Kamron Habibullah Hat Trick Leads Sporting KC II to Stunning 5-3 Comeback Win Over Rapids 2

April 7, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Sporting Kansas City II News Release

Kamron Habibullah scored a sensational hat trick and Beto Avila bagged a late brace as Sporting Kansas City II (2-2-0, 6 points) hammered four unanswered second-half goals past Colorado Rapids 2 (1-2-1, 4 points) to claim a jaw-dropping 5-3 comeback victory on Sunday night at University of Denver Soccer Stadium.

Facing a 3-1 hole at halftime, head coach Benny Feilhaber’s side responded emphatically to claim one of the most memorable road wins in club history. Habibullah’s second strike of the night ignited the fightback before Avila’s quickfire double completed the stunning swing. Not to be outdone, Habibullah put the finishing touches on an astounding game with a late third goal to seal his hat trick and bring three points back home to Kansas City.

Colorado threatened within 60 seconds of kickoff, but Antony Garcia’s audacious curler from the edge of the box breezed beyond goalkeeper Ryan Schewe’s left-hand post. SKC II then crafted a huge chance of their own at the opposite end in the fourth minute, pressing high and creating a turnover only for to see his shot blocked through traffic amidst a scramble in the penalty area.

A finely poised affair continued to ebb and flow as the visitors created more danger in the 13th minute, with Maouloune Goumballe receiving a pass with his back to goal, swiveling at the top of the box and forcing a save from Colorado goalkeeper and former Sporting KC II standout Ethan Bandre. Rapids 2 were quick to counter as Alec Diaz spurned a clear look by blazing high at the quarter-hour mark.

Feilhaber’s men grew in stature and took a well-earned lead in the 21st minute. An intricate play down the right flank culminated with Avila playing a clever cutback ball into the path of Habibullah, who made no mistake with a cool finish from 10 yards for his first goal since joining Sporting KC II at the start of 2024.

Rapids 2 absorbed the hammer blow and restored parity three minutes after falling behind. Outside back Patrick Dormoh advanced into an attacking position, cut centrally from the right side and sent a piledriver high inside the near post to tie the score at 1-1.

Rapids playmaker Marlon Vargas gave the match its first lead change of the night in the 31st minute. With a goal in his fourth straight appearance, Vargas pinged a shot low off the left post and into the net after SKC II were unable to deal with a driven cross into the danger area. With…