Second-half goals propel Kansas City over FIU in fund-raising friendly

Thursday, March 6, 2003

Second-half goals propel Kansas City over FIU in fund-raising friendly

photo by Geoff Anderson
FIU midfielder John Pulido takes on a Kansas City Wizard defender in the penalty box during Thursday's friendly exhibition at University Park. The Golden Panthers scored first, on a penalty kick by Paul Kolovos, but the Wizards tied it up just before halftime, then scored twice more in the second half for a 3-1 win in front of 694 fans.

he Kansas City Wizards scored a pair of second-half goals, breaking a 1-1 tie and came away with a 3-1 victory in a friendly exhibition against the Florida International University men's soccer team Thursday night at University Park.

The Golden Panthers gave the partisan crowd of 694 something to cheer about early when Paul Kolovos hit a penalty shot past goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi, 19:52 into the match. But the Wizards tied the contest before half when Jack Jewsbury grabbed a defensive deflection and scored at 35:15.

The Wizards took control in the second half, with goals by Alexi Korol and Kerry Zavagnin spelling the difference.

Kansas City outshot the Golden Panthers, 18-8, with three of the eight off the boot of Kolovos. FIU goalkeeper Shawn Crowe made six saves on the evening.

FIU head coach Karl Kremser seem pleased with the match, his program's second this spring against an MLS opponent, used as a fund-raiser for his Golden Panthers program.

"I was please with the turnout and the atmosphere we're beginning to build around here," he said. "We played well early on and everyone on the bench was given a chance to play and contribute. With the level of the competition we're playing, I'm happy with our progress as a program this spring."