Swope Park Rangers forward Kris Tyrpak has been added to Sporting Kansas City’s Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League roster ahead of tomorrow’s matchup with Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Children’s Mercy Park.
Tyrpak joins fellow SPR members Amer Didic, Tyler Pasher and Ualefi on Sporting KC’s CCL roster. Didic has played every minute at center back in the opening two games at Central FC and Vancouver, while Ualefi made his Sporting KC debut as a substitute in the clash with the Whitecaps on Aug. 23.
The 24-year-old Tyrpak has scored five goals in the Rangers’ inaugural season – placing him second on the team in that category – and has also recorded one assist. On Saturday, Tyrpak scored a goal of the season contender with a stunning strike that found the top corner in the 32nd minute of the 3-0 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, while the goal has been nominated for USL Goal of the Week.
Tyrpak was drafted by Chivas USA in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, recording a goal and an assist as a rookie before the club ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2014 season. His goal against the Colorado Rapids on Oct. 11, 2014 was nominated for MLS Goal of the Week.
The Dripping Springs, Texas native was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the Dispersal Draft before latching on to hometown team the Austin Aztex for the 2015 USL season. He scored nine goals and added two assists for the Aztex before joining NASL club the San Antonio Scorpions on loan, adding two goals in six appearances – including a strike against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers that was named NASL Play of the Week.
Sporting Kansas City enters tomorrow's must-win showdown with the Whitecaps trailing their opponents by five points in Group C, knowing anything but a win will eliminate the side from the Champions League. Kickoff from Children's Mercy Park is set for 7 p.m. CT with a live stream on CONCACAF's official Facebook page and a tape-delayed Spanish telecast on Univision Deportes Network airing at 1 a.m. CT Wednesday morning. Tickets for the game can be secured at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL as Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver square off in North America's premier club tournament.
