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 Feb. 29, 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.
Friday’s acquisition of New Zealand national teamer and longtime English Premier League veteran Winston Reid pushed the Sporting Kansas City roster to 28 players heading into the 2020 campaign.
Reid’s arrival also added to the international flair of a squad that has been strengthened in all areas of the field during an intriguing offseason. The hulking 6-foot-3 defender is a dual citizen of New Zealand and Denmark, meaning that Sporting’s current roster now boasts representation from a remarkable 18 different countries and six continents (taking dual nationals into account).
Sorry, Antarctica, you're the only continent to miss out.
We provide the full geographical breakdown below.
Countries represented (18): Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, USA
Continents represented (6): Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America, South America
Chile
M
Felipe Gutierrez
Colombia
M
Felipe Hernandez
(dual citizenship – USA)
Croatia
D
Roberto Puncec
France
D
Amadou Dia
(dual citizenship – USA)
Ethiopia & Israel
M
Gadi Kinda
(dual citizenship)
Guinea Bissau
F
Gerso Fernandes
Honduras
M
Roger Espinoza
(dual citizenship – USA)
Hungary
D
Botond Barath
F
Daniel Salloi
Italy
M
Gianluca Busio
(dual citizenship – USA)
Malaysia
M
Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal
(dual citizenship – USA)
Mexico
F
Alan Pulido
GK
Richard Sanchez
(dual citizenship – USA)
New Zealand & Denmark
D
Winston Reid
(dual citizenship)
Portugal
D
Luis Martins
Scotland
F
Johnny Russell
Spain
D
Andreu Fontas
M
Ilie Sanchez
USA
D
Matt Besler
GK
Eric Dick
M
Cameron Duke
F
Tyler Freeman
F
Erik Hurtado
D
Jaylin Lindsey
GK
Tim Melia
F
Khiry Shelton
D
Graham Smith
D
Graham Zusi
