Sporting Kansas City II's 2024 Preseason presented by Central Bank continued on Saturday with a friendly in Wichita, KS against former foes FC Tulsa out of the USL Championship. Head coach Benny Feilhaber's squad drew 1-1 with the Oklahoma club, pulling even just three minutes after falling behind in the 15th.
As the group builds up to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season, which kicks off on March 17, Feilhaber rolled out a starting XI featuring three first team loanees, one trialist, one Sporting KC Academy player and six MLS NEXT Pro contracted players. Ryan Schewe started in net with Kayden Pierre, Kortne Ford, Chris Rindov and Jonathan Robinson on the back four. Jacob Bartlett manned the six with Jake Swallen and Ethan Bryant playing in front of him. The front three was comprised of Maouloune Goumballe, Beto Avila and Sebastian Cruz.
Tulsa snatched the lead in the 15th minute after both teams grew into the match in the first sixth of the match. Just three minutes later in the 18th, Avila connected with Goumballe for the leveler and the final score of the friendly.
Halftime came with the score remaining tied. A handful of subs entered at the break including trialists Damarre Montoute, Mason Visconti and Medgy Alexandre. Academy player Cielo Tschantret was joined by Danny Flores and Pau Vidal. Midway through the second, Johann Ortiz, Haris Alsiah and Nati Clarke entered for Bryant, Ford and Pierre before Roberto Hategan swapped on for Avila.
The final whistle came with both sides hanging onto their one goal. The draw gives SKC II their second straight result in the preseason after the team dispatched UMKC 5-2 a week prior. Next up, Sporting KC II will wrap up the preseason with a pair of friendlies at Swope Soccer Village against Rockhurst University and Central Methodist University. Check @SportingKCII on Twitter for updates throughout both of the contests.
Sporting KC II Lineups
First Half: Ryan Schewe; Kayden Pierre, Kortne Ford, Chris Rindov, Jonathan Robinson; Jacob Bartlett, Jake Swallen, Ethan Bryant; Maouloume Goumballe, Beto Avila, Sebastian Cruz
Second Half: Ryan Schewe (Jacob Molinaro 65'); Kayden Pierre (Nati Clarke 60'), Kortne Ford (Haris Alsiah 60'), Damarre Montoute, Mason Visconti; Cielo Tschantret, Danny Flores, Ethan Bryant (Johann Ortiz 60'); Beto Avila (Roberto Hategan 70'), Pau Vidal, Medy Alexandre
