Forward
Peter Vermes
6' 0"
The biography of retired USMNT soccer player and National Soccer Hall of Famer Peter Vermes.
Caps: 66 | Goals: 11
Peter Vermes’ career proves that stumbling blocks aren’t necessarily an end point. After spending his early career as an offensive player for Rutgers, and European clubs Volendam and Figueras, and the US National Team, Vermes joined Major League Soccer in 1996. Though a quality player, his career wasn’t advancing as expected.
A trade from the Metrostars to Colorado and ultimately Kansas City had Vermes shifting to the defense. In the process, he became one of the best defenders in MLS history.
Partnering with his National Team keeper Tony Meola, Vermes turned in an MLS Defender of the Year performance in 2000, setting the standard for MLS defenders with a Kansas City squad that would go onto win that year’s MLS Cup and be remembered as one of the most skilled teams in League history.
Vermes served as a staff coach for the U-20 National Team, then coached by Sigi Schmid. He also served on the US Soccer Federation’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and chaired the Athlete Council.
On November 15, 2006, Vermes was named as the Technical Director for the Kansas City Wizards. He became head coach of the renamed Sporting Kansas City in 2009. He won election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2013. Vermes left Sporting Kansas City on March 31, 2025.
Photo by Michael Janosz – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
1997
Earned his final cap in a World Cup Qualifier against El Salvador on Nov. 16th.
1992-93
Appeared in 21 games for the National Team, starting 18.
1991
Started 12 games, scoring against Uruguay and recording back-to-back goals against Costa Rica and Mexico on July 3rd and 5th. Part of the Gold Cup winning squad.
1990
Started all three games in Italia '90.
1989
Played in five World Cup Qualifiers, including the Nov. 19th game against Trinidad & Tobago that clinched qualifying. Won bronze medal with the US futsal team.
1988
Earned his first cap against Colombia on May 14th. Member of the US Olympic Team. Named US Soccer Male Athlete of the Year and Olympic Player of the Year.
Professional Experience
2002
Last season in Major League Soccer.
2000
Traded to the Wizards on Feb. 3rd. Won the MLS Cup with Kansas City. Named MLS Defender of the Year and MLS Best XI.
1997-99
Member of the Colorado Rapids, reaching the 1997 MLS Cup final after finishing fourth in the Western Conference.
1996
Member of the Metrostars.
1995
Played for the USISL's New York Fever on loan after signing with Major League Soccer.
1991-95
Member of Figueras in the Spanish second division.
1989
Member of Raba Eto in the Hungarian first division.
Youth and College
Vermes grew up in the soccer hotbed of New Jersey, attending and starring for Rutgers University where he was runner-up for National Player of the Year and an All-American.
