Sporting on the Rise: Could the 2013 KC squad prove better than last year?

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With a resounding defeat of the upstart Philadelphia Union on their home field, the 2013 edition of the blue-clad Sporting side put the league on notice.

The Eastern conference favorites christened their newly-signed designated player Claudio Bieler following a game's worth of quality forward play capped by a solid one-touch strike that put the opening contest out of reach.

If the team's performance in this contest bears indication, the fierce march to the league's ultimate series just got tougher for everyone involved.

To head coach Peter Vermes' delight,  the off-season acquisition of the Argentine striker paired with a solid shift put in by oft-injured midfielder Bobby Convey.

As witnessed in the build-up that led to the game's final goal, the team's attack will fair fine in the absence of departed forward Kei Kamara and midfielder Roger Espinosa.

Could the 2013 version of the Kansas city club fair better than the last?

It may be early, but if yesterday's game is any indication, then Eastern conference and league rivals should take notice of the threat posed by a KC side poised for 2013 success.