Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes
On the approach to today's pick...
For one, he's Generation adidas. Being as young as he is at 19, we have time that we can bring him along, which is a great thing. It's not like we're forced to try to make it all happen right away.Being that he's Generation adidas, it doesn't hit our books right away so that is always attractive. He fits our ideal situation at the moment.
On the youthfulness of Lopez...
He's a lot more mature than 19 years old. What's great when you see with guys like this, is that when they come out, especially a guy like, he really wants to do this. This is his passion. It fits into the way that we play. Because I think our team is very passionate on the field and we have a lot of guys that love the game. So he kind of fits into that world.
On how he fits into the system at Sporting KC...
He plays anywhere in the middle of midfield, box-to-box. He's got leather lungs. So from that perspective, he's going to be a good fit for us for sure. Being the fact that he's as young as he is, I think it's going to be a good place. I think the culture is set where we are, so I think from that perspective he's going to have a lot of guys he can learn under. And at the same time, I think he has a place where he can grow and develop.
On the opportunity to select Lopez at No. 14...
We were looking at a myriad of things that we wanted to do. But at the end, interesting how a guy like him falls to where we are. It was actually very fortunate. So we're excited about the pick.
First Round SuperDraft Selection Mikey Lopez
On becoming a professional player...
I'm very excited. It's a blessing for me that I get to play with the team I really wanted to play for. I thanked them for choosing me and for believing in me that I can improve the team and help them better the team this season.
On competing with the talent at Sporting Kansas City...
It's a good thing. There's a lot of experience there. It's a great team. It can only help me. It can only benefit me. Hopefully I can come in and break into the lineup as soon as possible and help them become a better team this upcoming season.
On where he thought he would land...
I had heard from my agent that they liked how I played. I didn't get much feedback from any team. And I think they didn't think I was going to be available this late in the first round. And honestly, I don't care about how late it is, I'm just glad that I'm with a good team and a team I want to be with.
On what he knows about his new club...
It's a great team. I'm glad to be going to Sporting Kansas City. I feel like I can do well with this team and fit in, and hopefully break into the lineup quickly. So I'm glad that I got chosen by them and that they feel the same way about me. It's a match made in heaven.
