Over the last 10 years, few professional sports franchises have experienced a more transformational journey than Sporting Kansas City. From Wizards to Sporting, from minor league baseball park to world-class soccer stadium, from MLS afterthought to perennial title contender, the 2010s ushered in a Kansas City soccer renaissance as Sporting enjoyed a meteoric rise both on and off the pitch.
Throughout this decade of success, everyone tied to the club—from players and coaches to owners and fans—made priceless memories that will last a lifetime. As the 2010s come to a close, SportingKC.com is counting down the top 20 moments of the decade. The daily series will run from Dec. 12-31, looking back on the biggest matches, announcements and off-the-field developments that left lasting impacts on the club. The top 20 list was determined through voting among front office associates at Sporting. Click here to visit the top 20 as it unfolds.
For Sporting Kansas City Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes, the year 2013 was one for the books.
His first MLS Cup championship as a head coach. An opportunity to lead the MLS All-Stars at Children's Mercy Park. And although he will never be one to boast about it, induction to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Vermes, a heralded player, coach and American soccer pioneer, was formally inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Oct. 11, 2013, in a ceremony held at Children's Mercy Park before a FIFA World Cup qualifier between the United States and Jamaica.
Needless to say, the recognition was well-deserved.
Vermes' exceptional service to the sport of soccer spans more than three decades, highlighted by a standout playing career at the MLS and international levels and a historic, trophy-laden coaching career. As a leading ambassador for U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer, the New Jersey native has played a tremendous role in the advancement of American soccer and the evolution and success of Sporting Kansas City.
Sporting fans revere Vermes for his accomplishments in Kansas City, most notably earning MLS Defender of the Year honors en route to leading the then-Wizards to the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double in 2000. As the team's head coach, Vermes guided Sporting to eight straight playoff appearances from 2011-2018, during which time the club amassed three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles and the 2013 MLS Cup.
