www.KCsoccer.com

William Jewell College Women's and Men's Soccer Teams Selected to National Championships; Jewell Hosts 1st Round Games on November 20th

2010-11-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

William Jewell College women's team (14-2-2) and men's team (17-2) have each been selected to the 2010 NAIA National Championships. William Jewell College will host both a women's and men's first round game on November 20th. The WJC women will host Ashford-Iowa (15-4-2) at 4pm. The WJC men will host Concordia-Oregon (16-2-1) at 7pm.

KC Brass (PDL) featured on MetroSports (5/25/10)

2010-05-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

KC Brass (PDL) Win Opener

2010-05-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

Kansas City Brass won their season opening match of the PDL season 1-0 over the Springfield Demize on May 16, 2010 at William Jewell College. KC Brass forward Coleton Henning (St. Thomas Aquinas/Wizards Jrs/Furman) scored the game winning goal in the 60th minute. KC Brass goalkeeper Andy Fitzpatrick (Winnetonka/KC Pace/Oklahoma City U) recorded the shutout. The match doubled as the first of four KC Brass U.S. Open Cup qualifying matches.

The Brass will host the Des Moines Menace on May 19 (Wednesday) at William Jewell College. Kickoff scheduled for 7:30pm. Wednesday's PDL match will also double as a U.S. Open Cup qualifying match.

KC Athletics Qualify for U.S. Open Cup

2010-05-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2010-Kansas City Athletics (USASA) men's team qualified for the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating AAC Eagles (USASA) of Chicago in penalty kicks after the game was tied 3-3 after 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime. The KC Athletics earned one of two Midwest Region USASA U.S. Open Cup berths. KC Athletics player/coach Kyle Perkins (SM Northwest/KC Hotspurs/UMKC/KC Brass) scored two goals in the victory.

The Athletics Open Cup qualifier took place at Community America Ballpark immediately following the KC Wizards (MLS) 2-2 tie with the Chicago Fire (MLS). Wizards forward Kei Kamara scored both goals for the Wizards.

Open Cup notes: The Kansas City Wizards failed to qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through Major League Soccer's qualifying process. The KC Brass (PDL) will play four regular season PDL games that will also double as Open Cup qualifying matches during the month of May.

Kansas City Screening of Pelada: May 17

2010-05-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Kansas City Screening of Pelada

Plus Q&A with director Ryan White immediately following the film!

Monday, May 17th at 7:00pm
Studio Movie Grill
7430 NW 87th Street
Kansas City, MO 64153Tickets: $10

Away from professional stadiums, bright lights, and manicured fields, there’s another side of soccer. Tucked away on alleys, side streets, and concrete courts, people play in improvised games. Every country has a different word for it. In the United States, we call it “pick-up soccer.” In Trinidad, it's "taking a sweat." In England, it's "having a kick-about." In Brazil, the word is “pelada,” which literally means "naked"—the game stripped down to its core. It’s the version of the game played by anyone, anywhere.

Pelada is a documentary following Luke and Gwendolyn, two former college stars who didn’t quite make it to the pros. Not ready for it to be over, they take off, chasing the game. From prisoners in Bolivia to moonshine brewers in Kenya, from freestylers in China to women who play in hijab in Iran, Pelada is the story of the people who play.

Player Ratings: Wizards Win 4-0 vs DC United

2010-04-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Photo: Kei Kamara scored the first goal of the season for the Kansas City Wizards

Wizards win season and home opener 4-0 vs DC United on March 27, 2010 at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas City Wizards Lineup/Player Ratings: Nielsen 7, Harrington 6, Conrad 6.5, Besler 6, Arnaud 7.5, Jewsbury 7.5, Auvray 6.5 , Smith 8.5 (Aiyegbusi NR), Espinoza 5.5 (Leathers 5), Wolff 6 (Bunbury 5), Kamara 7

D.C. United Lineup/Player Ratings: Perkins 3, Talley 4, Jakovic 4, Wallace 3.5, Najar 4.5 (Allsopp 3.5), Morsink 4, Quaranta 4.5, Simms 3 (James 4), Castillo 5 (Khumalo 5), Pontius 4.5, Moreno 5

Scoring:
KC – Kei Kamara 1 (Unassisted), 9th minute
KC – Davy Arnaud 1 (Smith, Auvray), 35th minute
KC – Ryan Smith 1 (Unassisted), 54th minute
KC – Jack Jewsbury 1 (PK), 70th minute
Misconduct:
DC – Dejan Jakovic (caution, reckless tackle), 26th minute
DC – Kurt Morsink (caution, reckless tackle), 28th minute
DC – Santino Quaranta (caution, unsporting behavior), 47th minute
DC – Julius James (caution, reckless tackle), 61st minute
DC – Jaime Moreno (caution, reckless tackle), 67th minute
KC – Kei Kamara (caution, reckless tackle), 83rd minute

Attendance: 10,385

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

Michael Thomas in Sweden

2010-03-11T21:53:00.000-08:00

Although KC native Michael Thomas was drafted #19 overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes, he chose to sign with Halmstad BK of the Allsvenskan (Sweden's top league).

