Housing starts fall sharply at start of year

WASHINGTON — Residential construction starts in January fell sharply from last year's soaring year-end activity, the government said Wednesday.

The pattern in the latest housing data is similar to that of other major economic indicators of late. Job growth, industrial production and retail sales all have weakened at the beginning of this year from upwardly revised numbers late last year, suggesting that the economy was stronger at the end of the fourth quarter than initially thought but is off to a slow start in 2013, possibly as businesses worried about the uncertain outlook on government spending and taxes.

Housing starts last month came in at an annual pace of 890,000 units — an 8.5% decline from an upwardly revised December figure of 973,000.Sporting Kansas City and midfielder Yohan Croizet have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced today.

Croizet recorded three goals and two assists in 20 MLS matches this season. The 27-year-old Frenchman ends his two-year stint at Sporting with eight goals and five assists in 62 competitive appearances.

“We appreciate Yohan’s service to the club over the last two seasons and wish him the best of luck moving forward,” Sporting KC Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes said.

Sporting will continue their MLS campaign on Wednesday, visiting Minnesota United FC at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.

Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) and midfielder Yohan Croizet