The Kansas City Wizards (3-4-3, 12 pts) return to CommunityAmerica Ballpark Saturday for the first time in two months in a rematch against Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew (6-4-1, 19 pts), sponsored by Makita. Following the match, Wizards players and staff will attend an after party at the nearby Hooters location.
The Wizards are 2-1-1 this season at home, but have not hosted an MLS match since April 12. Eleven of the Wizards remaining 20 games will be played at home. The Wizards earned five points on the six-game road trip that included a shutout win over the Chicago Fire. Members of the Cauldron will collect gently used soccer equipment inside Gate C in conjunction with U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback program. Donors will receive a special T-shirt courtesy of the Wizards, the Cauldron, Passback and All American Indoor.
Kevin Hartman, the most decorated goalkeeper in MLS history, and the Wizards defense have been strong all season. Hartman has extended his MLS records in wins and shutouts to 130 and 71, respectively. He holds the season record for the longest shutout streak with 286 straight scoreless minutes between April 9 and April 26. Hartman has four shutouts on the season and currently sits behind only former teammate Matt Reis of New England. Hartman is also currently 4th in MLS with 44 saves.
Columbus defeated the Wizards May 3 by a 2-1 score line on Kansas City's second road match of the season. The Crew scored two early goals before Wizards midfielder Roger Espinoza was shown a red card. Kansas City pushed forward throughout the remainder of the match though playing with only ten men, and Designated Player Claudio Lopez converted a second-half penalty kick to bring the Wizards within a goal. Kansas City continued pressing but could not find the equalizer. Columbus enters struggling offensively, having not scored in the last four games, a 367-minute span.