David Harris of Pro Soccer Weekly interviews Michael Thomas (St. Thomas Aquinas HS / KC Legends / Notre Dame / KC Brass):

Michael Thomas Halmstads BK - Exclusive Pro Soccer Weekly Interview
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview up and coming American player Michael Thomas, who just signed with Swedish Allsvenskan club Halmstads BK. Michael had a very solid career playing college ball with Notre Dame and in the USL PDL with the Kansas City Brass. Here is the interview and I hope that you all enjoy and learn a little bit about this up and coming American player.

PSW: Michael, tell us a little bit about yourself, specifically how you got interested in playing soccer.

MT: Well, I have been in love with soccer since I was about four years old. My brother, Eric, was playing soccer at the time and I hadn’t been to any of his games before. When the first game of the season rolled around, my parents took me to the game. I didn’t know too much about soccer, but after the game I went home and started playing with my brother’s soccer ball by myself in the backyard. I loved kicking the ball and chasing after it. Eventually, my brother and I would play in our backyard together and I loved the challenge of trying to score goals on him. I always tried to improve even at that young age. The feeling of being challenged and knowing that you can always improve is what got me seriously interested in playing soccer.

PSW: What are your strengths as a player and what position do you typically play?

MT: I believe that my greatest strengths as a player would be that I consistently work very hard, have good vision, and play the game simply. I enjoy working in the center of the field getting involved with the attack, but I also like getting back and helping my defenders as well. I typically play central midfielder, attacking or defensive. It just depends on what the team needs at the time and what type of formation we are playing. I would consider myself a very good two-way center midfielder.

PSW: What led you to play for Notre Dame, the Kansa City Brass, and now Halmstads BK?

MT: I was lucky to get noticed by the coaching staff of Notre Dame when I was playing down in Florida with my ‘88 regional team. We had four games over the weekend and I played a big part in most of them. The last day there we played Anderlecht’s youth team. It was a big game for us and they had been playing well so we knew it was going to be a tough game. I played the full ninety minutes and recorded both a goal and an assist. After that tournament, I received a letter from Notre Dame telling me that they were interested in me as a player and would like me to play at their university. After many months of hard thinking, I decided that Notre Dame was the best fit for me and I believe that it was the best decision that I had ever made in my life.

The coaches of one of my rival club teams, the Kansas City Pace, called me when I was a senior in high school and asked if I would like to play with the Brass for the summer. I was honored because of a lot of very good high school and college players in Kansas had played for the team before. I was lucky enough to get a lot of playing time my first year and that continued for the next few years.

I was in preseason with San Jose when I was contacted by my agent telling me that a team in Sweden was interested in me and would like to have me over for a trial. After many days of thinking about my future, I decided to go to Halmstads BK and give it everything that I had. It has been my dream since I was very young to play in Europe and this was the opportunity of a life time for me. I played well during the trial and impressed the right people. Eventually, my dream came true, and I received a contract offer from the club and signed for the team.

PSW: What was it like playing for the Brass in the USL PDL?

MT: Playing for the Brass was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play with the team as much as I wanted to. I had a lot of conflicts with games because of club soccer and eventually summer school up at Notre Dame. However, whenever I was able to play with the team, I enjoyed it very much. A lot of guys I grew up playing with played for the team as well. So, practices were very fun, but the talent was exceptional at the same time. I liked the way the coaches, Jefferson and Lincoln Roblee, handled everything as well. They took it very serious, but let us all have a good time as well. It was a great experience playing for the Brass and I’m happy that I did.

PSW: What do you think that you will be able to learn from some of the veteran players on Halmstads who have played internationally with Sweden and other countries?

MT: It is good to be playing with some older players who have had a lot of international experience. Every single player brings something different to the table. We have guys from Sweden, Germany, Brazil, the United States, and the Netherlands. Everyone has been through different experiences and we are lucky to have a few guys on the team who have player with their respective country’s national team. Playing with these types of players can only help me mature into a better player. The team, especially most of these guys, demand high standards whether in a game or on the training pitch. To always play with these standards will only help me become a better player and the attitude of these guys will really help with that.

PSW: Does it help you to have a fellow American in Ryan Miller on the Halmstads team with you?

MT: It definitely helps to have Ryan here with me. He has played in Sweden for over seven months now so he knows a lot of things about the game that I am still learning. If I have questions or concerns about what we’re doing, he’s always there to help me out and let me know what is going on. Luckily, we’ve played together at the University of Notre Dame. So we both know each other’s game and feel comfortable playing with one another here. He has helped me out a lot off the field as well. With him being here everything is a lot more comfortable. We are able to enjoy each other’s company and have a good time off the field. Having someone here that I personally know has helped me ease out of my comfort zone a lot better.

PSW: What do you think it will take for soccer to become more popular within the world of American sports?

MT: I think it will always be hard to make soccer more popular in the United States because of how popular the other Americanized sports already are. There is a lot of history in these sports, such as baseball, football, and basketball. Soccer is still new to America, so there isn’t enough history with it to make it very popular right now. However, I believe that since my generation has grown up with soccer, as well as these other sports, it will be much popular in the future than it is right now. It seems like a lot of children are getting involved with soccer now. That is very good for the sport because they will continue growing up with it. Also, I think that soccer will become much popular in America once our national team wins a major honor, such as the World Cup and the bigger tournaments. This can only make the sport more popular and there will then be a standard set in America for what it takes for Americans to succeed in soccer.

