The University News

Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Kevin Bryce Senior Brian Harris goes one-on-one with the Wizard's Nelson Pizzaro.

Media Credit: Kevin Bryce A Wizard's corner kick put pressure on UMKC's defense which admirably defended the net, including an earlier blocked penalty kick by sophomore goalkeeper Ken Cooper.

Last Monday, the UMKC men's soccer team went head-to-head against the Kansas City Wizards at Swope Park. Despite flurries on the cold and windy day, the game went off without a hitch - except the Roos lost 2-0.

"I think when you're playing you don't really notice the cold," Head Coach Rick Benben said. "It didn't seem too bad and didn't bother the players. We've played it before."

The Roos showed remarkable improvement against the Wizards after an 8-1 loss last semester. The Wizards played their second and third strings, still having some cuts to make. The starting line-up was resting from a match played the day before.

"It's a severe benefit to them as well," Benben said. "It's just good to get games in."

UMKC hopes to be able to play the Wizards, if not every semester, then at least every year. It's good for the players to keep having games even after the season's over, staying active and motivated.

"They're the highest level of soccer in our country," Benben said. "It's a great opportunity and good experience."

The Roos put up a good fight against the Wizards, holding the score at 1-0 late into the second half.

Though the game was held for the most part at UMKC's end of the pitch, sophomore goalkeeper Ken Cooper kept the Roos in the game with five great saves, including a penalty kick.

"We hung in there," Benben said. "They had better chances, but [our] players did well."

As the second half wore on, the Wizards seemed to be getting anxious. Unhappy with the score, they began putting on extra pressure. In the closing minutes, both teams were fighting harder, seeing some minor injuries.

With three minutes left in the game, the Wizards put themselves at ease by scoring another goal putting the score at 2-0.

The Kangaroos next match is this Saturday taking them to William Jewell College.

kbryce@unews.com

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