Oct 19, 2016; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC mid-fielder Connor Hallisey (22) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against Central FC during the second half at Children's Mercy Park. Sporting KC won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at Sporting Kansas City’s updated roster, major story lines, and predictions for the year ahead as they prepare for the 2017 season.

Recap of 2016

Record: 13-13-8

Finishing Position: 5th in Western Conference

Post Season: Lost to Seattle in Knockout Round

The 2016 season was a very touch and go year for Sporting KC. After starting with four wins in their first five games, SKC went eleven games with only one win, hurting their playoff hopes dramatically. With a final push of only three loses in their final twelve games, Sporting was able to make up for their early strugles and grab a fifth place Western Conference finish.

Sporting didn’t make it very far in the playoffs, though, falling to Seattle in the first round in very controversial fashion. Nelson Valdez’s 88th minute game winning goal for the Seattle Sounders was close but very much offside. Head coach Peter Vermes was also very critical about Ozzy Alonso not receiving a second yellow card on the night. You can see his interview here:

SKC was also a part of their third CONCACAF Champions League last season after winning the 2015 US Open Cup. The side didn’t make it past the group stage, though, after suffering two loses at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Overall 2016 was another mediocre year for Sporting Kansas City, and they will look to bounce back in 2017, making a deeper push into the MLS Cup playoffs.

Transfers Out:

Brad Davis (retired)

Jacob Peterson (contract option not exercised)

Nuno André Coelho (contract option not exercised)

Chance Myers (contract option not exercised)

Justin Mapp (contract option not exercised)

Éver Alvarado (contract option not exercised)

Emmanuel Appiah (contract option not exercised)

Jon Kempin (contract option not exercised)

Connor Hallisey (contract option not exercised)

Paulo Nagamura (retired)

Alec Kann (Expansion Draft-Atlanta United)

Lawrence Olum (trade-Portland Timbers)

Transfers In:

Igor Juliao (loan from Fluminense FC)

Tyler Pasher (signed from Swope Park Rangers)

Adrian Zendejas (signed form Swope Park Rangers)

Gerso Fernandes (signed from CR Os Belendenses)

Latif Blessing (signed from Liberty Professionals FC)

Christian Volesky (trade-Portland Timbers)

Cameron Iwasa (signed from Sacramento Republic)

Andrew Dykstra (Re-Entry Draft-DC United)

Ilie Sanchez (signed from TSV 1860 Munich)

Soony Saad (signed from BEC Tero Sasana)

Predicted Starting XI for Opening Weekend

There won’t be many surprises coming opening day for Sporting Kansas City, unless there are some major injuries. Tim Melia will start in goal for his third season in goal for SKC, with Matt Besler and Ike Opara holding down the centerback spots. Sporting veteran Seth Sinovic will play left back and Saad Abdul-Salaam should keep his right back spot, but Igor Juliao returns for his second stint in Kansas City. and should see time there as well.

The midfield three will hold the expected SKC duo of Roger Espinoza and Benny Feilhaber while also the addition of the former 1860 Munich holding midfielder Ilie Sanchez. The 26-year-old will be a great defensive addition, providing support for Besler and Opara.

We will see Dom Dwyer leading the Sporting KC attack as well as American international Graham Zusi on the wing. New designated player Gerso Fernandes will be an exciting player that will by all means be starting on the left wing for SKC. This attacking three, especially with the addition of Fernandes, the the potential to create chaos for opposing defenses.

2017 Predictions

For the past three years, Sporting has been knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in increasingly frustrating ways each time. The goal will be to get past that round and see what happens after that. The team could go further if the additions of Gerso and Sanchez prove to be better than expected.

Finishing Position: 5th in the Western Conference

Unless Sporting makes some strong summer moves or their winter signings prove more important than expected, SKC fans can expect another playoff birth, but with that an early playoff exit.

2017 MLS Team Previews