PSW: Do you feel that top young players should play college soccer even if it doesn’t allow them to begin their professional career at the same age as players in other countries typically start theirs?

MT: At the end of the day the decision is always up to the player. If they truly believe that they are fully developed enough to play professionally and have plenty of confidence, then why not try it out. However, this rarely seems to be the occasion. Players around the age of eighteen can still fully improve on many things in their game. Playing another four years at a top university can only help them develop as a player. The way the system is set up in America makes it harder for kids to go professional at such a young age. The academy system is starting a new trend that may help players develop at a younger age which could be good for American soccer. Yet, I truly believe that college soccer can only help players who have the right attitude and determination to make it professionally. Four years of competitive soccer should never hurt anyone if they have the right mindset.

PSW: What do you think about so many of the top young U.S. players going to European clubs and how do you think this affects their development?

MT: I believe that right now is the best time for young players to try and play overseas. The uncertainty revolving around American soccer right now makes it tough for younger players to make a name for themselves here in the United States. Going overseas can only help the player mature and develop even faster too. The speed of play is quicker and the players are better technically. Therefore, you must learn how to make decisions quicker and understand the game better as well. Also, a lot of European clubs have reserve leagues or games year round. So, if you are not getting to play right away with the first team, you can still play in these games to keep match fitness and show your stuff on the field. This can be very beneficial to many players and can help them slowly ease into the style of play at European clubs.

PSW: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment thus far in soccer?

MT: My greatest accomplishment has to be getting the opportunity to play here for Halmstads BK. It has been my dream since I was a young boy to play professionally and possibly overseas as well. Fortunately, I have been given this opportunity and can’t wait to contribute as much as I can this year. It will be an even greater accomplishment if I can make a name for myself here and help the team succeed during the season.

PSW: Going forward, what would you like to achieve in soccer?

MT: My number one goal is to represent my country one day. I know I have a lot of work to do and can still develop into a much better player, but I have the confidence that I could possibly get called into camp one day. I will continue to work extremely hard to make this goal of mine a reality. I just want to play well and help my team as much as I can. If I do this, then you never know what can happen in the future. PSW: Do you think that someday you would like to come back to the U.S. to play professionally?MT: I can definitely see myself coming back and playing in the MLS one day. I don’t know if that will be in one, two, or three years or in ten years, but I would definitely love to play a few years in America as well.

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

2009-07-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T13:08:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T09:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T13:40:00.001-07:00

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)

2009-06-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T00:55:00.001-07:00

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 2006. 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

2009-06-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-06-03T15:19:00.001-07:00

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)

2009-05-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

R.I.P.: Andy Shields

2009-05-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-04T20:43:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-03-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Josh Howard Signs With Soderhamns FF (Sweden)

2009-02-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2009-Former Lee's Summit North High School, KC Attack youth, William Jewell College All American and Kansas City Brass All-PDL player Josh Howard signed a professional contract with Swedish Second Division team Soderhamns FF. After graduating from WJC in 2008, Howard trained with and played with the Kansas City Wizards (MLS) in official reserve league games and exhibition games. Below is official press release from Soderhamns FF website (translation below in case you don't know Swedish).

http://www4.idrottonline.se/templates/NewsPage.aspx?id=260810

Amerikansk spelare klar för Söderhamns FF!
2009-02-18 21:20

Från högsta ligan i USA (MLS) till SFF...

Josh Howard från Kansas City i USA skrev under onsdagskvällen på övergångshandlingarna för Söderhamns FF. Den snart 23 årige amerikanen spelade under fjolårets säsong i USA:s högsta liga Major leuge soccer för Kansas City Wizards.

Josh, som varit uppvaktad av ett flertal klubbar i Sverige, har den senaste tiden besökt Söderhamn vid ett flertal tillfällen och tränat med laget inomhus på Flygstaden.

SFF:s tränarstab bedömer den unge och sympatiske amerikanen som en mycket kvalificerad spelare.

- En försvarsspelare med stor utvecklingspotensial och med spetsegenskaper i huvudspelet, anser flera bedömare.

Föreningen hälsar Josh varmt välkommen och ett stort lycka till Söderhamn och SFF!

Josh Howard from Kansas City in the United States signed Wednesday evening to release the documents for Söderhamns FF. The soon to be 23-year-old American played in last year's season in the U.S. Supreme accordance Major leuge soccer for the Kansas City Wizards.

Josh, who had been canvassed by several clubs in Sweden, has recently visited Söderhamn on several occasions and trained with the team indoors on Flight City.

SFF's training staff deems the young and sympathetic American as a very skilled player.

- A defense player with great utvecklingspotensial (development potential) and with the tip of properties in the main game, the more assessors.

The association welcomes Josh warm welcome and a great success Söderhamn and SFF!

Chris Cissell in London

2009-02-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

UMBRO and West Ham United are hosting William Jewell College Head Coach Chris Cissell for ten days in London, England. Coach Cissell has been in London since January 30, 2009. Follow Coach Cissell in his Excellent England Adventure by clicking here.

