Sporting Kansas City have had a striking problem for many years. Peter Vermes’ sides have always been defensively well drilled, positionally disciplined, hard-working and very, very difficult to beat indeed. They regularly boasted the defensive record in MLS.
But goals were a problem. Specifically, goals from the striking department were a problem.
This season, it looked as though the completeness of the rest of the team might make up for their lack of striking proficiency. Johnny Russell arrived in the offseason and notched ten goals and ten assists. Daniel Salloi emerged as a regular starter on the left flank with the ability to score.