Game Notes: Swope Park Rangers at Phoenix Rising FC - April 23, 2017

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USL RECORD: 3-0-0 9pts

USL RECORD: 1-2-0 3pts

MATCH INFO

COMPETITION: Swope Park Rangers vs. Sacramento Republic FC DATE: Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 KICKOFF: 9:00 PM CT LOCATION: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex REFEREE: Luis Guardia ARS: Alicia Messer and Anthony Bersano FOURTH OFFICIAL: Mario Coss STREAM: Game to be streamed live on SportingKC.com

MATCH PREVIEW Team Notes vs. Phoenix Rising FC: Swope Park Rangers are 0-0-1 all time to Phoenix Rising, playing to a draw in the only contest against each other at Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona.

Last Meeting : The Swope Park Rangers played to a 1-1 draw with Phoenix Rising last July at Peoria Sports Complex. Phoenix had a first half goal from a penalty after Mark Anthony Gonzalez was adjudged to have fouled Uchenna Uzo in the area following a corner. SPR earned a penalty of their own just moments later, when Tyrpak attempted to flick a ball through traffic and Uzo was whistled for handling the ball.

OUT: • None

INJURY REPORT

2017 USL SCHEDULE Sat., March 25 OKC Energy FC W 3-1 Wed., March 29 Portland Timbers 2 W 1-0 Sat., April 15 Sacramento Republic FC W 1-0 Sun., April 23 Phoenix Rising FC 9:00 Sat., April 28 Real Monarchs SLC 5:00 Fri., May 5 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 7:30 Sat., May 13 Rio Grande Valley FC 7:30 Fri., May 26 San Antonio FC 7:30 Sat., June 3 San Antonio FC 7:30 Sun., June 11 Tulsa Roughnecks FC 4:00 Sun., June 18 Phoneix Rising FC 4:00 Wed., June 21 Colo. Springs Switchbacks 7:30 Tues., June 27 Tulsa Roughnecks FC 7:30 Fri., June 30 LA Galaxy II 9:30 Sat., July 8 Rio Grande Valley FC 7:30 Wed., July 12 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 2:00 Sun., July 16 Portland Timbers 2 4:00 Thurs., July 20 Seattle Sounders FC 2 9:30 Sun. July 30 Reno 1868 FC 4:00 Sat., Aug. 5 Saint Louis FC 7:30 Sat., Aug. 12 Orange County SC 7:30 Fri., Aug. 18 Real Monarchs SLC 7:30 Wed., Aug. 23 Sacramento Republic FC 10:00 Sat., Aug. 26 Reno 1868 FC 9:30 Sat., Sept. 2 OKC Energy FC 7:30 Sat., Sept. 9 Orange County SC 9:00 Sun., Sept. 17 San Antonio FC 4:00 Sat. Sept. 23 Colo. Springs Switchbacks 7:00 Wed., Sept. 27 LA Galaxy II 7:30 Sat., Sept. 30 Rio Grande Valley FC 7:30 Sun., Oct. 8 OKC Energy FC 7:30 Wed., Oct. 11 Seattle Sounders FC 2 7:30

Children's Mercy Victory Field Children's Mercy Victory Field Children's Mercy Victory Field Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex Rio Tinto Stadium Children's Mercy Victory Field H-E-B Park Children's Mercy Victory Field Toyota Field Children's Mercy Victory Field Children's Mercy Victory Field Children's Mercy Victory Field ONEOK Field StubHub Center Children's Mercy Victory Field McLeod Athletic Park Providence Park Starfire Stadium Children’s Mercy Victory Field WWT Soccer Park Children’s Mercy Victory Field Children’s Mercy Victory Field Bonney Field Greater Nevada Field Children’s Mercy Victory Field Orange County Great Park Children’s Mercy Victory Field Weidner Field Children’s Mercy Victory Field H-E-B Park Taft Stadium Children’s Mercy Victory Field

