2022 Schedule
Armchair Analyst's Breakdown
- Strength: For 13 years under Peter Vermes they’ve known exactly who they are and how they want to execute. That won’t change in Year 14.
- Weakness: Teams have repeatedly blown them up on the counter in recent years. Once that first line of pressure’s broken, the midfield hasn’t had the mobility to cover and the backline has not scrambled well.
Key Departures
- Ilie Sanchez: Longtime SKC midfielder Ilie Sanchez left this offseason and signed as a free agent with LAFC. Sanchez made 144 appearances for the club, a near-constant starter during his time at Children’s Mercy Park. Jose Mauri or Remi Walter will likely play as the No. 6 for SKC in 2022.
- Jaylin Lindsey: The homegrown right back seemed on the cusp of breaking out multiple times, only for injuries to disrupt his development. Lindsey’s originally from North Carolina and he’s heading home after being traded to expansion side Charlotte FC.
Key Acquisitions
- Logan Ndenbe: Likely to be a U22 Initiative signing, Logan Ndenbe will compete for minutes at left back with fellow new arrival Ben Sweat. The 21-year-old Belgian youth international was signed from France’s EA Guingamp, making 27 appearances for the club. He's helping replace Portuguese defender Luis Martins.
- Robert Voloder: German center back Robert Voloder is also likely to be a U22 Initiative signing, but Sporting KC will decide for sure come roster compliance day. Voloder was signed from NK Maribor in the Slovenian first division and played every minute of the club’s first 20 matches before coming to SKC. Cyprian winger Marinos Tzionis will also likely be a U22 Initiative signing, their third player signed this winter who's eligible for that mechanism.
- Nikola Vujnovic: With DP forward Alan Pulido likely out for the whole year after undergoing knee surgery, SKC went in search of a No. 9. Their solution is Vujnovic, a Montenegro national team striker who's on loan from Serbian side FK Vozdovac with a purchase option. Alongside Khiry Shelton, Vujnovic is expected to smooth over Pulido's absence.
- Full roster
Projected Starting XI
Predictions
- Charles Boehm: 4th in West
- Tom Bogert: 4th in West
- Matt Doyle: 6th in West
- David Gass: 2nd in West
- Sam Jones: 5th in West
- Joe Lowery: 6th in West
- Greg Seltzer: 10th in West
- Andrew Wiebe: 3rd in West
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