MLS NEXT PRO: Molinaro Shines in Shootout as SKC II Defeats Rapids 2 in Snowy Thriller
- Staff Writer
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Amidst a relentless snowstorm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Sporting Kansas City II earned their first points of the 2026 season on Sunday night, overcoming Colorado Rapids 2 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Following a 2-2 draw in regulation that saw SKC II battle back twice, goalkeeper Jacob Molinaro emerged as the hero, denying every Colorado attempt in the shootout to secure a 3-0 victory from the spot.
The match began under a steady blanket of snow, eventually requiring the use of the high-visibility winter weather ball. Colorado drew first blood in the 38th minute when Donavan Phillip connected with a Kimani Stewart-Baynes cross to head the hosts into a 1-0 halftime lead.
"The conditions were a massive factor tonight, but the resilience of this group was the difference maker," said SKC II head coach Lee Tschantret, who secured his first points at the helm. "Coming from behind twice in this weather shows the character of our players."
Sporting KC II responded early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Missael Rodriguez intercepted a pass near midfield and slipped a ball through to Shane Donovan, who clinicaly beat Rapids 2 keeper Zack Campagnolo to level the score. The parity was short-lived, however, as Phillip struck again just four minutes later with another header, this time off a Chris Aquino corner, to put Colorado back on top 2-1.
The momentum shifted decisively in the 71st minute when Colorado defender Ian Murphy was shown a straight red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Facing a 10-man Rapids side, SKC II launched a relentless offensive. After several near-misses and a rattled crossbar from Carter Derksen, Missael Rodriguez was brought down in the penalty area in the 81st minute. Following a lengthy deliberation, Johann Ortiz stepped up in the 85th minute and buried the penalty to force the shootout.
Despite a late flurry that saw SKC II hit the woodwork twice more in stoppage time, the match moved to penalties. Molinaro put on a masterclass, saving three consecutive Rapids 2 attempts from Landon Strohmeyer, Donavan Phillip, and Kai Thomas. Meanwhile, Mitch Ferguson, Zamir Loyo Reynaga, and Tomiwa Adewumi all converted their strikes to finalize the win.
Statistically, Sporting KC II dominated the flow of the match, outshooting Colorado 25-10 and earning nine corner kicks to the Rapids' five. The result provides a much-needed boost for the Kansas City side as they prepare for a significant stretch of home matches.
SKC II will now return to Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village for a three-game homestand beginning Sunday, March 22, against MNUFC 2. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CT, with tickets available via SeatGeek and the match streaming on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Match Statistics:
Stat | SKC II | COL |
Shots | 25 | 10 |
Shots on Goal | 10 | 4 |
Saves | 2 | 8 |
Fouls | 10 | 17 |
Corner Kicks | 9 | 5 |
Scoring Summary:
COL: Donavan Phillip (Stewart-Baynes) — 38'
SKC: Shane Donovan (Rodriguez) — 53'
COL: Donavan Phillip (Aquino) — 58'
SKC: Johann Ortiz (Penalty) — 85'
Shootout Results:
COL: Strohmeyer (Saved), Phillip (Saved), Thomas (Saved)
SKC: Ferguson (Goal), Loyo Reynaga (Goal), Adewumi (Goal)
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