While Sporting Kansas City focuses its global search on upgrading the offense, it took a step toward shoring up the defense Tuesday by bringing back its own players.
The club signed defenders Kevin Ellis and Jimmy Medranda and goalkeeper Alec Kann to new deals Tuesday.
Ellis, who was out of contract, signed a pact through the 2018 season. Medranda was already under contract for 2017 but extended his deal through 2019 with an option for 2020. Kann inked a one-year deal with two one-year options.
The return of Ellis was labeled a priority for Sporting KC after he started 36 matches at center back over the past two seasons.