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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:13 EST |
Kansas City Wizards: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
Even winning teams tinker a bit. The defending MLS Cup 2000 champions have made several significant changes to their squad in an effort to repeat as league champions. However, the rock-solid defense will return intact to lead the charge in 2001.
Tony Meola looks to have an encore performance of his record-breaking and MVP 2000 season. |
Goalkeeper Tony Meola won nearly every major award he could a year ago -- Honda MVP, Aquafina Goalkeeper of the Year, Ace Comeback Player of the Year, MLS Cup 2000 MVP, while earning a spot on the Pepsi Best 11. In front of Meola are three formidable defenders, BIC Defender of the Year Peter Vermes and rising youngsters Nick Garcia (runner-up for 2000 Kellogg's Rookie of the Year) and Brandon Prideaux, who enjoyed a breakthrough season last year.
Defensive midfielders Matt McKeon and Kerry Zavagnin also worked wonders in tandem, disrupting opposing teams' offenses a year ago with McKeon jumping into the attack when needed. Changes were made to the wings and attack, but Wizards fans will likely bet on head coach Bob Gansler's ability to judge talent after his successful overhaul of the team last offseason.
Left-sided midfielder Chris Henderson, the clubs' top scorer in 2000, was sent to Miami for MLS' all-time leading goal scorer, striker Roy Lassiter. "Rocket Roy" will be asked to fill the shoes of retired MLS Cup Playoff hero Miklos Molnar, who had the lone goal at MLS Cup 2001. Promising Trinidadian international Gary Glasgow may fit in alongside Lassiter, with veteran Mo Johnston coming out of a brief retirement and ready for his 21st professional season.
Speedy winger Mark Santel was acquired from Dallas to fill Henderson's spot. The other flank will be manned aptly by Chris Klein, whose breakout season in 2000 earned him a spot on the U.S. National Team.
Key Additions:
F Roy Lassiter, M Mark Santel, D Jose Burciaga
Jr.
Key Departures:
M Chris Henderson, F Miklos Molnar, M Preki, F
Alex Bunbury.
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2000 Wizards Leaders
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Goals
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12, Miklos Molnar
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Assists
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15, Preki
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Points
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27, Chris Henderson
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GAA
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0.92 Tony Meola
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Keep an eye on:
What can GK Tony Meola (15 wins, 0.92 GAA) do for an encore after shattering a league record with 16 shutouts in 2000? F Roy Lassiter (eight goals in 27 games with Miami) will be on the spot to produce goals for the Wizards. His track record would not suggest otherwise. M Kerry Zavagnin was possibly the key to last year's team. The link between attack and defense, his passing was invaluable to the maneuver.
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