July 29, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Sporting Kansas City II News Release
Sporting KC II (7-8-2, 23 points) faces another tough road test in North Texas SC (9-5-3, 31 points) as the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro regular season starts to wrap up. SKC II and North Texas have already done battle at Rock Chalk Park twice earlier this season and Sunday will be the final matchup in 2022 regular season play.
In the first meeting, North Texas left town with three points after a 2-0 win on May 1. Almost two months later, on July 2, SKC II exacted revenge on the FC Dallas affiliates, thumping the visitors 4-2 off four goals from forward Rauf Salifu. Thanks to the MLS NEXT Pro no draws rule, the rubber match on Sunday will decide the winner of the 2022 series between the two.
In their last outing, SKC II suffered a 3-0 defeat at Swope Soccer Village to the Western Conference-leading Tacoma Defiance. SKC II have been dominant away from home this season, posting a 5-2-1 road record and picking up big wins at Houston, Minnesota and San Jose. Their four-match road win streak came to a close in their last outing as the visiting club, slipping to a 1-0 stoppage time defeat to Real Monarchs. Sunday presents the opportunity for SKC II to get back to their winning ways as the away team.
Head Coach Benny Feilhaber and SKC II’s win streak was sparked by a well-balanced attack and stout defending. Salifu’s four-goal performance at home against North Texas SC gave him a team-high six goals on the campaign. Joining him in the attacking third has been Julian Vazquez who has accumulated four goals and three assists in 2022, and received multiple call-ups on short-term loans to the first team.
The middle third of the field has been headlined by SKC II’s skipper Collin Fernandez who leads the team in matches played (17), minutes played (1402) and assists (four). The 25-year-old has donned the captain’s armband in all but two matches this season and is the only player to appear in every SKC II match. He has paired nicely in the midfield with Jahon Rad who ranks second on the team with 1241 minutes played. Rad leads the team in accurate passes (588) and accurate long balls (57).
The centerback position has been solidified by Esai Easley and Cole McLagan. Easley, the 2022 MLS SuperDraft First Round selection of Sporting Kansas City has turned in a solid rookie campaign, earning 10 starts, and tallying a goal and an assist. McLagan has found the back of the net twice, both being…
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