K.C. Wizards: Midfield will need direction
Editor's note: ESPNsoccernet will preview all 12 MLS teams as they prepare for the 2006 season.
2005 record and finish: 11-9-12 (Tied for 7th in MLS).
Eric Schlueter/WireImage
Kansas City's Nick Garcia is a mainstay in defense.
Key losses: M Diego Gutierrez, M Chris Klein, M Preki, D/M Khari Stephenson, F Antti Sumiala.
Key questions facing the team
1. How quickly can Wizards make the transition in leadership?
Many of the main points of reference have departed and Wizards such as Jimmy Conrad, Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and, possibly, Kerry Zavagnin are candidates to be on national team duty starting in May. Preki was the Wizard role model for most of the team's existence, and his influence will be lasting. During the World Cup, there could be a leadership vacuum, at least until the national team players return.
2. Will coach Bob Gansler use allocations to add big names?
Chris Klein was a driving force for the Wizards, his ability to twice come back from knee surgery an inspiration. Gansler traded Klein to Real Salt Lake for an allocation and he must have some prospects in the pipeline. A true marquee player or two, or at least someone with varied experience outside the MLS, could help the Wizards raise their game a notch or two.
3. Who will organize the midfield?
The Wizards essentially played the entire last two seasons without an experienced, creative central midfielder. Preki was the Wizard creator, but the Wizards have been unable to replace him. Diego Gutierrez often directed the action last season. Davy Arnaud is effective as a withdrawn striker. Jermaine Hue is skillful enough to take charge. Sasha Victorine can hold things together on an emergency basis. Kerry Zavagnin is dependable, but is a defensive specialist. But no Wizard stands out as being able to take control when the game becomes complicated and the team needs answers and a calming influence.
Biggest X-factor: Scott Sealy.
Sealy proved to be an efficient finisher in his first professional season. This time, Sealy will have to compensate for the potential World Cup absences of Eddie Johnson and Josh Wolff. Of course, there is a chance Sealy, too, could be Germany-bound with Trinidad & Tobago, and if that happens, his value could grow. In any case, by July, we could know if Sealy is on the way to potentially greater glory outside the MLS, or if he is going to be the odd man out in a two-forward system.
Breakout player to watch: Jermaine Hue.
Hue has been among Jamaica's best central midfielders in recent years, but has not always convinced coaches to use him full-time. Possibly, Hue's lack of size works against him. But on a team such as the Wizards, filled with physical, strong players, Hue could provide the spark. The MLS still usually emphasizes physicality over creativity, but there is going to be increasing room for imaginative players. Hue can look to New England's Jose Cancela as an example of a highly-competent attacking midfielder who takes up a foreign spot yet is not a starter.
| Eric Wynalda's Take: |
|---|
| "They could be pretty good. It's going to be difficult, because they're not going to have Josh Wolff, Eddie Johnson, and possibly Kerry Zavagnin, but Bob Gansler is not going to pull out an offensive strategy anyway. He's going to win a lot of games 1-0 and be in a lot of games. I anticipate they'll figure out a way to play an unattractive, but effective style that will keep them in the pack. They'll be able to play so that when they get their guys back, they'll be very good." |
Outlook: Last year, the Wizards concluded the season with a winning record, yet did not qualify for the playoffs. Something similar could happen against this year, unless Gansler can bring in a high-profile addition or two. If the Wizards struggle early, there are six draft choices, including first pick Yura Movsisyan, awaiting their chance.
The Wizards are built to defend, combining the force of Jimmy Conrad and Shavar Thomas with the mobility of Nick Garcia. The savvy of Sasha Victorine and Kerry Zavagnin usually keeps things organized in front of the defenders. And the Wizard forwards are lethal. Almost everything is in place, but unless a Preki-like figure emerges to ignite the Wizards, they will struggle to reach their potential.
Frank Dell'Apa is a soccer columnist for The Boston Globe and ESPN.
