Sporting KC Signs Forward James Ansu Rogers
Sporting KC announced on Wednesday that they have signed Forward James Ansu Rogers, who the team selected in the third round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of New Mexico.
"“We’re very happy for James,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “Because of his persistence and work ethic, he has earned himself a roster spot for Sporting KC.”-Courtesy of Kurt Austin of SportingKC.com"
Like former Sporting KC Forward Kei Kamara, Rogers is a native of Sierra Leone. Rogers moved to the United States at the age of 11 and is now a United States Citizen.
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Rogers was a member of the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake Academies before joining the University of New Mexico. Rogers also first competed for the United States Under-15 National Team and most recently played for the United States Under-20 Men’s National Team.
"“It is a great opportunity to be with such a wonderful group of guys,” Ansu Rogers said. “I really appreciate the chance I have been given. I look forward to working hard and doing my best.”-Courtesy of Kurt Austin of SportingKC.com"
During Rogers four year career at the University of New Mexico he helped lead them to three straight first place finishes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and Sports USA.
Rogers ranks fourth on the schools all time leading goal scorer list with 22 goals scored and also added 20 assists.
Rogers was invited to the 2015 MLS Combine and was able to make his presence known by scoring in one of the three games played.
Rogers was given an opportunity to appear in all four of Sporting KC’s preseason games in the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Arizona prior to getting signed, and was able to take advantage of the opportunity.
Rogers made his biggest impact by scoring the eventual game winning goal in the 3-2 defeat of the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday. Rogers received the ball on the right side of the penalty box and skillfully dribbled between two defenders before firing a shot past the keeper into goal.
Sporting KC has been busy making moves in preparation for their 20th season in MLS, and the moves don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
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Sporting KC just parted ways with Midfielder Jorge Claros, and waived Midfielder James Marcelin on Tuesday which opened up two international roster spots to go along with the teams already opened Designated Player roster spot.
There could still be players joining the team any day to fill the holes Sporting KC still has on their roster, including the Defensive Midfield role vacated by Claros. Sporting KC’s final preseason game is on Saturday February 28th, so we will hopefully get a better idea on what the teams plans are for the starting eleven come opening day.
Sporting KC begin their regular season on March 8th in a Fox Sports 1 nationally televised game against the New York Red Bulls at Sporting Park.