Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Alenis Vargas in a transfer from Costa Rican side Futbol Consultants Desamparados ahead of the 2024 season. Vargas spent the 2023 season on loan with SKC II and enjoyed an excellent campaign in MLS NEXT Pro. In 21 appearances, Vargas recorded six goals and five assists while drawing three penalty kicks and helping the team reach the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a third-place finish in the Western Conference.
A native of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Vargas did not begin playing competitive soccer until he was 16. He developed in the Leones Academy from 2019-2020 before joining the reserve team at Honduran powerhouse C.D. Olimpia in December 2020 at age 17. Vargas left his home country in 2022, signing for Futbol Consultants in Costa Rica’s second division. During the latter half of the year, he trained with reigning top-flight champion Cartaginés, where he was coached by former striker and Costa Rican World Cup veteran Paulo Wanchope.
Vargas excelled on loan with SKC II in 2023, scoring a sensational scissor-kick goal to spark a 4-0 home win over first-place Colorado Rapids 2 before scoring a hat trick in a 6-1 win over Portland Timbers 2 in Aug. 13, 2023.
PROFESSIONAL
2023: MLS NEXT Pro: Made 21 appearances, recording six goals and five assists while drawing three penalty kicks and helping the team reach the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a third-place finish in the Western Conference. Recorded assists against FC Cincinnati 2 (April 23) and St. Louis II (May 21) before drawing a penalty against Vancouver 2 (June 2). Scored his first goal, added an assist and won a penalty in the 7-1 win over the Whitecaps on July 2. Recorded another assist in the loss at Portland 2 on July 9 before scoring again in the 4-0 win over Colorado 2 on July 30. Earned a penalty in a loss at Houston 2 on Aug. 6 before scoring a brilliant hat trick against Portland 2 on Aug. 13. Bagged the game-winner the following week in the 1-0 win over Minnesota 2 on Aug. 19 before missing the latter stages of the season through injury.
Futbol Consultants & Cartaginés (2022): Vargas left Honduras in 2022, signing for Futbol Consultants in Costa Rica’s second division. During the latter half of the year, he trained with reigning top-flight champion Cartaginés, where he was coached by former striker and Costa Rican World Cup veteran Paulo Wanchope.
INTERNATIONAL
Received a call-up to represent his country for the first time in March 2024 after never previously earning a national team selection at the youth or senior levels. Vargas joined Honduras for a 2024 Copa America qualifying playoff against Costa Rica and a friendly against El Salvador.
YOUTH
A native of San Pedro Sula, Honduras—the same birthplace of former Sporting midfielder and longtime club great Roger Espinoza—Vargas did not begin playing competitive soccer until he was 16. He developed in the Leones Academy from 2019-2020 before joining the reserve team at Honduran powerhouse C.D. Olimpia in December 2020 at age 17.
