Roster News and Rumors Ahead of Start of Preseason

With preseason set to kick off tomorrow for Sporting KC, there's some more roster news that is coming out about players on the roster and players that could be coming in.

Myers Contract

First the one that's been the big talking point, and that's the status of out of contract defender, Chance Myers. Last night on the Sporting KC show, Peter Vermes talked about a number of topics, one of which was the status of Myers. Vermes made clear that the team has made Myers a contract offer that Vermes calls "fair" and that it's in the hands of Myers and his agent. The quote though gets a little questioning about his return when Vermes starts to discuss players that have moved on while discussing Myers. It gives the impression, at least a little bit that people might want to consider the possibility that Myers may not be returning to KC in the 2014 season. We'll see if a deal gets done that keeps Myers here, or if we start to see a competition between the likes of Kevin Ellis, Mechack Jerome, and others for the right back position.

Another midfielder?

In the same interview, Vermes discusses the middle of the field and potential upgrades. He talks about the fact that the team drafted two players (Alex Martinez and Reinaldo Brenes) who can play in the middle of midfield. He also mentioned that the team will probably be adding another player there in the coming weeks. The midfield is an area that a number of people felt KC could stand to improve. While Paulo Nagamura had a fantastic run in the playoffs, he missed a number of games this year, playing in only 17. Since 2006, the most games in a season he's played is 27 and turns 31 this year. Getting another guy that can play his box to box role could be a big plus for KC.

Bieler returning

#SKC | Argentine FW CLAUDIO BIELER traveled to USA from Buenos Aires last night to join #SportingKC Pre-Season | #MLS
— Emmanuel Quispe (@emaquix) January 23, 2014

Another topic of discussion this offseason has been the future of Claudio Bieler in Kansas City. Bieler's future had been uncertain for most of the second half of the season as his minutes dropped dramatically down the stretch. He was limited to only a handful of starts. After the season rumors came out that he was looking to leave the club, with clubs in Argentina and Ecuador interested. But the above Tweet would seem to show that Bieler is returning for the 2014 season, at least the start.

Sporting signing Don Anding?

You're probably saying "who?" to the above question. Don Anding was a second round pick for the Philadelphia Union in the 2013 MLS Superdraft in the second round. The defender/forward played just one league game for the Union last year, playing seven on loan with Harrisburg. Reports today from Philadelphia is that Sporting is signing him for the league minimum.

For me it's odd that KC would be signing Anding outright to a contract. Based on his experience playing with the Union and Islanders I don't see him as the type of player KC would just sign. Bringing in as a trialist? Absolutely, especially if Myers does not re-sign with the team. He could provide more depth at the outside back position. But to sign him straight up before camp, with guys like Ellis, Jerome, and Josh Gardner already behind starters Myers and Seth Sinovic doesn't make a whole lot of sense.