For the first time in the 25-year history of Major League Soccer, the month of February will mark the start of regular season play. On Saturday, clubs across the United States and Canada will step between the white lines with hopes of collecting three points to begin 2020.
A delectable opening day of MLS action will see Sporting Kansas City visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 9:30 p.m. CT, giving supporters their first real look at Manager Peter Vermes’ side since last October.
As the anticipated date approaches, SportingKC.com is rolling out a 28-day countdown to first kick, offering a comprehensive preview of the season ahead. From key storylines and positional breakdowns to new fan initiatives and perks at Children’s Mercy Park, our Countdown to Kickoff series highlights the many reasons to be pumped for Sporting’s 2020 campaign. To visit the series homepage as it expands, head to SportingKC.com/countdown.
On the eve of opening day, Sporting Kansas City has 29 players under MLS contract. This diverse group consists of grizzled veterans and Academy products, MLS SuperDraft selections and international imports, players acquired in trades and players acquired on loan.
Below is a full breakdown of Sporting's roster construction, serving as a valuable reference tool as the club prepares to raise the curtains on a highly anticipated 25th season of Major League Soccer.
Constructing Sporting Kansas City
<strong>Year</strong> |
<strong>MLS SuperDraft</strong> |
<strong>Signings</strong> |
<strong>Trades</strong> |
<strong>Homegrown Players</strong> |
<strong>On Loan</strong> |
<strong>2009</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/matt-besler">D Matt Besler</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/graham-zusi">D Graham Zusi</a> |
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<strong>2015</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/tim-melia">GK Tim Melia</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/roger-espinoza">M Roger Espinoza</a> |
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<strong>2016</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/daniel-salloi">F Daniel Salloi</a> |
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<strong>2017</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/gerso-fernandes">F Gerso Fernandes</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/ilie-sanchez">M Ilie Sanchez</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/gianluca-busio">M Gianluca Busio</a> |
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<strong>2018</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/eric-dick">GK Eric Dick</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/graham-smith">D Graham Smith</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/johnny-russell">F Johnny Russell</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/felipe-gutierrez">M Felipe Gutierrez</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/andreu-fontas">D Andreu Fontas</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/jaylin-lindsey">D Jaylin Lindsey</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/wan-kuzain-wan-kamal">M Wan Kuzain</a> |
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<strong>2019</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/botond-barath">D Botond Barath</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/luis-martins">D Luis Martins</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/erik-hurtado">F Erik Hurtado</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/tyler-freeman">F Tyler Freeman</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/cameron-duke">M Cameron Duke</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/felipe-hernandez">F Felipe Hernandez</a> |
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<strong>2020</strong> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/richard-sanchez">GK Richard Sanchez</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/roberto-puncec">D Roberto Puncec</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/khiry-shelton">F Khiry Shelton</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/alan-pulido">F Alan Pulido</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/amadou-dia">D Amadou Dia</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/john-pulskamp">GK John Pulskamp</a> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/gadi-kinda">M Gadi Kinda</a><a href="http://www.sportingkc.com/players/winston-reid">D Winston Reid</a> |
