Sporting Kansas City 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1
With a lineup that featured the non-typical starting 11 based on the season so far got a result that ended a three match losing streak.
Diego Rubio got a first half goal in his first tally in a Sporting Kansas City shirt. The on loan striker had been trying excruciatingly hard to score his first goal on this side of the Atlantic since moving from Chilean side Colo Colo in 2011.
To bounce back on the road after feeling hard done by in the 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes showed a bit of grit and determination.
Going forward this will be seen as a key point for the side.
Tim Melia has been the rock that the side has depended on for a good part of the year and to be honest the thought of being without his leadership in the back line is harrowing. Alec Kann did well in the off the bench into the starting role. Give him a chance come the Open Cup to really see if he can step up should Melia go down hurt.
3 Things to Take Away
1.) Rubio will be able to score should chances be given. At some point Dom Dwyer will get hurt and someone who is available to help provide some attacking support. This is why he was brought in. Question is what kind of run can we expect from the Chilean.
2.)Kann isn’t Kahn but he can fill in for Melia. The defense was good at keeping Alec from having to come up with Melia like magic. This wasn’t a hard test but a definite confidence boost.
3.) Rotation doesn’t mean devastation. Key points on the road when playing multiple matches in a week is a test that has been passed. Only need to not be out of breath at the final hurdle.
Swope Park Rangers Fall to Vancouver Whitecaps 2
In their first match at their regular home SPR started off brightly but was unable to finish it off as they fell to the visitors 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps 2.
The youthfulness of the squad is something that will be overcome by only playing in matches.
Sporting Kansas City loanee Daniel Salloi has impressed with a pair of goals so far. His progress this season is one that will be closely monitored by the top brass at KC who Krizstian Nemeth with the expectation that he will eventually take over his starting spot.
Sporting Kansas City
Swope Park Rangers
