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Articles by Sam Kovzan
Sporting KC midfielder Zorhan Bassong selected to Canada Men’s National Team for November friendlies
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Zorhan Bassong will return to the Canada Men’s National Team for two friendly matches against South American opponents during the FIFA international window in November. Canada is slated to host Ecuador at 6:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 13 at BMO Field in Toronto before facing Venezuela at 7 p.m. CT on Nov. 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Sporting KC Academy announces addition of two new assistant coaches
The Sporting Kansas City Academy has announced the addition of assistant coaches Bryan Turner and Jake Smith to the technical staff. Turner and Smith will assist the head coaches of the U-18, U-16 and U-15 teams both in training and at matches throughout the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season. The two will also help out with the Center of Excellence, the SKC Academy's high-level supplemental training program for boys aged 13 and younger.
Sporting KC announces roster moves ahead of 2026 season
Sporting Kansas City announced on Thursday several roster moves ahead of the 2026 season. Sporting has exercised 2026 contract options for the following four players: Stephen Afrifa, Zorhan Bassong, Jansen Miller and John Pulskamp. Sporting has declined 2026 contract options for Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Ryan Schewe, Khiry Shelton and Mason Toye, while loan spells for Alan Montes and Santi Munoz have ended. Sporting is continuing to negotiate with Schewe and Munoz.
John Pulskamp’s seven-save shutout helps Sporting KC tie Houston in season finale
By Sam Kovzan – Sporting Kansas City Goalkeeper John Pulskamp made seven saves en route to a shutout as Sporting Kansas City (7-20-7, 28 points) ended the 2025 season with a 0-0 home draw against Houston Dynamo FC (9-15-10, 37 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
Recap: John Pulskamp's seven-save shutout helps Sporting KC tie Houston in season finale
Goalkeeper John Pulskamp made seven saves en route to a shutout as Sporting Kansas City (7-20-7, 28 points) ended the 2025 season with a 0-0 home draw against Houston Dynamo FC (9-15-10, 37 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Pulskamp, who on Saturday became the fifth player in club history to play every minute of a 34-game regular season, ends the 2025 MLS campaign with 121 saves, the second most by a Kansas City goalkeeper in a single regular season.
Sporting KC goalkeeper Jack Kortkamp selected to USA U-17 Men’s National Team for 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jack Kortkamp has been selected to the United States U-17 Men’s National Team for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, taking place in Qatar from Nov. 3-27. Kortkamp will join a 21-player squad assembled by USA U-17 head coach Gonzalo Segares for the headline event, which will see the Americans begin Group I play on Nov. 5 against Burkina Faso before facing Tajikistan on Nov. 8 and Czechia on Nov. 11.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo FC | Oct. 18, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will close the 2025 campaign by hosting Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park.
Sporting KC announces recipients of 2025 Sporting Club Awards | Sporting KC II
Sporting Kansas City announced on Friday the recipients of the 2025 Sporting Club Awards during Pitch Black presented by Audi at Children’s Mercy Park.
Recap: Sporting KC falls 3-0 at Minnesota
Sporting Kansas City (7-20-6, 27 points) suffered a 3-0 road loss at second-place Minnesota United FC (16-7-10, 58 points) on Saturday night at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. Loons defender Anthony Markanich bagged a brace and playmaker Joaquin Pereyra struck in the second half as Kansas City slipped to a fifth straight defeat in the club’s final away match of the season. Sporting will conclude the 2025 campaign on Saturday, Oct.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Minnesota United FC | Oct. 4, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will travel north to face Minnesota United FC on Saturday in the club's final road game of the season. Kickoff at Allianz Field is slated for 7:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, ESPN 94.5 FM and 1510 AM.
Sporting KC goalkeeper Jack Kortkamp named to USA U-17 Men’s National Team for October training camp
Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jack Kortkamp has been named to the United States U-17 Men’s National Team for a domestic training camp from Oct. 6-10 at McCurry Park in Fayetteville, Georgia. The camp is the team’s last gathering before head coach Gonzalo Segares selects his final 21-player roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup this November in Qatar. All 24 players selected to the camp are born after Jan.
Sporting KC midfielder Zorhan Bassong to return to Canada Men’s National Team for October friendlies
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Zorhan Bassong will return to the Canada Men’s National Team for two friendly matches during the FIFA international window in October. Bassong and Canada are slated to host Australia on Oct. 10 at Saputo Stadium in Montreal before facing Colombia on Oct. 14 at Sports illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Prior to joining Canada, Bassong will be available for selection on Saturday when Sporting visits regional rival Minnesota United FC.
