Sporting KC signs Ike Opara to new contract

Sporting Kansas City announced that they have signed Ike Opara to a new contract through 2017 with team options for 2018 and 2019.

Opara has been one of the best defenders for the club when he has played but has had trouble staying healthy. In both 2014 and 2015 Opara’s season was cut short with injuries but he keeps coming back. 2016 was Ike’s best year for league appearances with 25, almost equal to the previous three years combined.

"Kansas City has been my home for the past four years and I'm excited to return for another season," Opara said via press release. "I'm extremely thankful for all of the support the fans have showed me, and I'm eager to play in front of them alongside my great teammates."

"We are very happy to be able to re-sign Ike to our club," Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said via press release. "We think he is a first-class individual and he has so much upside as a central defender. He showed a lot of consistency this past year and we hope that continues for years to come."

Opara has made 64 appearances across all competitions for Sporting KC with a total of seven goals and three assists.

The 27-year-old defender is form Durham, North Carolina and went to college at Wake Forest.