MLS Preview: Sporting Kansas City

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Hooligan Soccer

·20 February 2025

MLS Preview: Sporting Kansas City

Club History

You might not think it, but Kansas City was a charter club in the 1996 launch of the MLS. Back then, they were called the Kansas City Wiz, then the Wizards, cause… well IYKYK. The club rebranded in 2011 as Sporting Kansas City, which also corresponded to a huge increase in the club’s popularity.

They are one of the more successful clubs in the MLS, having finished first in their conference seven times (they have played in both East and West in their history) and having a 65% postseason qualification record. They also have a Supporters Shield (2000), two MLS Cup wins (2000, 2013) and four US Open Cup victories (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017).

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The club is also noted for the stability and longevity of its managers. There have been four (and two interim) during their 29-year history. Their current manager, Peter Vermes, is unique in MLS history having won an MLS Cup as a player (2000) and manager (2013) for the same club.

Ownership

The Wizards were founded by Lamar Hunt, one of the principal movers and shakers of the MLS’ creation. Four months prior to his death in December 2006, Hunt sold his rights to OnGoal, LLC, an ownership group committed to keeping the team in the Kansas City area. Led by Neal Patterson and Cliff Illig, they rebranded the team in 2011 and constructed Children’s Mercy Park across the state line in Kansas City, KS (as opposed to the team’s headquarters in Kansas City, MO).

Significant Players

The club has their own version of a Hall of Fame called the Sporting Legends, which contains thirteen members. Players in italics below are inductees.

Preki (Serbia/United States) – Midfielder This cat is as close to MLS royalty as they come. Here’s an incomplete list of his achievements: MLS MVP (1997, 2003); MLS Golden Boot (1997, 2003); MLS All-Star (1996-2000); MLS Best XI (1996, 1997, 2001, 2003); National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee (2010). Still holds the club’s top goal scorer record (81) and top assist record (98)
Graham Zusi (United States) – Midfielder/Defender Holds the record for most appearances (355).
Tony Meola (United States) – Goalkeeper In their 2000 MLS Cup winning season Meola won League MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Cup MVP.
Dániel Sallói (Hungary) – Forward With 250 games under his belt, Sallói has been a pivotal part of the SKC attack, notching 99 contributions (60 goals; 39 assists), 16 of these match winners.

Other Facts

Children’s Mercy Park (Source)

Since 2011, they are the only major professional sports team to play in the state of Kansas.
The club caught some criticism of adopting the “Sporting” moniker, as this is usually reserved for clubs who sponsor multiple teams across different sports. To date, soccer is the only sport SKC participates in.
The crest’s odd delineation between the eleven stripes and solid blue field represents the Kansas-Missouri border.
The north side of Children’s Mercy Park is known as “The Cauldron” (a nod to their old moniker Wizards) and hosts nine different supporter’s groups.
Despite 29 years in the league there are no formal derbies or rivalries that have been established.

2024 Season Recap

8W – 7D – 19L for 31 points. Finished 13th in the Western Conference; 27th overall. Yeah, that was a season to forget.

Who to Watch 2025

Eight players were released after the 2024 season, including long-time forward Johnny Russell. By trading Alan Pulido to Chivas in January, they’ve freed up a DP slot and a big wad of cash which they’ve been splashing ($10M+) to bolster their attack on these three:

Dejan Joveljić (Serbia) – Forward Traded from LAFC for a whopping $4M. At 26 years old, he’s a brighter prospect than the two older gents he replaced.
Manu García (Spain) – Midfielder [DP] With 19 goals and 35 assists since leaving Manchester City SKC will hope he can spark some offensive creativity.
Shapi Suleymanov (Russia) – Winger Transferred from Greek club Aris Thessaloniki along with teammate Manu García.