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.
On April 22, 2000, the Kansas City Wizards took their first step toward a shutout streak that still stands today.
In a 1-0 defeat of the Tampa Bay Mutiny at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City collected its first of six straight regular season clean sheets. With goalkeeper Tony Meola between the pipes and a back three of Peter Vermes, Nick Garcia and Brandon Prideaux nullifying opponents, the Wizards went from April 22 to May 20 without conceding a single goal.
The shutout streak lasted a total of 681 minutes, the second longest in MLS history, and stretched from April 19 to May 27 during a season that culminated with Kansas City's first Supporters' Shield title and MLS Cup.
As for the game that took place 20 years ago, Scottish forward Mo Johnston bagged the lone goal after just six minutes off an assist from Matt McKeon. Despite boasting a star-studded attack with the likes of Carlos Valderrama, Steve Ralston and Mamadou Diallo, Tampa Bay had nothing going offensively and mustered a solitary shot on goal.
The 2000 Wizards posted a remarkable 16 shutouts in 32 regular season matches, then earned another five clean sheets in the postseason—specifically two each against the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy followed by a 1-0 defeat of the Chicago Fire in the MLS Cup. Meola was named MLS MVP and Goalkeeper of the Year, while Vermes landed MSL Defender of the Year honors.
