Kansas City, MO – Sporting Kansas City (SKC) announced a significant roster change today, as attacking midfielder Gadi Kinda departs the club to join Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa FC. This move officially opens a Designated Player (DP) spot for the MLS Western Conference club, signaling a new chapter in their team composition.
Kinda, whose contract with SKC recently ended, was extended a bona fide offer as part of the club’s year-end roster update. He was previously listed among the team’s DPs alongside striker Alan Pulido and midfielder Erik Thommy in the past season.
During his tenure with Sporting KC, Kinda made a lasting impact. In 64 regular-season games, he tallied an impressive 14 goals and 16 assists. This record is particularly noteworthy considering Kinda missed the entire 2022 MLS campaign due to a long-term knee injury. His journey with SKC began with a loan from Beitar Jerusalem, eventually leading to a permanent transfer to the team managed by Peter Vermes.
Kinda, 29, an Israeli international, had a standout performance in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. He was instrumental in SKC’s 4-1 road victory over top-seeded St. Louis CITY SC in the Round One Best-of-3 series. Kinda contributed one goal and two assists in this upset win, showcasing his vital role in the team’s success.
As SKC prepares for the post-Kinda era, the team’s roster is taking shape with the upcoming 2024 season in mind. Their first match is scheduled for February 24 against Houston Dynamo FC, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and transformative season.
Sporting Kansas City’s management and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the team adapts to this change and who will fill the newly opened DP spot. The departure of a player of Kinda’s caliber leaves big shoes to fill, but it also presents an opportunity for new talent to rise and make their mark on the team.