Recap: Joveljic on target as 10-man Sporting falls to LA Galaxy
Dejan Joveljic scored against his former club for his 18th goal of the season as 10-man Sporting Kansas City (7-19-6, 27 points) fell 4-1 to the LA Galaxy (5-17-9, 24 points) on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Joveljic, who won the 2024 MLS Cup with the Galaxy, converted on a clinical finish in the 28th minute, but LA secured three points behind Joseph Paintsil’s hat trick and a second-half goal from Diego Fagundez.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at LA Galaxy | Sept. 27, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will travel west to face the reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy at 9:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Sporting eliminated from playoff contention in 2-0 loss to Vancouver
By Sam Kovzan – SportingKC.com Sporting Kansas City (7-18-6, 27 points) was eliminated from playoff contention following a 2-0 home loss to Supporters’ Shield contenders Vancouver Whitecaps FC (16-6-7, 55 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Edier Ocampo struck inside two minutes and Kenji Cabrera opened his MLS scoring account to double Vancouver’s lead two minutes before halftime.
Recap: Sporting eliminated from playoff contention in 2-0 loss to Vancouver
Sporting Kansas City (7-18-6, 27 points) was eliminated from playoff contention following a 2-0 home loss to Supporters’ Shield contenders Vancouver Whitecaps FC (16-6-7, 55 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Edier Ocampo struck inside two minutes and Kenji Cabrera opened his MLS scoring account to double Vancouver’s lead two minutes before halftime.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Sept. 20, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City's penultimate home match of the 2025 regular season will take place Saturday when Vancouver Whitecaps FC visits Children's Mercy Park. The Western Conference clash will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT with tickets available via SeatGeek and live coverage on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and ESPN 94.5 FM.
RSLvSKC Quotes: "We came back and had a little energy in the second half, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough"
Sporting KC interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin On Sporting’s changes to the lineup and the team’s performance … Bringing Joaquin (Fernandez) into the mix and giving Logan (Ndenbe) a run—certainly the athleticism of Logan and his tenacity to get forward—really helped us tonight. With (Jacob) Bartlett and (Jake) Davis as our two midfielders, we felt a little light coming on the road.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Real Salt Lake | Sept. 13, 2025 | Sporting Kansas City
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. After back-to-back home matches, Sporting Kansas City will hit road this weekend to visit Real Salt Lake at 8:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The Western Conference clash will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV with local radio coverage on Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Sporting suffers late 2-1 home loss to Austin
By Sam Kovzan – Sporting Kansas City Sporting Kansas City (7-16-6, 27 points) suffered a frustrating 2-1 home loss to Austin FC (11-9-8, 41 points) on Sunday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Dejan Joveljic moved into sole possession of third place in the MLS Golden Boot race with his 17th goal of the season, converting an early penalty kick, but Austin leveled terms on a first-half strike from Owen Wolff before securing an 82nd-minute winner off the head of substitute CJ Fodrey.
Recap: Sporting suffers late 2-1 home loss to Austin
Sporting Kansas City (7-16-6, 27 points) suffered a frustrating 2-1 home loss to Austin FC (11-9-8, 41 points) on Sunday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Dejan Joveljic moved into sole possession of third place in the MLS Golden Boot race with his 17th goal of the season, converting an early penalty kick, but Austin leveled terms on a first-half strike from Owen Wolff before securing an 82nd-minute winner off the head of substitute CJ Fodrey.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Austin FC | Sept. 7, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Hot off a 4-2 home win over the Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City will host Austin FC on Sunday in the club's annual Kick Childhood Cancer theme night at Children's Mercy Park. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT with tickets available via SeatGeek and live coverage on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and ESPN 94.5 FM.
