Club Teams > American Teams > Kansas City Wizards

Kansas City Wizards Team Biography

Founded: 1995

Nickname: The Wiz

Pitch: Arrowhead Stadium

Capacity: 79,451

Sponsor: Adidas

In 1995, the Kansas City Wizards were established as one of Major League Soccer's first teams. Playing under Coach Rob Newman, and led by sensational midfielder Preki, the Wiz's opening season ended in the Western Conference Finals. However, in two consecutive seasons, 1998 and 1999, the Wizards failed to reach the playoffs, and the inspirational coach, was replaced by Bob Gansler, a former coach United States National Team.

Many off season deals and big pick-ups during the MLS SuperDraft saw the Wiz with both youth and experience on their side. All these moves paid off, as the club experienced by far their best season in their history. Off to a superb 10-0-2 start, they went on to win the MLS Cup. In the next three seasons, the Wizards made it to the playoffs, but fell short all three times, failing to regain their crown.

In 2005, the Wizards master midfielder, Preki, retired a new star rose to lead the team. Jimmy Conrad won the MLS Defender of the Year Award and, in addition, team owner Mr. Hunt, announced that he would remain with the Wiz. On the other hand, one lose to many, forced Kansas City out of the playoffs in the same year.

Kansas City's First Team Squad