On opposite ends of the field, goalkeeper Tim Melia and forward Daniel Salloi have become key contributors in Sporting Kansas City’s strong start to the 2021 season.
Melia, 35, has posted a 5-1-1 record in his seven starts this season and his .786 winning percentage is best among MLS goalkeepers with at least five wins. A 12-year MLS veteran and the 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Melia is Sporting’s all-time goalkeeping leader in wins (78), shutouts (53) and saves (526).
Salloi, 24, ranks second in MLS in 2021 with a combined 10 goals and assists, including a league-best four game-winning goals. The Sporting KC Academy product is only the second player in club history to score 25 MLS goals (regular season and playoffs) before turning 25 and he is the sixth homegrown player in MLS history to reach the 25-goal milestone.
Recently, Melia and Salloi joined veteran sports writer David Smale on the Sports Connections podcast to reflect on the club’s early success this season and their professional careers in the sport.
- Tim Melia: June 28, 2021
- Daniel Salloi: June 9, 2021
Subscribe to the Sports Connections YouTube channel for more than 75 additional conversations in the series, including the Feb. 22nd edition with Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes, April 16 episode with goalkeeping great Jimmy Nielsen and May 12 conversation with Sporting Legend Jimmy Conrad.
Sporting KC will continue the regular season campaign on Sunday with a marquee Fourth of July matchup at the LA Galaxy. Kick off from Dignity Health Sports Park is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on Bally Sports Kansas City.
