brass goals: Michael Erwood, Brian Wurst, Matt Kuhn, Patrick White.

Wizards Win 3-1 vs Revolution

Aaron Hohlbein scored in the Wizards 3-1 win over New England Revolution on June 13, 2009 at Community America Ballpark.

Wizards goals scored by Davy Arnaud (assisted by Claudio Lopez), Own Goal and Aaron Hohlbein (unassisted).

50th Win

Photo: Lincoln Roblee, Burke Slusher and Jefferson Roblee

On June 6, 2009 the KC Brass won 6-0 over the Springfield Demize. The victory was the 50th regular season PDL win for Brass head coach Jefferson Roblee and assistant coaches Lincoln Roblee and Burke Slusher. The Brass coaching staff is among the top five most winning coaching staffs currently in the 68 team Premier Development League. Robi Goff coached the Brass during their first two seasons (1998-1999). Jim Schwab coached the team the next two seasons (2000-2001). Jefferson Roblee became the Brass' head coach beginning in 2002. Below is the list of the current staff's 1st, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th wins.

1st Game: May 5, 2002-KC Brass tie 2-2 vs Colorado Rapids U23 at BV Northwest.
KC Brass goals scored by Jake Bleyenberg (assisted by Geoff Miles) and Larry Scheller.

1st Win: May 12, 2002-KC Brass win 1-0 over Sioux Falls Spitfire at BV Northwest.
KC Brass lineup: Beau Williams; Mike Rosenthal, Scott Kaiser, Eric Zobrist, Nate Anderson; Tony Avery, Matt Jewett, Blake Ryan, Geoff Miles;Jake Bleyenberg, Larry Scheller
KC Brass goal scored by Blake Ryan. Shutout by Beau Williams.

10th Win: June 8, 2003-KC Bass win 2-0 over Nashville Metros at Blue Valley West.
KC Brass lineup: Todd Dohlman; Mike Rosenthal, Ryan Barber, Josh Duffy, Scott Kincaid; Ryan Shaw (Adam Blinzler), Ryan Raybould, Blake Ryan (William John), Geoff Miles (Kyle Sebus); Jake Bleyenberg, Larry Scheller (Jake Wyllie). DNP: Kurt Larson, Luis Licerio.
KC Brass goals by Blake Ryan (assisted by Ryan Shaw) and Larry Scheller (assisted by William John). Shutout by Todd Dohlman.

20th Win: June 10, 2005-KC Brass win 2-1 over Sioux Falls Spitfire at Excelsior Springs High School.
KC Brass lineup: Todd Dohlman; Joe Klosterman (Andy Cooper), Josh Howard, Josh Duffy, Ali Dorri; John Barber, Jared Atwood, Blake Ryan, Peter Kariotis (Andrew Clifton); Jesus Rodriguez (Chad Ramey), Kyle Perkins (Adam Blinzler).
Both KC Brass goals were scored by Kyle Perkins and both assists were provided by Jesus Rodriguez.

30th Win: June 3, 2006-KC Brass win 1-0 over West Michigan Edge at William Jewell College.
KC Brass lineup: Kyle Schroeder; Kevin Shrout, Kurt Larson, Josh White, Ali Dorri; Josh McDaniel (Richie Harris), Keith Gorczyca, Brant Bishop, Brian Wurst (Kevin Nekuda); Ryan Kaufman, Matt Blouin. DNP: Adam Sokolowski.
KC Brass goal scored by Keith Gorczyca (assisted by Ali Dorri). Shutout by Kyle Schroeder.

40th Win: June 30, 2007-KC Brass win 2-1 over Colorado Rapids U23 at William Jewell College.
KC Brass lineup: Kyle Schroeder; Kevin Shrout, Josh White, Josh Howard, Calvin Clark; Luke Gorczyca (Brian Wurst), Kevin Nekuda, Keith Gorczyca, Ali Dorri (Garret Guthrie); J.D. Warman (Jimmy Cummings), Brant Bishop (Haggai Leboo).
KC Brass goals scored by Josh Howard and Jimmy Cummings.

50th Win: June 6, 2009-KC Brass win 6-0 over Springfield Demize at Cooper Complex in Springfield, Missouri.
KC Brass lineup: Andy Fitzpatrick (Donovan Dowling); Brett Heinz, Ryan Hennessy (Patrick White), Michael Erwood, Chris Markey; Brian Wurst, Kevin Shrout (Bryan Perez), Luke Gorczyca; Matt Klaus, Edson Edward (Coady Andrews), Matt Kuhn.
KC Brass goals scored by Matt Kuhn (3), Edson Edward, Kevin Shrout and Coady Andrews. Shutout by Andy Fitzpatrick and Donovan Dowling.

Since its formation in 1997, the Kansas City Brass (PDL) has provided opportunities for the area's top amatuer soccer players to prepare for future professional play. In the past seven years, 30 Kansas City Brass players have been drafted or signed professionally in Europe, Major League Soccer, USL or the MISL.

The top U23 men’s league in North America, the USL Premier Development League (PDL) features 68 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away. The PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing around the world.

2009 State Cup Champions

Congratulations to all the 2009 Kansas State Cup champions and Missouri State Cup champions from the Kansas City Area!

*Kansas U12 Girls: KCFC United (Coach Kevin Sloan)

Missouri U13 Boys: KCFC Futura Academy I (Coach Brian Budzinski)

Missouri U13 Girls: KCFC Futura Academy (Coach Vlatko Andonovski)

Kansas U13 Boys: KC Wizards Juniors (Douda Kante)

Kansas U14 Boys: BVSC Stars Boca Juniors (Coach Dustin Ottesen)

Kansas U14 Girls: KCFC Force (Richard Davies)

Kansas U15 Boys: KC Wizards Juinors

Kansas U15 Girls: BV Stars Villareal (Coach Jon Parry)

>Missouri U15 Girls: KC Select Scream progress to Regionals with Midwest Regional League berth.

Kansas U16 Boys: KCFC Rangers (Coach Gareth Hughes)

>U16 KC Wizards Juniors progress to Regionals with Midwest Regional League berth.

