Kansas City Sports Bracketology: Top 64 Seasons, Round One, Part Two
By Mike Norris
Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes – Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
(3) 2000 Kansas City Wiz vs. (14) 1982 Kansas State Football
Championships are not taken for granted in Kansas City. Although the Chiefs hold the spot as most popular team in the city, the Kansas City Wiz/Sporting KC franchise has the most championships.
The Wiz began MLS play in KC in 1996, and by 2000 was crowned MLS Champions. They defeated the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy before beating the Chicago Fire 1-0 in the finals.
Tony Meola won the goal keeper of the year award and broke a record with 681 consecutive shut out minutes. Peter Vermes earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, 13 years before leading Sporting KC to the MLS Cup as manager.
The 1982 K-State season may have seemed average on paper — 6-5-1 and an Independence Bowl loss — yet it was anything but.
It was only the third time since 1934 the Wildcats won six games, and it was their first bowl appearance in team history. Despite the loss, there is no doubt it was considered a successful year for head coach Jim Dickey and Co.
Next: Sunflower Showdown Part II