Interview

Sporting KC convenes at Children's Mercy Park ahead of 2018 preseason

Matt Besler with fans postgame

For Sporting Kansas City players and coaches, the 2018 season is well and truly underway.


Three months removed from a successful 2017 campaign that saw the club hoist the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Manager Peter Vermes’ men convened Saturday to speak with local media at Children’s Mercy Park.


Saturday’s media session marked the first time Sporting KC had gathered as a team this year, and for the likes of Designated Player Yohan Croizet and recently acquired forward Khiry Shelton, it was an opportunity to meet new teammates ahead of a month-long preseason that begins Monday in Arizona.


Vermes took to the podium to discuss the club’s offseason and share his thoughts on the complexion of a team that enters 2018 with hopes of adding another championship to the trophy case and extending their seven-year playoff streak.


A full squad of players also discussed their excitement and anticipation for the weeks and months that lie ahead, with Croizet, Shelton captain Matt Besler and midfielder Ilie conducting interviews with SportingKC.com.


Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes

Sporting KC midfielder Yohan Croizet

Sporting KC forward Khiry Shelton

Sporting KC defender Matt Besler

Sporting KC midfielder Ilie