The Week Two MLS NEXT Pro “Game of the Week” saw Sporting Kansas City II travel up I-35W to take on MNUFC2 at a cold and snowy Allianz Field to claim a 2-0 victory.
Goals from Collin Fernandez and Mataeo Bunbury led the way to victory despite MNUFC2 out-possessing, out-shooting and out-passing the away side.
SKCII opened up the scoring with the fastest goal in MLS NEXT Pro history two minutes in. The breakthrough came through Fernandez, who scored his second goal in as many weeks to put the visitors up 1-0 one minute and 41 seconds into the match.
SKCII Head Coach Benny Feilhaber had kind words for his captain postgame, praising his workrate and effort following the midfielder's MOTM performance.
“Collin is a captain of the team for a reason, he shows it every day in training, he works for the team so in terms of being able to get on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist himself is what he deserves,” Feilhaber said. “He's been a veteran presence providing a lot of leadership for our younger players.”
Feilhaber was thrilled with the result that saw his team take on an experienced MNUFC2 squad that fielded two MLS veterans and a 2021 MLS SuperDraft first round pick.
“I thought the guys came out and played really well at the beginning of the game. We had a few chances, and obviously put one of them away,” he said. “Playing away from home, it’s a little bit more difficult in terms of maintaining the high level of possession and chance creation… when you go out on the road, but the guys worked their ass off, fought, and obviously were able to maintain the result.”
The dagger from SKCII came off the foot of Bunbury in the 63rd minute, with the 16-year-old scoring his first professional goal. Mataeo is the younger brother of current Nashville SC midfielder Teal Bunbury, who has over 300 appearances across three teams in Major League Soccer.
This was a brilliant result for Feilhaber and SKCII. Three points on the road in uncomfortable weather conditions saw the MLS legend get his first three points as a manager plus a first-ever MLS NEXT Pro win for SKCII. Their captain provided both a goal and an assist, plus they were able to bring on a 16-year-old for his MLS NEXT Pro debut and see him score the winning goal.
Following a disappointing result opening weekend where SKCII drew Colorado Rapids 2 1-1 and fell 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout from the spot, Sunday’s result puts them back on track. It was a defensive masterclass from SKCII, who absorbed the MNUFC2 pressure with ease and composure.
SKCII next hosts Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, April 10th.
An incredibly tough result for MNUFC2, who just could not buy a goal all afternoon. Led by MLS veterans Niko Hansen and Jacori Hayes along with 2021 MLS SuperDraft first-round selection Justin McMaster, the experienced MNUFC2 team struggled in the final-third despite launching 10 shots, with five on target. The home side's attack also managed 33 crosses into the box – yet nobody could put the ball into the back of the net. Hansen rocked a shot off the corner of the woodwork in the 11th minute and that was their best attempt all afternoon.
Moving forward, MNUFC2 will look to claim its first points of the season at Zion’s Bank Stadium to take on the Real Monarchs on Friday, April 8th.
Man of the Match: SKCII captain Collin Fernandez. Fernandes led his side all match, controlling the tempo with calm footwork and composure. He scored the opening goal and assisted on the second, finding Bunbury for the 63rd-minute dagger.
Moment of the Match: Collin Fernandez’s second minute goal set the tone early and bolstered the confidence in his side.
