Red-hot Sporting KC II to take on Tacoma at Rock Chalk Park this Thursday

Sporting Kansas City II, Lawrence’s professional soccer team, returns to Rock Chalk Park next Thursday, June 15, for a matchup with Tacoma Defiance at 7 PM. After wrapping up a busy month of May in which the team earned three results in four matches, SKC II went on the road and took a point from Pacific Division leaders Whitecaps FC 2. Now they’ll host the Seattle Sounders MLS NEXT Pro affiliate in a crucial Western Conference clash.

The red-hot SKC II side, led by former Sporting KC and American soccer phenoms Benny Feilhaber and Ike Opara, have three results in five matches at Rock Chalk Park this season, including a thrilling 2-1 win over LA Galaxy II. Forward Pau Vidal scored the match-winner in the 92nd minute, completing the riveting comeback in front of the home crowd.

Vidal continues to play at an incredibly high level, having scored six times already this season, tied for the third most in the league. Newcomer Alenis Vargas has burst onto the scene lately, picking up a team-best three assists in just six matches played. Midfielder Ethan Bryant made his second appearance for the first team on May 10 in the US Open Cup and continues to find his form at just 21 years old, scoring the match leveler against WFC2 last Friday to earn SKC II the draw.

It is an exciting time to be an SKC II fan as they find themselves in the midst of a playoff battle in the Frontier Division, the most competitive division in MLS NEXT Pro. Looking to surpass the Defiance, SKC II hosts a club they have some familiarity with, having met on six occasions before both sides joined MLS NEXT Pro a year ago. SKC II owns a 6-2-0 record over Tacoma and thanks to Central Bank, you have the opportunity to attend the match for free. Just use this link to claim your free ticket and head out to Rock Chalk Park Friday to see the Sporting Kansas City of the future.