The Kansas City Wizards will honor goalkeeper Kevin Hartman Sunday before Kansas City's match against the San Jose Earthquakes for breaking his latest MLS record. Wizards President Robb Heineman and Technical Director Peter Vermes will present Hartman with a display featuring replicas of the jersey and goalkeeper gloves he wore last Saturday when his four saves against the Colorado Rapids surpassed the mark of Tony Meola for the all-time MLS lead. Hartman, who stands on 1139 career stops, will present his game-worn jersey and gloves to National Soccer Hall of Fame Director of Museum and Archives Jack Huckel.
"It's an honor to be recognized before the game in front of our home fans," Hartman said. "The length of time that it took to achieve this record is a testament to the quality of teams that I have played and competed with and all of my coaches and trainers. I am quite proud of the achievement."
Hartman surpassed the MLS career saves record in last Saturday's game against the Colorado Rapids. Hartman moved ahead of former Wizards standout Tony Meola in first-half stoppage time with his 2nd save of the night by smothering a shot off the foot of Rapids striker Omar Cummings. Hartman currently ranks first among MLS goalkeepers in career wins (138), shutouts (77), saves (1139), games played (305) and minutes played (27,315).
Sunday's game, sponsored by Sprint, will be Kansas City's "Family Day" as the entire team will gather at Dave & Buster's after the match for an autograph session for fans. The first 5,000 people into the stadium will receive the Wizards 2009 team poster courtesy of Sprint. For children, mini horses will be on hand to ride, and inflatables will be set up on the concourse inside the stadium weather permitting. The food and beverage special of the game will be $2 cotton candy and $2 pretzels. For tickets, call (913) 387-3400 or visit www.kcwizards.com.
