New Sporting KC player Josh Gardner excited for 'crazy fans', opportunity

Sporting Kansas City has been one of the busier teams so far in the 2012 MLS off-season, making a few trades, picks and signings to add to the team that topped the Eastern Conference last season but couldn't make a run at a trophy to add to the 2012 Open Cup. One of their more recent acquisitions was Josh Gardner, who was traded for a draft pick by the Montreal Impact after one season in Canada.

Shortly after he was brought to Kansas City, he conducted an interview with the official Sporting KC website, asked about things like the move to a new city and playing in front of the passionate fanbase that fills LIVESTRONG Sporting Park every week, along with a batch of personal questions about his life:

What are you looking forward to the most about playing with Sporting Kansas City?

I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys on the team, playing in front of the crazy fans in KC, the brand new stadium, and definitely looking forward to the different tournaments and competitions we’ll play in this year.

What does it mean to you to play in front of those ‘crazy’ SKC fans?

For me, it’s important, they’re going to be behind you, and they make it tough playing there. You definitely feel it when you’ve got fans who’ve got your back and want you to do well. It gives the players confidence, and also makes players want to show well for their team because they’re rooting you on.

Gardner has had 28 appearances and two goals playing as a midfielder and defender in MLS in the past two seasons with the Columbus Crew and the Impact.