Kansas U16 Girls: KCFC Intensity (Coach Huw Williams)

Kansas U17 Boys: KC Wizards Juniors (Coach Paul Rideout)

Kansas U17 Girls: BV Stars Mallorca (Coach Jon Parry)

Kansas U18 Boys: KC Wizards Juniors (Coach Paul Rideout)

Kansas U18 Girls: KC Metro Dynamos (Coach Derek Shoare)

Kansas U19 Boys: KC Wizards Juniors (Coach Jon Parry)

Kansas U19 Girls: KC Metro Dynamos (Coach Derek Shoare)

> U19 KCFC Jazz advance to Regionals with WildCard

*Missouri does not sponsor a U12 state cup for boys or girls. State Cup winners in the U13-U19 age groups advance to the USYSA Regional Championships in Sioux Falls, South Dakota June 20-24, 2009.

Josh Howard Scores Again for Soderhamns FF (Sweden)

Josh Howard (Lee's Summit North, KC Attack, William Jewell College, KC Brass) scored again for Soderhamns FF (Sweden). Howard scores Soderhamns FF's only goal in their 2-1 loss vs IK Frej. Partial story below with translation.

Efter att Frej tagit ledningen med 0-1 i den 55 minuten (också det lite för enkelt) så kvitterade vår amerikan Josh Howard med en kraftfull nick på en precis hörna slagen av Simon Åberg. Detta hände i den 75 minuten och här hade hemmalaget börjat på att oroa bortaförsvaret ett antal gånger framför målet.

Translation: After Frej taken the lead with 0-1 in 55 minutes (also a little too easy) so receipted our American Josh Howard with a vigorous nod in a corner, just beaten by Simon Åberg. This happened in the 75 minutes and this was the home team started to worry over the defense a number of times in front of goal.

KC Brass Win 6-0 at Springfield Demize

KC Brass win 6-0 at Springfield Demize on June 6, 2009. Matt Kuhn (Raytown South, KC LegendsKC Wizards U19, Drake) scores three goals for the KC Brass. Edson Edward (KC Wizards U19, Graceland), Kevin Shrout (Lee's Summit, KC Pace, Drake) and Coady Andrews (Mill Valley, KC Legends WC, Mid America Nazarene) also score.

Game Note: KC Brass midfielder Kevin Shrout scored from over 60 yards when he caught the Demize goalkeeper off his line. Shrout was also playing with the KC Brass when a similar goal was scored by a teammate. Josh Howard, currently playing professionally in Sweden, scored from 62 yards in the KC Brass' 3-1 win vs St. Louis Lions in 2007. Howard's goal came on a quick free kick. Shrout's long range goal was in the flow of play.

FYI: KC Brass will play the KC Wizards (MLS) Reserves on Sunday (June 7) morning at 11:00am at Swope.

Wizards lose 2-0 vs Columbus Crew

KC Wizards lose 2-0 vs Columbus Crew: Guillermo Barros Schelotto scores from a scramble in the first half and a penalty kick in the second half to secure the Columbus Crew a victory on the road at Community America Ballpark on June 6, 2009.

Brass Tie on Thursday, play in Springfield Saturday, Wizards at Swope on Sunday

Kansas City Brass & Des Moines Menace tie 1-1 on June 4, 2009 at William Jewell College. KC Brass forward Edson Edward (Graceland) finishes a rebound from KC Brass midfielder Michael Thomas' (St. Thomas Aquinas, KC Legends, Notre Dame) blast to tie the match in the 90th minute.

The Brass will travel to Springfield, Missouri for a PDL match at the Springfield Demize on Saturday night.

On Sunday the Brass will play the Wizards Reserves at 11:00am at Swope.

Josh Howard Earns Man of the Match for Soderhamns (Sweden)

Pictured: Josh Howard (Lee's Summit North HS, KC Attack, William Jewell College, KC Brass) celebrating his first professional goal in Soderhamns (Sweden) 2-0 win over Rasunda. Howard earned Man of the Match for his efforts. He also earned Man of the Match honors in his next match on May 31, 2009.

R.I.P.: Andy Shields (Funeral Arrangements)

Funeral Arrangements for Andy Shields can be found at www.wjcsoccer.com .

R.I.P.: Andy Shields

Andy Shields saved 8 of the 11 penalty kicks he faced during the 2006 regular season, playoffs and national tournament shootouts while in goal for William Jewell College. Note: Andy actually made all 8 PK saves...none missed the goal. Pictured: WJC goalkeeper Andy Shields makes a game winning PK shootout save at the 2006 NAIA National Tournament.

Andy Shields, 23 yeards old, passed away today, May 28, after suffering a severe stroke on May 25th. Andy is best known in the Kansas City soccer community for his goalkeeping excellence at Olathe North High School, Arsenal youth and William Jewell College. Andy was a starter and standout performer on William Jewell College's 2006 HAAC Champions, NAIA Region V Champion, National Tournament Qualifying and NAIA National Final Four team. His goalkeeping was the talk of the 2006 NAIA National Tournament which included incredible saves during two WJC shootout victories at nationals. Andy was named NAIA National Tournament All Tournament team in 2006. Prayers go out to the Shields family. Andy was loved and will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Link related to Andy Shields soccer: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/111806aah.html

KC Wizards win 4-1 over KC Brass in exhibition scrimmage

Davy Arnaud scored in the first half. Josh Wolff scored two second half goals and Graham Zusi added anther as the KC Wizards (MLS) 4-1 win over the KC Brass (PDL). Brass goal scored in the second half by Matt Klaus. Game played on May 27, 2009 at Wizards training facility at Swope.

Wizards lineup (1st half): Kevin Hartman; Lance Watson, Jimmy Conrad, Aaron Hohlbein, Matt Besler; Michael Harrington, Jack Jewsbury, Davy Arnoud, Kevin Souter; Hercules Gomez, Claudio Lopez

Wizards lineup (2nd half): Boris Pardo; Michael Kraus, Jonathan Leathers, Rashawn McKenzie, Matt Marquess; Santiago Hirsig, Kurt Morsink, Graham Zusi, Roger Espinoza; Abe Thompson, Josh Wolff

Brass lineup: Alex Horwath (Andy Fitzpatrick, Donovan Dowling); Brett Heinz (Patrick White), Michael Erwood, Ryan Hennessy (Coady Andrews), Chris Markey; Matt Klaus, Jordan Raybould (John Bayron Sosa), Michael Thomas, Matt Kuhn (Keith Parkhurst); Brian Wurst (Lucas Rodriguez), J.D. Warman (Curt McDonald)

KC Wizards (MLS) vs KC Brass (PDL) on Wednesday (5/27/09) at Swope. 10:30am kickoff.

