Sporting Kansas City will lose 15* players at the end of the 2024 season. Players included: Erik Thommy, Johnny Russell, Remi Walter, Tim Melia, Andreu Fontas, William ‘Willy’ Agada, Robert Voloder, Logan Ndembe, Jake Davis (ext), Robert Castellanos, Zorhan Bassong, Memo Rodriguez, Ryan Schewe, Stephen Afrifa, Danny Flores, and Chris Rindov are all out of contract as of October 10th. Jake Davis is the only player that has been extended out of the 16 players.
Erik Thommy, a 30 year old midfielder from Germany, closes out his 3rd season with SKC, scoring 15 goals in MLS play, and one additional in the U.S. Open Cup. Thommy has been a key goal contributor, averaging 5 goals and 5.6 assists per season, initially making his mark in a 4-2 win over the LA Galaxy, scoring the opening goal and his first for the club in the 10’ of that match. Erik won the club award for ‘Goal of the Year’ with his second half banger in the match against Inter Miami at Arrowhead back in April.
Team captain and forward Johnny Russell possibly closing his stent in Kansas City at 34 years of age, making him the second oldest on the roster. Russell, a dad of 3, doesn’t want to leave KC, saying “I want to be here. I want to be a part of the team that fixes that. I want to be part of the solution” talking about the less-than-ideal season, and wanting to turn it around. Johnny has been with the club since 2018, the year after SKC won the U.S. Open Cup. Johnny says that there have been no conversations with the front office about a new contract or extension.
Remi Walter, the 29-year old Frenchmen ends his 4th year with the club, and has given 22 goal contributions over the 4 seasons in all competitions. Remi has played in 13 games this season in MLS play. Walter suffered a knee injury, keeping him off the pitch for the better part of 2 months. Walter was injured in a 3-2 loss against Inter Miami, being subbed off just after the 45’. The French midfielder has started in 104 matches over his time in KC, with an additional 15 appearances off the bench.
Tim Melia joined the club in 2015 and has been the senior keeper for the club, starting in 274 matches and totaling 24,489 minutes in goal during MLS play. As the eldest on the team at 38, Melia is nearing the end of his career. Melia has made some great saves throughout his time with Sporting, 790 total saves in MLS.
Andreu Fontas began is time in Kansas City in 2018, the same time Captain Johnny Russell started his tenure with the club. The starting central defender has acquired 123 starts in MLS, starting in 87.1% of matches appeared in. As known by teammates as ‘Fonti’, has helped in the back line as well as contributing to the box score, with 6 total goal contributions, split evenly between goals and assists. Being great friends with Johnny Russell and Daniel Salloi, Fonti will most likely end his time, and possibly career playing alongside of his best friends.
Willy Agada has become a serious goal scorer as of late, leading the team in goals with 11 in all competitions. Willy shoots the ball a lot as well, taking 79 shots with 23 of those on goal. Agada likes to score with his head, 4 times this season to be exact. Flying through the air, making goals look effortless. Willy joined the team in 2022, making his first appearance in a 2-0 loss to LAFC.
A quieter name within the club, Robert Voloder joined in 2022 and has an appeared in 57 matches in his 3 year tenure, having one assist. The defender plays mostly in the center-back position, switching to left back only a handful of times.
Logan Ndembe, missed the majority of the 2024 season due to a ACL tear in the final match of the 2023 season. Appearing in 10 matches this season, Logan has been a valuable part on the pitch to the club. Last season, Logan scored 2 bangers in the playoffs against St. Louis City to give the club a 2 game sweep over their rivals.
Jake Davis will be with the team next year, as he plays his final game with his current contract. Jake was extended in May of this year, keeping him in Kansas City through 2027 with a 2028 option. Jake has scored 3 goals for the team this year, and his only goals of his time with the first team. Jake continues to grow, only being 22. Jake moved to the midfield spot during the year, but still switches to right-back if needed.
‘Caste’ as his teammates and supporters like to call him, ends his time in Kansas City with 34 appearances in 2 seasons, and 3 total goals. A vocal center-back, helping on set pieces and saving goals, could see more time in Kansas City, being as vocal as he is.
Zorhan Bassong made a statement and stamped his name in American soccer after a decking to FC Dallas’ Paul Arriola. Bassong has started to play more regularly here at the end of the season, making 9 appearances after the Leagues Cup break. A valuable piece in the midfield or back line, got a call up to the Canada senior team, looking to make his 3rd cap for his home country.
After coming to the club from Austin FC, Memo Rodriguez played in 25 league games, making in impact in the midfield scoring 2 goals and 6 assists. Memo was a big part in set pieces, especially on corners. Memo commented on his emotion after making a key assist “Good. Obviously, I want to help the teams with goals and assists.”
SKC’s 22nd overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft Ryan Schewe did not see play with the first team. Ryan only had 9 bench appearances, being placed on the bench due to the absence of John Pulskamp or rest for Tim Melia.
An electric goal scorer in Stephen Afrifa, a 2nd year player coming from the 8th overall pick in the ’23 SuperDraft. 4 goals, 1 assist in 23 league appearances, including 9 starts, showing Afrifa can be a huge weapon off the bench, scoring one of his four goals in just 58 seconds off the bench. Stephen got called up to the Canada national team to play in Children’s Mercy Park in the match against the United States. Stephen Afrifa has scored some electric goals, hitting it off the crossbar, from distance and close range. A multi-skilled player, seeking more opportunity at just 23-years old.
6 minute of time on the pitch is how much Danny Flores earned on the pitch for Kansas City’s first team. Danny has 7 bench appearances in all competitions but never got the word he was going in.
Chris Rindov only appeared in 4 minutes of play with the first team, but a host of starts with the second team. A 8 bench appearances for the club under Peter Vermes, but no time on the pitch this season.
What’s next for Sporting?
Sporting needs to submit contracts options by the 27th of November in writing to the League Office. MLS free agency will open on December 12th, making 15* of SKC’s players available to other teams.
* as of Oct. 10, 2024
