KC fans seeking a lesson in perseverance need look no further than Wizards midfielder and striker Birahim Diop. New York coach Octavio Zambrano discovered Diop and persuaded New York to sign the Senegalese immigrant for the reserve squad. Cut from New York after just four games, Diop never gave up. He traveled and became familiar with work-permit restrictions throughout the world, playing for obscure teams in Colombia and Moldova. When Zambrano became the Wizards' assistant manager, he asked Diop to try out for the Kansas City team. Diop did, eventually making the club after spending the previous year out of professional soccer. Last month, Diop was put in the Wizards' starting lineup because of an injury to striker Teal Bunbury, and he scored two goals and added an assist in a 4-1 Wizards win. His MLS career continues at 7 p.m., when Diop and the Wizards play FC Dallas at CommunityAmerica Ballpark (1800 Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas). Tickets cost $18.75-$128.75; call 816-931-3330.— Chris Rasmussen Sat., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., 2010