Davy Arnaud (pictured) and the Wizards (MLS) will play against the KC Brass (PDL) in a scrimmage beginning at 10:30am on Wednesday (5/27/09) at the Wizards training facility at Swope Park.

KC Brass win 5-2 vs Springfield Demize

2009 KC Brass (PDL) pregame photo: Front Row: Lucas Rodriguez, Bryan Perez, J.D. Warman, Michael Clayton, Donovan Dowling, Andy Fitzpatrick, Kevin Shrout, Brian Wurst, Manny Tovar, Back Row: Matt Klaus, Edson Edward, Ryan Hennessy, Coady Andrews, Patrick White, Michael Thomas, Luke Gorczyca, Jordan Raybould.

KC Brass win 5-2 vs Springfield Demize on May 20, 2009 at William Jewell College. KC Brass goals scored by J.D. Warman (assisted by Matt Klaus), Matt Klaus (unassisted), Brian Wurst (assisted by Edson Edward), Matt Klaus (assisted by Edson Edward) and Lucas Rodriguez (assisted by J.D. Warman).

Player Ratings: Wizards tie 1-1 vs D.C. United

Josh Wolff scores second half goal as Wizards tie D.C. United 1-1 at Community America Ballpark on May 5, 2009.

D.C. United (3-1-4) vs. Kansas City Wizards (3-3-2)
May 06, 2009 -- CommunityAmerica Ballpark

Scoring Summary:
DC -- Rodney Wallace 2 (Jaime Moreno 2, Santino Quaranta 3) 27
KC -- Josh Wolff 3 (Jack Jewsbury 2, Lance Watson 1) 52


D.C. United -- Louis Crayton 6.5, Bryan Namoff 5, Greg Janicki 5.5, Avery John 5, Rodney Wallace 7, Brandon Barklage 5 (Christian Gomez 61 5), Andrew Jacobson 6.5, Clyde Simms 5, Santino Quaranta 6, Jaime Moreno 5.5 (Thabiso Khumalo 87 NR), Chris Pontius 5 (Luciano Emilio 46 5).

Substitutes Not Used: Dejan Jakovic, Milos Kocic, Devon McTavish, Ange N'Silu

Kansas City Wizards -- Kevin Hartman 5, Lance Watson 5.5, Jimmy Conrad 6, Aaron Hohlbein 6 (Michael Harrington 83 6.5), Matt Besler 5.5, Josh Wolff 7, Santiago Hirsig 6, Jack Jewsbury 6.5, Davy Arnaud 5.5, Herculez Gomez 5.5 (Roger Espinoza 60 5), Claudio Lopez 6.

Substitutes Not Used: Michael Kraus, Rauwshan McKenzie, Kurt Morsink, Boris Pardo, Abe Thompson

Kansas City Wizards D.C. United
total shots: 10 (Josh Wolff 4) 7 (3 tied with 2)
shots on goal: 3 (Josh Wolff 2) 1 (Rodney Wallace 1)
fouls: 9 (5 tied with 1) 15 (Brandon Barklage 3,
Avery John 3)
offsides: 1 (Claudio Lopez 1) 2 (Luciano Emilio 2)
corner kicks: 4 (Claudio Lopez 4) 4 (Jaime Moreno 3)
saves: 0 2 (Louis Crayton 2)

Misconduct Summary:
KC -- Jack Jewsbury (caution; Reckless Tackle) 23
DC -- Brandon Barklage (caution; Tactical Foul) 29
KC -- Lance Watson (caution; Reckless Foul) 56
DC -- Avery John (caution; Reckless Foul) 71
KC -- Roger Espinoza (caution; Reckless Tackle) 82


referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Referee's Assistants: Anthony Vasoli; Chris Strickland
4th official: Mark Kadlecik
time of game: 1:50
attendance: 9,077
weather: Sunny -and- 74 degrees

Player Ratings by Jefferson Roblee, Associate Head Coach of William Jewell College Soccer and Head Coach of the Kansas City Brass (PDL).

KC Brass: 2009 PDL Season Begins in Colorado May 9 & 10

Above: KC Brass prior to their 0-0 tie vs Rapids U23 in 2007. The KC Brass will begin their 2009 PDL season in Colorado vs Real Colorado Foxes on May 9 & 10.

The KC Brass will play their first home game on May 17 vs St. Louis Lions at William Jewell College. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00pm.

2009 KC BRASS (PDL) PLAYER POOL
PLAYER: HIGH SCHOOL, YOUTH CLUB, COLLEGE
Coady Andrews: Mill Valley, KC Legends, Mid America Nazarene,
Calvin Clark: St. Thomas Aquinas, BV Stars, Drake
Michael Clayton: Oak Park, KC Pace, Butler
Levi Coleman: Broken Arrow (OK), OKC Spirit, Florida International/UMKC
Donovan Dowling: Olathe South, KC Attack, Barton County CC/IPFW
Edson Edward: Ottawa Fury (Canada)/KC Wizards U19, Graceland
Kevin Ellis: Oak Park, KC Wizards Juniors, Barton County CC
Michael Erwood: BV North, KC Legends, Furman
Andy Fitzpatrick: Winnetonka, KC Pace, Oklahoma City U
Ben Friesen: Ray-Pec, KC Legends, E. Illinois/Truman St.
Luke Gorczyca: St. Thomas Aquinas, KC Legends, Drake
Brett Heinz: BV North, KCFC/KC Wizards U19, Butler
Ryan Hennessy: North Kansas City, KC Pace, Missouri State
Coleton Henning: St. Thomas Aquinas, KCFC/KC Wizards U19, Furman
John David Hernandez: Kendall (FL), UMKC
Alexander Horwath: McDonogh (MD), D.C. United Youth, UConn/Wisconsin
Matt Klaus: Kearney, KCFC, Graceland
Willie Koss: BV Northwest, BV Stars/KC Wizards U19, Loyola Chicago
Matt Kuhn: Raytown South, KC Legends/KC Wizards U19, Drake
Haggai Leboo: Washington, KC Pace, Rockhurst
Brett Lewis: Blue Springs, KC Attack, William Jewell
Alex Linthicum: Mill Valley, KC Legends, Buena Vista/ORU
Chris Markey: Oak Mountain (AL), Birmingham United, UMKC
Curt McDonald: BV North, KCFC/KC Wizards U19, Furman/Rockhurst
Chaz O'Dell: William Chrisman, Futura, Maple Woods CC
Peter O'Neill: Rockhurst, BV Stars/KC Wizards U19, Northwestern
Kome Okiomah: Pflugerville (TX), Baker
Keith Parkhurst: Olathe East, BV Stars, Benedictine
Bryan Perez: Killian (FL), Kendall (FL), UMKC
Michael Perry: St. Thomas Aquinas, BV Stars/KC Wizards U19, Denver
Jordan Raybould: Rockhurst, KC Legends, Yale
Lucas Rodriguez: SM Northwest, KC Attack, JCCC/Mid America Nazarene
Kevin Shrout: Lee's Summit, KC Pace, Drake
Jimmy Simon: Leavenworth, BV Stars/KC Wizards U19, UMKC
John Bayron Sosa: Gateway (FL), UMKC
Michael Thomas: St. Thomas Aquinas, KC Legends, Notre Dame
Manny Tovar: Hickman Mills, KC Pace, William Jewell
J.D. Warman: Liberty, KC Pace
Payton Warwick: SM East, KC Legends, Rhode Island
Patrick White: St. Thomas Aquinas, KCFC, Furman
Brian Wurst: Park Hill South, KC Pace, Tulsa/Drake
Desmond Yankey: Goddard/Southeast, Barton County CC/Park

