Soccer Goals: After a failed attempt to secure a stadium deal at the former Bannister Mall shopping center, the Wizards announced that they will be building a 200 million dollar complex in Kansas City, Kansas, a location close to Community Ball Park where they currently host their games. Although the franchise has struggled to secure a Soccer Specific Stadium site over the past years, the news should help grow the Wizard franchise and fan base, which has been hindered by the lack of stability as they played in make-shift Community Ball Park.
Soccer Videos: Stephane Auvray highlights
Highlighting other positive preseasons Wizards' news, the mighty Blue have recently acquired the service of Guadalupe central midfielder, Stephane Auvray, a French ligue midfielder who spent the past ten years patrolling the field. Impressing in his Guadalupe debut in the 2007 Gold Cup, which reached the semi-finals in impressive fashion pushing Mexico to the brink of defeat, Auvray boasts a strong work rate, good vision, and technical skill, that will upgrade one the Wizards' weakness, team speed.
"We look forward to Stéphane joining the team," Wizards Manager Peter Vermes said. "His experience playing in Europe, being the captain of the Guadalupe National Team and his leadership skills will make him a valuable asset to the Kansas City Wizards."
One facet that has become apparent since the acquisition of Kei Kamara, is that Coach Peter Vermes understands the value of team speed and has addressed this issue in the draft and via free agency. Although I have praised the Wizards for player development and finding those diamonds in the rough, their recent free agency history and relying on South American prospects to fill team needs, while trading away their team speed i.e. Scott Sealy and Eddie Johnson) finally lead to their 2009 demise, where the organization struggled during the final stretch of the season.
But, let's not focus on their soccer mishaps: The Wizards seem to be headed in the right direction. Recent draft choices forward Teal Bunbury, and left back/winger Olukorede Aiyegbusi fit the bill, upgrading team speed, while defenders Nick Cardenas and Ofori Sarkodie provide depth. Colombian central defender, Pablo Escobar, and defensive midifielder, Stepane Auvray, bolster their squad, as recent Colombian defenders have experienced good success rate in MLS, players such as Jamison Olave, Yamith Cuesta, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.
The question still remains, how many wing backs will stay on the roster? It is possible that Michael Harrington and Chance Myers could be moving up the field in a midfield wing position. If that is the case, the Wizards will bolster strong wingers with a solid central midfield depth. If Kei Kamara returns after his European trials and resigns with the Big Blue, the Wizards will have fostered team depth, improved attacking options and team speed during the off season, a trait that should have been addressed in years past.
Though the Wizards will continue to acquire new players to further bolster their roster, their change of philosophy could make the difference in the upcoming season.
Here is a potential Starting Xl based on current players available
----Kamara----Wolff
Espinoza-Jewsbury-Auvray-Arnaud
Harrington-Bessley-Conrad-Leathers
---------Hartman---------
Note: Chance Myers, Lance Watson, or Olukorede Aiyegbusi could slot into either wing back positions.
What do you think of the Wizard's team improvement? Will they make a playoff run? Are you excited about the new stadium? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The Wizards announce stadium plans and building roster depth
.
Add A Comment