Eric Kronberg interview - 7/29/2010

Talked briefly with Wizards backup keeper Eric Kronberg. He played the second half against Manchester United and had a very good game under pressure.


Eric with The Cauldron in the background...


Eric blocking a shot...


Quick dive for the rebound...


Under control...


Post game interview...

Missouri Comets hold press conference - 7/28/2010

The MISL ball...


MISL Commissioner David Grimaldi welcomed the Comets back to the league as the sixth team. Grimaldi expects that two and possibly even three more teams will join the league before this season starts. A team in is St. Louis is expected for the next season as well.


Independence Evens Center General Manager Mike Young welcomed the arenas second tenant (the Missouri Mavericks hockey team being the first). Young considers the team more a partner than tenants in the way they all work together.


Independence Mayor Don Reimal receiving a jersey with his name on it.


When the Missouri Comets were first announced, there was a new logo used. The team found out they could use the old logo after all and put it to a fan vote. As can be seen on the backdrop, the old logo won. I am told it won overwhelmingly.

Inside the arena the screen was showing highlights of the old Comets while the Comets logo scrolled around in lights.


Throughout the press conference and the conversations with team officials, it was consistently mentioned that they will try to revive and honor the traditions of the original Comets. They want to make is as much of an event and as exciting as possible. The original Comets theme song "Midnight Express" was playing throughout the arena and was even included on the media CD.

Interview with Comets GM Brian Watley and President Ed Scheetz. Watley discusses the search for a coach and building a team. He mentions they have interviewed 5 local coaches and the names I heard are people who most fans will already know. It sounds like there might be a couple candidates from outside of the area as well.



Go to the Missouri Comets website or call 816-478-BALL (2255) for info on season tickets.

Nick Kounenakis interview - 7/28/2010

Talked with Nick after practice today. I had a much longer talk off camera with him, he is an interesting guy.


Official looking photo of Nick

Ryan Smith interview - 7/27/2010

Interesting interview with Ryan Smith, we talk about the Manchester United game and what it means...


Ryan Smith just before the game with Manchester United

Kei Kamara interview - 7/27/2010

Talked with Kei about the Manchester United game, his goal, his All Star shirt. Kei is always fun to interview.


Kei with his KCW All Star shirt

Peter Vermes interview - 7/27/2010

Coach Vermes talks about the game with Manchester United...


Coach Vermes at press conference with Sir Alex watching...

Podcast: Byline 2 Backpost - 7/26/2010

The latest podcast:

We discuss the Manchester United game...

Get it from iTunes

or

Posterous

Paul Scholes playing against the Wizards

Jimmy Nielsen named to the All Star team (inactive)

Jimmy Nielsen is one of seven players that were added to the All Star roster today. That brings the total to 32 to satisfy the leagues Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The other players added today were: Kasey Keller, Joel Lindpere, Robbie Rogers, Freddie Ljungberg, Fredy Montero and Conor Casey

Ljungberg?

How about Kei instead?

Kansas City Wizards 2 -1 Manchester United

Wanted to share some photos, more in the gallery...

Davy Arnaud surprises the visitors and scores on a breakaway to give the Wizards the early lead


Jimmy Nielsen watches the ball out of danger after blocking a hard shot...


Nielsen looks a little upset after Diouf tried to pull a Maradona and hand the ball in air...


Jimmy Conrad takes down Berbatov and received a straight red


Wizards Captain Davy Arnaud protesting the red card...


Jimmy guessed the wrong way and had to watch the resulting penalty kick roll in...


Auvray (and the rest of the Wizards midfield) was able to restrict Manchester United's chances until he left the game


Manchester United did give up just because it was an exhibition, they attacked and pressured the Wizards till the whistle...


Scholes shooting...


Kronberg had a good game when he came in at half and was up to every challenge


Davy looks pleased...

Robb Heineman interview - 7/24/2010

I talked with Wizards President Robb Heineman after the press conference Saturday



Robb shaking hands with Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United Press Conference

The Kansas City Wizards and Manchester United held a press conference to talk about their upcoming game. The Wizards were represented by Coach Peter Vermes and Captain Davy Arnaud. Sir Alex Ferguson and Edwin Van Der Sar spoke for Manchester United. Wizards President Robb Heineman welcomed delivered the plates of ribs from Oklahoma Joe's BBQ to the visitors. Robb hoped they would eat lots of BBQ while here in Kansas City, especially before the game today.

Robb handing BBQ to a surprised Sir Alex Ferguson...


The press conference was mostly light and good humored...


It was obvious that Ferguson has been through countless press conferences, he answered the questions he wanted and expertly brushed off the ones he did not.


After the press conference was over the Manchester United TV crew demolished the ribs that were left...


I have to confess I "liberated" a fry from Sir Alex's plate...