KCsoccer.com Interview: Alan Blinzler

2009-01-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Photo: KSYSA President and KC Brass founder Alan Blinzler talks with KCsoccer.com

Today KCsoccer.com profiles: Alan Blinzler

Team(s) you are affiliated with:Kansas City United Soccer Club (formerly the Attack Soccer Club) - formed with Emilio John and Jim Schwab in 1993, Kansas City Brass - founded with Emilio John in 1997, Kansas State Youth Soccer Assocaition, President from 2005 to the present, Member of the Board of Directors from 2001 to the present.

How did you begin playing/coaching?I started playing in high school gym class. That was in the 1960’s. Everything I was told then about the game was wrong. Started to play seriously in college and then in amateur leagues in Kansas City, Kansas and at Jackson County. I still play on occassion with a group of coaches from my club in an indoor league. I started coaching in the early 1980's with my nephew and niece and later my son and daughters. All had successful careers playing and earned many honors. All of the credit for their success belongs to them and the other coaches they had. I was mostly along for the ride.

Name some of your biggest wins as a player/coach:The biggest win for me was not as a coach or a player, but when my older daughter won the State Championship in High School her senior year. It came down to kicks from the mark. She was the third shooter and she nailed side netting. Watching those girls celebrate after the winning goal was something I will not forget.

Name some players you have played/coached against that have impressed you (and why?):Diego Ramon Tau. I had the opportunity to play for a number of years with Ramon. A true gentleman and the most skilled player to ever grace a field in Kansas City. In his prime there was no one who could compare. Over the years, I had the opportunity to know many truly skilled players, from Pato Margetic to Preki. Each thought Ramon was simply incredible.

Compare the game now compared to when you first started playing/coaching:When I started I was perhaps one of ten players who grew up in the US playing in the local leagues. In the early seventies there were a few players who grew up here, a few who played for the Kansas City Spurs, but most of the teams had strong ethnic ties. There were the Internationals who were mostly Germans, Santos was Brazilian, Academy was Argentinean, Peruvian and a few Central Americans, Pumas and Chivas were mainly Mexican, and so on. Shortly afterwards, there began a slow, but steady influx of American players. Today there is a whole generation of very skilled American born players at all levels, many of whom grew up in Kansas City.

What factors have helped you be a successful player/coach?A love of the game and an overly analytical bent.If you were to improve one thing about the game/competition/regulations about the level of the game you're associated with what would it be?Make the Premier Development League, which the Kansas City Brass plays in, follow the Olympic Rules on the number of allowed over age players (3). Today the PDL allows eight over age players. Many teams start all eight and only sub the underage players. The current rule defeats the concept of a “Development” League. Name your top 11 players you have played with or coached:Manny Schwartz – goal
Craig Kasten – defense
Jim Schwab – defense
Kim Roentved - defense
Adam Blinzler (my son) or Josh Duffy – defense (coached and played with both, maybe some bias here)
Preki – mid
Will John - mid
Diego Ramon Tau – mid
Ermund Ragova - forward
Emilio John – forward
Pato Margetic - forward

There are many others who I had the chance to play with including Victor Petroni, Charlie Carrie, Robi Goff, Fatai Ayoade and a couple of so-so players named Jefferson and Lincoln Roblee who should be on that list somewhere.

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

Lev Yashin – goal
Franz Beckenbauer – defense
Roberto Carlos – defense
Paolo Maldini – defense
Alessandro Nesta - defense
Socrates – mid
Pele – mid
Messi -mid
Lothar Mattheus - mid
Michel Platini – forward
Diego Maradona - forward

This interview was completed on: (date) January 8, 2008.

2009 KC Brass (PDL) Schedule

2009-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

2009 Kansas City Brass (PDL) schedule

DATE (DAY) VISITOR at HOME TEAM STADIUM KICKOFF
May 9 (Sat) KC Brass at Real Colorado Foxes Shea Stadium 6:30pm

*May 10 (Sun) KC Brass at Real Colorado Foxes Shea Stadium 1:00pm

*May 17 (Sun) St. Louis Lions at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

*May 20 (Wed) Sprgfld Demize at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

*May 23 (Sat) KC Brass at Rochester Thunder Rchstr Comm Tech 7:00pm

June 4 (Thu) Des Moines Menace at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

June 6 (Sat) KC Brass at Springfield Demize Cooper Sports Complex 7:30pm

June 11 (Thu) KC Brass at Springfield Demize Cooper Sports Complex 7:30pm

June 13 (Sat) KC Brass at St. Louis Lions Tony Glavin Complex 5:00pm

June 14 (Sun) Rochester Thunder at KC Brass Wiliam Jewell College 5:00pm

June 20 (Sat) KC Brass at Des Moines Menace Valley View Stadium 7:30pm

July 2 (Thu) Thunder Bay Chill at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

July 5 (Sun) KC Brass at St. Louis Lions Tony Glavin Complex 5:00pm

July 9 (Thu) Springfield Demize at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

July 16 (Thu) Des Moines Menace at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

July 18 (Sat) Colorado Real Foxes at KC Brass William Jewell College 7:00pm

*Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Matches

Article first appeared on http://www.therobleereport.com/ .

