With the 2020 MLS season on temporary hold, SportingKC.com is taking daily strolls down memory lane with an "On This Day" web series that celebrates memorable moments in team history. As one of Major League Soccer's proud charter members, Sporting has a decorated past full of thrilling victories, amazing goals, momentous off-the-field developments and more. "On This Day" pays tribute to these specific instances, turning back the clocks while treating fans to nostalgia and club history lessons. To catch up on the series as it unfolds, visit SportingKC.com/OnThisDay.
Eleven years ago today, the Kansas City Wizards took an early lead against the New York Red Bulls and never looked back.
In a nationally televised Thursday night encounter on ESPN2, Kansas City used a third-minute penalty from Argentine playmaker Claudio Lopez to knock off the 10-man Red Bulls before a capacity crowd at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.
The first flashbulb moment came within 90 seconds of kickoff, as Wizards forward Herculez Gomez snuck past the New York defense only to be tripped from behind by Carlos Johnson inside the box. The right back received a straight red card for his misdeed, and Lopez promptly sent goalkeeper Jon Conway the wrong way to make the score 1-0. The successful spot kick stood as the game's only goal as the short-handed Red Bulls mustered just two shots on target.
Lopez, Kansas City's first Designated Player in club history, played a leading role for Kansas City from 2008-2009, amassing 14 goals and 17 assists in 66 competitive appearances. In both seasons with the club, he finished first on the team in assists and second in goals. The attacking midfielder would end his heralded playing career in 2010, helping the Colorado Rapids to an MLS Cup.
One of the best Argentine players of his generation, Lopez flourished at Buenos Aires-based Racing prior to joining Spanish giants Valencia in 1996. Over the next four years, he guided the side to a Copa del Rey title and a run to the 2000 UEFA Champions League Final in addition to representing Argentina at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Trophy-laden stints at Italian side Lazio and Mexican juggernaut Club America followed for Lopez, who hoisted the 2004 Coppa Italia, 2005 Liga MX Clausura title and 2006 Concacaf Champions' Cup. After a brief return to Racing in Argentina, Lopez joined Kansas City as a Designated Player ahead of the 2008 MLS campaign at the age of 33.
