The Kansas City Wizards will look to re-assert themselves into the thick of the 2008 MLS Cup Playoff race Sunday with a 2 p.m. match-up against the Chicago Fire. Kansas City is currently two points out of the final MLS Cup Playoff spot and will know its situation fully heading into Sunday's game, as all contending teams will have played earlier in the week. Sunday's match features a unique doubleheader, as the reserve teams from each team will play shortly following the conclusion of the MLS match. Fans are encouraged to stay after the MLS game and watch your KCW Reserves battle for the MLS Reserve Division title.
Sunday's Match to Feature Rare Doubleheader
Sunday as the Wizards look to move up in the race for the 2008 MLS Cup Playoffs, fans will get the opportunity to see a rare Major League Soccer doubleheader. After the Wizards and Fire first teams face of at 2 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, reserve teams from both teams will square of at 4:30 p.m. CT. Fans are allowed and encouraged to remain inside the stadium to watch the reserve match, as the Wizards are challenging for the MLS Reserve Division crown with an impressive 6-1-2 record. A limited number of concession stands will remain open during the second match for fans choosing to stay.
Kansas City Wizards Present All-Star Autograph Experience for October 5 Match Against Chicago Fire
The Kansas City Wizards will host an exciting post-game opportunity and ticket package for their match against the Chicago Fire Sunday. Fans who purchase a ticket package that includes two 2008 home matches, a 2009 ticket deposit and the opportunity to attend an autograph session that features Jimmy Conrad, Kevin Hartman, Josh Wolff, Brian McBride and Diego Gutierrez. Proceeds from purchase of the package go toward the purchase of Malaria nets by Nothing but Nets.
Fans that purchase the 2008/2009 ticket package will receive:
• One (1) stadium reserved seat to the Chicago Fire match October 5
• One (1) stadium reserved seat to one other 2008 home game
• One (1) deposit on a 2009 ticket package
• The opportunity to attend the autograph session after the Wizards-Fire match featuring Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad, Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, Wizards forward Josh Wolff, Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride and Chicago Fire midfielder Diego Gutierrez
Current season ticket holders can gain access to the event by placing a deposit toward their 2009 season tickets. If you have already placed a deposit on tickets for next season, a donation can be made to the Kansas City Soccer Foundation. To purchase the package, contact the Wizards at (913) 387-3400.
Striker Josh Wolff up for Sierra Mist Goal of the Week
Wizards Striker Josh Wolff has been nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week for his spectacular bicycle-kick goal Saturday. Wolff slammed home an acrobatic tally in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 loss at Chivas USA. A Wizards player is up for the award for the third straight week, after Davy Arnaud won two weeks ago and Kevin Souter was nominated last week.
Wizards 50-50 Raffle Sunday to Benefit Youth Coach of Davy Arnaud, Lance Watson
Nederland, Texas, home of Wizards midfielders Davy Arnaud and Lance Watson, was one community devastated by Hurricane Ike earlier this month. At this Sunday's match, the Wizards will hold a 50-50 raffle to help the former youth coach of both players whose home was destroyed in the storm. Brian Arendale, coach at Elite Soccer Club, instructed both Arnaud and Watson early in their careers. Earlier this month, his home was knocked down in the storm surge from Ike. The Wizards will donate half the proceeds from a raffle conducted this Sunday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark as the Wizards take on the Chicago Fire. The remaining proceeds will go to one lucky fan whose ticket is pulled at random.
Kansas City Wizards to Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month for October 11 Match, Courtesy of American Family Insurance
The Kansas City Wizards are teaming up with American Family Insurance for Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities surrounding their October 11 match against the New England Revolution. The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) will be the main beneficiary of that night's events, but all Breast Cancer Awareness groups are encouraged to take advantage of a special fundraising opportunity through Wizards tickets. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
As part of the game-day experience, fans will be able to purchase pink soccer balls and pins with proceeds going to YSC. Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman will also wear a pink jersey for the match that the Wizards will sell via auction at www.kcwizards.com. American Family Insurance will match the final sale price, and all proceeds will be donated to YSC. In addition, American Family has purchased 50 tickets for the match and donated them so that a group from YSC can attend free of charge. They will also sponsor a halftime "Kicks for Cancer" competition, with money donated to YSC for every shot made by a fan participant.