KCsoccer.com Interview: Nate Houser

2009-01-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Photo: Baker University men's and women's soccer head coach Nate Houser talks with KCsoccer.com

Today KCsoccer.com profiles : Nate Houser

Team(s) you are affiliated with: Baker University Men and Women; Rush u19 boys

How did you begin playing/coaching? Playing- drove by rec sign-ups one day when I was 4, and said why not. Coaching- started with camps in college and then was a camp director with the Comets. I did some volunteer ODP work in-between. From there I applied for the head women’s job at Baker.Name some of your biggest wins as a player/coach: Player- u17 Cal South State Cup, San Diego CIF Championship in high school. U19 Kansas State Cup. NPSL Championship 1997. Coaching- Heart of America Conference Championship 2008.

Name some players you have played/coached against that have impressed you (and why?): Played with/ against- Milos Bursac, Red Star European Champion 1991, the most complete player I have been on the field with. Carlos Valderama, big, fit, strong and no mistakes-ever! Kevin Koetters, KC Wizards & Attack, one of the best American players I played with or against. He could do everything and anything. John Limniatis, Canadian National Team Captain, very smart, intense and no nonsense. Hakan Suker, Galatasary, Best Striker I have been 2 yards from. Different in everyway.

Compare the game now compared to when you first started playing/coaching: When I started the game was built around sweepers, and not very organized. Now every good team is very well organized defensively, and many players are my size, 6’3”, but they are much better athletes. The game has also gotten much faster.

What factors have helped you be a successful player/coach? As a player I took the role of the underdog. Not very many rated me, so I used that as motivation to arrive early and stay late at training. I forced myself to play a simple game because I wasn’t very technical.
As a coach, it has been same. Many people don’t think players can be coaches, so I have tried to learn as much as I can from as many resources as possible and be a student of the game. I work hard, but maybe what works for me is the desire and ability to see the game from a players point of view. I try to use my experiences to help my players tackle their problems on the field.

If you were to improve one thing about the game/competition/regulations about the level of the game you're associated with what would it be? I would make the season 6 months long with a break in the middle so we could see more development of players and teams at he college level. That would be a great challenge.

Name your top 11 players you have played with or coached: GK Dan Popik, LA Galaxy/ Milwaukee Rampage, D Ian Fraser, Canada/ Attack, D John Limniatis, Canada/ Attack, D Sammy Ekeme, Cameroon, Wizards, Attack, D Carlos Zavala, Toluca, Rochester Rhinos, MF, Kevin Koetters, Wizards/ Rochester Rhinos/ Attack, MF Goran Hunjak, Tampa Bay Mutiny, Attack, MF Mark Waite, Hampton Roads Mariners, MF Lenin Steenkamp, Rochester Rhinos, F Clovis Simas, Brazil Futsal World Champion, F Jon Wolniec, New York Red Bulls/ Milwaukee Rampage.

Name your top 11 players of all time (no restrictions): Zinadine Zidane, Diego Maradona, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rikgaard, Theirry Henry, Socrates, Patrick Viera, Franz Beckenbaur, Franco Baresi, Ronaldinho, Pele. This isn’t fair. I left off Maldini, Cruyff, George Best, Eric Cantona, Lev Yashin, Eusebio, etc.

This interview was completed on: (date) 1/20/08

Wizards #1 Draft Pick: Matt Besler

2009-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Matt Besler is the Wizards 1st Round Draft Pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Photo by http://www.kcwizards.com/ .

KC native Matt Besler (BV West, KCFC Alliance, Kansas 87 ODP, Notre Dame) was selected in the 1st Round (8th overall) by the Kansas City Wizards in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Big congratulations to Matt and the Kansas City Wizards organization. KCsoccer.com and the Kansas City soccer community is proud of our local players and MLS team. Go Matt and go Wizards! In the second round the Wizards selected Michigan State forward Doug DeMartin (22nd overall) and Maryland midfielder Graham Zusi (23rd overall). In the fourth round the Wizards drafted St. John's goalkeeper Neal Kitson (42nd overall) and in the fifth round selected UConn midfielder Akeem Priestley (50th overall).

Predicting the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

2009-01-15T00:21:00.001-08:00

Photo: California's Stephan Frei will be the first goalkeeper taken in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.

There are a few things you must know before we start discussing the upcoming MLS Draft. First, 70 players just competed in the MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Second, there will be 60 players selected in this year's MLS Draft (15 teams and four rounds). Third, probably every team will select at least one player in the MLS Draft that did not attend the MLS Combine. Therefore no more than and probably less than 45 of the 70 players who attended the MLS Combine will be selected in the MLS Draft. So who will be taken and what round will they go? Well without attending this year's combine or having any inside information I have a decent idea of how it's going to look. I know that may sound crazy, but performance and/or participation in the MLS combine has never been the best indicator of draft projection. I've followed MLS and the MLS Draft every year and I've coached or coached against approximatley 100 players that were eventuallly drafted by a MLS team. I was at the MLS Combine in Los Angeles in 2006 and saw first hand the relation between combine performance and selection. I am very familair with many of the top MLS prospects this year. The following list is not a list of who I think is necessarily the best 40 players from the combine but instead a list of who I believe the MLS coaches and technical directors will pick. I am listing the players by who will get drafted and what round they will be drafted. I'm not going say who is going to be picked by what team because which team has what pick is going to change a lot between now and 5 seconds before the very first overall selection will be made. A team could have two first round picks and trade both picks away for an already proven player. And the needs of those two teams immediately change. Expect as many as five of my projected 1st rounders to be selected in the second round and as many as five of my second round projections to move into the first round. Goalkeeper Stephan Frei will be a first round pick but with reduced rosters (28 in 2008 to 24 in 2009) goalkeepers probably will not be in demand. None of my opinion is based on inside information other than some personal experience coaching with or against some current MLS prospects at a youth, ODP, college or PDL level.

