Recap: Sporting KC II ends preseason with 5-0 win over Rockhurst

Sporting Kansas City II concluded their 2021 preseason with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Rockhurst University in a 120-minute scrimmage on Saturday afternoon at Swope Soccer Village. Forward Ropapa Mensah notched his second hat trick of the week, while Jahon Rad and Enoch Mushagalusa also etched their names on the scoresheet.

After scoring a second-half treble in Wednesday's 8-0 friendly win over Baker University, Mensah nodded Sporting KC II ahead after just four minutes on Saturday. Bailey Sparks' out-swinging corner kick was cushioned back across the face of goal by leaping center back Danny Barbir, allowing an unmarked Mensah to head home from point-blank range.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 59th minute. Mushagalusa did well to power his way along the right endline, and although his initial effort from a tight angle was blocked, Rad was on hand to plunder home the rebound and make the score 2-0. Sporting KC II added a third eight minutes later when David Panka embarked on a mazy run into the box and won his side a penalty kick. Mensah made no mistake on the ensuing spot kick, expertly finishing into the top left corner.

Mensah completed his second hat trick in four days with 75 minutes on the clock, rounding out Sporting KC II's best attack of the day. A clever Sparks through ball set Mushagalusa free down the right channel and an unselfish square pass allowed the in-form striker to bag his third goal of the match.

Mushagalusa tallied a deserved goal of his own in the 90th minute, rising above the rest in a crowded penalty area to snap a header into the left corner off a cross from Nicholas Pendleton.

With a successful preseason campaign in the books, Sporting Kansas City II will now turn its full attention to next Saturday's USL Championship opener against Central Division rivals FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field. The contest will kick off at 7 p.m. CT and stream live on ESPN Plus.

Sporting Kansas City II vs. Rockhurst University
April 24, 2021 – Swope Soccer Village (Kansas City, Missouri)
Sporting Kansas City II 5, Rockhurst University 0

Scoring Summary:
SKC – Ropapa Mensah (Danny Barbir) 4'
SKC – Jahon Rad (unassisted) 59'
SKC – Ropapa Mensah (penalty kick) 67'
SKC – Ropapa Mensah (Enoch Mushagalusa) 75'
SKC – Enoch Mushagalusa (Nicholas Pendleton) 90'

Sporting Kansas City II Lineup
Gavin Krenecki* (Max Trejo* 75'); Michael Lenis* (Jeremy Sharp* 91'), Matt Constant* (Aljaz Dzankic 75'), Danny Barbir (Dylan Hooper 75'), Christian Duke (Nati Clarke* 75'); Jayvin Van Deventer* (Petar Cuic 91'), Bailey Sparks* (Nicholas Pendleton* 75'), Jahon Rad (Daniel Gutierrez* 75'); Enoch Mushagalusa (Edward Mendy* 91'), Ropapa Mensah (Dominik Resetar 75'), David Panka (Rojay Smith^ 75')

 Sporting KC Academy player
* Unsigned MLS SuperDraft Pick
^ Trialist

Sporting KC II Preseason Results