MLS NEXT PRO: Sporting KC II Travels to Face Rapids 2 in Search of First Points

Staff Writer
7 hours ago
3 min read

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Sporting Kansas City II will be back on the road this Sunday, March 15, as they travel to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to take on Colorado Rapids 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT, with both Western Conference sides eager to secure their first points of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign following a difficult opening two weeks.

Sporting KC II enters the match looking to rebound from a tough home opener against Real Monarchs. Head coach Lee Tschantret has relied heavily on the club's prolific academy system early in the season, handing starts to amateur defenders Jack Francka and Luca Antongirolami. Francka, who has played all 180 minutes of the season so far, has become a foundational piece of the SKC II backline alongside veteran Pierre Lurot.

"The early part of the season is about finding our rhythm and integrating our younger players into the professional environment," Tschantret noted during the team's preparations. "Going to Colorado is always a challenge due to the altitude and their style of play, but our group is resilient. We are focused on sharpening our execution in the final third."

The match will also serve as a potential showcase for several players who have already earned first-team opportunities this year. Forward Shane Donovan recently made his MLS debut for Sporting KC as a late substitute against San Diego FC, while defender Zamir Loyo Reynaga made his first professional start for SKC II last weekend after signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Both are expected to play significant roles in Sunday’s tactical plan.

On the other side of the pitch, Colorado Rapids 2 will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage. The Rapids have historically been a difficult opponent for Kansas City, claiming three victories in their 2025 head-to-head series. Colorado’s roster is bolstered by talent like Sydney Wathuta and goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo, the latter of whom recently received a short-term call-up to the Rapids’ MLS squad.

Tactically, the match is expected to be a battle for midfield control. Colorado’s ability to transition quickly through Josh Copeland and Rogelio Garcia will test the discipline of the SKC II defensive block. For Kansas City, the key will be the creative playmaking of Cielo Tschantret and the clinical finishing of Donovan to break down a physical Rapids defense.

Following Sunday’s showdown, Sporting KC II will begin a significant home stretch, playing seven of their next eight matches at Victory Field. The upcoming run provides a critical opportunity for the club to climb the Western Conference standings and establish momentum before the summer months.

"Every point matters in this league, especially in a conference as tight as ours," said SKC II technical staff. "We know the quality Colorado possesses, but we are confident in our preparation. Getting a result on the road this weekend would be a massive boost as we return home to our fans next week."

Fans can stream the match live on OneFootball or at MLSNEXTPro.com. After this weekend’s fixture, Sporting KC II returns to Swope Soccer Village on March 22 to host Minnesota United FC 2.

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