Kevin Ellis signed his first professional contract in February 2011, only two years removed from a season in which he scored 23 goals for Barton (Kan.) Community College. He was an NJCAA All-American.
But he was no longer a goal scorer. In the ensuing five years, the most steady aspect of Ellis’ career has been change. A college coach shifted him to the back line of defense, hoping to utilize his speed on the flanks.
Sporting Kansas City’s shorthanded roster forced another adjustment last season — a move to center back — and that led the coaching staff to a realization, of sorts.