Football Season Guide

After a disappointing 2019, Sporting Kansas City reclaimed their place at the top of the Western Conference with one of their best regular season campaigns in recent years but failed to progress far in the playoffs where they lost out in the Conference semifinals. Kansas had a solid roster last season with a few weak points and the club has looked to improve on them while at the same time holding on to the core of their lineup, though they have been a couple of significant departures. Matt Besler's long stay at the club is finally over after he was picked up in trade by expansion side Austin FC while Felipe Gutierrez has also left the club after failing to agree a new deal. Gerso is the only other significant departure though he was in and out of the lineup last season, making just 10 starts. Erik Hurtado, Richard Sanchez and Winston Reid have also left the club with Kansas declining to extend their stay. Kansas needed to strengthen the defensive aspect of their play and they have acted by bringing in Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, who is expected to partner Roberto Puncec in the center of the defense, while Remi Walter has been signed to provide some steel in the midfield. The addition of Alan Pulido last season meant that Kansas had one of the potent attacks at least in the Western Conference and that remains their biggest threats heading into the new season. However, a suspect defense and niggling injuries to key players over the course of the campaign cost Kansas points last year and Peter Vermes will be hoping to ensure his side remains injury free this time around as he looks for a strong run in the playoffs.