It was the first ever battle of Frontier Division rivals that ended the initial slate of MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural games. Colorado Rapids 2 were able to earn 2 points after winning a penalty shootout against Sporting KC II.
It was a tough and gritty game with the Rapids 2 controlling most of the game from the start. After 90 minutes of play the score remained even at 1 a piece and headed into a penalty shootout. SKCII missed their first 2 penalties while Rapids 2 nailed each of their 4 penalties to take the win. Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, each team receives 1 point after a tie during the initial 90 minutes. The winner of the subsequent penalty shootout earns an additional point. Regulation wins count as 3 points.
The Story:
Colorado Rapids 2 played a great game, dominating in every aspect but could not capitalize on several chances to get their first ever win in MLS Next Pro.
Both teams had early chances at goal with Sporting KC II forward Salifu pressuring the Rapids 2 keeper and forcing a turnover that almost ended up in goal. Rapids 2 responded by upping their offensive pressure but SKCII’s goalkeeper John Pulskamp would make 5 first half saves to keep the team from Colorado at bay.
Rapids 2 could not take advantage having an advantage in possession (63%), number of corner kicks and shots on target with 5 and the first half ended tied at zero.
Former University of Massachusetts Amherst forward Yosuke Hanya would score his first ever professional goal and the first ever MLS NEXT Pro goal for Colorado in the 60th minute with a strike from outside the box. The locals continued their ball possession domination in the second half but could not get a second goal on the board.
SKCII would take advantage of Rapids 2’s inability to get a second goal on the board in the 79th minute. 19-year-old Ghanian forward Tijani Fatah would come in as substitute in the second half and score Sporting KC II first ever goal in MLS NEXT Pro with a strong header in the box. Fatah’s header was SKCII’s only shot on target for the entirety of the match.
The match would end 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and head into the second ever penalty shoot in MLS NEXT Pro history. Sporting KCII’s Head Coach Benny Feilharber’s side would not be able to score their first 2 shots from the penalty spot and Colorado Rapids 2 would get the win by scoring all of their 4 penalty kicks. The home team will be content for earning 2 points and with how they were able to control every aspect of the game but they’ll need to put away chances at goal to be able to come away with 3 points next week.
What’s Next:
Colorado Rapids 2 will travel to St. Louis and face off against CITY2 on Sunday, April 3.
Sporting KC II will travel next week to face off against Minnesota United 2 on Sunday, April 3rd
