Sporting Kansas City II defender Lucas Rosa's rocket of a match-leveler in Sporting KC II's 2-1 win at Austin FC II on Friday has been named MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchday 24. Rosa's goal vanquished Tacoma Defiance's Frank Daroma, Crown Legacy FC's Joao Pedro and New England Revolution II's Joshua Bolma in a Twitter poll, earning the defender his second Goal of the Matchday Crown this season.
The Goal of Matchday 24 helped propel SKC II to a thrilling, comeback victory over Austin FC II, handing the Black and Verde second team just their second home loss of 2023.
After conceding just three minutes into the second half, SKC II found themselves down to one of MLS NEXT Pro's most stout defenses on the road. Needing an offensive spark, first-team loanee Cam Duke went for a run in the 58th, splitting two defenders before finding fellow Homegrown Felipe Hernandez just inside the 18. SKC II's all-time leader in assists teed the ball up for Rosa at the top of the box and the Brazillian unleashed a one-time missle past the keeper and into the back of the net. The visitors would go on to score just four minutes later and held on to take all three points.
Rosa has become Mr. Consistnet for SKC II in his rookie campaign, featuring in every single match, the only player on the team to do so. He leads all Sporting KC II defenders in goals and assists with three each and paces the entire team in starts, appearances and minutes played. The University of Pittsburgh alum also celebrated his birthday on Friday, kicking off his 26th year in glorious fashion.
SKC II will wrap up a two-match road trip on Sunday at LA Galaxy II at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CT and the contest will be aired on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Sporting KC II will be looking to punch their postseason ticket on Sunday with a win and some favorable results elsewhere around the league. Head coach Benny Feilhaber's squad will then return to Swope Soccer Village for a match with Chicago Fire II at Children's Mercy Victory Field the following Sunday with tickets on sale now at SeatGeek.com.
