Kansas City Wizards: What Happened In 2009?

The team was on the wrong end of some very close, low scoring matches. With a little bit of luck, and a few more goals, the Wizards would have been in a similar position as last season. Three 1-0 defeats, to Toronto F.C., D.C. United and Houston Dynamo could have been different, and some close calls throughout the season must have made this squad feel unlucky.       

Finishing seven points off of the final playoff spot says it all. In a league where parity is king, they needed, and subsequently failed, to grind out close matches. The league has such balance right now, and the Wizards need to get on the boat. Not winning the close ones won't get a team anywhere. 

What Went Right?       

Two names come to mind: Hartman and Wolff. Hartman played solidly for Kansas City all season, even breaking Tony Meola's MLS all-time saves record in March. Wolff, who was injured in the beginning of the season, came back with a bang, scoring 11 goals in 27 league matches, and the team's highest scorer.      

Also, something happened in April that didn't carry over for the rest of the season. The Wizards had a four-match unbeaten streak, including a win against Seattle and a draw with Chicago. This was the high watermark for them this year, which is something to build on, but still gives no solution to their problems. 

What Should The Team Do Differently?       

The team needs to focus on their attacking, plain and simple. Just 33 goals in 30 games is not enough, no matter who you are. The Wizards didn't give up a lot of goals, the 6-0 drubbing by F.C. Dallas aside, mainly because of Hartman's spectacular play in net. If they can learn to win close, low scoring matches, which was their Achilles' heel this season, this team will be fine. If you take away the six goals from that blowout, the team has a number of goals allowed that compares with most playoff teams. 

What Changes Should Be Made?       

They need at least one more reliable scorer. Whether it happens in the draft, or they can sign someone in the offseason, the Wizards need to add a piece to the puzzle.      

Having a member of the front office as the coach is always tricky, and if the Wizards come out slow, they may need to see if there is a more experienced man for the job. Preki was available before he agreed to terms with Toronto FC. Kansas City should have jumped at the opportunity. 

What Will Happen Next Year?      

It depends. If Vermes can right the ship, they might be okay. That is a big 'if' though, as he was a dismal 3-6-3 to finish the year. Making Vermes the permanent manager from his post of Technical Director might be a questionable move. Yet he is only the sixth Wizards manager, and they do not seem to act too quickly on sacking anyone, so he should get a fair shot to prove himself at the helm.       

    

The amount of injuries at the beginning of the season was a disaster, though they played their best soccer at the beginning of the year. If they can find some consistency, the team could be a strong competitor. The Wizards cannot afford a repeat performance of the 'month from hell' that was August.      

 Also, Kansas City needs to add some help in attack. Josh Wolff will be 33 when the season starts up, and he can't do it all himself. Claudio Lopez and Arnaud have certainly helped, but if this team is planning on being a force in the Western Conference, much more is needed.   If this happens, the Wizards could be playoff-bound again. If not, another long season for Wizards fans is ahead. Sadly, something tells me that it won't be the fairy-tale ending Kansas City supporters hope for.

Christopher Boulay, Goal.com

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