Quarter Season Report: a Look at SKC II’s Performance Through Seven Matches

May 11, 2023 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Sporting Kansas City II News Release

Now seven matches into year two of the revolutionary MLS NEXT Pro, Sporting Kansas City II has found success early in the season. Following a 2-1 win over Earthquakes II on matchday seven, Sporting KC II boasts a 3-3-1 record, 11 points and sits above the playoff line one quarter through the campaign.

Head coach Benny Feilhaber and assistant coach Ike Opara, both in their second year, spent a busy offseason rebuilding SKC II’s roster with talented international players, former college standouts and former Sporting KC Academy players. They have bolstered the squad with talented amateur players currently in the SKC Academy and a group of first-team players gaining valuable minutes.

A roster breakdown

In just seven matches played this season, 28 different field players and three goalkeepers have been called into action. Among this group are six Sporting KC first-team players and five amateur SKC Academy players.

Serving as the midway point for the Sporting KC Academy in MLS NEXT and the first team in Major League Soccer, SKC II has also seen three players called up on short-term loans. Mo Abualnadi, Ethan Bryant and Sebastian Cruz all made their Sporting KC introductions in the club’s 3-0 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round victory over Tulsa Athletic on April 25 at Children’s Mercy Park.

Early on in the season, coach Feilhaber has found success while dealing with lots of roster turnover. SKC II has yet to trot out an identical starting eleven in any of their matches this season. There have been seven different iterations of the back four and six different midfields. The front three have remained relatively consistent with three various versions.

The forwards have fulfilled the goalscoring need for Sporting KC II to start the season. The team has scored 13 goals on the season and has yet to be shutout in a match. They strike early, having found the back of the net within the first 10 minutes of a match in four contests this season. They have also scored first against every opponent this season, getting SKC II out on the front foot every time.

Breakout performers

The 2023 season has seen the emergence of many key contributors for SKC II. Amongst them are team captains Josh Coan and Jahon Rad who have both provided veteran presences on the pitch in their six appearances. Coan has one goal and two assists in four starts and Rad has the highest passing accuracy completing 95.5…