Sporting KC II clinched Team of Matchday 19 honors after delivering an outstanding performance in their 4-0 victory over the Western Conference leaders Colorado Rapids 2.
Despite a two-hour rain delay, Sporting KC II showed their determination from the opening kickoff.
In the 17th minute of the match, Sebastian Cruz scored the opening goal for SKC II, making it his fourth goal this season and third in as many games. Stephen Afrifa assisted the goal with a well-timed pass, as Cruz found the net past the Rapids 2 defense.
19-year-old Honduran forward Alenis Vargas added to SKC II’s lead in the 28th minute with a sensational scissor-kick volley from the top of the box.
In the second half, Sporting KC II continued their attack when Nassim Mekideche headed in a corner from Ethan Bryant in the 59th minute, extending SKC II’s lead to three goals.
Felipe Hernandez joined in on the scoring party in the 72nd minute with a powerful shot, securing the 4-0 victory for the home side.
The impressive win propelled Sporting KC II to fourth place in the Western Conference, placing them in a great position to clinch a playoff spot with only eight matches remaining in the season.
Sporting KC II Head Coach Benny Feilhaber shared his thoughts on the 4-0 victory after the match:
“It was a fantastic performance from the guys. The emphasis this whole week was to be able to play a 90-minute game and they did that against the best team in the league. It was good to see.”
Coach Feilhaber continued to praise his team after defeating the Western Conference leaders:
“It’s just a measuring stick for us, right? We’ve been improving over the last couple of months. We just played a team who has only lost one game, and even in that game they were very unlucky to not get something out of it, so, it’s good to not only get the three points but to play well. It was a good measuring stick for us.”
Sporting KC II's dominant display halted the 98-day streak during which Colorado Rapids 2 had not been shutout, showcasing the strength of Sporting KC II's defense.
Matchday 20 will see Sporting KC II travel to face off against Houston Dynamo 2 on August 6. You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
