Khari Stephenson Traded by Chicago Fire to Kansas City Wizards

Williams senior midfielder/forward Khari Stephenson (Kingston, Jamaica) a third round draft pick (28th overall) by the Chicago Fire in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft has been traded by the Fire to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for the Wizards' 3rd round pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft.

Stephenson had played well for the Fire on their preseason trip to Portugal, appearing in all four contests, starting one and scoring two goals. However, the midfield in Chicago is crowded and deep. U.S. National Team midfielders Chris Armas and DaMarcus Beasley are going to get the majority of the minutes and all of the minutes when they are healthy. "On the way home from Portugal the coach [Dave Sarachan] told me that he liked what he saw, but that he did not see many opportunities for me in Chicago," said Stephenson. "Naturally I was very disappointed to hear that so I contacted my agent Patrick McCabe and told him what the coach told me."

McCabe made it very clear that Stephenson would not accept not being placed on the Fire roster nor did Khari have any interest in the Fire retaining his rights in a developmental capacity -- it was time for Khari to go elsewhere. McCabe found out quickly that both D.C. United and Knasas City were interested in Stephenson. "At first it looked like I would be going to D.C, but Patrick called and said Kansas City wanted me to come work out with them over spring break so I went there."

In Kansas City Stephenson was re-united with two of his teammates from the MLS Combine last January, forwards Justin Detter of Notre Dame and Matt Taylor of UCLA. Stephenson's comfort level in Kansas City was also heightened by playing with fellow countryman Shavar Thomas who had starred at UConn and played with Stephenson on the Jamaican U 23 National Team.

"I really felt welcome and comfortable in Kansas City," said Stephenson. "I think in Chicago they held it a bit against me that I was a DIII player, but that's okay because I showed them I could play."

“This is a good trade for Khari,” said Fire GM Peter Wilt. “We feel he’s a talented player who should be playing in Major League Soccer. Unfortunately, we did not have the roster space to accommodate him. We wish him all the best with his new club.”

Stephenson played substantial minutes in three scrimmages for the Wizards over the Ephs' spring break. Stephenson is classified as a Transitional International. He will be a part of the Wizards developmental roster and will not count against the Wizards salary cap.

Stephenson will join the Wizards full-time after he completes his final semester at Williams in May.

Khari Stephenson Drafted by Chicago Fire

Second Straight Year MLS Drafts an Eph

Khari Stephenson '04

Williams senior midfielder/forward Khari Stephenson (Kingston, Jamaica) has been drafted in the third round by the Chicago Fire in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft in Charlotte, NC. Stephenson was the 28th pick overall and the fifth by the Fire.

Stephenson is the second Eph to be drafted by an MLS team, joining former teammate Alex Blake '03 who was drafted by the Colorado Rapids last year.

Dan Calichman '90 who played in the MLS for the LA Galaxy, New England Revolution and the San Jose Earthquakes and made two appearances for the U.S. National Team was not drafted by the MLS, but was an allocated player in the first year of the MLS and was assigned to the LA Galaxy.

"I'm very excited to get the chance to play with two of my friends from Jamaica [Damani Ralph and Andy Williams] and to be selected by a strong team like Chicago," said Stephenson. "They haven't told me yet whether they want to use me in the midfield or up front. I'll just have to see what happens when I get there."

Career Highlights

2003: Named a first team all-American by the NSCAA for the second straight season. Led Williams College in goals scored (15) and points (34). Earned first team all-NESCAC and first team all-New England honors. Named the NESCAC Player of the Year. Finished his college career with 40 goals and 18 assists for a total of 98 points. Helps Jamaica advance in Olympic qualifying rounds.

2002: In his junior year, finished second on the team in goals (15) and points (37) and tied for third in assists (7). Named a first team all-American. Also named first team all-New England and NESCAC Player of the Year. Ranked third in the conference in points per game (1.76). Led Williams to a second straight NESCAC Championship. Collected his first cap for Jamiaca in an appearance the Jamaican National Junior Team in a game against Brazil. Also played for the Jamaican Olympic Team.

2001: Finished fourth on the team in scoring, tallying five goals and three assists for a total of 13 points.

2000: Tallied five goals and four assists for a total of 14 points.