Coming into 2025, Sporting Kansas City didn’t hide from reality — they were rebuilding.
Years of declining results had the club trending in the wrong direction, and even the most optimistic fans knew competing for the Supporters’ Shield would be a long-term goal. But few expected the season to open with such turbulence. After eight winless matches — seven losses and a draw — Sporting boldly decided to part ways with longtime manager Peter Vermes, a figure synonymous with the club’s modern identity.
In his place, the front office turned to a familiar face: Kerry Zavagnin, a club legend and Vermes’ longtime right-hand man.
“I kind of went into an instinctive mode of what to do,” Zavagnin said. “If you’re not ready after 17 years as an assistant coach of what to do, you’ll never be ready to be a head coach. The preparation leading up to this has made the transition a little bit easier, but the support I’ve received from the people here has tremendously helped.”
Three months later, the difference has been palpable. Not just on the field, but in the stands. Sporting KC has injected new life into a fan base that had grown frustrated with decreasing attendance trends over recent years.
The first breakthrough came in Zavagnin’s debut: a cathartic 2-0 win over archrival St. Louis City. Offseason acquisition Dejan Joveljic announced his arrival in emphatic derby fashion, scoring twice in the second half to snap a 13-match winless streak. Suddenly, there was belief again at Children’s Mercy Park.
Sporting’s form has since stabilized. In 14 matches under Zavagnin, the team has gone 5-4-5. The stretch has included thrilling road wins—like a 5-3 in San Jose — and three hard-earned draws from losing positions. A 4-2 home loss to Portland showed there’s still work to be done, but victories over the LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC have built quiet momentum and belief.
A wave of new contributors has led the charge. Joveljic leads the team with 11 goals, proving to be the talisman Sporting desperately needed. On the flanks, Shapi Suleymanov has chipped in with two goals and four assists, while Liga MX loanee Santiago Muñóz has provided a spark off the bench.
“We’re going to measure progress based on performance,” Zavagnin said. “We know what business we’re in. We need to win games.”
On the back end, goalkeeper John Pulskamp has cemented his starting role with a trio of clean sheets and a handful of point-saving stops. Rookie defender Jansen Miller has emerged as a rising star, recording 29 clearances while earning a regular spot in the back line.
“These guys have proven, whether we go home or away, that we’re not afraid of the environment,” Zavagnin said. “I’m most happy for the fans, the stadium, our club, our owners, and our players. That’s what really brings even a heightened level of energy which is unique, which is what you need.”
Sporting may still be in rebuild mode, but the foundation is beginning to form — and with Zavagnin at the helm, the next chapter might arrive sooner than expected.
Kansas City Sports Magazine 