As Sporting Kansas City’s 2022 MLS regular season home opener looms, SportingKC.com is rolling out a 15-day countdown until MLS is back at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting begins its 2022 campaign with a visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Feb. 27 for a matchup with Atlanta United FC at 2 p.m. CT. Sporting will then host longtime rival Houston Dynamo FC at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, March 5 at Children's Mercy Park.
The 2022 Preseason Countdown will provide fans with key storylines to keep an eye on as we approach Sporting’s home opener. From player highlights and coaching spotlights to new features at Children’s Mercy Park, the 2022 Preseason Countdown will highlight the many reasons to be excited for what’s ahead.
Over the last three days, we have looked at Sporting’s newest signings, homegrown talent and veteran leadership. Today we will round out the Sporting KC roster with players who have been on the team for three years or less.
Nicolas Isimat-Mirin #5 – Defender
Entering year two with the club is French center back Nicolas Isimat-Mirin. Although his debut season with the club was bogged down by injuries, Isimat was a large contributor with Sporting posting a record of 5-3-3 with the Frenchman on the backline. He also opened his MLS scoring account in the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Get ready for Isimat to anchor the Sporting defense and continue to win matches for the club.
Gadi Kinda #10 – Midfielder
Gadi Kinda is gearing up for his third season in Sporting blue after 23 goal contributions (11 goals, 12 assists) in his first two seasons with the club. The Israeli Men’s National Team midfielder finished last season tied for the team lead in assists with eight. Sporting’s new number 10 and will continue to play a major role in Sporting’s success throughout the 2022 season.
Kendall McIntosh #22 – Goalkeeper
Kendall McIntosh was acquired by Sporting in the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 17, 2020. While he has not made his debut for the first team, he was a mainstay on SKC II last season. He made 13 starts for the team, posting three clean sheets and earning half of SKC II’s wins. After spending most of preseason with the first team, McIntosh joined up with SKC II for their first pair of preseason matches.
Jose Mauri #32 – Midfielder
Jose Mauri joined up with Sporting in early August after two years with Argentine Primera Division side, Club Atletico Talleres. In his second match with the club, he scored his first Sporting KC goal in the fourth minute of a 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire. He also added an assist in Sporting’s 3-1 dominant performance at FC Dallas. With a full preseason under his belt, look for Mauri to take on a bigger role in his second season, and first full year with the team.
Remi Walter #54 – Midfielder
Sporting’s 2021 Newcomer of the Year, Remi Walter was major in the midfield last season. Walter was one of Sporting’s most efficient passers, finishing three matches with 100% passing accuracy (minimum 30 passes). Walter earned a nod to the Team of the Week thanks in part to his first career MLS goal in Sporting’s massive 2-1 victory at the Seattle Sounders on Oct. 23. Walter comes into his second season with Sporting as a key asset in the midfield.
