Sporting Kansas City II lost 5-0 to Real Monarchs on March 9 in their home opener at Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village.
The match marked Sporting KC II’s second loss of the season, leaving them with no points after two games. The result highlights a challenging start for the team as they look to build momentum early in the campaign.
Head coach Lee Tschantret started Jacob Molinaro in goal, with Pierre Lurot and Mitch Ferguson as centerbacks. Jack Francka and Luca Antongirolami played on the outside of the backline. Kwaku Agyabeng and Cielo Tschantret were on loan from the first team and joined Zamir Loyo Reynaga, who made his first professional start, in midfield. Taylor Calheira led the attack in his first SKC II start, supported by wingers Missael Rodriguez and Shane Donovan.
Calheira had an early chance denied by Real Monarchs goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet, while Molinaro made a strong save minutes later. However, Marcos Zambrano opened scoring for Real Monarchs in the 18th minute after capitalizing on a headed ball from Molinaro. Ruben Mesalles doubled their lead nine minutes later off a rebound inside the box.
Despite efforts from Donovan and Calheira to reduce the deficit before halftime, SKC II could not find the net. In the second half, Zambrano converted a penalty kick for his second goal of the night. Antonio Riquelme added another for Real Monarchs in the 71st minute, followed by Owen Anderson’s goal five minutes later to complete the scoring.
SKC II made several substitutions throughout the match but were unable to break through offensively. The team will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, March 15 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
