Sporting KC

What to expect from Sporting KC as MLS season begins Saturday: SportsBeat KC podcast

Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes watches the run of play during the match between Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. on July 31, 2021.
Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes watches the run of play during the match between Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. on July 31, 2021. Nick Tre. Smith/Special to the S

The 2023 Major League Soccer season is upon us. Sporting Kansas City opens a new campaign on Saturday night at the Portland Timbers as part of this weekend’s full slate of regular-season MLS games.

The new season couldn’t begin soon enough for Sporting. Last year, Sporting missed the playoffs for the second time in 12 years. But the improvement began last season, especially later in the year, and it’s been helpful for Sporting to have some of its new players on board for the entirety of training camp.

On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, you’ll hear from Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS — he’s beginning his 15th season. Vermes and midfielder Roger Espinoza were interviewed at Sporting’s training camp in Arizona while the Chiefs were preparing for the Super Bowl.

Also, soccer beat writer Daniel Sperry offers his thoughts on this team and the MLS season, while also discussing some Sporting KC preseason news.

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Sporting Kansas City is seeing healthy competition at certain positions this preseason

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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