Who Are Sporting Kansas City? History, Stats & More
Sporting Kansas City is one of the founding and iconic football clubs when it comes to the MLS. They have established themselves as a mainstay in Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 1995 by the late Lamar Hunt, the club has been a mainstay in the league since its inception in 1996.
In their inaugural days, the team was known as the Kansas City Wiz. A couple of years into action, the franchise decided to turn some things around thus undergoing a name change in 1997.
They called themselves the Kansas City Wizards. The team continued to evolve, and in 2010, the club rebranded itself as Sporting Kansas City, coinciding with its relocation to the state-of-the-art Children’s Mercy Park stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.
HISTORY OF Sporting Kansas City: Founded in 1995
Founded in 1995 as the Kansas City Wiz, the team has undergone several name changes and played its inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996.
From the outset, Sporting Kansas City made its mark as a team to be reckoned with, finishing its debut season with a record of 17-15 and reaching the playoffs. Led by forward Preki, who won the MLS MVP award that season, Kansas City had a solid foundation to build upon.
Although the team changed its name to the Kansas City Wizards in 1997 and moved to a smaller soccer-specific stadium, the team continued to struggle on the field. However, they bounced back and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2012 and 2015, and the MLS Cup championship in 2013.
The team moved to its current home, Children’s Mercy Park, in 2008 and underwent a rebranding in 2010, changing its name to Sporting Kansas City and adopting new team colors and a logo. Children’s Mercy Park is known for its innovative approach to stadium design and fan experience, featuring a state-of-the-art video board, a supporters’ section with standing-room-only viewing, and a variety of food and drink options.
Overall, Sporting Kansas City has been one of the most successful and innovative franchises in MLS history, playing a crucial role in the growth of soccer in the United States. With a winning history on the pitch and a commitment to providing fans with the best possible experience of it.
Who was the founder of Sporting Kansas City?
Lamar Hunt, the founder of Sporting Kansas City, was a visionary sports magnate who played a pivotal role in the development of soccer in the United States. A passionate advocate for the sport, Hunt believed that soccer had the potential to capture the imagination of American audiences, and he worked tirelessly to help establish MLS as a major professional sports league in North America.
Hunt’s contributions to the world of sports extended far beyond soccer. He was also the founder of the American Football League (AFL) and the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, a team he led to two Super Bowl victories. His dedication and passion for football earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Despite his success in football, Hunt remained committed to his vision for soccer in America. He was one of the key figures in the establishment of MLS, helping to found the league in 1993 and investing heavily in the development of the sport.
Current President of Sporting Kansas City; Who is Jake Reid?
As the CEO of Sporting Kansas City, Jake Reid has led the franchise to new heights of success both on and off the field. A veteran of the sports industry, Reid brought a wealth of experience to the role when he took over in 2016, having previously served in a variety of leadership positions for professional sports organizations around the country.
Under Reid’s leadership, Sporting Kansas City has continued to evolve and innovate, with a focus on creating a fan-friendly experience and building a winning team. Reid has overseen the development of Children’s Mercy Park, the club’s state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium, which has become a beloved home for Sporting Kansas City fans.
Stadium of Sporting Kansas City: Children’s Mercy Park
Opened in 2011, the Children’s Mercy Park has quickly become one of the premier venues in Major League Soccer, known for its intimate atmosphere, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning design.
Designed with the modern expectations of fans and players, Children’s Mercy Park boasts a range of features giving an exceptional experience to absorb the energy of a soccer match. From the natural grass playing surface to the steep seating bowl that keeps fans close to the action, every element of the stadium has been carefully crafted to create an unforgettable experience.
Q: What is the name of Sporting Kansas City’s stadium?
Ans: Children’s Mercy Park is the home stadium of Sporting Kansas City.
Fans and Culture of Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City’s focus on fan engagement has manifested in numerous initiatives, such as their stadium app that provides real-time updates and directions to fans during games. They also use social media to actively engage with fans and foster a sense of community. In addition to the main supporter group, The Cauldron, the team has several other fan groups that add to the lively atmosphere at Children’s Mercy Park, including La Barra KC, Mass Street Mob, and King City Yardbirds.
Sporting Kansas City has established itself as one of the most popular teams in Major League Soccer, thanks in part to its impressive record of sellouts. Sporting Kansas City has built a strong following among soccer fans in the Midwest and beyond. The team’s relatively young fan base is a testament to its appeal to younger generations.
Sporting Kansas City KEY INDIVIDUALS
NOTABLE PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF Sporting Kansas City
The team has a rich history of top-class players, with many notable names that have donned the famous blue and black jersey over the years. One of the greatest to have played for the club is Preki (actual name is Predrag Radosavljević), a Serbian-American who holds the record for the most goals and assists in Sporting KC history. His contribution to the club’s success is undeniable, and he is widely regarded as a legend in American soccer.
Another standout player for Sporting KC is Jimmy Conrad, a former U.S. Men’s National Team player who was a three-time MLS Best XI selection during his time with the team. A local hero, Matt Besler has been an integral part of Sporting KC’s backline since 2009, and he has also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team on over 40 occasions.
Graham Zusi is another notable player who has helped establish Sporting Kansas City as a top team in Major League Soccer. Zusi has been with the team since 2009 and has won two MLS Cups and an MLS Best XI selection. Other players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success include Tim Melia, who won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017, and Kei Kamara, the team’s second-all-time leading scorer.
