MLS Game Could Be Yearly Event
By Francisco Ojeda, The Daily Oklahoman
Mar. 26–MLS exhibition: Kansas City 1, Dallas 0
MOORE — An entertaining game. Good fan support. And cool weather.
The inaugural Saturn Challenge Cup on Saturday was a success in many aspects, which will possibly mean it could become a yearly event.
The Kansas City Wizards beat FC Dallas 1-0 at Moore Stadium in front an estimated 7,500 fans.
“This is something they need to do every year,” said Scott Branan of Tulsa, who was there with his wife and two kids. “This is a good showing and it shows both clubs that we deserve to have an MLS exhibition game every year because there is support for it.”
And as the Wizards huddled around the first Saturn Challenge Cup trophy and fans bombarded them with autograph requests after the game, talk was already set for a game next year — and possibly years to come.
“We’re already looking to make it bigger and better next year,” said Westmoore High School boys soccer coach Randall Robison, who helped put the event together. “We want to improve on everything we do. A ton of people have extended their support to be a part of it next year.
“It was good this year and we want to make it great next year.”
An exhibition game that is normally planned a couple of months ahead was put together in a month. So the marketing and planning have already begun for next year’s game.
“I know I would come every year,” said Barb Witz of Moore, who was at the game with her daughter’s South Lakes soccer team. “This is great for the kids, to see the pros that normally we wouldn’t be able to see. It’s something to get behind for the soccer community.”
It was the third MLS game in four years in the Oklahoma City metro area. And while the previous two were to possibly gage an expansion franchise that never materialized, Saturday’s was just a game.
One that could become a yearly occurrence in late March.
“It’s good see everyone enjoying themselves,” said FC Dallas president Michael Hitchock. “As long as the fans and the community are happy with it, then I think it will become a yearly event. My experience is that each year they get bigger and better. It was a good event for the community. And both teams were satisfied with how it went.”
The lone disappointment was that the four Wizards who are on the U.S. National Team — Jimmy Conrad, Kerry Zavagnin, Eddie Johnson and Josh Wolff — did not play due to fatigue and injury from the U.S. team’s 4-1 loss in Germany on Wednesday.
But it didn’t stop the fans from enjoying the game.
“To look around and see almost a sellout, that’s great for the community,” said Mike Cooper of Moore, who was at the game with his wife and two kids. “It’s a good deal to get future events here. It can only help spread the word and get more people out. It’s a good family experience. And anytime there’s an opportunity like this, you have to take advantage of it.”
And many did, including the players.
“I didn’t know what to expect because Oklahoma isn’t known as a soccer state,” said Kansas City forward Scott Sealy, who scored the lone goal in the 31st minute. “But it was a great showing. It’s nice to see the MLS spread the passion of soccer.”
And it showed on Saturday night. And maybe every March.
“It’s a big thrill to see them up close,” said Lauren Kennedy, 12, who was a ball girl. “It’s a fun opportunity.”
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