Sporting KC: Expectations rise as 2021 season edges closer
By Nathan Dunn
Forwards need to stay healthy
From the limited time we saw of Alan Pulido last season, it was clear to see that he changed games for SKC. The problem was he couldn’t stay healthy. With an offseason that allowed him to fully recover, he will be expected to be even more effective in his time on the field.
Along with the disappointment of injuries to Pulido comes the lack of depth outside of Johnny Russell and Khiry Shelton. Both Russell and Shelton are excellent, however, SKC is now without Gerso and Erik Hurtado.
Pulido’s replacement would be Wilson Harris, who’s a proven goalscorer at the USL level, but no first-team appearances. On the wings, you have Daniel Salloi before another inexperienced Academy product in Tyler Freeman.
Alternatively, SKC will probably look towards players like Busio, Kinda, and Hernandez to be options on the wing as well as in the midfield. Vermes may even look to Zusi to return higher up the pitch to provide a veteran presence.
While SKC is still looking to add depth on the wings, if Pulido can stay healthy, SKC will be much better suited to succeed this season.