MLSsoccer.com’s Andrew Wiebe breaks down the Wizards’ 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, looking at the boost Kansas City should receive from the historic result.
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Three things to take away…
1) The Wizards organization earned massive victories on all fronts. Fans from 43 states and four countries attended a soccer game -- in Kansas City, Mo. If that doesn’t shake professional soccer’s perception in this country, not much will. The fact that Kansas City defeated Manchester United is just icing on the cake, albeit an extremely delicious topping to an altogether banner day.
2) This one didn’t count in the standings, but it’s a huge boost nonetheless. No, that’s not exactly a groundbreaking observation, but Kansas City often looked like the better team Sunday against Man Utd. after a trying first half of the season. I repeat, Kansas City often looked like the better team Sunday against Manchester United. The Wizards didn’t compromise their style of play, and the Red Devils had trouble dealing with it even up a man in the second half. If anything was going to jump start a run to playoffs, this was it.
3) Teal Bunbury must stay in the lineup. Bunbury belongs in the center of Kansas City’s attacking trident, and I’m not just saying that because Sir Alex Ferguson made a point to compliment the rookie’s physical play. Bunbury simply brings something that nobody else on the Wizards roster can. Josh Wolff hasn’t been able to get it going, and he’s not a traditional target forward. Kei Kamara has been the team’s most productive scorer, but even he looks more comfortable in a wide role. It's time to see what the rookie can do with an extended run.
Two players who stood out…
1) Midfielder Stephane Auvray -- Not many expected Kansas City to hold off United after Jimmy Conrad was sent off late in the second half, but the Wizards held on for 50-plus minutes. Much of that had to do with Auvray’s ability to shut down the center of the park and cover enough ground to make up for the lost body.
2) Goalkeeper Eric Kronberg -- Jimmy Nielsen has been a rock for Kansas City this season, but the Wizards didn’t miss a beat when the little-used Kronberg entered in the second half. He confidently organized the defense in front of him, displayed his shot stopping ability and, in the process, preserved a historic victory.
One play that changed the game…
On the scoresheet, Kamara scored the game-winning goal. In reality, there’s a very good chance that Kamara’s header in the 42nd minute never crossed the line. Wizards manager Peter Vermes even joked about consulting with the World Cup committee in the postgame press conference. But no matter the call, the goal counted and completely turned around a moment in which the Wizards could have crumbled.
Final verdict…
This was just another special night in a city that has shown its love for the beautiful game all year long. First came the groundbreaking of the new stadium, and then the Power and Light District exploded with World Cup fever. In the end, Sunday may have topped it all. Kansas City attracted the biggest crowd yet on United’s tour and handed the Red Devils their first loss in North America.
Next up...
Saturday, July 31, vs. Toronto FC (6-5-5). A victory against United was wonderful, but this is the game that really matters when it comes down to it. Kansas City need points, especially at home, and Toronto are one of the teams competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards toughed out a tie in Canada earlier in the season, now the challenge will be to take three points back in the Midwest.