Coaching Staff: Jefferson Roblee, Lincoln Roblee, Burke Slusher

Player Ratings: KC Wizards at Toronto FC

Roger Espinoza made his first start of the season in the Wizards 1-0 loss at Toronto FC on April 26, 2009.

Scoring:
TOR -- Danny Dichio 1 (Sam Cronin 1, Marvell Wynne 1) 54
Discipline:
TOR -- Pablo Vitti (caution; Shirt Removal) 52
KC -- Davy Arnaud (caution; Dissent) 76

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 7
2 - Michael Harrington 5
5 - Matt Besler 3
6 - Lance Watson 73 4
7 - Claudio Lopez 5
10 - Santiago Hirsig 5
12 - Jimmy Conrad 3
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 84 4
16 - Josh Wolff 3
17 - Roger Espinoza 78 4
22 - Davy Arnaud 5
Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
4 - Abe Thompson 84 NR
11 - Kurt Morsink
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
21 - Herculez Gomez 73 6
26 - Kevin Souter
30 - Michael Kraus 78 4

Toronto FC
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
24 - Stefan Frei (GK) 7
2 - Sam Cronin 5
4 - Marco Velez 6
8 - Pablo Vitti 91+ 7
9 - Danny Dichio 7
11 - Jim Brennan 6
15 - Adrian Serioux 6.5
16 - Marvell Wynne 6
19 - Chad Barrett 83 6
20 - Amado Guevara 79 6
33 - Carl Robinson 5.5
Substitutes
1 - Greg Sutton (GK)
3 - Nana Attakora-Gyan 91+ NR
5 - Kevin Harmse 79 5
7 - Fuad Ibrahim
10 - Rohan Ricketts 83 NR
13 - Johann Smith
32 - Emmanuel Gomez

Player ratings by Jefferson Roblee, Associate Head Coach of men's and women's soccer at William Jewell College and Head Coach of the KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: Red Bull New York at KC Wizards

Claudio Lopez scored the only goal of the match on a penalty kick in the 3rd minute to give the Wizards a 1-0 lead they never relinquished in Kansas City at CAB on April 23, 2009. 3rd minute Red Bull red card gives Wizards 11 v 10 advantage for 87 minutes.

Scoring:
KC -- Claudio Lopez 2 (penalty kick) 3
Discipline:
NY -- Carlos Johnson (ejection; Denied Goal Scoring Opportunity (Foul)) 2
KC -- Jimmy Conrad (caution; Reckless Foul) 29
KC -- Matt Besler (caution; Persistent Infringement) 64

New York Red Bulls
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
18 - Jon Conway (GK) 7
2 - Kevin Goldthwaite 4
3 - Carlos Johnson 2 1
4 - Carlos Mendes 77 4
6 - Seth Stammler 5
9 - Juan Pablo Angel 5
10 - Macoumba Kandji 59 6
11 - Danleigh Borman 5
13 - Jorge Rojas 46 5
14 - Matthew Mbuta 4
16 - Alfredo Pacheco 3
Substitutes
1 - Danny Cepero (GK)
7 - Khano Smith
8 - Sinisa Ubiparipovic 77 6
15 - John Wolyniec
19 - Dane Richards 59 6
27 - Andrew Boyens
32 - Luke Sassano 46 5

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 7
5 - Matt Besler 67 6
6 - Lance Watson 6
7 - Claudio Lopez 7
10 - Santiago Hirsig 7
12 - Jimmy Conrad 7
14 - Jack Jewsbury 32 6
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 6
16 - Josh Wolff 5
21 - Herculez Gomez 77 6
22 - Davy Arnaud 5
Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
2 - Michael Harrington 32 6.5
4 - Abe Thompson
11 - Kurt Morsink
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
17 - Roger Espinoza 67 6
30 - Michael Kraus 77 5

Player ratings by Lincoln Roblee, Women's Soccer Head Coach of Benedictine College and Associate Head Coach of KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: KC Wizards at Chicago Fire

Josh Wolff scored two goals for the Wizards in the final twelve minutes to salvage a 2-2 tie at Chicago Fire on April 18, 2009.

Scoring:
CHI -- Brian McBride 3 (Wilman Conde 1) 13
CHI -- Brian McBride 4 (Cuauhtemoc Blanco 2) 20
KC -- Josh Wolff 1 (Claudio Lopez 2) 78
KC -- Josh Wolff 2 (Michael Harrington 1) 89
Discipline:
KC -- Claudio Lopez (caution; Reckless Tackle) 63
KC -- Josh Wolff (caution; Reckless Foul) 66
CHI -- Bakary Soumare (caution; Reckless Tackle) 70

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 8
5 - Matt Besler 6
6 - Lance Watson 73 5
7 - Claudio Lopez 6
10 - Santiago Hirsig 46 4
12 - Jimmy Conrad 4
14 - Jack Jewsbury 5
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 5
16 - Josh Wolff 8
21 - Herculez Gomez 83 3
22 - Davy Arnaud 3
Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
2 - Michael Harrington 46 7
4 - Abe Thompson
11 - Kurt Morsink 83 NR
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
17 - Roger Espinoza
30 - Michael Kraus 73 6


