"The Week in Review,” is a weekly series that highlights the biggest storylines and news updates from Sporting Kansas City.
1. Melia and Pulskamp nominated for 2022 MLS Save of the Year presented by Allstate
Two Sporting Kansas City goalkeepers, Tim Melia and John Pulskamp were nominated for 2022 MLS Save of the Year presented by Allstate. The Sporting KC backstops were among 16 other nominees for the prestigious title. Melia's fifth nominated save in the last six seasons came on June 25 in a matchup against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. In the 80th, the keeper made a terrific save to deny US Men's National Team forward Jordan Morris. On the rebound, he shut down former teammate Jimmy Medranda and forward Fredy Montero to complete a magnificent triple save.
Pulskamp's unreal heroics came against the Portland Timbers on Aug. 21 in a 4-1 win at Children's Mercy Park. Right at the jump of the second half, Yimmi Chara was able to get into Sporting's 18-yard-box but had his run shutdown by an oncoming, sliding Pulskamp. The ball rolled free and was teed up for a one-time, long-range effort from Sebastian Blanco. Somehow, Pulskamp scurried to his feet, backpedaled from the top of the box, leaped up into the air and smacked the ball over the bar with an outstretched hand.
2. Sporting KC announces partnership with Tequila Don Neron
Tequila Don Neron signed a five-year partnership to become the official tequila of Sporting Kansas City, marking the Major League Soccer club’s first-ever tequila partner. Tequila Don Neron launched in Kansas City this summer and “La Tequila Fina” will be available for fans to purchase in custom Sporting-branded bottles at Children’s Mercy Park in 2023. Made from the highest quality 100% Blue Weber Agave and aged to perfection inside white oak barrels for a full and flavorful taste, Tequilla Don Neron offers a variety of distinct flavors that are produced by expert Tequila Masters. Flavors include Silver Pink Tequila, Reposado Black Tequila, Silver Tequila and Reposado Tequila.
3. MLS Players Association podcast interviews Sporting KC midfielder Uri Rosell
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Uri Rosell, who recently became the first international player elected to the MLSPA Executive Board, is the featured guest on the latest edition of the Major League Soccer Players Association's Play By Players podcast hosted by Bobby Boswell. Rosell shares his journey from his childhood in Catalonia to playing in the United States. Rosell is in the midst of his second spell with Sporting KC, having initially helped the team win the MLS Cup in 2013 during a three-year stint from 2012-2014. The 30-year-old rejoined Sporting ahead of the 2022 campaign and made 20 appearances in all competitions this season. The Play By Players podcast began in 2020 with new episodes released every Friday to showcase players from clubs across Major League Soccer.
4. Peter Vermes appears on SportsBeat KC podcast
Sporting KC Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes made an appearance on the Kansas City Star's SportsBeat KC podcast.
- LISTEN: Peter Vermes on SportsBeat KC
The two talked about a wide array of topics ranging from a recap of the 2022 season to the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Vermes, a member of the 1990 US Men's National Team World Cup squad, gives his thoughts on the current group of players. The duo also discusses the upcoming 2023 season and the incredible form the team finished this past season in.
