Sporting KC

For its 20th anniversary, Sporting Kansas City unveils its all-time Best XI

By SAM McDOWELL

Updated April 13, 2016 8:43 PM

Matt Besler (right) was among the players honored Wednesday night as Sporting Kansas City announced its all-time Best XI. To honor the 20th anniversary of the franchise, Besler, Roger Espinosa and their teammates wore warmup jerseys similar to the uniforms that the Kansas City Wiz wore in their inaugural season in 1996 before Wednesday night’s match against the Colorado Rapids at Children’s Mercy Park. Jill Toyoshiba jtoyoshiba@kcstar.com

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration Wednesday, Sporting Kansas City honored its all-time Best XI.

Sporting KC active players Matt Besler, Graham Zusi and Dom Dwyer were joined by goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, former defender and current coach Peter Vermes, defender Jimmy Conrad, forward Josh Wolff and midfielders Preki, Davy Arnaud, Kerry Zavagnin and Chris Klein.

The team was decided by a fan vote on the Sporting KC website. Seven more players were named honorable mention — goalkeeper Tony Meola; defenders Chance Myers and Nick Garcia; midfielders Roger Espinoza and Jack Jewsbury; and forwards Mo Johnston and Digital Takawira.

The club also honored its 20-year season ticketholders in a pregame ceremony Wednesday at Children’s Mercy Park before Sporting’s match against the Colorado Rapids.

Sam McDowell: 816-234-4869, @sammcdowell11.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 7:42 PM with the headline "For its 20th anniversary, Sporting Kansas City unveils its all-time Best XI."

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