Sporting KC GK Eric Dick Loaned to Phoenix Rising

It looks like the battle to be Tim Melia’s backup is over. Today Sporting Kansas City and Phoenix Rising each announced that goalkeeper Eric Dick will be loaned out for the duration of the 2020 season. Dick joins Phoenix Rising who had a glorious 2019 season where they set records in consecutive wins (20), points (78), wins (24) and goals (89). The win streak is an American soccer record too. The came up just short in the playoffs against the eventual Champions, the Real Monarchs (Real Salt Lake).

Dick joins Zac Lubin who formerly played for the Swope Park Rangers (now Sporting KC II) in the USL Championship. Lubin is likely the starter though Dick should push for first team minutes.

Eric Dick has just a single start in his MLS career. He made his debut in the 6-0 disastrous loss to FC Dallas on Decision Day 2019. Most, if not all the goals, could hardly be placed on Dick who didn’t have much help in front of him.

In the 2019 USL season Dick made 10 appearances (all starts). His save percentage was the best on the team (69.8%) and he was second on the team in saves (44) behind only John Pulskamp.

How is Sporting KC Impacted?

The backup goalkeeper job now appears to belong to Richard Sanchez who Sporting KC acquired from the Chicago Fire via the Re-Entry Draft at the end of 2019. With only two keepers on the roster, Sanchez is likely to be on the bench each game with no other options. The release doesn’t say, but one would assume KC has the right to recall Dick in the case of an injury.

This will likely have a greater impact on Sporting KC II. Currently they have two keepers under contract for 2020: John Pulskamp and Brooks Thompson. Instead of SKC loaning players to SKC II, this would appear to be a play to ensure Pulskamp, Thompson and whoever else the former Swope Park Rangers sign, get plenty of minutes.