Sporting Sign Jerome and Duke

Sporting Kansas City added two more players to their roster today ahead of Saturday's First Kick against the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.  Sporting announced the signings of Mechack Jerome and Christian Duke.

Jerome spent most of the preseason with Kansas City after previously playing for Orlando City last season.  The 22 year old got plenty of time with the first team during preseason, especially after Chance Myers picked up a quad injury in Arizona.  He looks set to be Myers' primary backup at the right back position after the departure of Michael Harrington.  Jerome will join his fellow countryman, Peterson Joseph at KC.  Jerome like Joseph is a Haitian international, having appeared 17 times for his country, although it's been a few years since he last appeared for them.

Duke was Kansas City's first round supplemental draft pick this year.  The Kansas City native attended San Diego the last four years.  He came through Sporting's Juniors program, but did not spend enough time practicing with the team during his time in college for him to qualify as a home grown player.  Duke's addition to the team gives Kansas City 7 players now that are from Kansas City on their roster.  Duke joins Matt Besler, Kevin Elllis, Jon Kempin, Kyle Miller, Seth Sinovic, and Michael Thomas as KC based players who have signed for Sporting.  Almost 25% of KC's roster (7 of 29) now is from the KC metro area.  Duke doesn't seem likely to see a ton of time with the first team, but will probably battle for time in KC's other competitions later this season and could be a candidate to go on loan to Orlando.