By Braden Chalker
Kansas City sportswoman Coach Peter Vermes credited his team’s desire to stay focused in 2023 with a 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
The Western Conference team is slowly working their way up the ladder, after a disappointing start to the 2023 season. But with designated player Alan Pulido back in the fold, Vermes’ team could be back in playoff contention.
“I don’t think anything we’ve done tonight is that different from who we are when we’re on the air,” said Vermes. “I just think we’re back to being ourselves again. The idea is to be the best version of yourself you can be in every game. I think we were close tonight.”
Sporting KC currently sits 10th in the Western Conference standings with 24 points, just one point shy of a playoff berth. They quickly closed the gap in the ninth, just one point behind Vancouver, who were riding a four-game unbeaten start into the game before losing to KC on Saturday.
Although Pulido contributed to the team’s ascent with eight goals, Erik Thommy also continues to push Kansas City with four goals and four assists.
“The first thing I think is that the preparation and the game plan have been very good, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t execute them. Wednesday and Thursday, they are both very tactical oriented training sessions. The guys were very in tune and then they are came out and they performed very well today. For me, that’s the difference in the game.”
Kansas City has won five of their 11 home games this season. Remi Walter, who scored in the win against Vancouver, echoed his coach’s sentiments about the importance of winning at home, adding that he wants to make Children’s Mercy Park a fortress.
“We have to get some points at home,” said Walter. “It’s very important if we want to get to the playoffs and we know it. I think we were on track to get some results, but the last few weeks have been a bit difficult and a bit tough.”
Sporting KC will face Houston Dynamo, who are seventh in the West with 27 points, in a Western Conference showdown on July 8.
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This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Sporting Kansas City’s preparation “the difference” in the 3-0 triumph over the Whitecaps.
