Kansas City Wizards Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman Named to MLS All-Star Team for MLS-Record Fifth Time

(July 10, 2007) – Kansas City Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman has been named by New England Revolution and MLS All-Star Head Coach Steve Nicol as the second goalkeeper to the squad. The 2007 MLS All-Star game will be held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado Thursday, July 19 against Scottish power Celtic FC. Hartman, who has started and played every minute of the Wizards 15 games so far in 2007, has been named an MLS All-Star four times previously (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005). With his fifth selection, Hartman moves into a tie with former Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola and Zach Thornton for the MLS record for All-Star selections by a goalkeeper. Hartman (2007) and Meola (2000, 2002) are the only goalkeepers in Wizards history to be named to the All-Star team.

“I'm so excited about the opportunity to join Steve Nichol and the All-Star group,” Hartman said. “With the quality of great goalkeepers in our league, it's a great honor to be considered among the top few so far this season. My transition to Kansas City　wasn't without difficulties and has　been made much easier by the quality and class within the Wizards and our staff. I know there are many other guys　in the league that could have just as easily been awarded the All-Star game, and I am truly humbled.”

Hartman, Major League Soccer’s all-time leader in wins (122), shutouts (65), games played in goal (258) and minutes played in goal (23,085), has led the Wizards to a 6-5-4 record this season while recording three shutouts and stopping 50 shots. His 306-minute shutout streak April 21-May 12 is the 4th-longest shutout streak by an MLS goalkeeper this season. Hartman was acquired before the 2007 season by Technical Director Peter Vermes and Head Coach Curt Onalfo to solidify the Wizards goalkeeper position.

“This is excellent news for Kevin Hartman and the Kansas City Wizards,” Wizards Head Coach Curt Onalfo said. “It’s a tribute to the solid year he is having and the leadership he is providing to our team.”

In Colorado, Hartman will again be teamed with New England Revolution goalkeeper and MLS All-Star First XI member Matt Reis. Hartman and Reis were teammates in Los Angeles for five seasons (1998-2002) with Hartman serving as the primary ‘keeper and Reis the backup for a majority of their time together. Reis left in 2003 to join the Revs and has since become a domineering figure between the pipes.

“I look forward to seeing Matt (Reis) in Colorado as well. Who would have thought that the two goalkeepers who battled against each other for so long would be together again in such a celebratory event?” Hartman said. “I've always considered Matt one of my favorite goalkeepers in the league and always look forward to seeing him play. I consider him a great friend and am happy to see that I was just one of many　that cast　my vote for him. He certainly deserves it. He's been a monster for the Revs.”

Hartman has been named to the MLS All-Star team four times, appearing in two games. Hartman started the 2003 match against Club Deportivo Guadalajara, playing all 90 minutes and stopping nine shots to earn the 3-1 victory. His nine saves are good for a 2nd-place tie in the MLS All-Star game all-time record books. He then appeared during the second half of the 2004 East vs. West affair, allowing one goal. In 2000 and 2005, Hartman was named to the All-Star team without appearing in the game.

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