Saturday will be a busy day for Kansas City soccer fans, as the Wizards host a huge Summer of Soccer World Cup watch party for the USA-Ghana Round of 16 match at 1 p.m. CT in the Kansas City Power & Light District. The Wizards will later host the New York Red Bulls in an MLS match at 7:30 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Limited tickets remain available for the MLS game, and the Wizards will be selling Buy One, Get One tickets at Saturday’s USA-Ghana watch party.
Fans are encouraged to arrive to the watch party as early as possible to reserve quality seats and to pack the house for ABC’s cameras. ABC/ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez will be on hand for live pre-game, halftime and post-game segments from the watch party. Atmosphere in the Power & Light District has been among the best in the United States, thanks in part to the local chapter of the American Outlaws, a USA supporters’ group and The Cauldron, Kansas City’s supporters group. The American Outlaws have packed Johnny’s Tavern for each USA game, erupting in joy when goals are scored.
The weekly Kansas City Soccer Show on Sports Radio 810 WHB will air live from McFadden’s in the Power & Light District from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT. Jake Gutierrez will be live at McFadden’s, with co-host Josh Whisenhunt calling in from South Africa. Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad will join the duo at 11 a.m. CT. Metro Sports will also be live from the Power & Light District Saturday with a special USA pre-game show from 12:30 – 1 p.m. CT. Wizards President Robb Heineman, Vice President of Development David Ficklin and TV Commentator Sasha Victorine will take part in the Metro Sports show.
USA fans are encouraged to help bring the FIFA World Cup to Kansas City in 2018 or 2022 by registering their support at www.goUSAbid.com/kc or texting “KansasCity” to 22442.
After the watch party, the Wizards return to MLS against the Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. CT at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. New York has compiled 21 points so far this season, with a 7-5-0 record. Kansas City is hoping to continue their upswing after a 2-0 win over the Union on June 10. Kamara struck early with a goal in the 9th minute, while midfielder Graham Zusi scored his first career MLS goal in the 35th. Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen recorded his fifth shutout of 2010, tying him for second in MLS in shutouts.
The Red Bulls are looking to rebound from a 4-2 loss to Brazilian club Cruzeiro in a friendly last Friday. Forward Juan Pablo Angel has six goals in MLS play this season, tying him for third in MLS with San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski and Kansas City’s own Kei Kamara. Kamara’s next goal will set a new career high, after his AT&T Goal of the Week winner from the June 10 match against the Philadelphia Union tied his previous career high set in 2009, when he scored five goals for Houston and one for the Wizards.
Saturday’s match can once again be viewed on KCWE 29 featuring play-by-play announcer Dave Borchardt and analyst Sasha Victorine, with 30-minute pre-game and 30-minute post-game shows.
