With the 2020 MLS season on temporary hold, SportingKC.com is taking daily strolls down memory lane with an "On This Day" web series that celebrates memorable moments in team history. As one of Major League Soccer's proud charter members, Sporting has a decorated past full of thrilling victories, amazing goals, momentous off-the-field developments and more. "On This Day" pays tribute to these specific instances, turning back the clocks while treating fans to nostalgia and club history lessons. To catch up on the series as it unfolds, visit SportingKC.com/OnThisDay.
In many ways, 2013 was a banner year for Sporting Kansas City. The club claimed its second MLS Cup title, hosted the MLS All-Star Game at Children's Mercy Park and kicked off one of the longest and most distinguished MLS jersey sponsorships to date.
As Sporting’s first-ever jersey sponsor, Ivy Investments adorned the wildly popular State Line primary kit that Manager Peter Vermes' men wore in 2013 and 2014. But the pomp and circumstance surrounding the club's new third kit that season—unveiled minutes before kickoff between Sporting and the Portland Timbers on April 27—was fit for theater.
Seven years ago today, Sporting and Ivy Investment introduced the famous black argyle kit that Vermes' side debuted that evening at Children's Mercy Park. The jersey has received widespread acclaim over the last several seasons, helping Sporting establish a reputation for supreme style in American soccer.
This all-black alternate uniform paid homage to the club’s roots when Kansas City wore black in their first four seasons from 1996-1999. Complete with a collar at the neck, the jersey material was 30 percent lighter than the previous generation of kits and the design featured an argyle pattern across the front that alternated between Sporting Blue and Dark Indigo colors.
During its partnership with Ivy Investments, Sporting has won an MLS Cup, two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles, made six playoff appearances as a perennial conference contender and competed in four editions of the Concacaf Champions League, the premier club tournament in North America.
