The 2023 season was a testament to the resilience and determination of Sporting KC as they fought their way back into the playoffs. Despite struggling in the first half of the season, the team made a significant comeback in the second half, finishing with an impressive record of 12W-7L-5D.
The key to their success was the return to health of crucial players like Alan Pulido and Gadi Kinda. Pulido’s remarkable performance earned him the title of 2023 MLS Comeback Player of the Year, while Kinda contributed to the team’s playoff success with one goal and three assists.
However, it wasn’t an easy road for Sporting KC. Manager Peter Vermes reflected on the disappointment of missing out on the postseason in 2022 despite signing Willy Agada and Erik Thommy. This setback added an extra layer of difficulty to their journey towards success.
Vermes explained that maintaining belief, commitment, and effort when results were not coming easily was a significant challenge. It required individual and team meetings as well as effective communication. Despite moments of doubt, however, the team persevered and some players began to feel they were returning to form as a unit.
In conclusion, Sporting KC’s strong showing at the end of the year was a testament to their resilience and determination. With key players returning from injury and manager Peter Vermes leading them forward, this team is well positioned for success in future seasons.