KANSAS CITY -- For the Kansas City Wizards, last Sunday's match in Chicago against the Fire may be labeled as an early distinguishing point in the season come November.
Not only was the 1-0 win a triumph (only the Wizards' second all-time in the Windy City), but it saw performances from two veterans from California who are hoping to translate past successes into present ones in the Midwest.
Sasha Victorine played 32 minutes at left midfield in the second half as the Wizards endeavored to claim a victory after jumping on top in the fourth minute on a goal by Jack Jewsbury. Held back by missing part of the preseason because of the birth of his first child and a high ankle sprain in the preseason, Victorine was relieved to make his first appearance.
"It definitely feels great to finally feel like you are contributing to the team and help get victories," he said. "It's been a long beginning of the year sitting and watching and always wanting to be out there."
Victorine has always held himself to high standards in his eight-year career and his self-analysis of his Sunday performance was no different.
"You always look at yourself and you think that you do some things well, and also there are certain plays that you wish to have back and do another way," said Victorine, who is beginning his fifth season with the Wizards. "Overall, I did fairly well. I'm still not to the point I want to be. But it's nice to be back out and be able to start getting my fitness back up and my rhythm back up."
Hitting a high mark early in the season in the shutout of Cuauhtémoc Blanco and company was Victorine's former UCLA and Los Angeles Galaxy teammate Kevin Hartman. The Wizards goalkeeper kept out the Fire's five shots on goal, with some saves of the spectacular variety, while seeing a grand total of 19 attempts at goal head his way.
Hartman, beginning his second season in Kansas City after 10 years with the Galaxy, picked out his 33rd minute save on Chad Barrett as one of the most difficult on the day. Coming through unhindered at Hartman's right after a cross-box pass, Barrett struck hard from eight yards. Hartman made himself big as he came out and was able to make the block.
"I felt like I've been able to play that way all year ...," said Hartman. "During the run of play, defensively we've been very, very sound. To get three shutouts in five games, speaks a lot about the quality of the guys that we have."
A consistent quality goalkeeper is what the Wizards knew they were getting when they traded for Hartman before last season, sending two second-round SuperDraft picks to the Galaxy. But they also desired a goalkeeper who could provide the difference in tight matches, could turn a game for a team. Arguably, Hartman didn't fulfill the latter hope as much last year as needed. Overall, his goals against average of 1.50 was the highest of his career.
"Last year wasn't easy. After 10 years of being in L.A., making a change like that takes a little bit of getting accustomed to it. Not only the way the guys around you play, but also the organization and a new city. Hopefully, I'm more comfortable this year," said Hartman.
In the offseason, Hartman shed 15-20 pounds, and the trimmer physique has apparently paid off for the man nicknamed "El Gato" -- The Cat -- for his quickness.
"When he did slim down, it gave him that ability to get the quickness back. Hopefully throughout the year, he can stay healthy," said Victorine. "With games like he played this last weekend, it will definitely help the team out a lot to have similar performances."
Having a year in Kansas City under his slimmer belt has the 34-year-old Hartman pumped.
"This season started as soon as the last one was over in terms of my preparation," said the league's all-time regular-season leader in wins, games, minutes, saves, and shutouts. "Hopefully, this season is really a culmination of that preparation. I'm really looking forward to it."
Although they played only the 1996 season together, Victorine and Hartman both come from a UCLA program steeped in success at the highest level. Little has changed in the big leagues as they won four major titles together with the Galaxy, including an MLS Cup in 2002. Personally, things haven't changed much either.
"He's the same guy [he was in college], full of fun and adventure," said Victorine of Hartman.
Recalled Hartman of the 1996 season (his senior year and Victorine's freshman year), "We all had a big buddy and a little buddy, and I remember that the little buddies ended up taking care more of the big buddies than we did of them."
If last Sunday is any indication, the two still can have success together. This time around, though, Hartman might just prove to be the ultimate caretaker.
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