A month ago, Kevin Ellis was manning the right side of the defense for Jimmy Nielsen's USL PRO side in Oklahoma City. Nowadays, Ellis is patrolling the middle of the defense for Peter Vermes's MLS side in Kansas City.
The 22-year-old outside back has had a rollercoaster year, but has stepped up in a big way in recent weeks for Sporting Kansas City. On Friday, the homegrown defender started his fourth consecutive game as a central defender for Sporting KC and earned League-wide accolades for his performance.
Ellis teamed with fellow homegrown center back Erik Palmer-Brown to shut down the Houston Dynamo attack, as a 10-man Sporting KC earned a triumphant 2-0 win on the road.
Ellis' performance did not go unnoticed as the Oak Park High School graduate was named to the MLSsoccer.com, Goal.com and Bleacher Report Team of the Week.
Despite having a man-advantage for 70 minutes, the Dynamo were able to muster only three shots on target over the course of the match. Ellis tied with Toronto FC defender Doneil Henry for first in MLS in clearances last weekend with 13. He also tallied two blocks and four interceptions and conceded zero fouls against a strong attacking duo of Will Bruin and Giles Barnes.
Sporting Kansas City has the weekend off but will return to action on Wednesday, June 18 in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The 2012 Open Cup champions will host NASL spring champion Minnesota United FC at Sporting Park. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL.