Overall, Sporting Kansas City has a rich history of talented players who have helped establish the team as one of the most successful and beloved in Major League Soccer.
Q: Who is the president of Sporting Kansas City?
Ans. Jake Reid currently serves the role of president for Sporting Kansas City.
Best Manager in the history of Sporting Kansas City
Peter Vermes is a legendary figure in the history of Sporting Kansas City. The former MLS player and the current head coach has been with the club since 2009, and during his tenure, he has led the team to unprecedented success, winning multiple trophies and setting a new standard of excellence in Major League Soccer.
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Vermes’ success as a coach is a testament to his tactical acumen, his ability to develop young talent, and his unwavering commitment to his players and the team. He has created a culture of accountability and hard work at Sporting Kansas City, and his leadership has helped to transform the club into one of the most consistent and successful teams in the league.
Sporting Kansas City RECORD BREAKERS
All-Time Top Scorers of Sporting Kansas City
Preki’s playing career spanned across England and MLS. He played for English clubs Everton and Portsmouth and was one of the original players in the MLS upon its formation in 1996. He played for Kansas City Wizards (now known as Sporting Kansas City) and Miami Fusion.
Preki is the only two-time winner of the MLS MVP award and represented the United States at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In recognition of his contributions to American soccer, Preki was elected to the American National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED |
| Preki | 78 |
| Dom Dwyer | 68 |
| Johnny Russell | 53 |
| Daniel Salloi | 48 |
| Davy Arnaud | 47 |
Q: Who is the all-time highest goal scorer of Sporting Kansas City?
Ans: Preki has scored the highest goals in the history of Kansas City.
All-Time top assists provider of Sporting Kansas City
Graham Zusi’s talent flourished in the 2011 season. He played a pivotal role in Sporting Kansas City’s Eastern Conference championship victory and earned his first call-up to the US national team. He was rewarded with a new four-year contract by the club in February 2012. The following season, Zusi topped the league in assists with an impressive tally of 15.
In the 2012-13 offseason, Zusi trialed with English Premier League side West Ham United before returning to Sporting Kansas City. He was later converted into a right-back and earned MLS All-Star selections in 2016, 2017, and 2018 while contributing to Sporting Kansas City’s 2017 U.S. Open Cup title win. Recently, Zusi signed a contract extension with the club for the 2022 season.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF ASSISTS |
| Preki | 67 |
| Graham Zusi | 59 |
| Chris Klein | 38 |
| Benny Feilhaber | 38 |
| Johnny Russell | 31 |
Q: Who is the all-time assist provider for Sporting Kansas City?
Ans. Preki has provided the most assists for Sporting Kansas City
Most all-time appearances for Sporting Kansas City?
In his debut season with the club, Espinoza played in 22 matches, where he displayed his versatility by playing both as a left-back and defensive midfielder.
He recorded three assists, which tied him for third on the team. Over the next five years, he played 113 regular season matches for Sporting Kansas City, excelling in his role as a defensive midfielder and earning plaudits for his tackling, passing, and work rate.
During his stint at Sporting Kansas City, Espinoza was a key figure in the club’s success, helping them lift the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Espinoza’s contributions on the pitch earned him a call-up to the Honduran national team, where he became a regular fixture in the midfield.
His performances caught the attention of English Premier League side Wigan Athletic, where he spent three seasons before returning to Sporting Kansas City in 2018.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF APPEARANCES |
| Graham Zusi | 393 |
| Roger Espinoza | 366 |
| Matt Besler | 345 |
| Kerry Zavagnin | 262 |
| Davy Arnaud | 259 |
Q: When did Sporting Kansas City start playing in the MLS?
Ans: Sporting Kansas City was founded in 1995 and started playing in the MLS in 1996.
MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFERS IN THE HISTORY OF Sporting Kansas City
Alan Pulido, who is a Mexican International striker, was by Sports Kansas City as a Designated Player on a club-record transfer fee from C.D. Guadalajara in December 2019. He has signed a four-year Major League Soccer contract through 2023.
| NAME | CLUB FROM | TRANSFER AMOUNT |
| Alan Pulido | Chivas | $8.64m |
| Gadi Kinda | B. Jerusalem | $3.70m |
| Omar Bravo | Dep. La Coruna | $2.70m |
| Robert Voloder | NK Maribor | $1.80m |
| Gerso | Belenenses | $1.50m |
Q: When did Graham Zusi debut for Sporting Kansas City?
Ans: Graham Zusi made his league debut for Seattle on March 21, 2009, against Toronto FC.
CONCLUSION: Overview of Sporting Kansas City’s Legacy
Sporting Kansas City has left an impressive mark on American soccer since its founding in 1995. Over the years, Sporting Kansas City has produced many talented players, including Preki, Jimmy Conrad, Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Roger Espinoza.
These players have gone on to represent the United States at the international level. They are known for their high-energy style of play and the passionate support of their fans.
The legacy of Sporting Kansas City also extends beyond the field. The club has been at the forefront of stadium development, with the opening of Children’s Mercy Park in 2011, which has since become a blueprint for soccer-specific stadiums in North America.
Additionally, Sporting Kansas City has been a leader in community engagement, through various initiatives such as the Victory Project, which helps children battling cancer.
