Mental Dump before Blogging Sabbatical

Okay Wizards fans -- with the bye weekend I officially took the opportunity to procrastinate throughout the whole week on posting my thoughts about the one-two punch of Thursday and Sunday (of last week)'s games.

We'll start with Thursday -- ESPN game of the week, national TV crews out at little old Community America Ballpark. Hopefully, if they skip us in 2010, the next time they come back will be on opening day of Hillcrest Stadium in the 2011 season!

Great weather to go see some sports -- though the pace of the game was a bit dull. The closesest the good guys got to a major scoring opportunity (aside from the penalty kick that Claudio Lopez hammered home -- which we missed by the way because we tailgated for too long!) was near the end of the game with 2nd-year Wizard and Honduran National Team hopeful Roger Espinosa.

As I mentioned earlier, we got into the game a little late. My Wizards-supporting neighbor was with us, and my wife's best friend from college was in town (she currently lives in New York City, but had no idea who the Red Bulls were -- so my attempts to paint her into the enemy fell on deaf ears...). Even though I knew I was risking missing out on the coveted Jimmy Conrad bobble heads, I didn't want to rip everyone away from the good time we were having so I could grab up more schwag to put in my already crap-filled "home office" (I use "home office" loosely, because it's more or less a dumping ground to make the rest of the house look clean -- it also contains a desk and a lamp, so I guess one could actually use it as an office...). I already could field an entire baseball team with my Royals bobbleheads (if they were allowed to wear both home and away jerseys at the same time, and if John Mayberry was cloned), and even though adding my first MLS bobblehead to the mix would be very stellar, it wasn't in the cards for us that night.

But that tailgate marked the official beginning of summer. It was in the 70s, the sun was shining, beer was being consumed outside, and we were on our way to see some MLS soccer (I could also fill in the blank with "baseball").

One thing I also missed by showing up late for the party, was autograph sessions by the IRL drivers that were competing in the Road Runner 500 at nearby Kansas Speedway over the weekend. I really wanted to see Brit driver Dan Wheldon, as he was the only marquee name that was in attendance (that is, as someone who doesn't follow IRL, I do know he won the Indy 500 one year). I wonder what he thought of American soccer. I'm sure the venue seemed quaint and bush-league, and probably wasn't the best example of an American soccer venue (seeing as how it is in fact a minor league baseball stadium). But the crowd there was pretty respectable for the nationally televised game, and had to remind him of lower-League Championship/upper-League One-caliber support back in merry old England.

I actually saw one IRL driver and didn't realize it. He was wearing a Wizards jersey that said "Sauter" on the back, and I had a mental lapse and forgot how Kevin Souter spelled his name, and thought it was a Kevin Souter jersey. I thought that is was just a really hardcore fan to hunt down the jersey of a bench warmer/folk hero who got the spot through an open tryouts. Turns out one of the drivers in attendance has the last name of Sauter. Though I still want a Kevin Souter jersey. Or maybe I'll buy a Scottish national team jersey and have them put "Souter" on the back, just to give him that extra boost of confidence, should Onalfo ever put him in this season.

One thing we didn't have to be present in the stadium for at the onset of the festivities was the B2 flyover. That is always something special. What was a little disconcerting was that for something that was supposed to flyover the stadium itself, as small as it is, actually flew by it -- that is, it kind of flew over the parking lot, but missed the stadium. Now I'm sure they have their reasons for doing this, but it seemed like they missed the target. Ironically, I think they actually did fly over a nearby Target store; maybe seeing that large target sign kicked in their military instincts...

Our tickets, provided to me by my parents -- who claimed dibs on them from a stockpile of seats that members of a soccer-confused golf community up north were happy enough to give away -- were in the front row this time, right over the T-Bones dugouts, and west of the center spot but east of the 18 yard box. So we got excited about Espinosa's challenge near the end of the game. Throughout the whole game, it was the only time we were on our feet cheering. Hartman once again had some killer saves, and I applauded them loudly -- though I don't think the girls noticed.

