KANSAS CITY, Mo. – If there's one thing Sporting Kansas City haven't had to worry about since moving into their new home in 2011, it's whether the fans will show up.
But even with a string of 75 straight sellouts at Children's Mercy Park going into Sunday's match against Orlando City SC (3:30 pm ET, ESPN), fan frustration over Sporting's seven-match winless streak led club CEO Robb Heineman to put out a long Twitter message earlier this week asking supporters for their patience – especially with Kansas City headed into a three-match homestand after playing five of six on the road.
“We hope you believe we love winning and creating lifelong memories as much as we do,” the message read in part, “and please know we understand the importance of getting back to it. So, honestly, help pick us up; not because we deserve it, but because we need it.”
Midfielder Roger Espinoza, who first played for the then-Wizards in a minor-league baseball park, remembers the days of sparse crowds. But he said Sporting's achievements since 2011 – with three trophies in the past four seasons – have won fans' loyalty.
“You've got to win games if you want the fans there,” Espinoza told MLSsoccer.com on Saturday. “We have not done that lately, but with what we've done in the last five or six years, I think there's a belief that we can come back. The players are very positive.
“But, yeah, I think one of the reasons there were not many fans in the past is that we didn't have winning teams. We've got to get back to those ways. That's why the fans were there.”
Goalkeeper Tim Melia was also looking forward to the club's return home – and the shot of energy that comes from playing in front of a loud capacity crowd. And, he said, he's grateful for that continued support even with Sporting's recent struggles.
“It's going to be really good. It's something that's important for us right now, to get in front of our fans and get their confidence behind us,” Melia said. “We know they're going to bring that really good environment and it's going to help us, pull us out of this hole.
“They've stuck with us. It's obviously very frustrating – players, organization, coaching staff, we're all frustrated – but it's very early in the season. This is a talented group. No concerns, no panic button by any means. We've just got to get back to doing what we're very capable of, and to do it in front of our fans is just a plus.”
Manager Peter Vermes, who has long said that he consciously stays away from social media, called Sporting's supporters the club's “12th man” and said he expected them to be out in energetic force on Sunday.
“I believe that our fans are there,” Vermes said. “I don't read any of that stuff, but I don't know – are all of our fans saying that? I doubt it.”
He noted that fan discontent is nothing new – and tends to pass over time.
“Where would you like me to start with stuff that's been brought to my attention, that people have said in our circle – that are fans of ours – have said?” he asked. “'This player is no good,'” and then that player winds up being a fan favorite. Or this player, we've moved on, and then we find out that he's not the right guy.
“Again, you don't walk away from problems and you don't not support the people that you have, just because there's a problem. You can't just be a part of it only when you're winning.”
Steve Brisendine covers Sporting Kansas City for MLSsoccer.com.
