KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City II lost 2-1 to Ventura County FC at Children's Mercy Victory Field on Sunday, marking their first defeat in September. Maouloune Goumballe scored his fifth goal of the season for SKC II, assisted by Hal Uderitz, who recorded his first assist with the team. Fourteen-year-old academy midfielder Zamir Loyo Reynaga made his professional debut, entering as a substitute in the 73rd minute and becoming the youngest player to appear in a match for SKC II.

Interim head coach Ike Opara started Jack Kortkamp in goal, with a back three of Uderitz, Pierre Lurot, and Gael Quintero. The midfield featured Cielo Tschantret and Blaine Madbie as dual sixes, while Shane Donovan, Zane Wantland, and Johann Ortiz played ahead of them. Carter Derksen and Goumballe were paired up front.

The opening stages saw both teams struggle to create clear chances. Jason Bucknor of Ventura County received a yellow card in the 20th minute after a late challenge. Ventura County's Dylan Vanney came close to scoring before Goumballe forced goalkeeper Brady Scott into action with a shot that was pushed out for a corner.

Former SKC Academy forward Sean Karani gave Ventura County the lead in the 37th minute by finishing off a cross from Bucknor at the back post. Goumballe equalized eight minutes later after receiving a pass from Uderitz and beating Scott with a well-placed shot.

At halftime, Opara substituted Anthony Samways and Medgy Alexandre for Wantland and Ortiz. Early in the second half, Bucknor committed another hard foul but avoided further discipline from the referee. Both teams missed opportunities before Goumballe nearly put SKC II ahead again just before the hour mark; however, Scott made another save.

Ventura County regained the lead in the 72nd minute when substitute Gino Vivi scored from close range following an assist from Karani. Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Loyo Reynaga became not only SKC II’s youngest ever player but also one of MLS NEXT Pro’s youngest participants at 14 years, eight months and one day old.

Despite efforts late in the match—including Loyo Reynaga winning a corner—SKC II could not find an equalizer and suffered their first loss after going unbeaten in their previous three matches.

Sporting Kansas City II will play next against MNUFC 2 on Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m., with coverage available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.