KANSAS CITY (CMC):
JAMAICA REGGAE Boyz midfielder Khari Stephenson is out of a job, after the Kansas City Wizards released him from his contract on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old Stephenson was a surplus to the club's requirements, after they obtained Finland international forward Antti Sumiala.
"As I told Khari in our exit conversation, I think he is an immensely blessed player," Wizards head coach Bob Gansler told the United States Major League Soccer (MLS) website. "But his lack of consistency, both on the practice field and in games, is what he has to address."
OBTAINED IN TRADE
Obtained by the Wizards in a 2004 trade with the Chicago Fire, Stephenson is best known for scoring the first goal in the second leg of the Western Conference semi-final series against the San Jose Earthquakes last season, a game in which Kansas City came in down 0-2 on aggregate.
The goal sent the Wizards on to a 3-0 win and propelled them into the Western Conference Championship before reaching the MLS Cup.
At the end of the 2004 season, Stephenson gained some surprising starts as the Wizards rolled into the the MLS Cup final.
BRILLIANT MOMENTS
"He had some brilliant moments last year and he had a few this year," Gansler said.
"But there have been many long stretches in between where we were just waiting and hoping, and it hasn't quite happened.
"He's talented, but he has to find a place where he can bring all of that potential to fruition. He hasn't done it here, not because he hasn't worked, and it's not because he hasn't wanted to."
The 6' 2'' tall, 185-lb Stephenson has won 10 caps with Jamaica and possesses significant skill for a large player.
