The longest hiatus in Sporting Kansas City’s season featured a lengthy midweek practice. Coach Peter Vermes said he wanted to better simulate a game-like feel following a layoff nearing two weeks. But even after an intense session, the most authentic element of the practice was the personnel.
Or lack thereof.
Forward Gerso Fernandes was held out for precautionary reasons after a teammate stepped on the back of his leg. Forwards Daniel Salloi and Erik Hurtado were absent from the outdoor training grounds altogether, each nursing month-long injuries.
And suddenly after an offseason replenishing the depths of the roster, Sporting Kansas City’s front line lacks just that.