Sporting Kansas City has signed rookie defender Colton Storm to a one-year contract with options for 2018, 2019 and 2020, the club announced Friday.
"I am very excited to sign my first professional contract with Sporting KC," Storm said. "Since the moment I got here, the players and staff have welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to continuing my progression as a player with the club and playing in front of the great fans at Children's Mercy Park."
Storm joined Sporting Kansas City in January as the No. 14 overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He has since appeared in two preseason matches for the club in Tucson, Arizona, logging 75 total minutes.
“I believe that the MLS SuperDraft continues to provide opportunities for teams to build their rosters,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “Colton is a player that not only possesses very good qualities in his position, but when talking to people who have worked with him in the past, it’s clear he has a very strong mentality and work ethic. Those are things we value in players on our team and we look forward to continuing our work with Colton as he attempts to leave his mark on our club.”
Storm, a right back, tallied two goals and eight assists in 69 matches during his four-year career at the University of North Carolina. He capped his senior campaign in 2016 with Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and NSCAA Third Team All-South Region honors. He was also named to the NCAA College Cup Best XI after guiding the Tar Heels to their seventh final four in program history.
Born and raised in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Storm started 41 straight games for North Carolina from 2015-2016. He captained the team as a senior, leading a defense that posted 12 shutouts in 21 matches.
As a youth, Storm competed in the United States U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. He played club soccer for HMMS Eagle FC in his hometown.
Sporting Kansas City will kick off its 22nd MLS season on Saturday, March 4, visiting D.C. United in a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on FOX Sports Kansas City and FOX Sports Midwest.
Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) signs rookie defender Colton Storm to a one-year contract with options for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
VITALS
Colton Storm
Position: Defender
Born: 7/6/1994 (22 years old)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 lbs.
College: University of North Carolina
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Birthplace: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Citizenship: USA
Twitter: @ColtonStorm
Instagram: @coltstorm
