31 for 31: Soccer Baby Boom

This is part 5 of a 31 part series looking at the 31 biggest stories in 2016 in Kansas City Soccer. Click the 31 for 31 group link above or here for all the stories.

Sporting KC and FC Kansas City experienced a 2016 baby boom, as five players welcomed these mini-ballers into their home throughout the year, respectively. It’s a bit early to tell how these babies may change the future of the USMNT or USWNT. However, no contract has been offered to any of the tiny tots.

Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux Dwyer

The most-followed soccer couple on social media got a boost in followers following the long-awaited arrival of their first child, Cassius Cruz Dwyer. While on his first holiday, this mini-baller is already practicing his touches and working out with his mother. These activities earned him his very own Instagram account (@cassiusdwyer), where he shares his favorite stylish outfits and special moments with his famous parents, including hilarious hashtags. At the time this article was written, Cassius already has more followers than I will ever see with around 34.7k followers.

Matt Besler

Like Dom, Matt is adjusting to life as a new father. His wife, Amanda gave birth to daughter Parker Rhea on Sept. 2. Unfortunately, Besler was away playing for the USMNT in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a World Cup qualifier, however during the match he scored his first international goal which he later honored to his daughter. In the past few months, both parents have shared cute, hilarious pictures of little Parker across their social media accounts.

Justin Mapp

Forward Justin Mapp and his girlfriend Kathleen Hilario welcomed their first baby in late March. Jackson Sanders Mapp was born in Montreal on March 24. Little is known if baby Mapp has displayed any interest in soccer, but we are sure he will crawl into greatness alongside his fellow Sporting babies.

Benny Feilhaber

On March 13th, the Feilhaber family welcomed their second child as Michele gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Julia. Their first daughter, Sofia was born in July 2014. The proud father shared the exciting news on his twitter. Congratulations on the new bundle of joy!

Lauren Holiday

Lauren Holiday and her husband, New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) player Jrue Holiday, welcomed their first child in late September, a baby girl. Lauren underwent a successful surgery in October to remove a benign tumor that had developed during her pregnancy, but now she is healthy. Holiday retired from FC Kansas City in 2015.

Amy Rodriguez

FC Kansas City’s forward, welcomed her second child, Luke Shilling on July 1^st. Big brother Ryan and is already taking on the role well, according to Rodriguez’s twitter.