After earning their first point of the season with a come-from-behind draw last weekend, St Louis CITY2 (0-1-1, 1 point) heads west for a clash with cross-state rival Sporting Kansas City II (1-1-0,3 3 points) on Sunday, March 31. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. CT, with the match streaming on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Sunday’s match will be the sixth all-time meeting between the two teams, with CITY2 currently boasting an unblemished 2-0-3 record against their cross-state foes. Last season, CITY2 and SKC II played to two draws, and the home team in each of the two matchups earned the additional point in penalty shootout.
Against North Texas SC last weekend, CITY2 fell behind just before halftime after the visitors punched in a goal in the 42nd minute. St Louis, however, returned the favor in the second half, as defender Jayden Reid whipped in a cross to defender Kyle Hiebert who headed in the equalizer in the 82nd minute. It was Reid’s second assist in as many matches, adding to his team-lead in that category.
Following the 1-1 draw, North Texas emerged with the extra point after winning the ensuing penalty shootout 9-8.
The come-from-behind draw serves as the latest example of CITY2’s prowess at recovering points from a losing position. Last season, the team earned points after trailing six different times for 14 points, including three comeback victories.
Through the first two Matchweeks of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, CITY2 sits second in the league in shots (38) and tied for second in shots on target (15). Midfielder John Klein and forward Brendan McSorley are tied for the team lead in shots on goal with four apiece.
Sporting Kansas City II comes into the match after falling 3-1 to Ventura County FC last weekend. Forward Pau Vidal has been a force off the bench for SKC II thus far this season, subbing on in the second half and scoring a goal in each of the team’s first two matches.
