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Sporting Kansas City co-owner Neal Patterson dies at 67

Sporting Kansas City co-owner Neal Patterson died on Sunday following complications from cancer. He was 67.

Patterson, the CEO of healthcare technology company Cerner Corporation, was one of the five principals who bought the MLS club -- then the Kansas City Wizards -- from Lamar Hunt in 2006.

"Major League Soccer deeply mourns the passing of Neal Patterson," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a league statement. "Neal's vision and passion were instrumental in the incredible turnaround of Sporting Kansas City.

"He was a brilliant entrepreneur who made community relations and philanthropy essential components of every business he owned. We extend our condolences to Neal's family and friends, the Sporting Kansas City organization, and their fans."

Patterson and OnGoal LLC rebranded the club to Sporting Kansas City and opened a new stadium in 2011, won the MLS Cup in 2013 and claimed two U.S. Open Cups in 2012 and 2015.

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