Sporting KC adds 2 to roster ahead of opener

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Sporting Kansas City has signed midfielder Christian Duke and defender Mechack Jerome after both of them impressed the MLS club during training camp.

Duke was selected in the first round of the 2013 supplemental draft out of the University of San Diego. The native of Overland Park, Kan., played for the Sporting KC Academy before helping lead San Diego to the NCAA tournament as a senior.

He made eight appearances for Sporting KC in preseason matches.

Jerome played the past two seasons for the club's USL PRO affiliate, Orlando City SC. The native of Haiti has been on trial with Sporting KC this preseason, and scored the only goal in an exhibition victory over Portland.

Sporting KC opens the regular season Saturday at Philadelphia.