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 remains in that position while also serving as the head coach of the renamed Sporting Kansas City. He won election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2013.

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.