Sporting Kansas City II, Lawrence’s professional soccer team, returns to Rock Chalk Park for a third straight season this March and is looking to build on their immensely successful 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.
After a top three finish in the Western Conference and a run to the Western Conference Quarterfinals, head coach and United States Men’s Soccer Team legend, Benny Feilhaber, has the boys itching to get back out onto the pitch in Lawrence. Alongside assistant coach and two-time MLS Defender of the Year, Ike Opara, Sporting KC II has brought back some incredible talent from a year ago, pairing them with new accusations as well as exciting young prospects in the Sporting KC pro player pathway.
The team’s leading scorer and electrifying man up top, Pau Vidal, is gearing up for year two with SKC II. Vidal led the team with 11 goals scored, including an impressive streak where he scored in five straight matches. Also returning is the maestro in the middle with 11 goal contributions to his name, Ethan Bryant. The Texas native bagged eight goals and three assists and joined the first team for preseason down in Florida, appearing in two friendlies.
Alongside Bryant, Sporting KC Academy product Sebastian Cruz was with SKC for preseason and scored the equalizer in a thrilling 3-3 friendly against Charlotte FC. Cruz was a mainstay in the SKC II front three in 2023, accumulating five goals and two assists in 22 appearances.
Among the exciting newcomers, Sporting KC II boasts a collection of former Major League Soccer members including Kansas native Kortne Ford. Looking to bounce back from an Achilles injury he suffered a year ago, the MLS veteran provides leadership and guidance to a young core group. SKC II has also brought in former Houston Dynamo striker Beto Avila. The former Dynamo Dos man burst onto the scene in MLS NEXT Pro, gathering 15 goal contributions in just 17 starts before signing an MLS deal with the Dynamo first team.
Nestling right in the middle of Sporting Kansas City’s pro player pathway, SKC II’s roster will be rounded out with up-and-coming Academy players throughout the season. All SKC II players will be trying to breakthrough into the first team much like forward Alenis Vargas has done. Vargas became the first SKC II player to sign with the first team in the MLS NEXT Pro era, inking a contract in December after a six goal, five assist 2023.
Thanks to Central Bank and Explore Lawrence, you have the opportunity to attend matches for free this season. Just click this link here and redeem your tickets. SKC II matches are fun for the whole family as Rock Chalk Park provides a terrific, intimate view of all the action. Make sure to secure your tickets to see the Sporting Kansas City of the future this season at Rock Chalk Park.
