The road to success is always under construction. This saying holds the most value for one of the best coaches MLS has ever produced. Peter Joseph Vermes, a US Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, is making waves as the head coach of Sporting Kansas City. One of Peter Vermes facts is that he is a former defender.
The head coach has prioritized the back line, and they are reaping the benefits of this brilliant decision. The coach has amassed a large fan base over all these years; let us look at some of the inspiring Vermes facts below.
5. One of the Most Notable Peter Vermes Facts: 1988 Olympics Representation
Vermes was first called up for his international match on May 14, 1988, against Columbia, and he ended up collecting 66 caps for the team. He represented the USA in the 1988 Olympics, the 1990 World Cup, and the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The defensive mainstay nearly scored for his country against Italy with a shot against the opposition goalkeeper Walter Zenga.
The brilliant soccer coach was dropped from the 1994 US World Cup team as his play time was reduced in the MLS. After years of absence, Peter managed to claw his way back into the National team, all thanks to his defensive performances in the MLS. But sadly, he was cut again from the roster in January 1998.
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4. Started His Professional Career in Hungary Like His Dad
Peter Vermes’ parents were refugees who immigrated to the United States from Hungary during the revolution of 1956. His father, Michael Vermes, was also a professional footballer for Budapest Honved FC.
Even though Peter was born in the US, like his father, he also started his football career in Hungary with Raba ETO FC in 1989. Vermes then joined the Dutch Eredivisie club Volendam a year later.
Soon after, Vermes returned to the States and played three games, where he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. After that, he moved to Spain to play for Figueres, the Spanish Second Division club.
3. Kansas City, Where His Legacy Began
The forward-turned-defender decided to return to America when the newly founded domestic league, Major League Soccer (MLS), started gaining momentum. Although he signed in 1995, his playtime would not begin till the following year, so the MLS sent him out on loan to the New York Fever of the USISL. The imposing player played 25 games while also scoring 16 goals in the 1995 season.
Then, in 1996, Vermes was drafted by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. After that, he played for Colorado Rapids from 1997 to 1999. Finally, in 2000, Vermes joined Kansas City Wizards (currently known as Sporting Kansas City), where his outstanding defensive performances earned him the MLS Defender of the Year.
The 6 ft 1-inch player’s first year at the club is arguably his most successful season, where he led his team to the 2000 MLS Cup Championship. Sadly, Vermes hung up his boots in 2002 after struggling with injuries.
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2. Oversaw a Team That Needed Massive Polishing
In November 2006, Peter was appointed as the technical director for the Kansas City Wizards. He was named interim coach for the same team on August 4, 2009, and was soon promoted to head coach in November 2009 due to his performances. As of September 2021, he has posted a 167-126-100 record since 2009.
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When Peter was newly appointed as the head coach, he made his roster decision to go young. The coach revealed that he needed a group of young, hungry guys who needed to be taught that there would be a paradigm shift in how things would be done moving forward.
Getting positive results from their matches was initially difficult as the players were still learning new ideologies. As the core group of guys that Vermes initially began with are now into their thirties, he has now managed to create a machine that can hold their own against any opposition.
1. One of the Best Coaches in the MLS
Vermes is the longest-tenured head coach and the sixth-longest tenure in MLS history. He is the fourth-most successful MLS coach, with a win percentage of 42.69. Having started his coaching career even before MLS was formed, Peter has made a name for himself in the sport.
Vermes’ coaching contract was extended, and it now expires in 2028, thanks to his four significant trophy victories during his time in that position. The then-up-and-coming coaches’ most noteworthy achievement from 2011 to 2018 was steering Sporting to eight consecutive playoff appearances.
BREAKING: Sporting KC club legend Peter Vermes has signed a contract extension through 2028 to continue as head coach & sporting director.
Vermes joined SKC front office in 2006 & named head coach in 2009; longest tenured manager in MLS history. Current deal expired after 2023 pic.twitter.com/9fFnqSEo2L
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 22, 2023
Peter Vermes facts are incredibly fascinating, one of which is that he is the only person in history to have won the MLS Cup with the same team, both as a player and a coach. In 2013, he was also admitted to the US Soccer Hall of Fame.
Overall, it would not be wrong to say that Peter Vermes has inspired millions of people globally. We hope he gains even more accolades and success.