Sporting storms back in thrilling 4-2 win over Colorado
By Sam Kovzan – SportingKC.com A scintillating second-half display powered Sporting Kansas City (7-15-6, 27 points) to a wild 4-2 comeback win over the Colorado Rapids (10-13-6, 36 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
Recap: Sporting storms back in thrilling 4-2 win over Colorado
A scintillating second-half display powered Sporting Kansas City (7-15-6, 27 points) to a wild 4-2 comeback win over the Colorado Rapids (10-13-6, 36 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids | Aug. 30, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. CT and tickets available via SeatGeek. The Western Conference clash will stream live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV in addition to airing locally on Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Ian James to join United States U-17 Men’s National Team for Netherlands training camp
Sporting Kansas City defender Ian James has been selected to the United States U-17 Men’s National Team for a training camp from Sept. 1-8 in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Led by head coach Gonzalo Segares, the United States will face the Netherlands U-17s in a pair of friendlies kicking off at 12 p.m. CT on Sept. 5 and Sept. 8 at Gemeentelijk Sportpark SJC.
Sporting KC midfielder Zorhan Bassong to join Canada Men’s National Team for September friendlies in Europe
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Zorhan Bassong has been selected to the Canada Men’s National Team for two friendly matches during the FIFA international window in September. Bassong and Canada will travel to face Romania on Sept. 5 at Arena Națională in Bucharest before visiting Wales on Sept. 9 at Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea. Prior to joining Canada, Bassong will be available for selection on Saturday when Sporting hosts the Colorado Rapids.
Recap: Sporting KC suffers road loss at Seattle
Sporting Kansas City (6-15-6, 24 points) sustained a 5-2 road loss at Seattle Sounders FC (12-7-8, 44 points) on Sunday night at Lumen Field. Mason Toye scored his second goal of the season in the 36th minute and Tim Leibold’s cross to Daniel Salloi forced an own goal early in the second half, but Sporting was outdueled by a Seattle side that rode Danny Musovski’s hat trick to victory.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Seattle Sounders FC | Aug. 24, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will travel to the Pacific Northwest to face Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday night at Lumen Field. Kickoff is slated for 8:15 p.m. CT with live coverage on FS1, FOX Deportes, MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and Sports Radio 810 WHB.
ORLvSKC Quotes: "As good as our first half was, the second half really had us struggling"
Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin On the 3-1 loss to Orlando… I think we played a wonderful first half. We had a few personnel changes within the group with Mason (Toye) and Dejan (Joveljic) up top with (Santi) Munoz coming underneath. It felt like things were happening for us as we went into halftime. We created some really good opportunities. As we came into the second half, we started losing possession of the ball in important areas.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Orlando City SC | Aug. 16, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will travel to face Orlando City SC for the first time in over six years when the clubs square off Saturday in an inter-conference clash at Inter&Co Stadium in Central Florida. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Recap: Sporting falls 2-0 to first-place San Diego
Sporting Kansas City (6-13-6, 24 points) suffered a 2-0 loss to Western Conference leaders San Diego FC (15-7-4, 49 points) on Saturday night at hot and humid Children’s Mercy Park. Chucky Lozano vaulted the visitors ahead with an impressive long-range strike in the 23rd minute before Anders Dreyer doubled his side’s advantage in the 70th minute as San Diego became the first expansion team in MLS history to secure five straight road wins in their debut season.
Sporting KC waives center back Dany Rosero
By Sam Kovzan – SportingKC.com Sporting Kansas City announced today that the club has waived center back Dany Rosero. Rosero, 31, played 68 competitive matches for Sporting after arriving from Colombian side Atletico Junior in early 2023. He bagged seven goals for the club in all competitions, including four goals in 54 MLS regular season appearances.
Sporting KC waives center back Dany Rosero
Sporting Kansas City announced today that the club has waived center back Dany Rosero. Rosero, 31, played 68 competitive matches for Sporting after arriving from Colombian side Atletico Junior in early 2023. He bagged seven goals for the club in all competitions, including four goals in 54 MLS regular season appearances. Rosero helped Sporting advance to the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, reach the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final and qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. San Diego FC | Aug. 9, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will host expansion side San Diego FC for the first time on Saturday as the club's annual Sporting Salutes theme night returns to Children's Mercy Park.
Sporting KC acquires 24-year-old Mexican center back Alan Montes on loan from Club Necaxa
Sporting Kansas City announced today that the club has acquired 24-year-old center back Alan Montes on loan from LIGA MX side Club Necaxa for the remainder of the 2025 season. Montes’ loan comes with an option for Sporting to exercise a permanent transfer at the end of 2025. He will occupy an international spot on the club’s roster, pending final results of his entrance physical as well as receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 visa.
