In a continuing quest to bolster their goal production, the Wizards on Wednesday acquired forward Herculez Gomez from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money and two draft selections.In addition to playing for the Rapids, Gomez played for the Los Angeles Galaxy and appeared twice for the U.S. national team.Colorado will receive a fourth-round selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and a first-round pick in the 2009 Supplemental Draft in addition to the unspecified amount of allocation money.Gomez, 26 and a native of Los Angeles, is the second forward that the Wizards have acquired in the last couple of months, having re-signed Josh Wolff following an 18-month stint with 1860 Munich. They traded forward Scott Sealy to the San Jose Earthquakes in mid-July.“We had identified a couple guys around the league we liked, and he was one of them,” said Wizards technical director Peter Vermes. “He has big energy up top and a nose for goal. He also defends up there and should make things very predictable for our defense when the ball is coming out of there.“He has a really good work rate.”Gomez’s best season in MLS came in 2005 when he scored 18 goals for the Galaxy, was voted MVP of the team and helped the club capture the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup championships.He scored six goals and dished three assists in 33 appearances with the Rapids.“It was a surprise, but a pleasant surprise,” Gomez said of the trade. “It’s nice to know a team wants you.“Sometimes, all it takes is a change in scenery, and hopefully I can provide a little spark (to the Wizards).“I’m just looking to help in any way I can. If the team’s winning, I’m happy. I’m eager, excited. It’s a fresh opportunity, and I hope to make the most of it.”Gomez was scheduled to fly to Kansas City on Wednesday night and to be in training with his new teammates this morning. He’ll be available to play when the Wizards take on the Houston Dynamo at 2 p.m. Sunday at Robertson Stadium in Houston.•Wizards juniors Under-16 goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin has been selected as one of 40 participants for the fall semester at the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. He is the first member of the Wizards Juniors program to join the U.S. Residency Program. Kempin is a native of Leawood and attended Blue Valley North.

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Posted on Wed, Sep. 03, 2008 10:15 PM

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Looking for offense, Wizards pick up Gomez from the Rapids

By BOB LUDER

The Kansas City Star

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In a continuing quest to bolster their goal production, the Wizards on Wednesday acquired forward Herculez Gomez from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money and two draft selections.

In addition to playing for the Rapids, Gomez played for the Los Angeles Galaxy and appeared twice for the U.S. national team.

Colorado will receive a fourth-round selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and a first-round pick in the 2009 Supplemental Draft in addition to the unspecified amount of allocation money.

Gomez, 26 and a native of Los Angeles, is the second forward that the Wizards have acquired in the last couple of months, having re-signed Josh Wolff following an 18-month stint with 1860 Munich. They traded forward Scott Sealy to the San Jose Earthquakes in mid-July.

“We had identified a couple guys around the league we liked, and he was one of them,” said Wizards technical director Peter Vermes. “He has big energy up top and a nose for goal. He also defends up there and should make things very predictable for our defense when the ball is coming out of there.

“He has a really good work rate.”

Gomez’s best season in MLS came in 2005 when he scored 18 goals for the Galaxy, was voted MVP of the team and helped the club capture the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup championships.

He scored six goals and dished three assists in 33 appearances with the Rapids.

“It was a surprise, but a pleasant surprise,” Gomez said of the trade. “It’s nice to know a team wants you.

“Sometimes, all it takes is a change in scenery, and hopefully I can provide a little spark (to the Wizards).

“I’m just looking to help in any way I can. If the team’s winning, I’m happy. I’m eager, excited. It’s a fresh opportunity, and I hope to make the most of it.”

Gomez was scheduled to fly to Kansas City on Wednesday night and to be in training with his new teammates this morning. He’ll be available to play when the Wizards take on the Houston Dynamo at 2 p.m. Sunday at Robertson Stadium in Houston.

•Wizards juniors Under-16 goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin has been selected as one of 40 participants for the fall semester at the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. He is the first member of the Wizards Juniors program to join the U.S. Residency Program. Kempin is a native of Leawood and attended Blue Valley North.

To reach Bob Luder, call 816-234-4877 or send e-mail to bluder@kcstar.com

Posted on Wed, Sep. 03, 2008 10:15 PM

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