MLS

• K.C. hopes to build on win vs. Man United in league play vs. TFC

  Kansas City, KS (Sports Network) - It has been a disappointing season to so for the Kansas City Wizards, but the Major League Soccer club is hoping it can use a 2-1 win in an exhibition against English premier League side Manchester United this past Sunday as a stepping stone when it hosts Toronto FC on Saturday.

  "It was definitely a big game for our organization," Kansas City manager Peter Vermes said. "Having the opportunity to play Manchester United, arguably the best club team in the world, was a huge accomplishment for the Kansas City area. It was tremendous to have 50,000 fans show their support at this game. I am extremely proud of the team for how they played during the game. To have the courage and competitive drive to stay ahead for 55 minutes while a man down was big." The Wizards (4-8-4) have just two league wins in their last 14 fixtures, but the confidence gained from the win vs. United could be the turning point in a relatively dismal season.

  "It was really exciting, we took the initiative and really made them play," Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad said. "We didn't allow them the time to do the things they like to do. We know it is their pre-season, but we knew we would get their best, but to be able to take it to them early was exciting." Toronto FC (6-5-5) is streaking as well, with only one league loss in its last 10 fixtures, but a 1-5-1 road record combined with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home in its last league fixture doesn't have the Reds to confident heading into the game.

  "Probably the most important part of the game [vs. Dallas on July 24] is the last 20 minutes, especially when you get on top and you score a good goal," TFC coach Preki told mlssoccer.com. "And then, once again, we found a way to give away a soft goal.

  That's a worrying thing.

  I think we're lacking concentration in the box." Thedisappointing result came a week after falling to the expansion Philadelphia Union, 2-1 on the road.

  "We didn't win our individual battles and we must pick the intensity up a notch when we defend those set pieces, we gotta get better," Toronto goalkeeper Stephan Frei said.

  "We always work on set pieces and if I had the answers we wouldn't be in the position that we are now, so we have to just keep working on it and get better at it."

  07/30 12:54:12 ET