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

HEAD COACH Nikola Popovic was named Swope Park Rangers head coach ahead of the 2017 season after serving as an assistant in the club’s inaugural campaign in 2016. Popovic arrived in Kansas City following a stint as an assistant coach with Benfica B in Portugal. A dual citizen of Portugal and Serbia who was born in Belgrade, Popovic began his coaching career in Portugal with CD Olivais e Moscavide in the Segunda Division, initially with an internship in the 2005-06 season where the side won the title and gained promotion to the Segunda Liga, before being hired as an assistant for the following season. After leaving CD Olivais e Moscavide at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season, Popovic headed to FC Vihren Sandanski in the Bulgarian A Football Group as an assistant but returned to Portugal later that same year with Segunda Liga side Varzim SC, where he won the Liga Intercalar. In 2010, the 43-year-old enjoyed a stint as an assistant coach with the Cape Verde National Team, before joining Spanish Segunda Division B side AD Ceuta. Popovic’s next stop was with Al Dahfra in the United Arab Emirates for the 2011-12 season, where he was an assistant to Baltemar Brito – Jose Mourinho’s former assistant coach – winning the Vice President Cup. Popovic earned his first head coaching job the following season, taking charge of Sertanense FC in the Portuguese Second Division. Popovic then joined Qatar’s Aspire Academy in 2014, before returning to Portugal and Benfica B in 2015.

ASSISTANT COACH Paulo Nagamura is entering his first season of coaching with the Swope Park Rangers, having announced his retirement from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2016 MLS season with Sporting Kansas City. Nagamura, 33, enjoyed a 12-year MLS career that saw him win two MLS Cup championships and three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles. He made 269 appearances in MLS, including 240 starts, recording 15 goals and 21 assists. In five seasons with Sporting Kansas City, Nagamura tallied seven goals and eight assists in 119 appearances across all competitions. He played a vital role in some of Sporting Kansas City’s biggest moments in club history, converting penalty kicks in shootouts of the 2012 and 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups as well as the 2013 MLS Cup. A native of Brazil, Nagamura began his youth career with hometown club Sao Paulo FC in 1994 before moving to Arsenal FC of the English Premier League in 2001. He signed for the LA Galaxy in 2005, where he won the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in his first professional season at the senior level.

GOALKEEPER COACH Gavin McInerney is entering his first season with the Swope Park Rangers, having joined the club from fellow USL side the Rochester Rhinos ahead of the 2017 season. McInerney served as an assistant and goalkeeper coach for the Rhinos in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Last season, McInerney oversaw Rochester’s starting goalkeeper Tomas Gomez, who posted the lowest goals against average in the league with 0.55 – earning him the USL Golden Glove award. The 32-year-old was a key member of the Rhinos’ coaching staff as the side claimed the USL Regular-Season Championship and the USL Cup in 2015, setting a league record by conceding just 15 goals in 28 regular-season games and only losing one game all season. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, McInerney moved to the U.S. to play college soccer at the University of Memphis in 2004 before returning to Ireland after the 2005 NCAA season to sign a professional contract with St. Patrick’s Athletic FC of the League of Ireland. A move to fellow top-flight side Bray Wanderers followed in 2008 before returning to the U.S. in 2009.

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

NEWS AND NOTES

BALLIN’ BELMAR New SPR forward Kharlton Belmar has recorded two goals in the first two games of the season. Belmar scored his first goal for the Rangers on his debut against OKC Energy FC, making his mark in the 42nd minute when he pulled the Rangers level at 1-1 with a first-time finish from eight yards out.

In the second match of the season, Kharlton Belmar was once again on the scoresheet, this time striking the game-winner against his former side Portland Timbers 2. Coming into the third match of the season against Sac Republic in the 59th minute, he made an immediate impact as Gonzalez’s game winning goal came from Belmar’s hard shot that was saved and directed to Gonzalez’s head.

NATIONAL TEAM TRIO Defender Amer Didic and forward Mark Anthony Gonzalez were both absent from the Swope Park Rangers roster for the first two matches, having been called in to the Canada Under-23 National Team for a tournament in Qatar. However, the duo returned to Kansas City following the 1-0 win over Timbers 2 on March 29. The Canada U-23s topped Uzbekistan 1-0 and Qatar 2-0 with Didic playing the full 90 minutes in each match on his debut for the age group. Gonzalez suffered a minor injury on the second day of training and was forced to sit out as Didic manned the back line and helped Canada win the tournament without conceding a goal. This was Didic and Gonzalez first-ever inclusions in a Canada youth national team.

The Rangers signed the 2015 USL Rookie of the Year in December after he spent the last two seasons in the USL with T2. Belmar was drafted 34th overall by the Portland Timbers in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft before signing with the club’s USL side ahead of their inaugural season.

Swope Park Rangers midfielder and Sporting KC Academy graduate Felipe Hernandez is also recently returned from international duty as he was called in to the U.S. Under-20 National Team for a weeklong camp from April 3-10 in London, England. The inclusion marks Hernandez’s first with the U.S. U-20s as the side continues preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in May. Hernandez has been a staple of the U-19 National Team since August 2016, taking part in two training camps.

