SKC II Victorious Over LAFC 2 in First Win in Regulation of the MLS NEXT PRO Season

Sporting KC II and LAFC 2 paired off in their MLS NEXT PRO match at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, KS on Sunday. It was another wonderful day for a game and SKC II delivered. Backed by a fantastic performance from Vidal, Rosa, and Cisneros, Sporting KC II came out victorious with a 2-1 win over LAFC 2. This is Sporting KC II’s first win in regulation this season (1-1-1). 

Sporting Kansas City II got off to a great start with a goal from Pau Vidal. Vidal received a phenomenal cross from Lucas Rosa in the 6th minute to score his second goal in as many games. 

Vidal taps home the low cross and @SportingKCII take an early lead! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FWGIouEMfN

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 9, 2023

After Vidal tapped in the first goal LAFC 2 settled into the game. They were never quite able to capitalize on their efforts in the first half due to a great day between the sticks for Kendall McIntosh. McIntosh only had three saves on the day, but was vital in his role as he helped SKC II to the 2-1 victory. 

Rock Chalk Park came to life in the 70th minute when Enzo Mauriz, an academy product, served a dangerous ball off a set piece into the box. LAFC 2 was unable to clear the ball which left Ozzie Cisneros free to pounce and put SKC II up 2-0. Cisneros had a cracking left-footed volley into the upper left that even Coach Benny Feilhaber rather enjoyed. 

Cisneros volleys it into the top corner for his first of the season! 🚀

2-0 @SportingKCII pic.twitter.com/tKMfrGOlAD

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 9, 2023

LAFC 2 was able to put one past SKC II’s defense in the 74th minute when Julian Gains dribbled deep into SKC II’s defense up the right side. Gains delivered a cross through the box to find a waiting Ladji Mallé.

Gaines ➡️ Mallé

A great move from @lafc_2 to get one back! pic.twitter.com/45lNxkoOLn

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 9, 2023

Sporting Kansas City II ultimately pulled out the victory at Rock Chalk Park over LAFC 2 on Sunday afternoon. LAFC 2 showed some signs of life during the game, but it was a mostly dominant performance from SKC II on the day. 

Key Takeaways: 

Pau Vidal is looking like a man possessed in the attacking front for SKC II. His size and tenacity proved too much for LAFC 2 on the day and was a standout for much of the game. Though he was subbed off in the 75th, Vidal is a threat no matter when he is in the game. In the extra-point win in their last game against Austin FC II, Vidal came on in the 62nd minute and scored just five minutes afterward. 

Kendall McIntosh had a great game in goal yesterday afternoon. His awareness in the box helped keep SKC II on the front foot for the entire game. 

Coach Benny Feilhaber called for more vertical balls for a lot of the game. It was clear that direct play was what Feilhaber was looking for, and the plan went flawlessly when the team executed. It’s also interesting to see this more direct play compared to what the first team put on the field Saturday night against Colorado. What a night-and-day difference in gameplans compared to the first team. It will be interesting to see if more direct play is seen from Sporting KC against San Jose on Sunday rather than running the ball out across the opposing end line that we have become so accustomed to.

Up Next for SKC II:

SKC II is set to play their first 12 home games at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, KS this season. Their next matchup will be at Real Monarchs (1-2-0) on Friday, April 14th. All Sporting KC II tickets can be purchased from SeakGeek [Editor: And I hear SKC STM get free tickets, just contact your ticket rep].

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