KANSAS CITY, Kan — There were more than a few new faces wearing the Sporting Kansas City badge in Sunday’s season-opening defeat against New York City FC.
Some might even call what Sporting have done as a roster overhaul. But coach and technical director Peter Vermes is more comfortable with the phrase “re-tooling,” and the implication it brings that this Sporting team can win now.
“Honestly that’s how we look at it,” Vermes said last week at the team’s media day. “We’re re-tooling ourselves for the upcoming season. One of the things you’ve got to remember is that when you’re in a salary cap world, you are never going to keep your whole team together.”
The additions include Homegrown Player signings Gianluca Busio, Jaylin Lindsey, and Matt Lewis, as well as Designated Player additions Felipe Gutierrez and Yohan Croizet.
Those additions contribute to a roster Vermes believes is capable of evolving beyond SKC's signature 4-3-3 setup.
"I won’t say what formations, but there is no doubt with this group that we could play other formations,” Vermes said. “[There is] specifically one that I have in my mind that we will [play] at times just because of the quality of player and versatility we have.”
That didn’t translate in a Week 1 defeat, though Sporting had more of the play and opportunities than NYCFC’s 2-0 victory scoreline would indicate. But Kansas City also has the flexibility to add more key pieces to the roster if needed, Vermes said.
“The window is open until May 3, so things can still happen,” he said. “We’re not restricted in any way, shape, or form in terms of [roster] spots, or international slots. You name it, we’ve got it.”
In some circles, the belief is that Sporting would benefit most from using their last DP slot to sign a striker. Before the opener, however, Vermes affirmed his belief in the roster currently at his disposal.
“We have acquired a player in every single position on the field to date, including a No. 9 in Khiry Shelton,” said Vermes. “I know going into this game, that I’m 100 percent confident that we have a team that can win, and I don’t mean just this game. I’m talking through the course of the season.”
