Sporting Kansas City re-signs defender Ike Opara to one-year contract

After back-to-back seasons were marred by injuries that threatened his career, Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara set career highs in appearances, starts and minutes played in 2016.

On Wednesday, Sporting KC rewarded him with a new contract.

The club announced a one-year deal with Opara that includes team options for 2018 and 2019.

“Kansas City has been my home for the past four years and I’m excited to return for another season,” Opara said in a news announcement. “I’m extremely thankful for all of the support the fans have showed me, and I’m eager to play in front of them alongside my great teammates.”

Season-ending injuries in 2014 (chondral defect in right ankle) and 2015 (ruptured Achilles’ tendon) limited Opara to a nine matches during the two-year span. After the second one, he admitted contemplating retirement.

Instead, he responded in 2016 with one goal and a career-best three assists across 25 games played, including 16 starts.

“We think (Opara) is a first-class individual,” coach Peter Vermes said in a release. “And he has so much upside as a central defender. He showed a lot of consistency this past year, and we hope that continues.”

This story was originally published November 16, 2016 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Sporting Kansas City re-signs defender Ike Opara to one-year contract."