Sporting Kansas City passed on its pick in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Friday, drawing a close to the 2017 portion of the club's offseason.
Manager Peter Vermes, the technical staff and a roster of 25 players under contract for 2018 now turn their focus to January, where Sporting KC will take further preparatory steps ahead of an MLS regular season campaign that begins March 4 against New York City FC at Children's Mercy Park.
2018 MLS SuperDraft
As announced on Monday, the first two rounds of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft will take place Jan. 19 in Philadelphia, giving Sporting KC the opportunity to add a pair of players with the No. 13 and No. 18 overall picks. Sporting KC will also pick 75th and 82nd in the fourth round, which will be conducted via conference call on Jan. 21.
2018 Preseason presented by Children's Mercy
On Jan. 22, players will venture to Scottsdale, Arizona for the first leg of Sporting KC's 2018 preseason, presented by Children's Mercy. The club is expected to play three matches during the first phase of training, which will culminate Feb. 3.
After a brief recovery period in Kansas City, Sporting KC will return to Arizona for the second leg of preseason from Feb. 9-25, highlighted by the Mobile Mini Sun Cup. Vermes' side will play four matches in the tournament against the following opponents:
- Wednesday, Feb. 14 vs. New York Red Bulls (11 a.m. CT)
- Saturday, Feb. 17 vs. Phoenix Rising FC (4 p.m. CT)
- Wednesday, Feb. 21 vs. New England Revolution (11 a.m. CT)
- Saturday, Feb. 24 vs. team TBD (time TBD)
2018 Home Opener
Sporting KC will then raise the curtains on the 2018 MLS campaign with their earliest home opener in club history. New York City FC will visit Children's Mercy Park on Sunday, March 4 for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff. Single-game tickets for that game, as well as other Sporting KC matches in 2018, will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 1.
Sporting KC players under contract in 2018
Goalkeepers (3): Andrew Dykstra, Tim Melia, Adrian Zendejas
Defenders (8): Matt Besler, Amer Didic, Kevin Ellis, Jaylin Lindsey, Ike Opara, Seth Sinovic, Colton Storm, Graham Zusi
Midfielders (7): Yohan Croizet, Roger Espinoza, Benny Feilhaber, Ilie, Cristian Lobato, Jimmy Medranda, James Musa
Forwards (7): Kharlton Belmar, Gianluca Busio, Gerso, Diego Rubio, Soony Saad, Daniel Salloi, Khiry Shelton
