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MLS Preview: Kansas City Wizards – Toronto FC
Two teams with playoff aspirations meet in the Midwest with hopes of getting off on the right foot—something Toronto has never done.
When: Saturday, March 21, 2009, 8:30 pm ET
Where: CommunityAmerica Ballpark, Kansas City, Kansas
Mar 20, 2009 1:29:33 PM
Raising the Curtain
The Kansas City Wizards have not lost an MLS opener since 2001, when they fell 3-2 to DC United. Toronto, in their two years in the league, have yet to score a goal let alone earn three points in a season curtain-raiser. The two will clash in Kansas on Saturday night with big expectations for 2009, as Toronto unveil their revamped lineup, led by off-season acquisition Dwayne DeRosario, and Kansas City returns with a stable, relatively untouched roster.
Win or Go Home
KC coach Curt Onalfo is in his third season as boss, and after showing negligible improvement between years one and two, this is a make-or-break year for the former US international. Smartly, he has not turned the roster over much in the offseason, and returns the vast majority of last year’s core group. The biggest outgoing name was Carlos Marinelli, but the attacking midfielder has been ably replaced by Argentine Santiago Hirsig; the re-signing of Claudio Lopez showed that the Louse has something to prove to his critics.
The sharpest arrow in Onalfo’s quiver, however, will again be Davy Arnaud. The 28-year-old attacker had a team-high 7 goals in 2008, and his ability to get past defenders will cause problems for a TFC backline that is still suspect. Arnaud’s understanding with Lopez improved as the season went on, and in the absence of the injured targetman Adam Cristman, the two will have to fuel the attack through guile and speed.
In back, captain Jimmy Conrad once again marshall’s a defense, which although young, conceded just 39 goals in 2008. Conrad and Hohlbein possess the height and strength to deal with TFC frontman Chad Barrett, while the flankers, Jon Leathers and Michael Harrington, have the speed to handle DeRosario and Toronto’s other speedsters.
DeRo and the Wolf
The biggest question for TFC is whether perpetual allstar DeRosario, picked up in an off-season trade with Houston, can work in the midfield with Amado Guevara. El Lobo, like DeRo, prefers to be the focus of the midfield attack. But really, the duo’s different styles should mesh nicely, provided coach John Carver keeps their egos in check.
DeRo, who might end up playing a withdrawn forward position, has the kind of slashing, attack-first philosophy that could provide a lightning-quick option for Guevara’s pinpoint through balls. With Carl Robinson doing the defensive dirty work behind them, the Reds boast one of the strongest central midfields in the league.
The defense, although still featuring wondrous right back Marvell Wynne and bolstered by the arrival of Canadian international Adrian Serioux, is still lacking in the quality and depth. And the goalkeeper situation will need to be addressed at some point.
Players to Watch
Kansas City – Santiago Hirsig. The 31-year-old Argentine midfielder has had an impressive career in his homeland, making more than 250 appearances since 1998. He joins the Wizards from San Lorenzo, and will be expected to link up with countryman Claudio Lopez to improve an offense that notched only 37 goals in 2008.
Toronto – Pablo Vitti. Toronto brought in an Argentine attacker of their own. The 23-year-old Vitti, a former U20 international who socred 13 goals in three years with Rosario Central, is expected to provide a more fleet-footed option up front in partnership with Chad Barrett.
Prediction
Toronto’s off-season renovations will make a difference in the long run, but Kansas City’s belief in continuity heading into 2009 should carry the day. Plus, Arnaud is poised for a fantastic season, as he pushes to possibly be part of the US national team heading into 2010. Kansas City 2-1 Toronto
Greg Lalas, Goal.com
The Kansas City Wizards have not lost an MLS opener since 2001, when they fell 3-2 to DC United. Toronto, in their two years in the league, have yet to score a goal let alone earn three points in a season curtain-raiser. The two will clash in Kansas on Saturday night with big expectations for 2009, as Toronto unveil their revamped lineup, led by off-season acquisition Dwayne DeRosario, and Kansas City returns with a stable, relatively untouched roster.
Win or Go Home
KC coach Curt Onalfo is in his third season as boss, and after showing negligible improvement between years one and two, this is a make-or-break year for the former US international. Smartly, he has not turned the roster over much in the offseason, and returns the vast majority of last year’s core group. The biggest outgoing name was Carlos Marinelli, but the attacking midfielder has been ably replaced by Argentine Santiago Hirsig; the re-signing of Claudio Lopez showed that the Louse has something to prove to his critics.
The sharpest arrow in Onalfo’s quiver, however, will again be Davy Arnaud. The 28-year-old attacker had a team-high 7 goals in 2008, and his ability to get past defenders will cause problems for a TFC backline that is still suspect. Arnaud’s understanding with Lopez improved as the season went on, and in the absence of the injured targetman Adam Cristman, the two will have to fuel the attack through guile and speed.
In back, captain Jimmy Conrad once again marshall’s a defense, which although young, conceded just 39 goals in 2008. Conrad and Hohlbein possess the height and strength to deal with TFC frontman Chad Barrett, while the flankers, Jon Leathers and Michael Harrington, have the speed to handle DeRosario and Toronto’s other speedsters.
DeRo and the Wolf
The biggest question for TFC is whether perpetual allstar DeRosario, picked up in an off-season trade with Houston, can work in the midfield with Amado Guevara. El Lobo, like DeRo, prefers to be the focus of the midfield attack. But really, the duo’s different styles should mesh nicely, provided coach John Carver keeps their egos in check.
DeRo, who might end up playing a withdrawn forward position, has the kind of slashing, attack-first philosophy that could provide a lightning-quick option for Guevara’s pinpoint through balls. With Carl Robinson doing the defensive dirty work behind them, the Reds boast one of the strongest central midfields in the league.
The defense, although still featuring wondrous right back Marvell Wynne and bolstered by the arrival of Canadian international Adrian Serioux, is still lacking in the quality and depth. And the goalkeeper situation will need to be addressed at some point.
Players to Watch
Kansas City – Santiago Hirsig. The 31-year-old Argentine midfielder has had an impressive career in his homeland, making more than 250 appearances since 1998. He joins the Wizards from San Lorenzo, and will be expected to link up with countryman Claudio Lopez to improve an offense that notched only 37 goals in 2008.
Toronto – Pablo Vitti. Toronto brought in an Argentine attacker of their own. The 23-year-old Vitti, a former U20 international who socred 13 goals in three years with Rosario Central, is expected to provide a more fleet-footed option up front in partnership with Chad Barrett.
Prediction
Toronto’s off-season renovations will make a difference in the long run, but Kansas City’s belief in continuity heading into 2009 should carry the day. Plus, Arnaud is poised for a fantastic season, as he pushes to possibly be part of the US national team heading into 2010. Kansas City 2-1 Toronto
Greg Lalas, Goal.com
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