It’s a brand new era for the Kansas City Wizards … err, Sporting Kansas City. They’ve got the name change; new colors and logo, and a few months back they signed their first ever Home Grown Player.

Jonathan Kempin didn’t arrive with a new jersey kit or philosophical repositioning, but in time he could be behind the club’s real change in stripes.

Kempin, a 17-year-old goalkeeper, became Kansas City’s youngest signing in team history this past August when he was inked as a Generation Adidas player.

It was easily the team’s best decision during a period of many tweaks for the club. The move certainly changed things for Kempin as well.   

“It was surreal,” said Kempin, who had a trial with the club a couple of weeks before signing. “This has been my dream. It took a couple of weeks for me to relax and feel comfortable around the team.”

The immediate plan for Kempin has yet to be determined. He’ll graduate from Blue Valley North High School in December, having dominated the high school level.  

As a freshman, Kempin posted nine shutouts and allowed just two goals for the entire season en route to capturing a state title and entering the U.S. Soccer U17 Residency Program.

He’s harnessed his talents for Kansas City’s Development Academy squad the past few years, and he’ll continue his play for them as well as possibly see some time with the reserve squad next season.

But in between he’ll be rubbing goalie gloves with veteran keeper Jimmy Nielsen while receiving the best job shadow he could ever hope for.

Well, that, and continuing his apprenticeship with U.S. soccer national teams. Kempin was just recently named to the U20 team playing in the Torneo de las Americas this week with other promising young pros like Sebastian Lletget, Amobi Okugo and Gale Agbossoumonde.

The event will be an especially exciting one for Kempin, who places international competition amongst his most cherished facets of the game.

“Whether youth or senior team, my ultimate goal is to play in a World Cup,” Kempin said. “To be a part of a team that represents your country would be incredible.”

Kempin has long had the look of a player destined for the highest level.

While listed at 6-foot-1, he feels like a much bigger presence once he’s standing in the box where he paces around and superstitiously touches the top of the cross bar prior to each half signaling that the game is on.

Kempin is a competitor of the highest nature and his intensity on the field is visceral.

“Being intense and focused on the field is just who I am,” Kempin said. “I am almost a perfectionist when I’m out there. Being in U.S. residency taught me to be vocal and I think it’s one of my best attributes. I try to be a leader and somebody that everyone respects.  

For me, soccer is a lifestyle. I love this game – when I’m not playing it I am wising I was. I am blessed that I am able to now play it for a living.”