Sporting Kansas City II midfielder Ethan Bryant and his skillful headed goal have been nominated for MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchday 25 after the 22-year-old finish helped Sporting KC II surpass LA Galaxy II 5-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park and punch their ticket to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. Bryant's first of two goals on the night is SKC II's sixth Goal of the Matchday nominee in 2023 with Lucas Rosa claiming two titles for Matchday Four and Matchday 24.
The Texas native's corner kick scoring goal will face off against Crown Legacy FC's Iuri Tavares, St. Louis CITY2's Faysl Bettache and Orlando City B's Moises Tablante in a poll on X over the next 24 hours to determine this week's winner.
With SKC II already out in front 2-0 over Galaxy II, Josh Coan set Bryant up with a corner kick played to the corner of the six. The midfielder generated space, leapt into the air and flicked the ball into the far side of the net in an unreachable spot for the keeper. Coan and Bryant combined once more in the match for the fourth goal as Sporting KC II cruised to a 5-1 triumph on the road.
Bryant, in his first year with Sporting KC II, has emerged as an offensive weapon. His seven goals rank second on the team and he has added three assists as well. He made two appearances with the Sporting Kansas City first team in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, making his debut against Tulsa Athletic on April 25 and appearing against the Houston Dynamo on May 10.
The youngster's career began when he was just 16 years old when he debuted for San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. He was named USL League One Player of the Year last year for his three goal, five assist campaign with the Richmond Kickers. He has started 15 of 23 appearances in the midfield and been one of the most potent attackers on the team, contributing 10 goals, the fourth most on the team.
Sporting KC II and Bryant will then return home to take on Chicago Fire II in the club's penultimate regular season home match and the return to Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village. Tickets are on sale for just $10 at SeatGeek.com and kids under 12 will still receive free admission. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT and the match can also be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
