Sadam Masereka shows Sporting Kansas City what they missed

Sadam Masereka could have been a Sporting Kansas City player. Instead, the left winger lined up on the opposite side on Tuesday night for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and proceeded to dismantle the very team that passed on him. 

Masereka caused constant problems, running at full-backs with pace and power to set up Juan Tejada’s opener before capitalizing on a mistake by center-back Diego Borges to score the second goal. It was the perfect statement from a player Sporting KC passed on just a few months ago.

A draft decision that now looks costly

Masereka was selected by Sporting Kansas City in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, a mechanism that no longer carries the same weight it once did. With MLS academies and MLS NEXT Pro pipelines now established, the college draft has diminished in importance compared to a decade ago. However, it still produces players capable of contributing at the professional level.

On this evidence, Sporting Kansas City may have misjudged one of those players. The decision not to offer Masereka a contract looks even more questionable when considering the club’s struggles to add depth during the transfer window. While the front office prioritized forwards with experience, the current attacking output suggests there was room for a player like Masereka to develop and contribute–especially with reports the club wanted to sign 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan on loan.

Fit versus philosophy

Masereka’s versatility, capable of playing on either wing, should have made him an intriguing option for a Sporting Kansas City side that has struggled to generate consistent attacking threat. While the club may have been targeting more established players, the reality on the field suggests that approach has not delivered.

There are, of course, factors that likely influenced the decision. Masereka would have occupied an international roster spot, and roster management in MLS forces difficult decisions. Still, given the current lack of attacking depth and productivity, passing on a player with his profile now looks like a risk that has backfired.

A steady rise through the college game

The 21-year-old’s path to professional soccer highlights his development. Masereka moved from Buddo Secondary School to NAIA soccer powerhouse Lindsey Wilson College before transferring to the University of Maryland. His progression continued there, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2025.

At Maryland, Masereka demonstrated steady improvement. He started all 20 matches in 2024, scoring four goals and adding two assists. The following season saw a significant jump in output, with nine goals and five assists in 19 starts for the Terrapins. Those numbers reflected a player growing and developing.

Finding form at the right time

Masereka has carried that momentum into the U.S. Open Cup, scoring twice and assisting once in three matches. While still adjusting to the professional level, he is beginning to make a clear impact. Across all competitions, he has made seven appearances for the Switchbacks.

His early performances suggested a player still adapting, likely influenced by joining late in preseason. However, recent outings show a player finding rhythm. 

He played 68 minutes against New Mexico United on March 28, recording his first USL Championship assist. That was followed by 61 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Lexington SC on April 4. Against Sporting Kansas City, he took another step forward, delivering a goal and an assist in 71 minutes.

Raw, but effective

Some scouting reports, including those circulating online via Reddit, have pointed out perceived weaknesses in Masereka’s game. Against Sporting Kansas City, those concerns were difficult to identify. Instead, he looked direct, confident, and decisive in key moments.

That said, Masereka remains a raw prospect, which may have contributed to Sporting Kansas City’s decision not to sign him. Even so, with a roster that currently lacks depth and attacking options, his potential could have provided value. With only 24 players in the squad, including four goalkeepers, adding a player with Masereka’s upside would have given head coach Raphael Wicky another attacking option.

In the end, not offering him a contract is one thing. Watching him dominate your defense months later is another entirely.

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