CARSON, Calif. -- With the usual personnel in the back and up front, the only question mark as far as starting field players for MLS Cup 2004 is who will man right midfield to complement stalwarts Diego Gutierrez, Kerry Zavagnin, and relative newcomer Jack Jewsbury?
A platoon of players has played there all season including Francisco Gomez, Diego Walsh, and even current starting fullbacks Alex Zotinca and Jose Burciaga Jr. Coming to the fore lately to man the right midfield spot has been youngster Khari Stephenson, and even he has moved around.
Stephenson's first start was a surprise insertion upfront for the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinal in which the Wizards needed to outscore San Jose by three goals to go forward. Stephenson made Wizards coach Bob Gansler look like a genius as he scored the first goal in Kansas City rolled over the Earthquakes 3-0. The Jamaican native then started the conference final at right midfield, playing 59 minutes.
Stephenson's replacement in the 69th minute of the San Jose match was the man who had been earning time at right midfield and upfront previous to Stephenson's appearance, Igor Simutenkov. Simutenkov provided some key goals in his time, including the game-winning free kick versus Chicago in the U.S. Open Cup Final.
When each was asked if he would start, Stephenson, who trained with the starters on Friday, was noncommittal. Simutenkov was unsure, but ready for whatever may come.
"I don't know. If [coming off the bench] is my role, I'm going to come in and do what I can," he said. "It's the last game, the most important. I'm going to bring whatever I can; I'm going to leave everything on the field."
FAN FACTOR: Already hanging proudly inside The Home Depot Center on Saturday were two D.C. United supporters groups' banners. Some D.C. fans also chanted briefly outside the practice field as the Wizards were warming up.
These two signs could be a preview of what the Wizards will find come Sunday as they take the field, but the possible partiality of the fans will not be a factor according to the players.
"I think we're going to have a good contingent of Kansas City fans, friends, and family, but in the end, I think it's just going to be a great atmosphere no matter if it's for us, or against us," said Jewsbury. "Maybe that pumps you up a little bit more."
Forward Davy Arnaud added, "I think it might add a little fuel to the fire. We understand that a lot of people probably want D.C. to win with Freddy and all that. But I don't think it will affect us. We'll just be trying to do what we've been doing all year."
Walking from The Home Depot Center after training was a group of Wizards' supporters, and when asked about possibly being outnumbered, Chris said, "I believe D.C. will outnumber us, but we'll be louder. The players know we're going to be there."
Chris and company will be getting rowdy in Sections 127 and 130 in the HDC come matchday, with chants ready to go.
JITTERS? Of the 11 starters coach Gansler is likely to put on the pitch in the final, six have never played in an MLS Cup Final -- Bo Oshoniyi, Burciaga, Zotinca, Jewsbury, Stephenson and Arnaud.
Will their nerves be on edge come kickoff or have the jitters already started?
"Not yet, [but maybe when I] wake up in the morning," said Jewsbury. "Obviously, you'll have a little bit going out to the field. [It's the] biggest game of my life, and for a lot of guys here. But I think once you get out there, your instincts take over and you go from there."
Arnaud, who will be counted on to provide a goal or two for Kansas City, put it plainly.
"I don't think you'd be normal if you didn't [have a few jitters]," he said. "There's a lot of buildup and a lot of hype, but once the whistle goes it will come down a little bit."
Robert Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