Not really much else to be said about the game. It was kind of a back-and-forth match. New York had maybe two scoring chances, but their whole team was on the defensive due to being a man down, making scoring chances tough for the Wizards.

But a win is a win, and we celebrated by cruising into the Yard House. We had no idea that the players like to do the same thing -- literally right after the game. There were no A-list celebrities in attendance like Jimmy Conrad (who I think went home to swim in a sea of his bobbleheads, which I don't even want to touch that concept unless I have a few degrees in psychology). But the first player we spotted in street clothes, of course, was the perenially injured Chance Meyers. Now he really hasn't had enough healthy MLS playing time to determine whether this first round pick from last year is going to be a bust or not, but for all the talk my neighbor gives me about being under-impressed with Meyers, he wanted to shake his hand and talk to him as much as I did once I realized that was him.

My neighbor asked how long he thought he'd be out on the injured list. He jokingly replied "Four more years..." -- I guess he even realizes that his career has been pretty uneventful due to chronic injury. And I think my neighbor gained a little bit of respect for him, since he didn't act too cool to be talked to (and really, with what little fame MLS players are given in the national and local media, and what little salaries they collect in comparison to other pro athletes, they really have no reason to have a big head). He also held the door open for us, which was when I first spotted who he was. He then went off to join his party, which might have been family members and friends, because a whole table of Wizards players filled up in the booth right next to ours.

I didn't want to stare, but I did recognize Abe Thompson and the fourth guy to join their party, MLS all-time saves leader Kevin Hartman. When Hartman discover that we had spotted him, he gave the obligatory "hey". Meanwhile, we enjoyed our exotic beers from around the world, and I guess the people in the booth before us had spilled a bunch of beer from their novalty-sized glass yards (which is kind of an awkward thing to drink from). My feet were sliding around like there was a damn ice rink under them. But I had a bit of a buzz going on, so it didn't bother me much.

When we were ready to go, I caught myself turning to get another glance at at Hartman in all his MLS-18-yard-box-dominating-and-home-goal-fortifying-but-possibly-too-old-for-frosted-hair glory; like a stupid fanboy; and as I walked away, my flipflops which now had dried beer encrusted to the soles, stuck to the floor of the Yard House. So every step I took away from my goalkeeping idol made an entirely too loud smacking and flopping sound; which I'm sure made me look like a huge tool.

And despite all promises of Taco Bell that my wife used to lure my intoxicated self out of Yard House going unfulfilled; overall, it was a good night!

*****Sunday:

Bummer of a loss. I really thought that blast Lopez had in the second half would surely be the equalizer. But superheroics from opposing keeper Stefan Frei helped Toronto keep the clean sheet. So for a brief 48 hours our fans got to enjoy a first-place Wizards that then were knocked down to being tied with Chicago for 2nd. Goodbye 4-game unbeaten streak... Because of the bye they had this weekend, DC leapfrogged a few teams to tie Toronto for 1st in the East, and Chicago moved one up on KC to gain sole possesion of 2nd place. Kansas City, currently in third, will have a chance to not only get three points with a home win this Wednesday, but also deny 1st-place DC of any points.

Hope to see everyone there!

**Also, the Brass play PDL expansion Real Colorado ("The Foxes") on Saturday May 9th. My hiatus from blogging will effect my coverage of all KC soccer for the month of May (except for my brief thoughts after Wednesday's Wizards game). It's an away game, so best of luck to the Brass -- and after Memorial Day, I will pick up the blogging again and follow thier matches as well.

**Other KC soccer news:

Midwest Regional League:

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Boy's U-14 First Division, Western Conference, Red Group:

This week's round of games played at the Muscatine Soccer Complex in Muscatine, IA.

-KC United (KS) 94/95 squad fell 2 to 4 to Azzuri Italia of Nebraska

-KCFC United (KS) 94/95 squad beat Springfield (MO) SC 94/95 #1 squad 2 to 1

The latest round puts KCFC United in first place in Red Group standings, with Azzuri Italia and Springfield SC in 2nd and 3rd respectively. KCU drops to 6th place with the loss, still ahead of the two teams from Iowa.

