by Brian Turrel
Sporting Kansas City will return to action at Children’s Mercy Park on Friday night, facing off against Orlando City SC starting at 6:30 p.m. Sporting won its season opener last Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.
For the home opener, the stadium will allow fans at 40 percent capacity, with masks and distancing required.
The team held a practice on Wednesday open to the media. Head coach Peter Vermes didn’t divulge any secrets about Friday’s lineup, but the sets that the team ran during the structured scrimmage indicate a very aggressive, pressing style of play that will exploit changes in possession to create scoring opportunities.
After the practice, Vermes discussed the upcoming season. He reveled in the opportunity to play in front of larger crowds.
“To me it’s everything,” the coach said. “The fans create the ambience. They create the environment.”
The 2021 MLS schedule is weighted toward more games in the second half to take advantage of expected loosening of attendance restrictions. Vermes talked up the young players on his team and how their ability to contribute will become more important as the schedule becomes more congested in late summer and fall.
“I’m most proud of the fact that a lot of the young players have not only been able to sign a contract with us and come through the program, but more importantly start to contribute in a meaningful way,” Vermes said. “Each year they’ve got to keep taking a big step.”
Children’s Mercy Park also announced the opening of the Variety KC Sensory Room, a quieter space for children with special needs and their families to enjoy the game. Sporting will also make available “sensory backpacks” that include items to provide a comforting experience for special needs children, such as weighted blankets, headphones, and fidget toys.
