Career Timeline of Peter Vermes: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Peter Vermes made an impact.

Peter Vermes is a prominent American figure in professional soccer, both as a former player and a coach. His most notable role has been as the head coach of Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, a position he held from 2009 to 2025. Vermes' extensive involvement in the sport highlights his significant contributions and experience within the soccer community.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Graduation from Delran High School

In 1984, Peter Vermes graduated from Delran High School, having scored 109 goals for the school's soccer team.

1985: Peter Vermes started playing soccer at Rutgers University

In 1985, Peter Vermes started playing college soccer at Rutgers University where he played for three years.

1987: Peter Vermes finished as a first-team All-American

In 1987, during his final season at Rutgers University, Peter Vermes finished as a first-team All-American, scored 21 goals and 10 assists, and led Rutgers to their first victory in the NCAA Tournament in 26 years.

May 14, 1988: First cap for the U.S. National Team

On May 14, 1988, Peter Vermes received his first cap for the U.S. National Team in a game against Colombia.

1988: Peter Vermes played in the 1988 Summer Olympics

In 1988, Peter Vermes represented the United States at the Summer Olympics as a member of the national team.

1988: U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and U.S. Olympic Player of the Year

In 1988, Peter Vermes was named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and U.S. Olympic Player of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions to soccer.

1989: Peter Vermes played with Rába ETO FC

In 1989, Peter Vermes played with Rába ETO FC of Hungary, marking a step in his professional career in Europe.

1989: FIFA Futsal World Championship

In 1989, Peter Vermes scored six goals for the U.S. Futsal team, which took third place at the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

1990: Peter Vermes played with Volendam

In 1990, Peter Vermes played with Volendam of the Dutch Eredivisie, continuing his career in European soccer.

1990: Peter Vermes played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup

In 1990, Peter Vermes represented the United States at the FIFA World Cup as a member of the national team.

1990: Participated in the 1990 World Cup

Peter Vermes played in the 1990 World Cup where he played for the United States national team. During the cup, he nearly scored a goal against Italy.

May 1991: Returns to the United States and plays in APSL

In May 1991, Peter Vermes returned to the United States and played three games, scoring one goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the American Professional Soccer League.

1991: Peter Vermes played in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 1991, Peter Vermes represented the United States at the CONCACAF Gold Cup as a member of the national team.

1991: Participated in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Peter Vermes played in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup for the United States national team.

1993: Peter Vermes saw his playing time wane.

In late 1993, Peter Vermes saw his playing time wane with the team.

1994: Cut from the 1994 U.S. World Cup team

In 1994, Peter Vermes was cut from the U.S. World Cup team, a setback in his international career.

January 1995: Vermes signed with MLS

In January 1995, Peter Vermes signed with the newly founded Major League Soccer (MLS), which was set to begin play in 1996.

1995: Peter Vermes played for Figueres

From 1991 to 1995, Peter Vermes played for Spanish Second Division club Figueres, solidifying his presence in European soccer.

1996: Drafted by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars

In 1996, Peter Vermes was drafted by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the third round of the MLS Inaugural Draft and captained the team in its first season.

February 3, 1997: Traded to the Colorado Rapids

On February 3, 1997, Peter Vermes was traded by the MetroStars to the Colorado Rapids for Kerry Zavagnin.

January 1998: Cut again from the U.S. roster

In January 1998, after a comeback to the National team, Peter Vermes was cut again from the U.S. roster.

2002: Retirement from professional soccer

At the end of the 2002 season, Peter Vermes announced his retirement from professional soccer, concluding his playing career with the Kansas City Wizards after struggling with injuries.

November 2006: Appointed as Technical Director

In November 2006, Peter Vermes was appointed as the Technical Director for the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer, marking a transition into a management role.

August 4, 2009: Named Interim Coach of the Wizards

On August 4, 2009, Peter Vermes was named the interim coach of the Kansas City Wizards after Curt Onalfo was fired. He led the team to a 3–7–2 record for the rest of the season, beginning his head coaching career.

2012: Won Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

In 2012, Peter Vermes won his first trophy as a head coach, leading Sporting Kansas City to a win over Seattle Sounders FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

2015: Sporting KC won the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

In 2015, Peter Vermes won his third trophy as Sporting KC coach when his side won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by defeating the Philadelphia Union on penalties at Talen Energy Stadium.

2017: Won the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

In 2017, Peter Vermes added the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to his trophy haul when Sporting KC beat the New York Red Bulls 2–1 at Children's Mercy Park.

August 4, 2018: All-time leader in games coached with one club

On August 4, 2018, Peter Vermes coached his 302nd regular-season match, becoming the all-time leader in games coached with one club in MLS history after a 1–0 victory over the Houston Dynamo.

October 3, 2020: Won his 150th regular-season match

On October 3, 2020, Peter Vermes won his 150th regular-season match with a 2–1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, becoming only the 5th coach in MLS history to reach this milestone.

February 2023: Signed five-year extension with Sporting Kansas City

In February 2023, Peter Vermes signed a five-year extension with Sporting Kansas City through the 2028 MLS season, securing his position with the club.

March 31, 2025: Parted ways with Sporting Kansas City

On March 31, 2025, amid a winless start to the season, Sporting Kansas City announced that it had agreed to mutually part ways with Peter Vermes, ending his long tenure as head coach.