Kansas City, KS (My Sportsbook) - Peter Vermes, who was interim coach of the Kansas City Wizards for the final 12 games of the MLS season, was announced as the team's new head coach Tuesday.
Vermes assumed the role of interim head coach Aug. 4 and guided K.C. over the second half of the year. Vermes became the Wizards Technical Director in 2006, and will maintain that role while assuming head coaching duties.
"Over the past three years as the Wizards Technical Director, Peter has demonstrated strong work ethic, leadership and creative management of our team roster," Wizards President Robb Heineman said. "As the club's new manager, we believe Peter has the technical and tactical qualities, attention to detail, and determination necessary to bring championship soccer back to Kansas City."
Vermes was a founding member of MLS and a standout for the U.S. After retiring in 2002, Vermes became the Technical Director of Blue Valley Soccer Club, and later served as a coach for the United States Under-20 team in 2006.
Vermes retired from MLS after playing in 184 games (183 starts), and combined for 11 goals and 17 assists for the then New York/New Jersey MetroStars, the Colorado Rapids and the Kansas City Wizards over seven seasons.
He scored two goals and recorded three assists in 2000, helping lead K.C. to its first MLS Cup championship. Vermes has been a finalist for the National Soccer Hall of Fame in each of the last two rounds of voting, finishing in the top 10 both years. The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced Monday that he is again among the top 24 retired players eligible for voting.
"I have a strong understanding of where we are currently and where we need to go, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead the team on the field next season," Vermes said. "There will be a certain mindset and spirit in the locker room moving forward, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
"We will add different players to the equation and continue to develop from within our current roster, but we will all be eagerly anticipating preseason, which is less than three months away."