Projected Selections 1-15 (1st Round Picks in alpha order):

Kevin Alston (Indiana)

Matt Besler (Notre Dame)

Sam Cronin (Wake Forest)

Daniel Cruz (UNLV)

Stefan Frei (California)

Omar Gonzalez (Maryland)

Jeremy Hall (Maryland)

Baggio Husidic (U-Illinois-Chicago)

Peri Marosevic (Michigan)

Yohance Marshall (South Florida)

Kyle Patterson (Saint Louis)

Chris Pontius (UCSB)

Brad Ring (Indiana)

Rodney Wallace (Maryland)

Steve Zakuani (Akron)

Projected Selections 16-30 (2nd Round Picks in alpha order):

Lyle Adams (Wake Forest)
Quincy Amarikwa (U California Davis)

Calum Angus (Saint Louis U)

Darius Barnes (Duke)

Josh Boeteng (Liberty)

A.J. DeLaGarza (Maryland)

Jokull Elisabetarson (UNC-Greensboro)

Andrei Gotsmanov (Creighton)

David Hertl (Michigan State)
George John (Washington)
Michael Lahoud (Wake Forest)
Babajide Ogunjihi (Santa Clara)

Jordan Seabrook (South Florida)

O'Brien White (UConn)

Graham Zusi (Maryland)

Selections 31-45 (3rd Round Picks in alpha order):

Trevor Banks (Old Dominion)
Brandon Barklage (Saint Louis)
Evan Brown (Wake Forest)
Doug DeMartin (Michigan State)
Jack Traynor (Notre Dame)

OK, I know you want me to list some more players from the MLS combine to be picked...but I'm not feeling it. I think around 25 players who were not in the combine, players MLS teams wanted to hide or have known about for a few years or come recommended by very trusted sources will be picked in the final 25 picks. How accurate are the predictions? We'll soon find out.

Article first appeared on www.TheRobleeReport.com .

KCsoccer.com Interview: Mike Saif

2009-01-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

Photo: KC Dynamos coach and WORLD CLASS COACHING president Mike Saif talks with KCsoccer.com

Today's KCsoccer.com profiles: Mike Saif

Team(s) you are affiliated with: KC Dynamos U10 Boys

How did you begin playing/coaching? Played as a kid in England like all kids did and got into coaching because my Dad coached professional teamsName some of your biggest wins as a player/coach: 12 KS State Championships, Region Two Championship and a USYS National Championship

Name some players you have played/coached against that have impressed you (and why?): I have coached lots of players that have impressed me...too many to mention. Some for how they improved their technical ability and some for how they compete and some for their special leadership abilities.

Compare the game now compared to when you first started playing/coaching: It is as different as night and day compared to when I played over 30 years ago. The game is so much more physical and faster now. Even if you look at games on TV from 15 years ago you can see a big difference. The youth game has also improved in KC over the 17 years I have coached here. The talent pool is deeper, which makes for more competitive teams in each age group.
What factors have helped you be a successful player/coach? My Dad was a pro player and coached pro teams in England. My brother coached at the Academies of pro teams so we were pretty much a soccer family and I learned to look at games through the eyes of a coach and not a player or fan. I definitely learned more from discussions at home than I have by attending any coaching licensing course. Also, as the president of WORLD CLASS COACHING, I am interacting on a daily basis with coaches all over the world. I also have daily exposure to training sessions, methods and ideas from these coaches. This not only improves my coaching knowledge but keeps me on the cutting edge.

If you were to improve one thing about the game/competition/regulations about the level of the game you're associated with what would it be? Where do I begin? The culture of youth soccer in the U.S. has some great strengths but also has some strong negatives. Three issues that hold back player development are:
1. Coaching and player development decisions being made by inexperienced volunteers who see things from admin perspective and not a technical perspective.2. A desire to win and collect trophies, especially at a young age. This is inbred in our soccer culture and is part of the players, coaches and parents. This can lead to situations where development takes a back seat to attempting to win.3. Overplaying and not enough quality training. Our young players play too many games that don't help development. They play outdoor league, tournaments, indoors, 3v3, guest play, ODP, etc. Not only does this wear the players out and set them up for injuries as they get older, but the games don't mean anything to them...at least not the right thing. As mentioned earlier, their purpose is to win games, so they don't get a chance to try out new skills, etc.Things are beginning to change for the better and this is a good sign. US Soccer has taken the lead with the older players and cut this down so players have to train three times a week, don't participate in ODP and participate in a national type league.

Name your top 11 players you have played with or coached: As I said earlier, I have coached too many good players that it would be unfair to try and find 11 to put in a list.

Name your top 11 players of all time (no restrictions): Here are some in order - George Best (without question). Pele, Maradonna, Tony Currie, Zidane, Cruyff, Beckenbauer,

This interview was completed on: (date) Jan 8, 2009.

