Sporting KC signs Peter Vermes to contract extension

Sporting Kansas City has extended Peter Vermes' contract as manager and technical director until the conclusion of the 2019 Major League Soccer campaign.

Vermes' name was uttered as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klinsmann at the United States national team helm, but Bruce Arena was instead selected to return and try to steady the ship after two straight losses to begin the fifth round of World Cup qualifying.

Therefore, Vermes will continue to set the standard as the longest-serving manager in MLS.

"I have been extremely fortunate and I am incredibly appreciative for not only being a part of the vision of this ownership group and organization over the last 10-plus years, but also for the opportunity to continue to be a steward for the club," Vermes said in an SKC statement. "I have been involved with this project from ground zero and am exceptionally proud to be able to build on the foundation that has been created here."

The 50-year-old has been in charge of Sporting KC since 2009 and, from 2011, has guided it to a club-record six consecutive postseason berths. His coaching accolades come after his 66 U.S. national team caps and exploits for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, New York MetroStars, Colorado Rapids, and Kansas City's previous incarnation, the Wizards, earned him a spot in his country's Soccer Hall of Fame.

The Missouri outfit is expected to undergo a lot of changes to squad personnel over the close season after the disappointing early playoff elimination to the Seattle Sounders, but continuity has been ensured elsewhere via Vermes' longer deal.