DOMINANT DIDIC

HOUSE OF CARDS

Swope Park Rangers center back Amer Didic has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 4 after guiding the Rangers’ backline to a shutout win over USL power Sacramento Republic FC last Saturday.

The 22-year-old made four tackles, five interceptions and completed an astonishing 13 clearances – eight more than anyone else on the field – as Sacramento piled the pressure on late in the game in search of an equalizer. He also completed 93.4 percent of his 91 passes out of the back. Didic was named to the USL Team of the Week a league-high six times in 2016.

Didic was also a finalist for USL Defender of the Year in 2016 and was named to the USL All-League First Team. He was also the first Rangers player to earn a call-up to play with Sporting Kansas City, appearing in three CONCACAF Champions League games last fall.

In the teams’ last meeting, the referee doled out seven cautions and two ejections total in the game as the Rangers saw out the 1-1 draw and extended their unbeaten streak to three games. SPR recorded 4 yellow cards and one 1 card while Arizona recorded 3 yellow cards and 1 red card.

Arizona were reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute when Matheus Silva struck Dia in the face off the ball, sparking a team-wide confrontation between both sides. In the aftermath, SPR substitute Ayrton was also sent off.

SPR is in a similar boat this year as they are looking again to extend their unbeaten streak, this time to four games.

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

NEWS AND NOTES

THE STREAK CONTINUES The Swope Park Rangers will take aim at a piece of USL history this Sunday night when they look for an eighth consecutive regular-season victory dating back to last season. An eighth straight victory would become the third longest streak in USL history, as SPR is currently tied with Orlando City SC, the Rochester Rhinos and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in third place:

#GOALS

Most Consecutive Home Wins in USL (incl. playoffs)

Mark Anthony Gonzalez recorded his first goal of the season in the 1-0 victory over Sacramento Republic F.C. last Saturday. Gonzalez, the team’s leading scorer in 2016, scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute of his season debut. Gonzalez, who scored 12 goals in his rookie season in 2016, provided the game’s pivotal moment in the on a play made possible by fellow forward Kharlton Belmar. After scoring in each of the team’s first two games, Belmar was looking for a third and tested Sacramento goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek with a well-struck shot from a tight angle. The ensuing rebound fell invitingly for Gonzalez to head home at the top of the six-yard box. Gonzalez enjoyed a standout rookie season with the Swope Park Rangers was named Swope Park Rangers Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.

13 games: Orlando (2014) 11 games: Rochester (2015-16) 7 games: SPR (2016-present) Orlando (2013), Rochester (2014-15), Colorado Springs (2015)

OLIVEIRA GETTING CLOSE

IMPRESSIVE DEFENDING

Swope Park Rangers midfielder Kevin Oliveira is nearing full fitness after spending the last nine months on the sidelines after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on June 24, 2016 ahead of a game in Seattle. Up to that point, Oliveira led the league with four assists in 13 games, and had recently been named USL Player of the Week after a one-goal and three-assists performance against Rio Grande Valley FC at Swope Soccer Village on June 8, 2016.

The Swope Park Rangers back line is looking to extend their shut-out streak to 3 as they recorded a second straight shutout in the 1-0 victory over Sac Republic. James Musa earned USL Team of the Week Honors for week 3 after a solid performance, recording eight clearances and four interceptions, as the Rangers took a 1-0 win against Portland Timbers 2. A week later Didic earned USL Team of the Week Honors after he made four tackles, five interceptions and completed an astonishing 13 clearances – eight more than anyone else on the field.

Last Saturday, Oliveira saw his first competitive action since that injury in SPR’s 1-0 win against Sacramento, and coming on as a second-half substitute made a satisfactory return to the lineup, completing 12-of-14 passes as he looked to reacclimate to live action. Despite not playing for the second half of the 2016 season, Oliveira was still selected as the #2 player in the USL’s 20-Under-20 list where the league ranks the top Under-20 talent in USL,

In 2016, the Rangers went 14-10-6 in their inaugural season, posting a dominant 10-4-1 record at home for 31 of their 48 total points in the regular season.

In the USL Cup Playoffs, SPR won all three of their games at Children’s Mercy Victory Field against LA Galaxy II, Orange County SC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 to become just the second expansion side to reach the USL Cup Final in their inaugural season.

Phoenix’s Rooney will be a test to this back line as his last outing was one of the history books. The scorer of both goals in Rising FC’s 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II, