Sporting KC Release Jordi Quintilla

In a stunning move, Sporting Kansas City has released Spanish midfielder Jordi Quintilla. Quintilla just joined Sporting last summer during that transfer window. He had lots of fans excited as a potential attacking midfielder of the future.

In 2016 he started the first four games of the year and started six overall. He only had a single assist this season, but the potential felt untapped. It's certainly disappointing to see Quintilla leave so early into his tenure with the team. He was also loaned to the Swope Park Rangers but only made one appearance. Word was he was training with Sporting KC the entire time and he was recalled and has since consistently featured in the 18.

I had a special fondness for Jordi, referring to him at "Little Benny" last season after watching him play. He will also have a special place in Sporting KC fan's hearts for scoring the game winning goal of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open. Before taking the kick, he famously told Jacob Peterson, "Jake, I go" indicating he wanted to take the next kick. That kick would decide the game over the Philadelphia Union.

There is no indication from the team as to why this move was made. We'll try to get a comment from Peter Vermes and company and pass that information along. It's always possible he is homesick. It has to be hard being so young and being so far from your family and friends. I recall in an interview he indicated his girlfriend still lived in Spain.

This move will clear up an international roster spot for SKC. Currently taking up international roster spots are Nuno Coelho, Soni Mustivar, Jimmy Medranda and Diego Rubio. Through various trades the team has seven roster spots total. Currently Homegrown player Daniel Salloi and Bernardo Anor are on loan and don't count against the total meaning three spots are available.

With the pending signing of Ever Alvarado that will surely use up another international slot. With Quintilla leaving, that would leave two spots left that could be filled during the summer transfer window. That said, there is always a lot more talk than action during this window in recent SKC history.

While Quintilla hasn't turned into a star, his chances have been limited. If they are giving up on him, it seems far too early. We barely knew you Jordi, best of luck.