Sounds like the Wizards are going to be playing the US U-17 team here in KC some time soon probably as the US prepares for the U-17 World Cup. http://twitter.com/RobbHeineman Robb's twitter post "looking like we will play the usmnt 17s in kc"
I asked Robb about it tonight for those that didn't listen to the Jimmy Conrad show. http://www.downthebyline.com/2009/10/wizards-to-play-us-u-17-team.html
Been told it's against the Rangers, 7pm on the turf field. http://www.downthebyline.com/2009/10/wizards-to-play-u17s-tuesday.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vice President of Communications Rob Thomson 913.226.6024 Public Relations Dave Borchardt 816.665.8442 Press Officer Kyle Rogers 913.568.2213 Kansas City Wizards to Play U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team Tuesday Night at Swope Park Match Open to Public; Wizards Technical Director/Interim Head Coach Peter Vermes to Address Area Youth Soccer Coaches Prior to Contest (October 12, 2009) – The Kansas City Wizards will play host to the United States Under-17 Men’s National Team Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT on Field 3 at the team’s Swope Park Training Center. The contest will serve as a tune-up game for the U.S. team prior to the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. The U.S. squad begins the tournament October 26 against Spain. The USA is in a group with Spain, Malawi and the United Arab Emirates in the 24-team competition. Prior to the match, Wizards Technical Director/Interim Head Coach Peter Vermes will address local youth soccer coaches at 6:30 p.m. CT. Vermes will go over tactics and Kansas City’s training regimen with youth coaches before they watch the Wizards take on the U-17s. The match is open to the public free of charge. U.S. Soccer supporters are encouraged to attend the match for a glimpse of the team that will represent the United States at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup. U.S. U-17 coach Wilmer Cabrera will be available to media members after the contest. Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center 6310 Lewis Road Kansas City, MO 64133 Google Maps Link The Wizards will then return to CommunityAmerica Ballpark this Saturday, October 17 as Seattle Sounders FC comes to town for a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff. A special Ladies Night ticket package is available for ladies 21 and over, including two (2) bleacher tickets, two (2) glasses of wine, one (1) fruit and cheese plate and one (1) pink soccer ball for only $49. A portion of the proceeds for each package sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Greater Kansas City Affiliate. For more information or to purchase this ticket package, call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400. To purchase single-game tickets outside of this ticket package, visit www.Ticketmaster.com/kcwizards. --www.kcwizards.com-- THE WORLD'S GAME... KANSAS CITY'S TEAM
U-17 roster for tomorrow. http://www.hillcrestroadblog.com/2009/10/us-u-17s-roster.html GOALKEEPERS (2): Keith Cardona (NY Red Bulls; Glen Rock, N.J.), Earl Edwards (La Jolla Nomads; San Diego, Calif.) DEFENDERS (5): Zachary Herold (West Pines United FC, Port St. Lucie, Fla.), Perry Kitchen (Chicago Magic; Indianapolis, Ind.), Tyler Polak (CSA Legacy; Lincoln, Neb.), Jared Watts (North Meck Storm; Statesville, N.C.), Eriq Zavaleta (FC Pride; Westfield, Ind.) MIDFIELDERS (5): Bryan Duran (Latino Americana; Ducanville, Texas), Luis Gil (Pateadores; Garden Grove, Calif.), Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jr.; San Pedro, Calif), Nick Palodichuk (Washington Premier; Battleground, Wash.), Alex Shinsky (Super Nova FC; York, Pa.) FORWARDS (4): Victor Chavez (Real So Cal; Fontana, Calif), Andrew Craven (First Coast Kickers; St. Simons Island, Ga.), Stefan Jerome (West Pines United FC; Davie, Fla.), Jack McInerney (Cobb SC; Alpharetta, Ga.)
I might try and make this, I'll be curious to see how top 16 year olds match up against professional players (or professionally trained yutes). I think we've played them before in pre-season winning like 6-1 and also losing once a few years back. Regardless you may be watching the next WC 2014 young guy who makes the roster ala Beasley/Donovan for WC 2002. It's free after all.
I'm going to be there. Should be interesting to see. While it's not the full World Cup roster, it should still be a good team.
.... and even hearing this I want to come .... Anybody ever investigated Obsessive Spectator Disorder??!!
3-0, could have and should have been more. The 17's keeper played well, Kraus sent a PK high, the 17's hit the post. I'll have a write up up in a bit, as will hillcrest.
Yeah we should have had at least two more goals, but that said hammering a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds isn't much to get excited about. I thought the kids played really well, pretty disciplined and well coached. Most had a quality first touch that is sadly lacking in many of our players and they tried to play first touch football and almost pulled off a few really lovely moves through midfield. Their goalkeeper is one to watch for sure. He really pulled off some good saves and was really unlucky to have the second Wizards goal go in after pulling off a pretty nice save from a corner kick only to have the ball fall to Gomez. Ultimately men against boys and the strengh, physicality and experience of the Wizards had them totally dominate the second half. Espinoza seems frustrated. Anybody else get that?
Not there, but I can't imagine why he would be frustrated. It's not like he's a good player who just happened to fall out of favor with both his club and national team coach in the space of the same six months - with no corresponding results to back it up. Oh.. Wait.. That would be reasons TO be frustrated.
Yeah, and not just at this game. He seemed frustarted in general. I think that's coming from the lack of playing time and the lack of a call up to the national team. But it was definitely deeper than just this game.