Sporting Kansas City’s 2018 campaign delivered thrills from beginning to end, packing entertainment, emotion and drama on a weekly basis as Manager Peter Vermes’ side ascended to the top of the Western Conference table and brought the MLS Cup Playoffs back to Children’s Mercy Park.
In a year chalk full of stunning goals, wild wins and momentous developments off the pitch, assembling the top 12 moments of 2018 was no easy task. There simply hasn’t been a dull moment over the last 12 months, which is why this season will be fondly remembered well into the future.
Nevertheless, SportingKC.com has taken its best shot at counting down the dozen moments of 2018 that stood out above the rest. The countdown will run from Dec. 20-31, beginning with No. 12 on Dec. 20 and culminating with the No. 1 moment of 2018 on New Year’s Eve.
The Countdown: #12: Winning in Atlanta |#11: Signing Kalen Ricketson |#10: The comeback vs. Houston |#9: The opening of Pinnacle |#8: Melia silences Zlatan |#7: Fireworks in Vancouver |#6: Johnny Russell's hat-trick | #5: Clinching a home playoff game in Dallas
Sporting KC has transformed into a model MLS organization over the last decade, winning four major championships as a perennial playoff team with the support of an ardent fan base and a dedicated ownership group.
During this trophy-laden era at Children’s Mercy Park, no single person has been more responsible for Sporting KC’s success than Peter Vermes. As the proverbial godfather of the club, Vermes has served as Sporting KC’s technical director since 2006 and its manager since 2009. He leaves indelible marks on all facets of the team, including scouting, roster management and the development of Swope Park Rangers and the Sporting KC Academy.
From time to time, Vermes’ accolades at the helm in Kansas City have prompted pundits to link him with high-profile managerial jobs elsewhere. But on May 7, the New Jersey native committed his future to the club in one of the biggest announcements of 2018.
On this date, Sporting KC revealed that Vermes had signed a contract extension through 2023. Kansas City’s soccer patriarch was here to stay.
Currently the longest tenured manager in Major League Soccer, Vermes has led Sporting KC to a club-record eight straight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Under his guidance, Sporting KC has become the only American club in MLS to win four major trophies since 2012—specifically the 2013 MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
“This is a great day for Sporting Kansas City,” Sporting Club co-owner Mike Illig said at the time. “Peter has become one of the most successful managers in the history of Major League Soccer, and we are delighted to extend his contract at the club. This long-term deal shows commitment from the organization and from Peter, who has helped the club accomplish remarkable things on and off the field for the last decade.”
In addition to experiencing on-field success, Vermes has played an integral role in the development of the Academy, the Rangers and world-class facilities such as Children’s Mercy Park, Swope Soccer Village and Pinnacle. “His passion, energy and attention to detail make him one of a kind,” Illig said, “and we are excited for Peter to lead Sporting KC well into the future.”
Vermes, 52, is one of two MLS coaches to spend 10 consecutive seasons with the same club, alongside former New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol. His 10-year tenure with Sporting KC (soon to be 11 years) is the second longest all-time among Kansas City’s major professional sports franchises, behind Hank Stram of the Kansas City Chiefs (1963-1974).
“Peter embodies Sporting Kansas City; a passion for the club and the city, a winning mentality, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and a drive to always improve,” Sporting KC CEO/President Jake Reid said in the announcement. “His accomplishments over the past decade speak for themselves, and we are thrilled to have him call Sporting KC home for at least five more years. His loyalty to the club, the city, the team and the ownership group is paramount. We are excited to have him at the helm for more great years ahead.”
