Kamara Leads Wizards to Preseason Victory

The Kansas City Wizards continued their fine start to the preseason on Wednesday, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. Kei Kamara made the biggest impact for the Wizards, scoring all three goals in the first of four 30-minute sessions. 

“It was a good opportunity to evaluate the players we have left in camp,” said Wizards manager Peter Vermes. “To be able to score some goals and create some chances was obviously an added benefit as well.” 

It took just over 20 minutes for Kamara to score his first goal, heading home a right side cross from Chance Myers just outside the six-yard box. After that the goals appeared to come easy for the Sierra Leone international. Just four minutes after his first goal, Kamara grabbed his second of the afternoon on a breakaway after collecting a missed clearance by the San Jose defense, slotting the ball past San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon right as he crossed into the 18-yard area. 

Kamara only had to wait another four minutes to cap off his hat trick with a left-footed goal from the penalty spot, this time off a cross from left-sided trialist Ryan Smith. 

“Kei found himself in some good spots and took advantage of the opportunities that were given to him,” Vermes said. “He has a burning desire to be successful, so that’s obviously a big help.” 

The Wizards will look to continue their preseason winning streak this Saturday when they play the San Jose Earthquakes again, this time at The Soccer Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University. The Wizards won their first preseason match against the NPSL’s Arizona Sahuaros 5-0 last Saturday. 

The Kansas City Wizards began training in Phoenix, Arizona last week, signaling the start of a five-week preseason camp to prepare the team for the 2010 MLS season. Nine teams from across Major League Soccer will join the Wizards in the Arizona capital, part of an effort by the organization to create a consistent preseason base for multiple MLS teams.

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