SKC adds Gruenebaum to broadcast team

Sporting Kansas City announced Thursday that Andy Gruenebaum will join play-by-play announcer Nate Bukaty in the booth for 2015. Gruenebaum retired to take this position.

"It was a tough decision to hang up the boots but at the end of the day, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to stay in KC and be a part of this amazing club," said Gruenebaum via press release. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for all their support first and foremost, as well my sincere appreciation for all the great players, coaches and fans I have encountered throughout my career in both Columbus and Kansas City. I look forward to being a part of the growth that Major League Soccer will achieve in years to come and the sport's continued success here in my hometown."

Sporting KC declined the option on Gruenebaum and Eric Kronberg after the season and both were taken in the re-entry draft but Gruenebaum did not show up in camp with San Jose. Instead he opted to stay in Kansas City to be the color commentator for Sporting KC broadcasts.

Gruenebaum will also be a Sporting Club Network Liaison for youth soccer initiatives. Andy completed his USSF National "B" License Course last month and he will assist in developing a youth soccer curriculum for use throughout the network.

While Gruenebaum was unable to establish himself in the lineup last season, getting injured when he was needed most to backup Kronberg, he did show that he had a sense of humor in interviews and as a roving reporter for the Benny Feilhaber show.

New voices

While the on field team is being revamped, so is the broadcast booth. Fans will have all new voices this season. Gruenebaum will be taking Diego Guttierez's place as the color analyst and Bukaty takes Callum William's spot as the play-by-play guy. While it will probably take some time to get in sync with Bukaty, Andy should be able to rely on his recent experience as a player to give insight.

Good choice for Sporting KC's broadcast team?