Sporting KC part ways with club legends Johnny Russell, Tim Melia

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th November, 14:42 2024

Oct 5, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell (7) warms up before the match against the LAFC at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Sporting Kansas City are moving on without captain Johnny Russell and goalkeeper Tim Melia in 2025.

The team announced the departures of the two club legends Thursday, along with veterans Andreu Fontas and Remi Walter. The contracts have expired for all four players.

Russell, 34, has played his entire MLS career with Sporting KC. The Scottish forward recorded 60 goals and 40 assists in 196 MLS matches (161 starts) since 2018. He was named captain in 2021 and ranks third in franchise history with 67 goals across all competitions.

Melia, 38, joined SKC in 2015 and is the franchise's all-time leader among goalkeepers in appearances (260), saves (752) and clean sheets (69). He helped the club win the U.S. Open Cup in 2015 and 2017 and was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017.

Sporting KC finished a disappointing 13th in the Western Conference in 2024 with an 8-19-7 record.

--Field Level Media

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