Sporting KC: Expectations rise as 2021 season edges closer
By Nathan Dunn
Sporting KC had an up-and-down 2020 but could have more success in 2021.
This season, however, is different than others for Sporting Kansas City. The club is coming off a 2020 season that had promise but ended with a humiliating 3-0 loss against Minnesota United.
Since the conclusion of last season, SKC has made some significant player moves. SKC has moved on from captain and club legend Matt Besler before announcing the re-signing of Roger Espinoza.
Additionally, Sporting KC is in ongoing contract negotiations with Felipe Gutierrez, but the club’s negotiations have halted with Gerso after he declined their bona fide offer at the end of last season.
With such little news about Gianluca Busio, it looks as if he is likely to stay, however, that can change quickly. Winston Reid’s time in KC appears to be over after his one-year loan expired without an extension or outright purchasing the central defender.
The likes of Alan Pulido, Johnny Russell, Khiry Shelton, and Tim Melia are still with the club as they prepare for preseason, which Peter Vermes hopes to begin around the first of February.
Still, SKC remains with their core group of players. While both Zusi and Besler have been replaced (Zusi still with the team), their replacements have dramatically improved the team.
The expectations for the club will remain the same: win a trophy.
Sporting KC has now gone three consecutive seasons without a trophy. That is the longest trophy drought for this franchise since the Wizards era.