KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City II faced a significant setback on Saturday afternoon, losing 4-0 to Portland Timbers 2 at Children's Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City, Missouri. Despite a goalless first half with several close opportunities for the home team, Portland dominated the second half with four goals.

Sporting KC II maintained their defensive lineup from their previous match, featuring Jack Kortkamp as goalkeeper and Nati Clarke, Cielo Tschantret, and Pierre Lurot in defense. The midfield saw changes with Anthony Samways, Gael Quintero, Carter Derksen, and Leo Christiano returning to the starting lineup. Bryan Arellano played on the right wing, Shane Donovan on the left, and Maouloune Goumballe in the center forward position.

The game began with two early yellow cards for Portland players Blake Pope and Victor Enriquez within the first ten minutes. Sporting KC II had multiple entry passes into the attacking third but failed to convert them into goals.

In a critical moment during the first half, Goumballe earned a penalty after being pulled down by Alex Bamford. However, Lukas Burns saved Samways' spot kick. Both teams ended the first half without scoring despite several attempts from Sporting KC II.

Portland took control in the second half when Mateo Bunbury scored twice in quick succession in the 56th and 58th minutes. Daniel Nunez added another goal for Portland in the 73rd minute before Dario White sealed their victory with a fourth goal in the 88th minute.

Despite efforts from Sporting KC II's coach Istvan Urbanyi to change tactics by introducing substitutes Medgy Alexandre and Johann Ortiz at key moments of play, they could not find a breakthrough against Portland's solid defense.

The match concluded with Sporting Kansas City II yet to secure a win this season. They will next face The Town FC at St. Mary's College in Moraga, California on Sunday, July 13 at 7 p.m. CT.