Kansas City Wizards vs DC United Match Preview
The Kansas City Wizards clearly were not happy finishing with the third worst record in the league last year as they have undertaken a complete roster overhaul this offseason.
Long gone are Herculez Gomez, Kevin Hartman, and Claudio Lopez. Coach Peter Vermes has brought in a number of new players to provide offensive depth, which is needed for team that was second to last in goals scored in 2009.
Kei Kamara and Ryan Smith were solid midfield players last year and forward Josh Wolff tied for sixth in the league with 12 goals last year. Rookie Teal Bunbury, the fourth overall selection in the draft, will also provide scoring pop off the bench.
The biggest change of all was at the goalkeeper position where Kevin Hartmann is gone after three years of tending the KC net. Jimmy Nielsen will be the new keeper and will have big boots to fill this year.
What was once a premier team in MLS, DC United will look to return to the playoffs after a two year absence. The departure of the popular Ben Olson will have fans looking for a new hero.
Former United player Curt Onalfo is now the head coach and if this spring is anything to measure the team by, United could be in for a solid year.
With two starting defenders recovering from injury, Bryan Namoff and Marc Burch, Onalfo will have to improvise on defense. Santino Quaranta will look to take on more responsibility in the midfield alongside Christian Castillo while Jaime Moreno and Chris Pontius look to increase their scoring output up front.
