Sporting Kansas City: Five players to watch in 2018

GRAHAM ZUSI – MIDFIELDER/DEFENDER

Pretty much everything said for Matt Besler could also apply to Graham Zusi, who is in the final year of his contract as well. Zusi has been beloved by SKC fans since being drafted by them back in the second round in 2009.

Since then, Zusi has become a star in Kansas City. He’s on the national team and even had a pretty key moment for Team USA in the 2014 World Cup, scoring the game winning goal against Ghana.

Zusi didn’t score any goals last year for Sporting, but he had two in 2016. With this being the final year of his contract, one would have to think he’d be out for blood when it comes to putting the ball in the net. It’s possible we’ll see Zusi’s best season yet actually.

Graham Zusi has been my favorite player on the team and I’ll be crushed if this is indeed his final year, but like Besler, he’s in his 30s now and the team could be looking to get younger. Hopefully Zusi and company can go out on top and bring another MLS Cup back to Kansas City.