[MLS] After Kevin Hartman, Claudio Lopez failed to reach an agreement with theKansas City Wizards on a contract for the 2010 season. The Wizards’ decision to not renew the Argentine international’s contract deprives them of one of their most popular players.
Lopezwas one of the few international stars to adapt well to life in MLS, and his family was happy to have settled in Kansas City.
“We would have liked to have Claudio back in 2010, butunfortunately it became clear early in the contract negotiations that we could not give him what he desired,” Wizards coach Peter Vermes said. “We thank Claudiofor his two years of service here in Kansas City. He was a consummate professional and set a good example for the young players on our team both on and off the field. Looking forward to 2010, we areconfident in the players we have in camp and there will be great competition for starting spots before our home opener on March 27.”
The Wizards also placed midfielders
Newly signed goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen is expected tojoin the team in Arizona next week. Nielsen will be competing for the starting goalkeeper position against Louis Crayton, BorisPardo and Eric Kronberg, who is now under contract and has joined the team in Arizona.
The Wizards must reduce their roster to 24 players byMarch 1st. There are currently 30 players in camp.
Kansas City Preseason Roster
Goalkeepers:
Eric Kronberg USA
Jimmy Nielsen Denmark
Defenders:
Korede Aiyegbusi England
Jimmy Conrad USA
ShahriarDastan Iran
Pablo Escobar Colombia
Aaron Hohlbein USA
Jonathan Leathers USA
Chance Myers USA
Midfielders:
Davy Arnaud USA
Stephane Auvray Guadeloupe
Alexei Casian Moldova
Roger Espinoza Honduras
Mauro Fuzetti USA
Santiago Hirsig Argentina
Jack Jewsbury USA
Igor Kostrov Moldova
Michael Kraus USA
Ryan Smith England
Lance Watson USA
Graham Zusi USA
Forwards:
Kei Kamara Sierra Leone
Josh Wolff USA
I really don’t like seeing Lopez go. I’ll admit that I thought he has been inconsistent with his form on the team but also believe he was great for the club. Great leader. Hope you know what you’re doing Mr. Vermes.
I really don’t like seeing Lopez go. I’ll admit that I thought he has been inconsistent with his form on the team but also believe he was great for the club. Great leader. Hope you know what you’re doing Mr. Vermes.
I really don’t like seeing Lopez go. I’ll admit that I thought he has been inconsistent with his form on the team but also believe he was great for the club. Great leader. Hope you know what you’re doing Mr. Vermes.