Chicago Fire
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Jon Busch (GK) 4
4 - Bakary Soumare 5
5 - Tim Ward 5
7 - Logan Pause 6
10 - Cuauhtemoc Blanco 83 8
11 - John Thorrington 6.5
14 - Patrick Nyarko 77 6
16 - Marco Pappa 89 6.5
20 - Brian McBride 8
22 - Wilman Conde 5
25 - Gonzalo Segares 6
Substitutes
28 - Nick Noble (GK)
6 - Brandon Prideaux
9 - Baggio Husidic
17 - Chris Rolfe 77 6
18 - Mike Banner 89 NR
32 - Dasan Robinson
34 - Austin Washington 83 3

Player ratings by Jefferson Roblee, Associate Head Coach of men's and women's soccer at William Jewell College and Head Coach of the KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: KC Wizards at Seattle Sounders FC

Davy Arnaud scored from distance in the 80th minute to give the Wizards a 1-0 win and Seattle their first loss of the young season at Quest Field in Seattle, Washington on April 11, 2009.

Scoring:
KC -- Davy Arnaud 3 (Jack Jewsbury 1) 80
Discipline:
SEA -- Brad Evans (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 4
KC -- Jack Jewsbury (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 10
SEA -- Kasey Keller (ejection; Denied Goal Scoring Opportunity (Handball)) 29
KC -- Michael Kraus (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 71
KC -- Kevin Hartman (caution; Delaying a Restart) 91+

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 6
5 - Matt Besler 5
6 - Lance Watson 6
7 - Claudio Lopez 82 5
10 - Santiago Hirsig 64 4
12 - Jimmy Conrad 6
14 - Jack Jewsbury 6
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 5
16 - Josh Wolff 4
21 - Herculez Gomez 77 5
22 - Davy Arnaud 7

Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
2 - Michael Harrington 77 5
4 - Abe Thompson
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
17 - Roger Espinoza 82 5
26 - Kevin Souter
30 - Michael Kraus 64 4

Seattle Sounders FC
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
18 - Kasey Keller (GK) 29 2
3 - Brad Evans 5
6 - Osvaldo Alonso 5
7 - James Riley 5
9 - Sebastien Le Toux 31 4
10 - Freddie Ljungberg 81 6
14 - Tyrone Marshall 4
17 - Fredy Montero 5.5
20 - Zach Scott 86 3
21 - Nate Jaqua 5
34 - Jhon Kennedy Hurtado 4

Substitutes
22 - Ben Dragavon (GK) 31 3.5
4 - Patrick Ianni
5 - Tyson Wahl
11 - Steve Zakuani 81 NR
12 - Nathan Sturgis
23 - Sanna Nyassi 86 NR
24 - Roger Levesque

Player ratings by Burke Slusher, Associate Head Coach, KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: San Jose Earthquakes at KC Wizards

Matt Besler made his first MLS start and played the full 90 in the KC Wizards 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Community America Ballpark on April 5, 2009.

Scoring:
KC -- Aaron Hohlbein 1 (unassisted) 28
KC -- Claudio Lopez 1 (Herculez Gomez 1, Davy Arnaud 1) 78
Discipline:
SJ -- Darren Huckerby (caution; Persistent Infringement) 30
SJ -- Arturo Alvarez (caution; Reckless Foul) 34
KC -- Herculez Gomez (caution; Reckless Foul) 92+
San Jose Earthquakes
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Joe Cannon (GK) 6
2 - Eric Denton 52 4
3 - Nick Garcia 4
4 - Chris Leitch 4
6 - Darren Huckerby 74 3
10 - Arturo Alvarez 5.5
11 - Bobby Convey 3
12 - Ramiro Corrales 4
17 - Cam Weaver 4
19 - Ryan Johnson 59 3
22 - Kelly Gray 4

Substitutes
24 - Andrew Weber (GK)
5 - Ryan Cochrane
7 - Simon Elliott 52 4
9 - Pablo Campos 59 3
15 - Shea Salinas 74 4
23 - Michael Zaher
32 - Davide Somma

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 5
5 - Matt Besler 5
6 - Lance Watson 6
7 - Claudio Lopez 88 7
10 - Santiago Hirsig 6
12 - Jimmy Conrad 6.5
14 - Jack Jewsbury 6
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 7
16 - Josh Wolff 91+ 5.5
21 - Herculez Gomez 6.5
22 - Davy Arnaud 6

Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
4 - Abe Thompson
11 - Kurt Morsink
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
17 - Roger Espinoza 91+ NR
25 - Jonathan Leathers
30 - Michael Kraus 88 NR

Player ratings by Jefferson Roblee, Associate Head Coach of men's and women's soccer at William Jewell College and Head Coach of the KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: KC Wizards at Colorado Rapids

Michael Kraus came off the bench to score his first MLS goal in the Wizards 2-1 loss at Colorado Rapids on March 28, 2009.

Scoring:
COL -- Terry Cooke 1 (unassisted) 65
KC -- Michael Kraus 1 (Jonathan Leathers) 69
COL -- Omar Cummings 2 (Colin Clark 1) 74
Discipline:
COL -- Cory Gibbs (caution; Reckless Foul) 22
KC -- Jonathan Leathers (caution; Tactical Foul) 64
COL -- Kosuke Kimura (caution; Reckless Tackle) 67
KC -- Herculez Gomez (caution; Reckless Tackle) 82

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 7
2 - Michael Harrington 5
4 - Abe Thompson 67 3
6 - Lance Watson 4
7 - Claudio Lopez 5
12 - Jimmy Conrad 6
14 - Jack Jewsbury 5
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 5
21 - Herculez Gomez 87 6
25 - Jonathan Leathers 5
28 - Graham Zusi 57 3
Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
5 - Matt Besler 87 NR
10 - Santiago Hirsig 57 5
11 - Kurt Morsink
13 - Rauwshan McKenzie
22 - Davy Arnaud
30 - Michael Kraus 67 6

Colorado Rapids
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
18 - Matt Pickens (GK) 7
2 - Jordan Harvey 6
4 - Ugo Ihemelu 7
7 - Cory Gibbs 7
8 - Mehdi Ballouchy 90 6
9 - Conor Casey 5
14 - Omar Cummings 7
15 - Jacob Peterson 64 6
22 - Nick LaBrocca 6
23 - Colin Clark 8
27 - Kosuke Kimura 5
Substitutes
17 - Preston Burpo (GK)
5 - Ty Harden 90 NR
6 - Greg Dalby
11 - Terry Cooke 64 7
12 - Ivan Guerrero
13 - Ross Schunk
16 - Gregory Richardson

Player ratings by Lincoln Roblee, Women's Soccer Head Coach of Benedictine College and Associate Head Coach of KC Brass (PDL)

Player Ratings: KC Wizards vs Toronto FC

Davy Arnaud scored two goals from distance in the Wizards 3-2 loss vs Toronto FC at Community America Ballpark on March 21, 2009.

