Sporting KC lose Ian James to injury; Lasse Berg Johnsen finally available for selection

Sporting Kansas City’s defensive depth will be tested yet again this weekend after the club confirmed that defender Ian James will miss Saturday’s match against San Diego FC with a quad injury. The 17-year-old had started each of Sporting’s opening two matches of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, making his absence another complication for Wicky as the team searches for stability.

James opened the season at center-back against the San Jose Earthquakes, partnering Wyatt Meyer in a defense that struggled during a 3–0 defeat. On Matchday No. 2, the teenager shifted to right-back in a 2–2 draw with the Columbus Crew. Despite the positional change, James delivered a respectable performance overall, although his evening did include conceding a penalty. Fortunately for Sporting, goalkeeper John Pulskamp produced a save, preventing the mistake from becoming more costly.

The quad injury will keep James out for what could be approximately six weeks, depending on the severity of the issue. That timeline means Sporting could be without the teenager for a significant portion of the early MLS schedule.

Defensive injuries continue to mount

James is not the only defender sidelined. Justin Reynolds remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury during the season opener against San Jose. Losing two defenders to leg injuries within the first three matches of the campaign is not exactly the ideal way to begin a season, particularly for a roster that already appeared thin in several positions.

In purely statistical terms, the absence of both players removes two of the club’s opening-day starters from the defensive pool. Through two matches, Sporting has conceded five goals, an average of 2.5 goals per game. While defensive issues cannot be attributed solely to injuries, the numbers illustrate the instability Wicky is currently managing.

One option for the Sporting manager could be moving Jake Davis to right-back. Davis contributed an assist in the draw against Columbus, setting up Dejan Joveljic for the striker’s first goal of the season. The academy product has often been used as a versatile option throughout the team, though his appearance at right-back on Matchday No. 1 was less than ideal. Davis was forced into that role after Reynolds exited with an injury, and the adjustment did not go smoothly. 

Zorhan Bassong is fully fit and capable of playing either left-back or central midfield. Meanwhile, Jayden Reid started both matches against San Jose and Columbus at left-back and delivered solid performances in each appearance. With injuries to two different defenders, Wicky may need to get creative with his team. San Diego is at the top of the Western Conference.

Lasse Berg Johnsen finally available after visa approval

There is at least one positive development. Midfielder Lasse Berg Johnsen has finally received his P-1 visa, clearing him to join the squad.

Reports on Friday indicated that Johnsen was traveling from Norway back to Kansas City following the approval. If Johnsen is included in the squad against San Diego, he may initially feature as a substitute rather than a starter. Match fitness could be a concern after the delay in joining the team, and expecting a full 90-minute performance immediately would likely be unrealistic. Even a limited appearance could be significant. 

Johnsen’s presence in midfield would allow Wicky greater flexibility elsewhere in the lineup. In particular, it could free Davis to play at right-back. Jacob Bartlett could also be used at right-back, although he has featured in midfield this season. 

Sporting KC II reinforcements called into the squad

Sporting Kansas City’s injury situation has also prompted the club to turn to Sporting KC II. On Friday, the organization announced that three players from Sporting KC II would be available for selection against San Diego.

Midfielders Shane Donovan and Zamir Loyo Reynaga, and defender Pierre Lurot, have all signed short-term contracts with the first team. Donovan and Loyo Reynaga were also available for the club’s opening two matches against San Jose and Columbus, while Lurot joins the senior squad for the first time.

MLS roster rules allow clubs to sign players from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to a maximum of four deals per player.

Among the trio, Loyo Reynaga is the most exciting prospect. At just 15 years old, the midfielder is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the American development system. He has already represented the United States U15 national team and participated in the squad’s February training camp in Cyprus.

During that camp, Loyo Reynaga appeared in the team’s match against the England U15 national team, a fixture attended by numerous scouts and agents monitoring emerging talent. 

Sporting Kansas City is still searching for its first win against San Diego FC. The Wizards are aiming not only for their first victory over the Western Conference side but also their first goal in the matchup.

Given Sporting’s current defensive injury list and the uncertainty surrounding several lineup positions, achieving that objective won’t be an easy task.