Sporting Kansas City Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes appeared on The Program with Soren Petro on Sports Radio 810 WHB ahead of the club's match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
- Listen: Peter Vermes on The Program (19:10-45:55)
Vermes and Petro begin their conversation recapping the attacking run Sporting has been on in which the club has scored 11 goals in three matches and became the first team in MLS history to score three first half goals in three consecutive matches. Vermes credits newcomers Willy Agada and Erik Thommy's arrivals and their ability to take the pressure of certain players on the field.
The Sporting KC boss goes into the mentality of the club this late in the season and how open and honest the communication is within the team. He applauds the team's performances but wants to continue to grow and make sure teams are not let back into the matches.
Petro asks Vermes to dive deeper into Agada's recent performances and his five goals in his first five Sporting KC appearances. Vermes praises his hunger, ability to hold the ball up, strength and his speed. Petro continues on the topic of Agada, questioning Vermes about the forward's finishing abilities, and Vermes answers by talking about a goalscorer's knack for being in the right spot at the right time.
On the topic of summer signings, Vermes discusses Thommy's impact and his offensive mind. He speaks on how his short-term impact is a promising sign for the long run.
The subject depth is frequently mentioned in this episode of The Program as Petro brings up Pulskamp and depth at the goalkeeper position. He asks Vermes about next steps with the 21-year-old keeper and Vermes answers by talking about Pulskamp's ceiling. He says that the ceiling is incredibly high for Pulskamp and that he has been impressed during this recent stretch with the goalkeeper's reactions and maturity.
Before the Final Four questions, Vermes wraps up the interview with a preview of Saturday's matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes. Sporting hosts San Jose at Children's Mercy Park at 7:30 p.m. CT with tickets on sale at SeatGeek.com and coverage available on 38 The Spot.
