The core is coming back to Kansas City.

Matt Besler. Graham Zusi. Roger Espinoza. Ilie Sanchez.

Sporting KC locked up the most consistent names in its lineup with a wave of announcements Tuesday, signing all four players to multi-year contract extensions. It precludes Besler, Zusi and Espinoza from testing a limited version of MLS free agency this winter. Sanchez was under contract for another year.

That’s six starters who have received multi-year contracts in the past nine months. Goalkeeper Tim Melia and defender Ike Opara were inked to deals last offseason.

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