Few might have predicted it at the time, but 2009 was a fateful year for Sporting Kansas City.
A dozen years ago, well before the club's momentous rebrand and move into Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City selected Graham Zusi and Matt Besler in the MLS SuperDraft. Months later, the club appointed Peter Vermes—its technical director since late 2006—as manager.
Fast-forwarding to now, all three have become living legends at Sporting. Besler departed this offseason for expansion side Austin FC, while Zusi and Vermes are back for season No. 13 in Kansas City.
That brings us to a landmark worth recognizing as the 2021 MLS regular season approaches.