The Swope Park Rangers suffered a 1-0 defeat to the University of Tulsa in a scrimmage on Saturday afternoon at Swope Soccer Village. Juan Sanchez scored the only goal of the game in the ninth minute as the Rangers rested players and gave several Sporting KC Academy players the opportunity to gain experience.
After an even opening to the game, Tulsa pulled ahead in the ninth minute when Kay Duit was slipped in behind the Rangers defense and his pull-back was converted by Sanchez to make the score 1-0 in favor of the visitors.
SPR created chances for the remainder of the first half, with Mark Anthony Gonzalez first going close in the 25th minute after being played in by Nansel Selbol but his effort from a tight angle dribbled across the face of goal. A minute later, Ezra Armstrong burst down the left wing and cut the ball back for Daniel Salloi, but the forward sent his shot wide.
Salloi had another chance in the 36th minute but could only fire over the bar after being played into the clear by Selbol. In the 43rd minute, Sporting KC Academy player Max Rugova cut inside the area and was tripped up, affording Selbol the opportunity to tie the game up from the penalty spot. However, Jake McGuire in the Tulsa goal dove to his left to claw the effort away and keep his side’s lead intact.
The second period lacked many quality chances, with both sides making a host of changes throughout the half. Notably, 10 current and former Sporting KC Academy players saw time on the field, with Ezra Armstrong, Jaylin Lindsey, Max Rugova, Daniel Salloi and Nansel Selbol all starting for the Rangers, while Grayson Barber, Felipe Hernandez, Ryan Kellogg, Logan Lucas and Paul Whitener appeared off the bench.
The Swope Park Rangers will return to USL action and conclude a three-game road trip at OKC Energy FC next Saturday before returning home to host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Wednesday, April 27 at Children's Mercy Victory Field in Swope Soccer Village. Tickets, starting as low as $12, are available via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL. The first USL match at Swope Soccer Village will feature several gameday promotions, including $1 hot dogs and a commemorative poster giveaway.
Swope Park Rangers vs. University of Tulsa
April 16, 2016 – Swope Soccer Village (Kansas City, Mo.)
Swope Park Rangers 0, University of Tulsa 1
Scoring Summary:
TUL – Juan Sanchez 9’
Misconduct Summary:
SPR – Jaylin Lindsey (Yellow Card) 55’
TUL – Rollie Rocha (Yellow Card) 61’
SPR – Daniel Salloi (Yellow Card) 61’
Swope Park Rangers: Zac Lubin ©; Johnny Grant (Ryan Kellogg 78’), Jaylin Lindsey (Logan Lucas 68’), Oumar Ballo, Ezra Armstrong (Paul Whitener 81’); Amer Didic, Alex Molano, Nansel Selbol; Max Rugova (Felipe Hernandez 46’), Mark Anthony Gonzalez, Daniel Salloi (Grayson Barber 68’).
Referee: Jack Feldman
Assistant Referees: Sean Perry and Sean Houston
Weather: Cloudy and 73 degrees
