Sporting KC signs rookie defender Colton Storm

Sporting Kansas City announced that defender Colton Storm has been signed to a one-year contract with options for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

"I am very excited to sign my first professional contract with Sporting KC," Storm said via press release. "Since the moment I got here, the players and staff have welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to continuing my progression as a player with the club and playing in front of the great fans at Children's Mercy Park."

Sporting KC drafted Storm 14^th overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Storm is from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and attended the University of North Carolina. The right back captined the Tar Heels in his senior year, helping lead them to a dozen shutouts.

In preseason, Storm has appeared twice at right back for Sporting KC. Both of his matches occurred in the friendlies in the first segment of preseason.

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"I believe that the MLS SuperDraft continues to provide opportunities for teams to build their rosters," Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said via press release. "Colton is a player that not only possesses very good qualities in his position, but when talking to people who have worked with him in the past, it's clear he has a very strong mentality and work ethic. Those are things we value in players on our team and we look forward to continuing our work with Colton as he attempts to leave his mark on our club."

Crowded on the right

Storm is a right back and is stepping into a crowded position. Although he has played a little center back and Vermes says he can play left back as well, right back looks like his best spot. The problem is last year’s starter Saad Abdul-Salaam is still here but been apparently supplanted by Graham Zusi. In addition Igor Juliao was a regular starter in 2014 and has returned making four right backs that will all be hungry for playing time.

A loan to the Swope Park Rangers could be very possible for one of the right backs in the near future.