Wizards Announce Open Tryouts

The Kansas City Wizards announced Thursday that the team will hold its second-annual open tryouts March 7-8, 2009 in Kansas City. The Wizards held an open tryout in 2008 for the first time since their inaugural 1996 season, with the event drawing over 200 players from 15 different countries. Two players eventually signed for Kansas City, midfielders Kevin Souter and Nelson Pizarro. Both went on to play in MLS matches for the Wizards in 2008, and Souter started the final four games of the regular season and both MLS Cup Playoff matches for Kansas City. The tryout costs $200, and players can sign up through www.kcwizards.com/opentryout.“Last year, we were extremely surprised and pleased at the talent level at our open tryout,” Wizards Technical Director Peter Vermes said. “We eventually signed two players from the event, and one played a very significant role on our team as we fought hard down the stretch and qualified for the playoffs. We hope to find another player like Kevin Souter or Nelson Pizarro in our second open tryout.”

Participants will take part in matches Saturday, with the top players called back for Sunday's session. Finalists will then get the opportunity to tryout with the Wizards first team in March with the chance of securing a contract. Final tryout location and times will be provided to each participant closer to the event.

When:
March 7-8, 2009

Where:
Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center
6310 Lewis Road
Kansas City, MO
64132