Scoring:
TOR -- Jim Brennan 1 (Dwayne De Rosario 1) 33
TOR -- Amado Guevara 1 (Carl Robinson) 53
KC -- Davy Arnaud 1 (Claudio Lopez 1) 56
TOR -- Amado Guevara 2 (unassisted) 62
KC -- Davy Arnaud 2 (Santiago Hirsig 1, Roger Espinoza 1) 76
Discipline:
KC -- Jack Jewsbury (caution; Reckless Tackle) 39
TOR -- Rohan Ricketts (caution; Reckless Tackle) 46+
Toronto FC
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
24 - Stefan Frei (GK) 6
2 - Sam Cronin 5
5 - Kevin Harmse 5
10 - Rohan Ricketts 4.5
11 - Jim Brennan 7
14 - Dwayne De Rosario 7
15 - Adrian Serioux 5.5
16 - Marvell Wynne 4.5
19 - Chad Barrett 89 6.5
20 - Amado Guevara 8
33 - Carl Robinson 6
Substitutes
1 - Greg Sutton (GK)
4 - Marco Velez
7 - Fuad Ibrahim
8 - Pablo Vitti
9 - Danny Dichio 89 NR
13 - Johann Smith
32 - Emmanuel Gomez

Kansas City Wizards
Starting Lineup PLAYER RATING
1 - Kevin Hartman (GK) 5
2 - Michael Harrington 3
7 - Claudio Lopez 4
12 - Jimmy Conrad 5
14 - Jack Jewsbury 6
15 - Aaron Hohlbein 46 3
16 - Josh Wolff 2.5
21 - Herculez Gomez 3
22 - Davy Arnaud 8
25 - Jonathan Leathers 3
28 - Graham Zusi 62 2.5
Substitutes
27 - Boris Pardo (GK)
4 - Abe Thompson
5 - Matt Besler
6 - Lance Watson
10 - Santiago Hirsig 62 2.5
17 - Roger Espinoza 46 3.5
30 - Michael Kraus

Player ratings by Burke Slusher, Associate Head Coach, KC Brass (PDL)

Wizards 2009 Season Begins Saturday Night

Photo: KC Wizards Team Captain Jimmy Conrad and his teammates will battle Toronto FC on Saturday night in their season opener.

The Kansas City Wizards kickoff their 2009 MLS regular season at home on Saturday night at Community America Ballpark vs Toronto FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm. Go Wizards!

KC Kings Finish 2nd at PASL Indoor National Championships

Mirsad Dzilic scored two game winning goals for the KC Kings at the 2009 PASL Indoor National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kings lost 5-4 in the championship match vs Vitesse Dallas.

3/7/09 - Vitesse Dallas won the 2008-09 Winter PASL-Premier National Championship today versus the Kansas City Kings, 5-4. Vitesse Dallas advanced through group play as the top seed, and beat their South Central division and inter-state rival Alamo S.C. in the Quarterfinals 7-2. In the Semifinals Dallas beat their group rival and tournament host, Las Vegas, 5-4.The final match-up between the Kansas City Kings and Vitesse Dallas was the culmination of a day filled with amazing goals, solid defense, and incredible entertainment for the fans in attendance. Kansas City found the net first, and finished the first quarter with a 1-0 lead. Dallas wasted no time and found the net shortly into the second quarter, with a halftime score tied at 1-1. Dallas looked good in the 3rd, scoring two unanswered goals to finish the quarter with a 3-1 lead. In the 4th quarter Dallas extended their lead to 4-1 with 9:41 remaining in the game. Kansas City, who averaged over 10 goals a game in regular season play, banded together to rally to even the score. Their three goals in three minutes spree tied the game at 4-4 with just 3:29 remaining. With 1:14 remaining, Kansas City was awarded a free kick on the top white line after a clearance by Dallas that hit the superstructure. On the ensuing kick, the ball was deflected off the wall and Henry Colona was off the races on a 1v1 with Kansas City goalkeeper Josh Shreck. Colona found the net with just 1:04 remaining in the game. Kansas City immediately subbed on their 6th attacker, however they were not able to find the net with the man advantage.Mario Torres earned the Tournament MVP, after scoring two goals in the final, and never failing to find the net in all five tournament games for Dallas. This is Dallas’ first National Championship.

Mandy Laddish: U20 USA National Team

Lee's Summit High School junior and BV Stars Mallorca player Mandy Laddish will be playing for the USA U20 National Team in Spain vs Norway, France and Germany.

U.S. U-20 WOMEN HEAD TO 10 NATIONS TOURNAMENT IN LA MANGA, SPAIN: U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team head coach Jillian Ellis will bring 18 players to La Magna, Spain, from March 6-14 for the 10 Nations Tournament that will mark the first international matches of this cycle. The team will play three matches against European U-20 teams, taking on Norway on March 9, France on March 11 and Germany on March 13. The roster features six players from the USA’s 2008 U-17 Women’s National Team that finished second at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, including the Mewis sisters, Samantha and Kristie, the latter of whom won the Bronze Ball as the third best player of the tournament, and Vicki DiMartino, who won the Silver Shoe as the second highest scorer. The roster also features two players from the USA’s 2008 U-20 Women’s National Team that won the U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Chile, including Golden Ball and Golden Shoe winner Sydney Leroux, who scored five times in Chile to lead the Americans to victory. Ellis is preparing the USA to qualify for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup that will be held in Germany. U.S. U-20 WNT 10 Nations Tournament Roster GOALKEEPERS (2): Bianca Henniger (Santa Clara; Los Gatos, Calif.), Cat Parkhill (Minnesota; Apple Valley, Minn.) DEFENDERS (5): Cloee Colohan (Black Diamond Park City SC; West Point, Utah), Camille Levin (Stanford; Newport Coast, Calif.), Kristie Mewis (SC Scorpions; Hanson, Mass.), Whitney Sharpe (UCLA; West Des Moines, Iowa), Brianne Young (Texas A&M; Castle Pines North, Colo.) MIDFIELDERS (5): Zakiya Bywaters (Neusport SC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Alexis Harris (Dallas Texans; Plano, Texas), Mandy Laddish (Blue Valley Stars; Lee’s Summit, Mo.), Samantha Mewis (SC Scorpions; Hanson, Mass.), Casey Short (Florida State; Naperville, Ill.) FORWARDS (6): Vicki DiMartino (Albertson Fury; Massapequa, N.Y.), Maya Hayes (Aristics Club; West Orange, N.J.), Sydney Leroux (UCLA; Phoenix, Ariz.), Tiffany McCarty (Florida State; Laurel, Md.), Kealia Ohai (Utah Avalanche; Draper, Utah), Toni Pressley (Florida State; Melbourne, Fla.)