Boy's U-14 First Division, Wesetern Conference, White Group:

White group also playing at Muscatine.

-The Wizards' U-14 program finally slogged out their first victory of the season against Eden Prairie Aquilas of Minnesota, 4-3; but followed up their double-header with a loss to the St. Croix Reds of Minnesota 1-4

-KC SC Black Stars 94/95 squad had a triple-header spread out over Saturday and Sunday. Saturday they beat St. Croix 3-1. After that, they fell to FC Milwaukee's U-14 Blue Squad 1-2. On Sunday they ended the week on a high note, winning 1-0 against Gladiator 94/95 of Nebraska.

The standings have FC Milwaukee at the top, with KC Black Stars in 3rd and KCW Juniors U-14 sitting in last place, a hair behind St. Croix.

Boy's U-14 Premier Division, Blue Group:

Also at Muscatine

-KC's lone representatives in U-14 MRL Premier play, the Blue Valley SC Stars 94/95 Boca Juniors Squad, had a trio of games that included a tie, a win, and a loss -- Eclipse Select (IL) 94/95 3-3; Columbus Crew Juniors U-14 Gold Squad 3-0; Sockers FC Chicago U-14 1-2.

They are mid-way up the ladder at 4th place in U-14 Premier Division, Blue Group play.

Moving on to Girl's U-14 First Division, Western Conference, Blue Group:

Action here also from Muscatine, Iowa

-KCFC Force (KS) had a 3-game pack that included 2 wins and a tie: 1-0 over St. Louis' Scott Gallagher Harbaugh/Portugal squad; 2-0 over Gallagher's USA squad; and a 1-1 split decision vs. the Mid-Rivers Blue Strikers.

-Not competing in the tournament this weekend were Kansas Rush Nike 94/95 and Blue Valley SC Stars' 94/95 Sevilla Squad. Each have a game next week before the Scott Gallagher-hosted round of games at SLU High School in St. Louis in two weeks.

Current standings have Toro Booyah out of Nebraska in first place, with KCFC Force playing its way up to 2nd; Kansas Rush Nike in the middle of the pack at 5th; and BVSC Stars in 7th.

Closing out the action in Muscatine, Girl's U-14 Premier Division, Red Group:

-One team from KC represeting us in U-14 Premier play -- The Viati 95's. Three games were played in a brutal weekend for Viati 95's: a tie against Eclipse Select South (IL) 94/95, 1-1; a loss to NSA Premier Fireballs (IL) 0-1; and blowout at the hands Sockers FC Chicago U-14, 1-5!

Despite these results, Viati 95's are still rolling along at 6th out of 8 in the group; but hoping for a better showing at the Scott Gallagher-hosted round in St. Louis in two weeks time.

Boy's U-15 First Division, Western Conference, Red Group:

-Kansas Rush Nike 93-94, hosts of this round of games from Lone Elm Park in Olathe, loss to the cross-state Doran Fitness a staggaring 1-7! They followed up by beating cross-state Lou Fusz Red Squad 3-2, but finishing off their host weekend losing handily to Springfield SC 93/94 0-4.

-The Wizards Junors U-15 program enjoyed a cheerier weekend with a 3-1 victory over Lou Fusz Red; a 2-2 draw vs. Springfield SC 93/94; and a walloping of Doran Fitness 5-0.

-KCFC United 93/94 are next in this western-Missouri filled group, also shutting out Doran Fitness 3-0; then beating Lou Fusz Red 3-2.

-Springfield FC 93/94, meanwhile, tied the Wizards Juniors U-15 2-2; then shutout host Kansas Rush Nike 4-0 to close out the weekend's festivities.

The standings have the Wizards Juniors on top with a 6-0 undefeated streak going. KCFC is behind them in 2nd. Springfield FC is behind Doran Fitness in 4th. And Kansas Rush Nike is 6th of 8, looking to keep bottom-dwellers Ankeny (IA) and Lou Fusz at bay.