Coach Tenney to Seattle Sounders FC; John Pascarella to be Wizards New GK/Conditioning Coach

2009-01-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

John Pascarella-KC Wizards new Goalkeeper/Conditioning Coach

Goalkeeper/conditioning coach David Tenney is moving from the Kansas City Wizards to the new expansion MLS team Seattle Sounders FC.

John Pascarella will take over David Tenney's responsibilities as Goalkeeper/conditioning Coach. Pascarella had been the Head Coach of the Northern Virginia Royals (PDL) since 2007 and has additional experience coaching premier youth, Virginia ODP and Region I (East) ODP.

KCsoccer.com Interview: Huw Williams

2009-01-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

Photo: KCFC Technical Director Huw Williams talks with KCsoccer.com

Today KCsoccer.com profiles: Huw Williams

Team(s) you are affiliated with: KCFC Technical Director and coach of KCFC Intensity (U16G); KCFC Impact (U18G); KCFC Strikers (U17B)

How did you begin playing/coaching? Started playing at a very young age (can’t remember not playing)– I am from North Wales and if you did not play soccer in North Wales then you did not participate in any sport. I attended my 1st coaching certification course at the age of 15 (FA Prelim). I then held weekly clinics for the local grade-schoolers every Saturday morning for the FAW (Football Association of Wales).

Name some of your biggest wins as a player/coach: Biggest win as a player – Wales U19 2 v England U19 0. Biggest wins as a coach – U13G and U15G Regional II Championship matches. The u13 final was very exciting. We tied the game in the last minute of regulation and scored the winning goal the 1st minute of overtime.

Name some players you have played/coached against that have impressed you (and why?): Biggest name played with – Ian Rush who went on to be one of the best goalscorers of all time. However the best player at that time was Kevin Ratcliff who went on to captain Wales and Everton FC but as a youth player Kevin was head and shoulders better than the rest of us. He was stronger, faster and simply way better than all of us. (Later in life – Kevin claimed that he challenged Linford Christie to a race in the streets shortly after the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in which Christie had just won the gold medal – Kevin also claims that he won the race!!). Best player played against – Bernhard Schuster, German international player who also played for Barcelona and Real Madrid. He captained Germany U19s v Wales U19s – we lost 3-2.

Compare the game now compared to when you first started playing/coaching: The game in Kansas City is WAY different from when I first came over here in 1985. In those days there were very few clubs and very few premier level teams. (I remember talking with Emilio John after his team – Club America(?) had won an out of town tournament and that was considered to be a huge deal at the time). Kansas City soccer has since developed into one of the major soccer communities in the country. The depth of the talent level has improved dramatically.

What factors have helped you be a successful player/coach? Biggest influence on my coaching – Stuart Griffiths, my college coach. I had played for various pro clubs prior to attending college so I had been subjected to a certain coaching style – which was basically ‘win games and take no prisoners’ – foul or be fouled. Stuart Griffiths was just as competitive and had the same desire to succeed as these pro coaches but believed in doing so in the right manner. I hope his method was the biggest influence on my coaching.

Name your top 11 players of all time (no restrictions):
Spot the common denominator?
Neville Southall
John Charles (the gentle giant)
Kevin Ratcliff (the Rat)
Joey Jones
Ryan Giggs
Leighton James
Terry Yorath
Ivor Allchurch
Mark Hughes
John Toshack
Ian Rush
Subs
Trevor Ford
Cliff Jones
Brian Flynn
Billy Meredith
Gil Reece
Gary Sprake
Mickey Thomas

Formation – 3-4-1-2. Tactics: John Charles and Joey Jones marking tight at the back. Charles winning all of the headers and Ratcliff covering both players. Lots of speed and skill out wide with James and Giggs. Yorath winning lose balls and Allchurch spraying passes and attacking from midfield. Hughes would be a link between the forwards. Tosh would win all the high balls and Rush would feed off of his touches.

This interview was completed on: (date) January 8, 2009

Kansas City's soccer leaders will be regularly featured on KCsoccer.com . Look for more interviews, ratings, lists and news at KCsoccer.com .

2009 MLS COMBINE UPDATE

2009-01-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Photo: KC native Matt Besler at MLS Combine this weekend.

Matt Besler (BV West HS, KCFC Alliance, Notre Dame) has been invited to and will participate in the 2009 MLS Combine that begins Saturday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The MLS Combine participants are divided into four teams and play a round robin schedule (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday). Matt's combine team is adidas adiPure. Coaching Matt's team (college coach and youth coach) will be his own college coach, Bobby Clark (Notre Dame) and youth coach Jeremy Alumbaugh (Springfield SC) from Springfield, Missouri.

Seth Sinovic (Rockhurst HS, KCFC Alliance, Creighton) was on the original 2009 MLS combine list but he withdrew from the combine after the Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA recently granted Seth a retroactive red-shirt season from his freshman year. The red-shirt gives Seth another year of eligibilty that he plans to use.

Article first appeared on www.TheRobleeReport.com .

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! To honor 2009 and center forwards everywhere here is a video of a #9.

KC Names and Achievements of 2008

2008-12-31T16:23:00.000-08:00

Photo: Ryan Raybould played professional soccer in Europe in 2008.

Kansas City Wizards play a full home schedule (other than LA Galaxy/Beckham game at Arrowhead) at Community America Ballpark.

