by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

With his first regular season in America set to close shop, cultured Kansas City attacker Claudio López has given high marks all around to his decision to join MLS.

The former Argentina ace has five goals and six assists with one game left to play in his "rookie" campaign, While it took a short while for him to settle on the pitch, El Piojo says he is quite happy with playing for the Wizards and with life in the States in general.

"We've been treated great out here," López told Soccer365. "The fans are great, the U.S. is great and it's been a great ride. We couldn't ask for anything more. My family is happy here and I like playing in this league."
 
Of course, that one remaining match is essentially the game of the season for Kansas City, who need a win at New England on Saturday to punch their playoff ticket.

The Wizards have put themselves in this position by notching four wins and a draw from their last six outings, a stretch López claims can be chalked up to the team's much-improved cohesion.

"We've played very well," said the reigning MLS Player of the Week. "We've gotten together as a team, we know how to play and we're on the right track. Our teamwork has gotten us to where we are today."

While most fans would consider a closing day do-or-die to reach the championship knockouts edge of the seat stuff, López is just glad the Missouri Azzurri are still alive for a chance at MLS Cup.

"I don't know if (the regular season/playoffs format) is more exciting, but it does provide other teams the opportunity to get in and that's what counts," said the former Lazio and Valencia star. "This is when it counts."

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners.

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