- 1997
- 2000
- 2000
- 2004
- 2005
- 2008
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New Name for the Wiz
The team officially extended its name to “Wizards” following the 1996 season, ending the short, but memorable, life of the “Wiz” moniker. In 1997, the re-christened Wizards finished 21-11 and atop the Western Conference, but surprisingly bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. Preki led MLS in scoring with 41 points and was named League MVP. He was ... -
Wizards club won its first Supporters’ Shield
In 2000: The club also won its first Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best record in MLS. Tony Meola was named MLS Cup MVP, League MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year. Peter Vermes won MLS Defender of the Year, and Bob Gansler was named MLS Coach of the Year. Both Vermes and Meola ... -
MLS Champs in 2000 – Wizards
In 2000, their first full season under Bob Gansler, the Wizards opened the season on a 12-game unbeaten streak. Goalkeeper Tony Meola recorded an MLS record shutout streak at 681 minutes and 16 shutouts and won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS MVP. Peter Vermes was named 2000 MLS Defender of the Year. The Wizards finished the 2000 regular season ... -
KC Wizards Won first U.S. Open Cup
In 2004: The club had a successful season, winning its first U.S. Open Cup, defeating Chicago Fire 1–0 at Arrowhead Stadium with Lamar Hunt in attendance. The club also reached its second MLS Cup final, but lost to D.C. United 3–2 at Home Depot Center -
KC Wizards club traded Josh Wolff to Chicago Fire
In 2005: The KC Wizards club traded Josh Wolff, its all-time leading scorer, to Chicago Fire in exchange for Diego Gutierrez and an allocation -
Kansas City Wizards club hired Curt Onalfo as the new head coach
In 2008: The Kansas City Wizards club hired Curt Onalfo as the new head coach and signed Claudio López as its first designated player.
History of the Wizards
The Kansas City Wizards are a professional soccer team that has been part of Major League Soccer since 1996. The club is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and plays its home matches at Children's Mercy Park. Throughout their history, the Wizards have experienced both success and failure on the field, but they remain one of the most beloved teams in MLS due to their passionate fan base.
Since joining MLS in 1996 as an expansion franchise, the Wizards have had varying levels of success over the years. In 2000 they won their first major trophy when they captured the U.S Open Cup title with a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire SC. They followed this up two years later by winning another US Open Cup crown after defeating Columbus Crew 3-1 on the aggregate scoreline. This marked just one of many highlights for Kansas City during this period. It also reached four consecutive playoff appearances from 1999 to 2002 before losing out to eventual champion San Jose Earthquakes 4–2 on aggregate scoreline during the 2003 playoffs quarterfinals match.
The last decade has seen mixed results for fans following KCWizards, with some highs such as reaching back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals consecutively (2010 & 2011). Still, no trophies are being added to the cabinet despite having made five postseasons within these ten seasons (2009 - 2018). Despite lackluster performances recently, there’s still plenty of optimism surrounding the team in the future, thanks mainly to a due new ownership group led by current CEO/Chairman Robb Heineman, who took control back in 2017 – bringing enthusiasm needed help to propel the club towards a brighter future which could potentially see them challenging top spots once again near the end!
Wizards Products
Established
1995
City
Kansas City
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2010 – Present / Sporting Kansas City
1997 - 2009 / Kansas City Wizards
1996 / Kansas City Wiz
Nickname
Wizards - When it comes to sports fandom, few cities can match the passion of Kansas City. The city is home to some of the most devoted fans in professional sports, and they are incredibly passionate about their beloved MLS team: the Kansas City Wizards. But where did this unique nickname come from?
The original name for the franchise was actually “Kansas City Wiz” – a play on words that alluded to both Wizardry (as in magic) and Wizards (a type of soccer move). This clever dual-meaning moniker was so popular with local supporters that when Major League Soccer began operations in 1996, they decided to keep it as part of their official branding.
Since then, many aspects have changed about this storied club, but one thing has remained constant: its commitment to providing an entertaining and exciting soccer brand for its loyal fan base. With a new stadium set for completion next year and plenty more success on tap down at Children's Mercy Park, there's no doubt that Kansas City will continue being one proud home for some truly magical moments!
Championship
MLS Cups 1
2013, 2000
Stadium
2011 – Present / Children's Mercy Park
2008 - 2010 / Community American Ballpark
1996 - 2007 / Arrowhead Stadium
Owner
2006 - Present / Sporting Club
1995 – 2006 / Lamar Hunt
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
