Sporting Kansas City's roster struggles in central defense continue, as Homegrown center back Erik Palmer-Brown sustained a stress fracture in his right foot.

What happened?

The 17-year-old US U-20 international will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a broken fifth metatarsal and is expected to miss 3-4 months of action.

Why it matters for Sporting Kansas City

This injury might have an even bigger impact on the US U-20 national team, for whom Palmer-Brown was expected to compete in the Jan. 9-24 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Jamaica.

What comes next?

Manager Peter Vermes said Aurelien Collin, who has been out with an ankle injury, could be nearing a return – although it might not be in time for Friday's big away match against Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 15th in Major League Soccer | | Points | 28 | | Goals scored | 46 | | Goals conceded | 70 | | Goal difference | -24 | | Recent form | DLLLL | | Next fixture | vs Colorado Rapids (away, 2026-08-16) | As of now, Sporting Kansas City is 35 points behind leaders San Diego, and their next fixture is against 11th-placed Colorado Rapids on August 16, 2026.