Sporting Kansas City won’t return a key member of their 2013 MLS Cup-winning squad in 2015, with the club announcing on Tuesday that it has mutually agreed to part ways with forward Claudio Bieler.
Bieler spent two years in Kansas City, signing a Designated Player contract with Sporting ahead of the 2013 season. He was a big contributor in 2013, leading SKC with 10 goals in 25 regular season matches – including six strikes in his first 10 games – and notching one playoff tally to help Sporting to the MLS Cup title.
“Claudio's service here was a huge help, especially during our run to MLS Cup in 2013,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in a statement released by the club. “He was a professional since the moment he arrived and we are appreciative of his time in Kansas City. We wish him all the best."
The Ecuadorian-Argentine dual national's numbers fell off in 2014, when he scored just twice in 13 league appearances. Bieler, who will reportedly join Argentine first division club Quilmes, finished his Sporting career with 16 goals and five assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
