Sporting KC: Andy Gruenebaum Hired As New Color Commentator

Sporting KC announced on Thursday that former Goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum has joined SKCTV as the teams new color commentator and as a Sporting Club Network Liaison for youth soccer initiatives.

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Gruenebaum played eight years as a goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew, making 80 total appearances across all competitions. He then joined Sporting KC prior to the 2014 season as the teams backup goalkeeper. Sporting KC’s starting Goalkeeper Eric Kronberg went down with an injury, and Gruenebaum filled in for him, making 14 appearances across all competitions.

Following the 2014 season, Gruenebaum was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes with the second overall pick in the first round of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. (Eric Kronberg was drafted by the Montreal Impact with the first overall pick)

The Overaland Park, Kansas native, Gruenebaum decided to retire from professional soccer, and pursue a career in broadcasting.

"“It was a tough decision to hang up the boots but at the end of the day, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay in KC and be a part of this amazing club,” said Gruenebaum. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for all their support first and foremost, as well my sincere appreciation for all the great players, coaches and fans I have encountered throughout my career in both Columbus and Kansas City. I look forward to being a part of the growth that Major League Soccer will achieve in years to come and the sport’s continued success here in my hometown.”– Quote courtesy of Kurt Austin of SportingKC.com"

Gruenebaum joins Nate Bukaty who was hired as the new play-by-play announcer, and Jake Yadrich who will continue his role as sideline reporter for SKCTV broadcasts.

Following the 2014 season Sporting KC parted ways with Callum Williams as their play-by-play announcer, and Diego Gutierrez as their color commentator.