The day dawned hot and humid once again. After a brief reprieve from the heat earlier in the week, Kansas City had once again resumed the Dog Days of August. The Wizards were also feeling the heat in other ways as they had gained just one point in the last two matches. They entered the match mired in 6^th place in the Eastern Conference, 1 point behind New England and 6 points behind the teams tied for the final playoff spot. With just 11 matches remaining in the 2010 season, there was no time for dilly-dallying.

An old friend named Lars unexpectedly arrived in town from Wahpeton, North Dakota. I was quite surprised when I opened the door to see his wide grin.

Lars: “Hey, der, buddy! I hopped in my cahr to scooht over to see dah Wizards, der. Dat Arnoh is sumpin’ ain’t he! Your buddies mind if I come with?”

[Interpretation: Greetings, friend. I proceeded in my vehicle to watch a Wizards match. Davy Arnaud is a good player. Perhaps I could attend the match with you and your friends.]

I scrambled to get him a ticket and we made our way to CAB.

The Wizards took control of the match almost immediately. An early chance by Ryan Smith was saved by Revolution keeper Matt Reis. Another effort by first-time Wizard starter Birahim Diop sailed high. Finally, in the 16th minute, the sustained pressure paid dividends. A Kei Kamara flick sent Diop in on goal once again. This time, he anticipated Reis’ angle and sent a low, hard shot into the lower left corner of the goal for his first tally in Kansas City.

A second goal by Diop in the 37^th minute doubled the lead before New England scored just prior to the half ending. In the second half, the Wizards kept up the pressure. Goal-scorer turned provider when Diop played a nice ball to Kamara for his 8^th goal of the season.

As the match progressed, the action picked up and the tackles became stronger.

Lars: “Holey, moley, der, fella! Dat Shahlreeh johker tohr Ryehn a new one der, ah couple two, tree times, doncha knohw.”

[Interpretation: Yikes, fanista! The gentleman named Shalrie Joseph tackled Ryan Smith violently more than once.]

Eventually, Jack Jewsbury tacked on one final goal just for good measure. The Wizards had impressed the crowd and, quite possibly, themselves. Lars and I parted ways soon after the match.

Lars: “Uhff-dah. Yah, y'betchah, dat Marlys got snow-stayed in Nohr’Dahkodah der when she brohke dohz Norweigan timbers and dah paggich di’n’t come in til a’hter bunny lunch, yah knohw, der. An’ anot’er t’ing… yah.”

[Interpretation: ??? …maybe something about his wife, or possibly the Taft–Hartley Act.]

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