Is Sal Zizzo for real at Sporting Kansas City?

Peter Vermes’s Sporting Kansas City are excited about the prospects for winger Sal Zizzo, who scored a couple of goals in preseason competition. An arrival from the Portland Timbers, Zizzo’s midfield depth and wing play are critical to Sporting’s MLS Cup defense, as well as, perhaps, their CONCACAF Champions League chances.

Feb 1, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Sporting KC forward Sal Zizzo (11) controls the ball during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Kino Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

“Yeah, we brought him in as a goalscorer, so he’s been doing great. He’s scoring like crazy,” Vermes told MLSSoccer.com’s Steve Brisendine. “No, he’s done well for us.
“He’s going to fit into the way we play really well, and I’m not even talking about the goals. He’s an exceptional winger. He’s got a great attitude. He’s got a good mind for the game, and he’s definitely going to be a good addition to our team.

“I think the one thing about this group is, they’re more impressed with guys that are committed to the team, that come in with a good foundation of fitness and work ethic. I think those guys survive a lot longer than guys who are sort of just a flash in the pan.

“[Zizzo]’s got a really good attitude. He’s got a good work rate, and I think he’s really going to fit in well with the group.”

“It felt good,” Zizzo said of his preseason goals. “But more importantly, I felt the guys are really welcoming and I seem to bond well with the team. I like the guys, and I think that aspect is the most important. It was a lot of fun being down there and learning the style of play. It was great, and I think I adjusted well.”

Meanwhile, designated player Claudio Bieler is looking forward to his second season with Sporting.

Nov 6, 2013; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC forward Claudio Bieler (16) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second overtime period against New England Revolution at Sporting Park. Kansas City won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m happy to be back,” Bieler told Brisendine. “For me, it’s a new season. What happened last year is a good memory, and now it’s about competing in these three competitions that we’re going to be involved in this season, and try to get the most fruit out of it.

“For me, my head at the end of the season was to enjoy the title and to go back home and enjoy my family. Not at any moment did I think about leaving. My head was to come back and stay here. I’m comfortable with this team, with the head coach, with the city now. My head was always to come back. I don’t know where those rumors came from.”

“He’s been very impressive,” Vermes said of Bieler. “First of all, if you compare his fitness level that he came in last year, it’s difficult to measure. It’s just incredible, the change.

“He understands our league and what’s necessary, understands our team, but he also is a professional and he gets it. He’s worked very hard in the offseason. He’s at a place that’s fantastic for the team.”

This past week, Sporting Kansas City announced that they will be touring their 2013 Philip F. Anschutz Trophy across their Academy Affiliates from now until May. Here are the tour stops.

Sun 2/16, 12-1:30PM: Sporting Blue Valley
US Youth Futsal Nationals
New Century Fieldhouse: Gardner, KS

Wed 2/19, 5:30-7PM: Omaha FC
Coaching Education
Omaha Sports Complex: Omaha, NE

Sat 2/22, 9-11:30AM: Sporting Kaw Valley
SKV Preseason Winter Camp
Topeka Sports Factory: Topeka, KS

Sat 3/8: Sporting Kaw Valley
SKV Watch Party: Sporting KC @ Seattle Sounders
The Oread: Lawrence, KS

Sat 3/29, 10:30AM-12PM: Sporting Columbia SC
MLS Cup Photo Op
TBD: Columbia, MO

Sat 3/29, 4:45-7PM: Sporting StL Rangers & Sporting JB Marine
SCN Watch Party: SKC @ Colorado Rapids
TBD: St. Louis, MO

Sun 5/18, 1:45-4PM: Sporting Lincoln FC
SCN Watch Party: SKC @ Chicago Fire
TBD: Lincoln, NE