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Ever since winning MLS Cup in 2013, Sporting Kansas City has been stuck in a weird cycle. They’ll play well enough to make the playoffs, but not well enough to get a home game. Predictably, they’ve lost all three times, including to the eventual champions each of the last two years.

Maybe it’s the nature of those losses, but every time they seem to convince themselves that luck just isn’t on their side. As a result, changes have been slow to come.

KC once again looks like a playoff team, but it’s unclear if they’ve done enough to become genuine contenders.

Three reasons to be pumped for 2017 Give us less than two minutes and we'll have you ready for 2017. Posted by The Blue Testament on Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Key facts

2016 record: 13-13-8, fifth place in Western Conference

2016 playoffs: Lost to Seattle Sounders in knockout round

Head coach: Peter Vermes

Key additions: Latif Blessing, Gerso Fernandes, Ilie Sánchez

Key losses: Chance Myers, Jacob Peterson, Paulo Nagamura, Lawrence Olum

Projected starting XI (4-3-3): Tim Melia; Seth Sinovic, Matt Besler, Ike Opara, Graham Zusi; Ilie Sánchez, Roger Espinoza, Benny Feilhaber; Gerso Fernandes, Dom Dwyer, Latif Blessing

Major trophies won, all-time: 2000, 2013 MLS Cup; 2000 Supporters’ Shield; 2004, 2012, 2015 U.S. Open Cup

What we think of our team: Kansas City play good high-tempo soccer with a priority on staying Sporting Fit® (basically, more fit than any other team in MLS) and rushing the ball to force errors in the midfield. KC’s fans are nice and knowledgeable and enjoy drinking beer, especially when the owners are buying it, which is not uncommon.

What outsiders think of our team: “Head coach Peter Vermes is uncompromising in how he wants his team to play, with a sideline demeanor which strikes the balance between fearsome and buffoonish. However, it’s now clear that things aren’t quite right with Cobra Kai Dojo. SKC was once the perfect MLS bad guys. Now, Children's Mercy Park isn’t quite as daunting a home field and several key pieces are starting to age. Until there is a refresh, it seems like a team looking backward at past glory rather than primed for success in a constantly competitive Western Conference.”

Sporting KC’s biggest rival: In years past it would have been Houston, but KC has since gotten that monkey off their back. Now it's Real Salt Lake. No one made friends during the MLS Cup final between the two teams, and an issue with Roger Espinoza years back in preseason fueled the fire. Combined with both teams being located in relatively small markets maybe gives us some common ground for dislike. There's respect there for sure, but these matches always seem extra chippy.

Best social media follow: You have to follow the consistently outspoken Benny Feilhaber (@b_feilhaber22). Plus, Dom Dwyer (@Ddwyer14) and FC Kansas City striker Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) are America's favorite soccer couple.

Our season hinges on … staying healthy and not fading down the stretch. If KC can avoid a wild card-round playoff game, they could make a solid run at the MLS Cup.

Why this year won’t be like last year: With a successful first season from the club’s USL side Swope Park Rangers, young guys who may have only gotten junk minutes previously got a chance to really develop in the system. They should be able to contribute to the first team this year, adding much-needed depth. Combine that with a move towards younger, speedier players, and Sporting’s attack will be much more potent. With Feilhaber pulling the strings in the midfield, the new forwards should be able to score goals.

Key player: Feilhaber. While he's not getting younger, he's consistently been the maestro in the midfield, and finally got a well deserved call back to the U.S. Men’s National Team. Kansas City can survive without him during an international absence, but with him, they can thrive.

Projected finish in 2017: Fourth in the Western Conference.

Wild prediction: Dom Dwyer receives U.S. citizenship and makes his debut for the USMNT this year.