Former U.S. star Peter Vermes named coach of Kansas City Wizards

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Peter Vermes, who played for the U.S. at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and the 1990 World Cup in Italy, today was named coach of Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards.

Vermes, 42, the team’s technical director, had served as interim coach for the last 12 games of this MLS season, compiling a 3-6-3 record in the wake of Curt Onalfo’s firing. He will now be the technical director and head coach.

‘We believe Peter has the technical and tactical qualities, attention to detail, and determination necessary to bring championship soccer back to Kansas City,’ said Rob Heineman, the team’s president.

Vermes, who appeared in 67 games for the U.S., played 184 games in MLS and was the league’s defender of the year when he led the Wizards to the MLS title in 2000.

‘I have a strong understanding of where we are currently and where we need to go,’ he said of his appointment as coach.

Vermes is the fourth coach in Wizards’ history, following Ron Newman, Bob Gansler and Onalfo.

-- Grahame L. Jones