Kansas City Wizards Juniors begin full year of competition at U15, U16, U17, U18. U19 debut in summer of 2008.

KC Wizards Juniors U19 finish second in the nation in the U19 McGuire Cup.

Three Kansas Citians: Molly Campbell (St. Teresa's Academy, KCFC Jazz), Ellen Jantsch (St. Teresa's Academy, KCFC Jazz) and Lauren Fowlkes (St. Teresa's Academy, KC Dynamos) are on the Notre Dame team that finishes runners-up in the 2008 NCAA Division I women's national tournament.

KC natives and former Wizards (MLS) players Will John (Rockhurst HS, KC Attack, KC Brass, Saint Louis U) and Ryan Raybould (Rockhurst HS, KC Legends, KC Brass, Yale) play professionally in Europe. John with Randers FC (Denmark) and Raybould with Gefle IF (Sweden).

Rockhurst High School wins the Class 3 (largest class) Missouri State High School championship with a 3-0 win over Glendale (Springfield) in the final.

Morgan Marlborough (Lee's Summit North, KCFC Intensity) is named The Kansas City Star's Girls High School Player of the Year in Spring of 2008.

Alex Sweetin (Rockhurst HS, KC Wizards Juniors) is named The Kansas City Star's Boys High School Player of the Year in Fall of 2008.

KC natives Michael Ferguson (Pembroke Hill, KC Legends, KC Brass, Loyola Chicago) and Eric Sweetin (Rockhurst, KCFC, KC Brass, St. Louis U) are among 50 players on the initial 2008 Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Benedictine College's women's soccer team wins the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) tournament championship with a 2-1 win over Lindenwood thus qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament championships for the first time in the program's 20 year history.

Baker Univeristy men's team wins the HAAC tournament championship with a 4-2 win over Graceland and thus qualifies for the NAIA national tournament.

Park University's men's and women's teams qualify for their respective NAIA National Tournaments.

Rockhurst University's men's and women's teams qualify for their respective NCAA Division II National Tournaments.

UMKC men's team qualifies for the NCAA Division I National Tournament after winning the Summit League post-season tournament.

In December, three local college players: Tom Heinemann (Rockhurst U), Miguel Rodrigues (UMKC) and Austin Williams (William Jewell) participate in the United Soccer League's Player Showcase in Charleston, South Carolina.

KC natives Matt Besler (BV West, KCFC, Notre Dame) and Seth Sinovic (Rockhurst HS, KCFC and Creighton) are named to the list of players to participate in the January 2009 MLS Player Combine.

Matt Besler (BV West, KCFC, Notre Dame) earns NSCAA/adidas All America 1st Team, Scholar All America 1st Team and is named the NSCAA Men's Collegiate Athlete of the Year.

Wizards make MLS playoffs before losing in first round to eventual MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew.

Three William Jewell College players: Josh Howard (Lee's Summit North, KC Attack, KC Brass, William Jewell), Allan Nekuda (Liberty, KC Legends, KC Brass, William Jewell) and Kevin Nekuda (Liberty, KC Legends, KC Brass, William Jewell) all play in a preseason exhibition game with the Wizards.

U of Missouri and U of Kansas women's teams are at-large selections to the NCAA Division I National Tournament.

Drake University's men's team receives an at-large selection to the NCAA Division I National Tournament. Drake's 1st NCAA Tournament appearance. Six Drake starters are KC natives: Calvin Clark, (STA, BV Stars, KC Brass, Drake), Luke Gorczyca (STA, KC Legends, KC Brass, Drake), Matt Kuhn (Raytown South, KC Legends, Drake), Kevin Shrout (Lee's Summit, KC Pace, KC Brass, Drake), Garrett Webb (SM East, KC Legends, KC Brass, Drake) and Brian Wurst (Park Hill South, KC Pace, KC Brass, Drake).

Kaysie Clark (Liberty HS, KC Select Scream) and Shea Groom (Liberty HS, KCFC Intensity) play wih the U15 USA National Team at the 2008 Thanksgiving ODP Interregional Tournament in Coral Springs, Florida.

Mandy Laddish (Lee's Summit, BV Stars Mallorca) is a member of the USA U17 national team that finishes 2nd in the 2008 U17 World Cup.

KC Select Scream win Missouri's 2008 U14 Girls State Cup championship.

KC Kings complete first indoor season in the PASL.

Lauren Fowlkes (St. Teresa's Academy, KC Dynamos, Notre Dame) is a member of the U20 USA national team that wins the 2008 U20 World Cup.

Article first appeared on www.TheRobleeReport.com .

EXCITING NEWS

2008-12-30T01:06:00.000-08:00

Goooooooaaalll!!!!!. http://www.kcsoccer.com/ is alive and kicking. Exciting indeed. At this site you will find interviews, insight, opinion, lists, rankings, ratings, photos, videos and truth regarding everything soccer in Kansas City: Youth. High School. College. Amateur. Professional.

Photo: Andrew Biggs and Brian Wurst reacting to the final whistle of the 87/88 KC Pace's 2005 Missouri U17 State Cup championship match. The 87/88 KC Pace won 3-1 over Lou Fusz-Popovic. Photo by Dan Peak at http://www.youthsoccernet.com/ .