As a league, MLS is becoming more competitive with more star power with every new season. Through the league growth, Sporting Kansas City and Peter Vermes continually field a winning product. Though the MLS Multiplex Preseason Power Rankings have Sporting KC again topping the West, Bobby Warshaw has Sporting KC’s squad ranked below Houston.
Where is the respect for the reigning Western Conference regular-season champions? Surely, CONCACAF Champions League games will not be too burdensome and Sporting KC will again be in the top four in the West. The extra games have taken a toll on previous MLS contenders, sure, but any doubts in Vermes are now unfounded.