Late October in Portland seems so long ago, and yet not long enough for those of the Sporting Kansas City faithful. The fact that the Timbers went on to win MLS Cup in such a such a fashion as Saad Abdul-Salaam’s penalty shot ricocheted off both posts before rolling out and continuing the shootout is still a particularly touchy subject.
The team plane had hardly touched down in Kansas City before Peter Vermes and staff were out scouting for new recruitment’s locally and abroad. Some players ended up packing their bags to go to other MLS teams or abroad themselves.
Let us see what changes were made by the 2015 US Open Cup champions.
First order of business, several contract options for players were exercised but not for defender Jalil Anibaba. The versatile defender was huge when Ike Opara went down injured in the middle of the season. While a decent contributor, Anibaba was just an average MLS defender which can be found around the league.
The biggest loss of the offseason was the transfer of 2015 standout Krisztian Nemeth. Although Nemeth was offered a new contract at the end of the season, his agent turned it down, reportedly demanding DP wages which was more than the club was willing to spend. In the end, Nemeth was sold to Qatari club, Al-Gharafa for a fee of $3 million. With little time to find a replacement, SKC was suddenly without their best attacking option aside from Dom Dwyer.
Nemeth was not the only player to move on from. Mikey Lopez signed with NYCFC after being out of contract. Marcel De Jong was released from his contract this week to only sign with the Ottawa Fury FC of NASL a day later. SKC also loaned out Erik Palmer-Brown to FC Porto in Portugal and Bernardo Anor to Minnesota United of the NASL.
As far for new faces, Lawrence Olum returned after a year in Malaysia to rejoin Peter Vermes. Daniel Solloi was signed as a Homegrown Player, as a new attacking option who will be seen as someone who will track Dom Dwyer. Two veteran players were added to the mix, with the signing of Brad Davis and Justin Mapp. Both will be looked upon to provide composure and cool heads and will be able to switch out when needed due to the additional US Open Cup and CCL games.
The most important addition in the back-line was the signing of veteran Portuguese defender Nuno Andre Coelho. This signing was not without any risks as his fitness has been put into question after spending half a year without a club.
SKC ushered in a new era of player development with the establishment USL Pro side Swope Park Rangers, ending their partnership with Oklahoma City Energy FC. An assortment of USL veterans and young propsects have currently been signed with addition of some senior team players expected to find some time throughout the season.
In a year filled with change the 21st season in MLS will be a very difficult one indeed for Sporting Kansas City. The sheer brilliance of Nemeth has not been replaced, though two MLS veterans look to fill those shoes. One of the biggest questions surrounding the team is whether their defense can stay healthy as SKC struggled mightily to find consistency and establish any rhythm in the backline.
Predictions
Attacking width will be needed by mid-season or Sporting KC will see a repeat of 2016. Dom Dwyer will need all the attacking help he can get in support and will need someone to alleviate the pressure on him. This undoubtedly a playoff team but with CONCACAF Champion’s League in the fall, SKC will have a hard time realizing any dreams of lifting the Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy.
