Sport

Wizards release Reggae Boy Khari Stephenson

Khari Stephenson of Jamaica. - file

KANSAS CITY, CMC

JAMAICA REGGAE BOY midfielder Khari Stephenson is out of a job, after the Kansas City Wizards released him from his contract on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Stephenson was a surplus to club's require-ments, 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 website.

Inconsistent

"But his lack of consistency both on the practice field and in games is what he has to address."

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 Semifinal 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 MLS Cup.

At the end of the 2004 season, Stephenson gained some surprising starts as the Wizards rolled into the MLS Cup Final.

"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-ft 2-in tall, 185-lb Stephenson has won 10 caps with Jamaica and possesses significant skill for a large player.