While YSC are the primary beneficiaries of the evening's events, any Breast Cancer Awareness organization can take part in a special ticket promotion. Through the deal, a portion of proceeds of tickets purchased through an organization will be donated by the Wizards to help fundraising efforts.
Contact Wizards Community Relations Manager Erin Lawless at elawless@kcwizards.com or (913) 387-3424 to take part in this special fundraising opportunity.
To buy tickets, click on your preferred group's link, then click on the "Find Tickets" button.
At the next page, enter the Offer Code "AWARE".
Once that has been accepted, sign up for a Wizards Group Account (right-hand side of the page). Then, go through and get your tickets.
The Jimmy Conrad Show Live from McFadden's Wednesday
The Jimmy Conrad Show will be hosted by Jimmy Conrad and voice of the Sean Wheelock live from McFadden's in Kansas City's Power and Light District Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. CT. This week, Conrad and Wheelock will chat about the MLS Cup Playoff race and be joined by a guest from around Major League Soccer.
Archives of The Jimmy Conrad Show are available online at the Wizards podcast page.
Wizards Weekly Press Conference Held FRIDAY at Swope Park
The Wizards weekly press conference will be held on Friday this week and start at 12:00 p.m. CT at the pavilion adjacent to the team's Swope Park Training Center. The conference was moved from Thursday because the team will train Thursday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Head Coach Curt Onalfo and a player will be the guests this week. Planet Sub sandwiches and cookies will be provided to all media members who attend. Each Kansas City Wizards practice will still be open to media, and outlets are encouraged to take advantage of the Wizards media policy.
Zona Wizards Airs Live Thursday on La Playa 1480 AM, Time Warner Cable Channel 5
Zona Wizards, the weekly Spanish-language radio and TV show, will air live this Thursday at 2 p.m. on La Playa 1480 AM and Time Warner Cable Channel 5. Hosted by Enrique Morales and Raul Villegas, Zona Wizards will feature a player each week.
Wizards Weekly to Air Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Wizards Weekly, Kansas City's weekly magazine show covering the Wizards will feature Head Coach Curt Onalfo and a player each week. Metro Sports will air Wizards Weekly three times per week.
Wizards Weekly show times:
Thursday's 9:30 p.m. CT
Friday's 6:30 p.m. CT
Saturday's 11:30 a.m. CT
Wizards Players Appear at Area Best Buy Locations
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Who:
M Roger Espinoza
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When:
Monday, September 29; 6:00-7:30pm
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Where:
Best Buy, 1600 S. Wanamaker, Topeka, KS
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What:
Roger will be signing autographs and playing soccer video games against youth fans at the Topeka Best Buy.
• Who: GK Kevin Hartman
• When: Friday, September 3; 6:00-7:30pm
• Where: Best Buy, 9301 Quivira, Overland Park, KS
• What: Kevin will be signing autographs and playing soccer video games against youth fans at the Best Buy off Quivira in Overland Park.
Conrad Attends Child Protection Center Benefit
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Who:
D Jimmy Conrad
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When:
Thursday, October 2; 6:00-7:30 p.m.
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Where:
5300 Bellview, Kansas City, MO
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What:
Jimmy Conrad will be helping the Child Protection Center by participating in their Annual Fund Kick-Off Reception. He is working with the group to encourage support of organizations that help victims of child abuse.
Hartman to Read His Book "Boots Saves the Day" Saturday at Borders in Overland Park
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Who:
GK Kevin Hartman
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When:
Saturday, October 4; 3:00-4:00 p.m.
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Where:
Borders Bookstore, Overland Park, KS
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What:
Kevin Hartman will be at the Overland Park Borders Bookstore, reading and doing a signing of his book, Boots Saves the Day. Make sure to stop by to see Kevin and pick up a copy of the children's book that he wrote and his wife illustrated.
