KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City has announced the recipients of the 2025 Sporting Club Awards, recognizing standout performances and contributions across its teams and community initiatives. The awards were presented during Pitch Black, an event sponsored by Audi at Children’s Mercy Park.

Dejan Joveljic received multiple honors, including Most Valuable Player (presented by Audi), Offensive Player of the Year (presented by Compass Minerals), and Golden Boot. Joveljic scored 18 goals this season, ranking fourth in Major League Soccer (MLS) and tying Preki’s club record for most goals by a newcomer in a single season. He is also noted as the first player to achieve consecutive 18-goal MLS seasons with different clubs after scoring 21 times for LA Galaxy in 2024. Sporting acquired him from LA earlier this year in what was described as the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history.

John Pulskamp was named Defensive Player of the Year (presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition) and also won Save of the Year (presented by Dairy Farmers of America). Pulskamp recorded a career-high 114 saves—third highest in MLS—and started every match for Sporting this season. He became the first goalkeeper in club history to register multiple assists in a single campaign.

Manu Garcia was recognized as Newcomer of the Year (presented by Daktronics). Garcia led Sporting with nine assists and 41 key passes before an injury limited his appearances later in the season. He ranks among league leaders in several passing categories and contributed five assists over four games during June.

Shapi Suleymanov earned Goal of the Year honors (presented by Parisi Coffee) for his long-range goal against FC Dallas on June 14 at Children’s Mercy Park.

Mason Toye was named Neal and Jeanne Patterson Humanitarian of the Year (presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City). According to Sporting Kansas City, “Toye has supported numerous charities and causes during his first year with the club. He served as Sporting’s ambassador for the Special Olympics Unified Team—attending tryouts, practices and games to provide encouragement for the athletes—participated in the team's Sporting Sustainability platform to promote composting and recycling for fans, and made a special appearance at Children's Mercy on National Teddy Bear Day to deliver SKC teddy bears to pediatric patients in the hospital. Toye also took part in the club's school supply drive to provide back-to-school items and a signed jersey for a student in need at Hope Center KC, visited elementary school students ahead of their state assessment tests, and met with a local Black artist to celebrate the unveiling of a mural paying tribute to Negro Leagues Baseball legend Buck O'Neil.”

Other award recipients include Shane Donovan as Sporting KC II Most Valuable Player (presented by Central Bank), Jacob Molinaro as Bob Gansler Academy Player of the Year (presented by Children’s Mercy), and Sporting Columbia as Sporting Club Network Member of the Year (presented by Price Chopper).

Donovan started most matches for SKC II this season, leading his team with key passes and successful crosses after joining professionally from Sporting’s academy system. Molinaro represented both SKC II professionally this year after playing at various academy levels; he recently joined the United States U-19 Men’s National Team training camp.

Sporting Columbia was honored following its launch of a character and leadership program through RED CARD KC, an anti-bullying initiative developed with Children’s Mercy that aims to instill core values among youth players while promoting community involvement.