The Blue Links: March 1st

The season is finally here! There is (finally) a lot of news to get yourself caught up on before Saturday’s opener in DC:

MATCHDAY 1: Sporting KC vs D.C. United - March 4th - 6pm

Our matchday feed is a one-stop shop for all match info each week. Make it your gameday home.

ICYMI: Behind the Shield Preseason video

Keep an eye on Daniel Salloi this year

The 20 year old has so much raw talent and I’m really excited to see how he progressed after being loaned to Hungary last year. This is a good story on the SKC “homegrown player” and his journey around the world.

Erik Palmer-Brown tabbed for breakout season by FourFourTwo

The KC kid has been getting some praise in the media after a loan to FC Porto B and successful stints with USMNT youth squads. He’s back and he came back with some of his man muscles. The 19 year old is still pretty green, but this could be a big year for him.

FoxSoccer says Benny is one of nine Must-Watch Players for 2017

We need the Benny of 2013 to return and Benny himself needs to play at that level if he wants to continue to get calls from Bruce Arena. One of the few spots on the field that Vermes doesn’t have a sure backup is behind Feilhaber. Right now it looks like Medranda would get the nod.

What to expect from MLS Homegrown players in 2017

MLSSoccer.com looks at each team’s homegrown players and what we can look forward to. KC has 3 - Kevin Ellis, Erik Palmer-Brown, and Daniel Salloi

With influx of youth, SKC is now among youngest teams in the league

Great infographic from MLS that shows KC is the 5th youngest team in MLS with an average age of 25.74. FC Dallas is the youngest at 24.31.

Biggest question facing each club ahead of 2017 season - ESPNFC

This is a good look around the league but for Sporting the biggest question is apparently “Where does Graham Zusi fit in KC’s lineup?” That really isn’t much of a question. He’s going to be our RB and we will probably see him play on the wing at times as well. He looked good in preseason so unless something changes, Zusi has a spot somewhere.

MLS as “Retirement League” is no more

ESPNFC looks at the recent trend of MLS teams signing young DP’s and bringing in talent to prosper here.

Every MLS team and their 2017 kits

Eye roll at Seattle being the last team with 3 jerseys. But our squad is going to look classy AF, you guys.

Week 1 Power Rankings - MLSSoccer.com

SKC comes in at #9 to start the season. Seattle, Toronto, & Dallas are, in order, the top three.

Don Garber thinks 28 teams is the max for MLS

The commish said in an interview that he thinks teams 27 & 28 will join in 2022 and they will probably be the last ones.

MLS Black History Month Roundtable

This is a cool video with Jozy Altidore about the history of African Americans in MLS

Benny says “Ilie Sanchez is going to change our team and how we play.”

First Vermes calls him Uri 2.0, and now our #10 continues the high praise for Sanchez.

Check out a gallery from the We Together Kickoff Party

The club really did it right, once again. They put on a great event that rewarded fans and got everybody pumped for the season. Remember, not all teams even come close to doing things like that. Be appreciative.

You guys ready, or nah?