Will John Featured on Yanks-Abroad.com

Photo: Will John playing with the USA U20 National Team.

Former KC Attack youth, Rockhurst High School, St. Louis University, KC Brass and KC Wizards player Will John is featured on Yanks Abroad website.

Shea Groom Interview at adidas ESP camp (2009)

Video of Liberty High School sophomore and KCFC Intensity player Shea Groom at last week's adidas ESP camp in Pomona, California. Interview by Robert Ziegler of www.TopDrawerSoccer.com (An advertisement will probably appear before the interview).

Kaysie Clark Called into U17 USA National Team Camp

Photo: KC area players Delaney Kiely, Kaysie Clark, Shea Groom and Allie Stephenson have had USA youth national team experience during the past three years with the 1993 age group.

KC Select Scream and Liberty High School player Kaysie Clark is one of 24 players invited into US U17 National Team camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The week long national team camp will begin February 28, 2009. Clark and Liberty High School teammate Shea Groom both participated in the adidas ESP camp last week in Pomona, California last week where they were both named to the ESP All Star Teams. In addition, Clark and Groom played with the US U15 National Team in November 2008.

From ussoccer.com : U.S. U-17 WOMEN IN TRAINING CAMP AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER: U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team head coach Kazbek Tambi will bring 24 players to a training camp at The Home Depot Center from Feb. 28-March 6 in what will be the second camp for this age group this year. Tambi oversaw a Super Camp with 48 players earlier this year in Florida. The players on this roster were mostly born in 1993 and 1994, with one born in 1995. This is a somewhat rare appearance for the U-17s in California, as the team did most of its training on the east coast leading up to the first U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup last year in New Zealand. U.S. U-17 WNT Roster GOALKEEPERS (3): Bryane Heaberlin (Clear Water Chargers; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Molly Poletto (Storm – Copa; Englewood, Colo.), Abby Smith (Dallas Texans; Dallas, Texas) DEFENDERS (5): Olivia Brannon (Michigan Jags; Troy, Mich.), Miranda Cornejo (San Diego Surf ; Vista, Calif.), Alexandra Courtnall (Eagles Premier; Westlake Village, Calif.), Laura Liedle (San Diego Surf; San Diego, Calif.), Rachel Price (Space Coast; Melbourne Beach, Fla.) MIDFIELDERS (10): Morgan Andrews (FC Stars of Mass.; Milford, N.H.), Morgan Brian (Ponte Verde Storm; St. Simons Island, Ga.), Kaysie Clark (KC Select Scream; Liberty, Mo.), Alexandra Doll (Bethesda SC; Bethesda, Md.), Caprice Dydasco (HSC Bulls; Honolulu, Hawaii), Isabel Farrell (Crossfire; Bellevue, Wash.), Shelby Payne (IMG Academy; Bradenton, Fla.), Sydney Payne (IMG Academy; Bradenton, Fla.), Cari Roccaro (Albertson Fury 93; East Islip, N.Y.), Ashley Spivey (Baltimore Bays; Baltimore, Md.) FORWARDS (6): Mariana Galvan (Santa Clara Sporting; San Jose, Calif.), Kylie McCarthy (San Diego Surf; Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), Ashley Meier (Cleveland Whitecaps; Strongsville, Ohio), Cate Parchinski (Pride Predators; Colorado Springs, Colo.), Courtney Proctor (Santa Clarita United Blazers; Santa Clarita, Calif.), Taylor Smith (Solar Red; Fort Worth, Texas)

WILL JOHN SIGNS WITH FIRST DIVISION SLOVOKIAN CLUB MSK ZILINA

WILL JOHN SIGNS WITH FIRST DIVISION SLOVOKIAN CLUB MSK ZILINA

Former KC Attack youth, Rockhurst High School, St. Louis University, USA U20 National Team and KC Brass player Will John signs with Slovakian First Division club MSK Zilina. Since turning pro at the age of 19 Will has played professionally with the Chicago Fire (MLS), Kansas City Wizards (MLS), Randers FC (Denmark), FK Cukaricki (Serbia) and now MSK Zilina (Slovak).

KCsoccer.com Interview: Jefferson Roblee

Photo: William Jewell College Associate Head Coach and KC Brass Head Coach Jefferson Roblee talks with KCsoccer.com


Today KCsoccer.com profiles: Jefferson Roblee

Team(s) you are affiliated with:
William Jewell College, Associate Head Coach (M & W): 2006-present
Kansas City Brass (PDL), Head Coach: 2002-present
KC Wizards Youth Training Program, Director: 2001-2005
Missouri Boys 87 ODP State Team, Coach: 2001-2005
KC Pace youth teams, Coach: 1995-2007
Liberty High School, JV Boys & Girls Coach: 1994-1997

How did you begin playing/coaching? I went to a YMCA soccer clinic when I was 6 years old. My dad took over coaching my YMCA team before our second season and that really helped energized my interest. George Derra began coaching me when I was 12. My first official coaching job was as the JV boys and girls coach at Liberty High School during the 1994/1995 school year.

