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Soccer Goals: After struggling the past two years after the departure of Eddie Johnson and his goal production, the Kansas City Wizards finally realized that speed kills in the MLS, trading Abe Thompson and allocation money for Sri Leon forward, Kei Kamara.  In a move to clear salary cap space for Luis Landin and potentially to make a move for Stuart Holden, who becomes a free agent after the season, the Houston Dynamo parted with their star forward.

 

These soccer videos feature Kei Kamara soccer goals and celebrations.

 

 

 

 

As I pointed out at the beginning of the season in my Eastern Conference preview with another Nostradamus(Joelstradamus) prognostication, I stated that the Wizards lacked team speed in the midfield and especially at the forward position. After EJ transferred to Fulham FC and Scott Sealy was traded to the San Jose Quakes, the Wizard's were unable to stretch the field and create numerous offensive attacking sequences that the organization had experienced under the speedy and dynamic duo. To make matters worse, their 2009 draft selections failed to address their need for speed, as they based their draft selections more on college production rather than the requisite skills at the next level.

 

It appears that they learned their lesson. Searching for the holy grail of athleticism and speed, the Wizards pulled the trigger.

 

Just adding water, allocation money, and Abe Thompson -- poof -- instant offense and speed arrived at Camp Cauldron. Underrated by many around the league, Kei Kamara will bring a new dynamic to their offense that they sorely missed the past two seasons: Good hold-up play, speed, 1v1 attacking prowess, and five goals and one assist in 21 games during the 2009 season.

 

Even though I have been both critical but most complimentary of the Wizard's organization, the past few years have seemed, as if the organization had lost its organizational philosphy and identity, straying from the previous recipe for success --  a solid spine with speed up top. It appears that Coach/GM Peter Vermes had finally come to the realization that changes had to be made. Bolstering a young stable of "potential prospects" , coupled with high priced journeymen, does not always translate to victories and playoff qualification. In the Wizard's case, it didn't, now a long shot to make the playoffs.

 

The emergence of Kei Kamara will create space for the attacking midfielder duo of Claudio Lopez and Davy Arnaud. In addition, benefiting from Kamara's ability to hold up the ball, another Wizard, Josh Wolff, should receive better service from the midfield respecting both forward's speed, as defenses will no longer be able to key solely on him. Although Wolff has experienced an improved season this year scoring nine goals in 21 games started, his production and effectiveness should improve tremendously with the edition of Kamara.

 

Which ever Kansas City executives were involved in this trade, you should be commended for your bold move -- one that should have taken place last season. Although the Wizards still have to fill several holes, this acquisition identified a major weakness in their attack. Kei Kamara trade will prove to be an astute decision. With an organization in disarray, congratulations are in order for a team in desperate need of change.

 

What did you think of this trade? Who got the best deal? Will Kei Kamara score over ten goals this season now that he moves to KC who has seven games remaining? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Kei Kamara is traded to KC Wizards

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