Result…
A 1-0 defeat on Saturday night against the New England Revolution (9-15-5, 32 points) at Gillette Stadium.
Table position…
Third place in the Eastern Conference on 36 points (10-13-6).
Three things to take away…
1. The Kansas City Wizards are officially out of the playoff race.
The odds were long and Kansas City needed significant help, but that didn’t stop the team and its fans from dreaming a little. Though everything seemed to be setting up for an incredible finish, manager Peter Vermes’ team couldn’t get another three points against New England while Colorado dominated Los Angeles to seal the MLS Cup Playoffs field. That means the Wizards will watch the postseason from home for the second straight year.
2. Kansas City must get better from dead-ball situations, specifically corner kicks.
Through 29 games, the Wizards have yet to score from even one of their 146 corner kicks. Only three other teams – FC Dallas, Seattle and Houston – have taken more corner kicks this season than Kansas City. That kind of production simply isn’t going to get it done over the course of a 30-game season.
With Ryan Smith, Kei Kamara and Teal Bunbury establishing themselves up front and Davy Arnaud putting in another solid year in the middle of the field, the Wizards were dangerous from the run of play despite inconsistent finishing. Think about what a few more set-piece goals could have done for their production (and record) over the course of a season.
3. Vermes is going to have to continue to improve the team’s depth.
Saturday was a case in point for why the club needs to continue rebuilding its roster. With Jimmy Conrad out after suffering a concussion, Matt Besler and Shavar Thomas – neither of whom have much experience with the other – were forced to partner in central defense and got burned by Shalrie Joseph for the game’s only goal.
On the attacking side, Ryan Smith missed his second straight game to deal with family issues. While Josh Wolff filled in admirably once again, there just wasn’t much left in the form of attacking talent on the bench to go to. Graham Zusi was the only real option for Vermes in what was a must-win game.
Two players who stood out…
F Teal Bunbury
Bunbury was active and dangerous, especially in the first half, showing an ability to get behind defenders and fight them off with his superior speed and strength. He also flashed signs of improved hold up play at times as well but still has a long way to go with his back to goal. Vermes took his time with the young striker, but it seems Bunbury is likely ready to assume the starting spot full time in 2011.
GK Jimmy Nielsen
Nielsen has been a rock in goal all season for the Wizards, so it was surprising to see his gaffe partially responsible for the game’s only goal. Given another opportunity, the Dane probably wouldn’t have come rushing out of penalty area to clear the ball, but that doesn’t change the outcome. In the end, Joseph outworked and outsmarted Nielsen, Besler and Thomas to sink the club’s playoff hopes.
One play that changed the game…
Joseph's goal undeniably was the most important play of the game. But rather than talk about what went wrong, it's more important to talk about the implications for Kansas City. The Wizards knew that they had to score first; the team had only once overcome a one goal deficit in 2010. Once Joseph put New England ahead, there was not much hope for Kansas City.
Final verdict…
The season isn’t quite over, but the Wizards' playoff chances are dead and buried. Kansas City went down in the same fashion that they have all season, creating plenty of chances and failing to convert while allowing one decisive error at the other end. The loss may be bitter, but at least there are clear areas for improvement.
Next up...
Saturday vs. San Jose (12-9-7, 43 points).
With just pride on the line for Kansas City, it will be interesting to see how Vermes treats the team’s final game at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. No matter what lineup he fields, Vermes is going to want to win, pushing his team until the season’s final whistle in an effort to end the year on a high note.