Boy's U-16 First Division, Western Conference, Red Group:

-Springfield SC 92/93, hosts of this round from Plaster Sports Complex, had a fairly uneventful tie, scoreless draw, and one-goal win -- FC United Select (IL) 1-1; Hoffman United Hurricanes (IL) 0-0; and Lou Fusz Strikers' Red Squad 1-0.

-The KCFC Blues 92/93 squad had a slightly less spectacular tie, one-goal loss, and another tie -- Euro Premier (IL) 1-1; FC United Select (IL) 1-2; and Lou Fusz Strikers' Kaver Squad 1-1.

The standings have the Kaver Squad on top, with Springfield in 2nd place. KCFC Blues are mid-pack in 4th with 5 ties, no wins, and only one loss.

Boy's U-16 Premier Division, Blue Group:

In Muscatine

-The Wizards' U-16 program played a pair of games. Saturday they played the Minnesota Thunder's U-16 blue squad and won out 1-0. Sunday, the Wizards produced a scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire's U-16 "Red-11" squad.

After these results, The Wizards are in third place, with their focus set to overtaking 2nd place Vardar (Michigan) in the standings. Fellow MLS program Chicago Fire U-16 "Red-11", with their single win, find themselves third-from-the-bottom; while USL program Minnesota Thunder U-16 blue squad remain winless and second-from-the-bottom.

Boy's U-16 Premier Division, Red Group:

Another Muscatine-hosted round

-The KCFC Rangers had a trio of games. For starters they played the Chicago Wind's 92/93 Nationals squad to a 1-1 draw. After resting up that day, they then played Eclipse Select's (IL) 92/93 team but could not produce a result, losing 1-2. On Sunday, they played Campten United (IL)'s 92/93 navy squad, losing again 0-1.

After this particularly difficult weekend for the Rangers, they drop to fourth place in the standings.

Boy's U-17 First Division, Western Conference, Blue Group:

Another Muscatine-hosted round

-The region's trio of teams competing in the Blue Group have what appears to be broken coverage from the MRL's website. It says that Kansas-side Everton 92 and the KCFC Athletics 91/92 team played in Muscatine, though it does not give dates or score for either team.

-Springfield SC 91/92 appears to have only played one match -- a 1-1 tie against the Chicago Fire U-17 program's red squad.

It appears Springfield's in the unofficial third place in the group. Though the results of the Everton and Athletics games have yet to be factored into the standings.

Boy's U-17 First Division, Western Conference, White Group:

From Muscatine

-KC's lone team in the group, Futura Juventus, had a rough go of it; losing first to Galaxy SC's 91/92 blue squad 0-1. On Sunday, Juve was blown out 0-4 against Valley United (MN)'s Cosmos team. They capped off Sunday by playing to a 1-1 tie against Westside FC (MN)'s Reds team.

After these results, Juve sits winless at the bottom of the group standings.

Boy's U-17 Premier Division, Blue Group:

-The Wizards' U-17 program appeared to have the weekend off -- though there is still a completed match against Sockers FC Chicago's U-17 team that looks like it has not had a scorline or date of the match added to it. The next match will be at the Swope Park Training Facility this Sunday, May 10th vs. SLSG's O'Keefe team.

Assuming all results are up to date, the Wizards sit in 5th place in the group, with mixed results so far this season. O'Keefe is one spot ahead of them in the standings.

Boy's U-17 Premier Division, Red Group:

-KCFC's Strikers team has apparently not played since April 26th. No upcoming games are posted for them, though one would expect that they should be back in action within the Midwest Regional League group play soon, unless they have had to drop out.

Assuming all results are up to date, the Strikers are in fourth in the group standings with a 4-3-0 record.

Boy's U-18 Premier Division, Red Group:

-Springfield SC's 90/91 team took the weekend off as well, also not having played since April 26th. They are back in action against St. Louis Scott Gallagher's Team One at the Lake Country Soccer Complex in Springfield on May 13th.

Assuming all results are up to date, Springfield is in first place in the group standings, going undefeated so far this season.