MLS NEXT PRO: Sporting KC II Secures First Win of 2026 in Stoppage-Time Thriller
- Staff Writer
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In a match that embodied the "never say die" spirit, Sporting Kansas City II (1-5-2, 6 points) captured their first victory of the 2026 season on Sunday night. Facing Whitecaps FC 2 (2-4-1, 7 points) at Victory Field, SKC II overcame two separate deficits to secure a 3-2 win, capped by a dramatic goal in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time.
The result marks a significant milestone for head coach Lee Tschantret, earning him his first professional victory since taking the helm prior to the start of the campaign.
A Battle of the Keepers
The 90-minute contest was highlighted by stellar goalkeeping at both ends. Vancouver’s 16-year-old Sam Rogers kept his side level early with a massive one-v-one save against Carter Derksen in the 14th minute. On the other side, SKC II’s Jacob Molinaro was equally vital, producing a series of brave saves, including a point-blank deflection with his chest immediately after halftime.
Despite several near-misses from SKC II's Shane Donovan in the first half—including a shot that kissed the post—the match remained scoreless at the break.
The Seesaw Second Half
Vancouver broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when their leading scorer, Liam Mackenzie, headed home a corner from Carson Rassack. SKC II faced further adversity in the 61st minute when Rogers denied a Missael Rodriguez penalty.
However, the tide turned with a series of strategic substitutions by Tschantret. The breakthrough finally came for the hosts:
71st Minute: Rodriguez redeemed his penalty miss by latching onto a ball from Derksen and firing a rocket past Rogers to level the game at 1-1.
75th Minute: Vancouver regained the lead via a Trevor Wright goal off another corner kick scramble.
90th Minute: Just as time expired, 15-year-old Zamir Loyo Reynaga struck a clever, curling effort from the top of the box to score his first professional goal and tie the match at 2-2.
The Hines Heroics
Stoppage time grew chippy after Mackenzie was cautioned for a shove near the SKC II technical area. With the game on the line in the 97th minute, Kashan Hines became the hero. After a "nifty" cutback inside the box to lose his defender, Hines finished off a Carter Derksen through-ball to secure the 3-2 victory. Like Loyo Reynaga, the goal was the first of Hines' professional career.
Match Statistics
Stat | Sporting KC II | Whitecaps FC 2 |
Score | 3 | 2 |
Goals | Rodriguez (71'), Loyo Reynaga (90'), Hines (90+7') | Mackenzie (48'), Wright (75') |
Saves | Jacob Molinaro | Sam Rogers |
Result | First Win of Season | Loss |
Looking Ahead: Rivalry Week
Sporting KC II will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for a clash against a familiar foe.
Opponent: Houston Dynamo 2
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
Venue: Victory Field (Kansas City, KS)
Tickets: Available via SeatGeek.com
Streaming: OneFootball app
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