KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sporting Kansas City is playing with house money.
Manager Peter Vermes said as much Friday, speaking with the media ahead of Sunday’s knockout round game of the MLS is Back Tournament against familiar face Vancouver FC.
“For us, the first three games were a priority because they affect our league standing,” Vermes began. Sporting won Group D courtesy of two thrilling victories, securing 6 points toward the regular-season standings.
“The rest is icing on the cake,” Vermes continued.
When the league season begins, Sporting stands alone in first place in the leagues Western Conference. But the team’s manager said Friday he still sees plenty of room for growth.
“We have a long way to go, we really do,” Vermes said. Sporting has allowed 24 goals in the 75’ and beyond dating back to the 2019 season.
“There’s a lot of pieces of our play that need to get sharper,” he said, adding that the team will approach each game as a championship match.
“The positive is from game to game we’ve gotten stronger," Vermes finished.
Sporting KC faces Vancouver FC on Sunday, July 26, at 10 p.m.
