The Daily Links- Vermes Talks Paulo Nagamura, The Final Four Sponsor-less Kit Teams, and More USMNT Breakdown

Yesterday was another slow day Sporting Kansas City-wise, but the good news is that today is the team's first official day of training, meaning we're one step closer to the start of the 2012 MLS season!

Over at MLSsoccer.com, Steve Brisendine wrote a piece about new Sporting midfielder, Paulo Nagamura, and how Sporting head coach Peter Vermes thinks Paulo will bring a ton of versatility to the table. I know Nagamura wasn't a big-time signing, but I think he could prove to be a big coup for the club.. if he can stay healthy. And that is a big "if."

The 28 year old Brazilian has had injury troubles in the past, featuring in only 26 matches over the past two seasons for Chivas USA. However, Vermes has insisted that Paulo is 100% ready to go for the 2012 season. I think Paulo will play a very good "jack of all trades" role for Sporting this year.

Drew Epperly over at WVhooligan.com posted an interesting article regarding the four remaining teams in MLS who are still without a kit sponsor (FC Dallas, Colorado, Columbus, and of course, Sporting KC). He also throws out a few potential sponsors for all four clubs, with Sprint and Pepsi being the two sponsors he thinks would make the most sense for Sporting Kansas City. Interesting stuff.

Matthew over at The Shin Guardian, and Mike from Down the Byline both give their thoughts on the USMNT's win over Venezuela, and it's nice to see two respected writers actually being realistic about Zusi's USMNT prospects after a quasi-underwhelming performance in the match from Sporting's #8.

Expansion side the Montreal Impact faced off against Chivas de Guadalajara in a preseason match up that would be former Sporting Kansas City captain Davy Arnaud's first real action with his new club. The two clubs would end the match with a 0-0 draw.

The ins and outs of the exhibition were a little odd, as the match was broken down into three 30 minute periods, in which Montreal brought in a completely different squad for each period. Davy featured in the second period. Actually participating in the first period? One Brian Ching. Looks like he's officially put his retirement talk behind him.

Oh, and in case you missed it yesterday, be sure to check this out. If that doesn't get you ready for this season, then I don't know what will.