VANvSKC Quotes: "Once again, it’s a story of the first half"
Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin On Sporting KC’s 3-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC… They’re a good team and a balanced team. They make it very difficult defensively, and that sets them up for the rest of the game. I thought they won a lot of second balls within the game. Part of that was our doing in playing direct, which we wanted to try and get in behind them, but it wasn’t just that. It was off set pieces and goal kicks.
Sporting KC acquires 2025 international roster spot from Toronto FC
Sporting Kansas City announced today that the club has acquired a 2025 international roster spot from Toronto FC in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money. Sporting now has eight international spots on its 2025 roster, three of which are open and five are occupied by the following players: Zorhan Bassong, Joaquin Fernandez, Manu Garcia, Dejan Joveljic and Shapi Suleymanov. Sporting will travel north of the border to visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday at BC Place.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC | July 26, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will travel north of the border to visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday at BC Place. The Western Conference clash is slated for 9:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and Sports Radio 810 WHB.
Recap: Salloi scores birthday goal as Sporting battles back to tie NYCFC 1-1
Daniel Salloi scored on his 29th birthday to help Sporting Kansas City (6-11-6, 24 points) battle back for a 1-1 draw against New York City FC (10-8-5, 35 points) on Saturday night at hot and humid Children’s Mercy Park.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. New York City FC | July 19, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Sporting Kansas City will host New York City FC at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday as the visitors play at Children's Mercy Park for the first time since 2018.
Joveljic and Munoz convert penalties as Sporting rally falls short in 3-2 loss to Seattle
By Sam Kovzan – Sporting Kansas City Dejan Joveljic extended his goal contribution streak and Santiago Munoz buried a late penalty kick as Sporting Kansas City (6-11-5, 23 points) saw its late rally fall short in a 3-2 home loss to Seattle Sounders FC (9-6-6, 33 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
Recap: Joveljic and Munoz convert penalties as Sporting rally falls short in 3-2 loss to Seattle
Dejan Joveljic extended his goal contribution streak and Santiago Munoz buried a late penalty kick as Sporting Kansas City (6-11-5, 23 points) saw its late rally fall short in a 3-2 home loss to Seattle Sounders FC (9-6-6, 33 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders FC | July 12, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. With a 2-0-1 record in the team's last three games, Sporting Kansas City returns home to host Seattle Sounders FC at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday.
COLvSKC Quotes: "It was a really satisfying result going on the road"
Sporting Kansas City Interim Head Coach Kerry Zavagnin On Sporting KC’s 2-1 win over Colorado… I think this is just another example of the guys giving everything they have. On the day, I believe we gave our best effort on the merits of playing the game.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC at Colorado Rapids| July 4, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. For a second straight year, Sporting Kansas City will visit the Colorado Rapids on the Fourth of July with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. CT on Friday at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
Sporting KC battles from behind for 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake
By Sam Kovzan – SportingKC.com Sporting Kansas City (5-10-5, 20 points) battled back to claim a feisty 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake (5-10-4, 19 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. After longtime Sporting captain Johnny Russell scored against his former club to give RSL the lead on the stroke of halftime, Erik Thommy leveled terms with a brilliant 59th-minute curler from distance as Sporting came back to secure a result for the fifth time in the team’s last eight games.
Recap: Sporting KC battles from behind for 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake
Sporting Kansas City (5-10-5, 20 points) battled back to claim a feisty 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake (5-10-4, 19 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. After longtime Sporting captain Johnny Russell scored against his former club to give RSL the lead on the stroke of halftime, Erik Thommy leveled terms with a brilliant 59th-minute curler from distance as Sporting came back to secure a result for the fifth time in the team’s last eight games.
By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals: Sporting KC vs. Real Salt Lake | June 28, 2025
"By The Numbers presented by Compass Minerals" is a season-long series that gives a statistical preview of every Sporting match. To visit the series archive, click here. Three days removed from a remarkable last-gasp win over Charlotte FC, Sporting Kansas City will return to Children's Mercy Park on Saturday to host longtime rival Real Salt Lake at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Sporting strikes twice in stoppage time for stunning 2-1 win over shocked Charlotte
By Sam Kovzan – SportingKC.com Goals in the 94th and 96th minutes gave Sporting Kansas City (5-10-4, 19 points) the latest start to a comeback win in club regular season history as Mason Toye and Dejan Joveljic scored stoppage-time goals to secure a remarkable 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC (8-10-1, 25 points) in the inaugural meeting between the clubs on Wednesday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
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