Kansas City, MO - Playoff fever is here as the Major League Soccer playoffs get underway this weekend at Children's Mercy Park.
One Sporting KC player says he's beyond excited. Midfielder Cam Duke grew up in Overland Park with dreams of playing in the MLS. Now he is, and he and his teammates are facing Vancouver at home in the playoffs.
"I still have nerves a little bit. But I think it's good nerves. I'm trying to make an impact a bit more, considering this is my hometown team," said Duke.
Sporting Kansas City signed Cam Duke as a 'Homegrown Player' in July 2019, the 11th player from the KC Metro to be signed by Sporting KC. During his time with the club, he says he's soaked up as much as he can from other hometown greats like Matt Besler.
"I think Matt was one my role models while he was here. I look up to a lot of the older players because they want us to succeed," said Duke.
Duke and Besler both attended Blue Valley High School, however a few years apart. Matt Besler played most of his career with Sporting KC before transferring to Austin this season. He's now announced his retirement.
"Players come and go. I think I need to focus on myself as a player. I plan to become a starter in the next year or next couple of years," said Duke.
Saturday's match is at 4:00pm, tickets are still available.