On the evening of March 14, Sporting Kansas City II will host their inaugural home game of the 2025 season at Children’s Mercy Victory Field against St. Louis CITY2. The match is set to kick off at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV App. Tickets are available for an affordable $10 through SeatGeek.com, with all seating offered as General Admission.
Coach Istvan Urbanyi, in his first year leading SKC II, aims to replicate the success from their previous encounter with CITY2, which saw a decisive 3-1 victory for Kansas City last July. This triumph was largely due to a pivotal goal scored by midfielder Cielo Tschantret during stoppage time in the first half, earning him a nomination for Goal of the Matchday.
A New Era Under Coach Urbanyi's Leadership
Under the guidance of rookie head coach Istvan Urbanyi, Sporting KC II looks to build upon past successes while integrating young talent into their lineup. The team demonstrated promising potential in their opening fixture, showcasing Academy-affiliated players alongside seasoned veterans. With an emphasis on developing local talent, SKC II has positioned itself as a formidable contender within the league.
During their initial game of the season, SKC II featured seven Academy-affiliated athletes under the leadership of captain Cielo Tschantret. Notable performances came from Jack Kortkamp and Ian James, who completed the full match after signing professional contracts ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign. Additionally, Shane Donovan marked his debut as a true professional, having previously participated in amateur matches throughout 2024. Rookie Beckham Uderitz also contributed significantly by scoring the team's first goal of the season, assisted by Stephen Afrifa, thus marking the latter's first assist in MLS NEXT Pro.
Facing Strong Competition from St. Louis CITY2
The upcoming contest presents a challenging test for SKC II as they face a revitalized St. Louis CITY2 squad led by new head coach David Critchley. Following an impressive start to their season, CITY2 currently tops the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings, making this matchup highly anticipated among fans and analysts alike.
St. Louis CITY2 opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over North Texas SC, securing them recognition as the MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 1. Their strong performance underscores the stiff competition that SKC II must overcome. Key returnees like Maouloune Goumballe and Medgy Alexandre, along with second-year player Nati Clarke, will play crucial roles in bolstering SKC II's defense and midfield strategies. After the Friday night clash, Sporting KC II will shift focus towards the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where they aim to continue their momentum against Des Moines Menace. Fans can secure tickets for all home fixtures, including Open Cup matches, via SeatGeek.com.