Name some of your biggest wins as a player/coach:As a U15 player my club team (UHS Apollos) defeated the U16 Manatoba Canada Province team (Canadian ODP team) at the 1986 USA Cup. The game was played under the lights (very rare at the time) and was the second half of a doubleheader feature exhibition. The first half of the doubleheader feature was the USA vs Canada women's national teams (It was either the first or second USA women's national team match ever!). It was a summer of the World Cup (Mexico 86) and my team wore USA looking uniforms during the match and the Canadian team wore red (it looked like our game was a USA vs Canada national team match as well). Although it was just an exhibition we played with national pride! We won 3-2 playing great soccer vs our older opponents. I didn't have a goal or assist in the game but our team effort and the atmosphere made it impossible to forget. And although it wasn't a monumental victory, in college (The University of Tulsa) I scored a goal vs Vanderbilt. It was one of my better goals but what made it special was that Lincoln assisted me on the play (great pass). The TU public address announcer made sure the fans knew that it was a Roblee to Roblee goal.
I've had a lot of memorable victories as a coach. I treasure individual player and team development as much as the victories however there are a few victories that stand out. Some of the victories that stand out include the 87/88 KC Pace historic Missouri state championship in 2005 and also in 2006. In my first year at WJC finishing 9-0-0 in conference, winning the regional championship and winning two games at nationals to advance to the Final Four in 2006 and coaching the KC Brass to qualification in the U.S. Open Cup in 2007. I'm very proud of all those results and the player committment that produced those results.

Name some players you have played/coached against that have impressed you (and why?): I played with or against a lot of good players. We had four Olympic Festival (USA U23 pool) players at TU: David Gordon, Kevin King, Frank Velez and Neal Zahn. They were all very good but Kevin King may have been the best of the bunch. He played numerous games with the USA B National Team (what is now known as U23 National Team). Kevin would have been a successful MLS player had the league been around a few years earlier. I played with and against a lot of very good players at the inaugural MLS discovery tryouts in 1995 and 1996 including future MLS players Brian Kamler and Shane Battelle. All of the players I mentioned could play with skill, strength and confidence. Good players. I have been very fortunate to coach a lot of very talented players. Too many to mention. I've coached against a lot of talented players as well. I've coached against the Wizards in exhibitions a dozen times since 2002 and they have had some very distinguished players since 2002...most notably Preki. Some of the more memorable opponents who were amateurs at the time include Pat Noonan (80/81 Scott Gallagher), Sumed Ibrahim (80/81 Javanon), Heath Pearce (Colorado Rapids PDL), Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids PDL), Nate Jaqua (Colorado Rapids PDL), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire PDL), Ned Grabavoy (Chicago Fire PDL), David Roth (Chicago Fire PDL). However the amatuer player who stood out the most was clearly Vedad Ibisevic. Vedad played for the St. Louis PDL team in 2002 and 2003. Although Vedad was only 19 years old he was clearly the most pro-ready amateur player I have seen competing at an amateur level.

Compare the game now compared to when you first started playing/coaching: The game has grown so much in every way during the past 30 years. The opportunity to play, learn and watch is better at every level (rec, youth, high school, college, amateur, pro, international). When I started playing soccer in 1977, my future high school (Winnetonka) did not have a soccer team...my future college (University of Tulsa) did not have a soccer team...and the city I lived in (Kansas City) did not have a professional team...You had to be very hard core to progress your game. Now young players have loads of opportunity to learn, play and watch very good soccer.

What factors have helped you be a successful player/coach? As a player I had some very good coaches and as a coach I've worked along side some very good coaches. My father was one of my first coaches in the YMCA. He had a very good eye for talent and was very honest in his evaluations. I hope I received some of those qualities from him. The experiences gained from playing for good coaches and working with good coaches cannot be duplicated. I am a competitive person who enjoys helping others appreciate the game while maximizing their talent.

Name your top 11 players you have played with or coached:

MEN:

GK-Todd Dohlman: KC Brass: MISL drafted

D-Ryan Barber: 80/81 KC Pace & KC Brass: Canada U20 & MLS drafted
D-Josh Howard: WJC & KC Brass: MLS Reserve & Swedish D2 player
D-Ryan Raybould: KC Brass: MLS & Allsvenskan (Swedish premier) player
D-Neal Zahn: UHS Apollos & TU: Olympic Fest (USA U23) player
M-Kevin King: TU: Olympic Festival (USA U23) & NPSL player
M-Will John: KC Brass: USA U20 player, MLS & Danish Superliga player
M-Allan Nekuda: WJC & KC Brass: MLS Reserve & MISL drafted

M-Blake Ryan: 80/81 KC Pace & KC Brass: MLS Reserve & MISL drafted
F-Jake Bleyenberg: KC Brass: MLS Reserve and MISL player
F-Frank Velez: TU: Olympic Festival (USA U23) player & NPSL player
I'm not including any person I have coached with or any men's player I could still coach with WJC or KC Brass...Therefore no 87/88 KC Pace players, William Jewell College men's players or current KC Brass players are eligible for this list...there are definitely some players from those teams that could be on this list.

WOMEN:

GK-Rebecca Ewing: NSCAA Scholar All Region

D-Erica Greco: NAIA All America & Academic All America

D-Theresa Noll: NAIA & NSCAA All America

D-Megan Penrod: NAIA All America

D-Lauren Pouche: NSCAA Scholar All Region

M-Katie Brooks: NSCAA All Region & Scholar All Region

M-Shanon Eberle: NAIA & NSCAA All America

M-Kathleen Hatfield: NAIA Academic All America

M-Megan Gray: NAIA All America & Academic All America

F-Nicole Revenaugh: NAIA & NSCAA All America

F-Ashley Tanner: NAIA All America

This is a honor roll of the most decorated women's players during my time coaching at WJC.

Name your top 11 players of all time (no restrictions):

GK-Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
D-Cafu (Brazil)
D-Franz Beckenbauer (W. Germany)
D-Paolo Maldini (Italy)
M-Lothar Mattheaus (W. Germany/Germany)
M-Zinedine Zidane (France)
M-Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
M-Diego Maradona (Argentina)
M-Pele (Brazil)
F-Romario (Brazil)
F-Ronaldo (Brazil)
All of these players were World Cup winners except for Cristiano Ronaldo...who was World Player of the Year in 2008. In this 3-5-2: Buffon in goal. Cafu on the right, Beckenbauer in the middle and Maldini on the left. Although all three can go forward they would all stay back and use their defensive instincts in this 11. Lothar and Zizoo play as twin holding mids. Lothar has experience there and Zidane can play anywhere. C. Ronaldo and Pele on the wings but could probably roam on this team...Maradona is the attacking mid. Give Maradona the ball and this team will score every time. Romario and Ronaldo up top...Unstoppable.

This interview was completed on: (date) February 20, 2009.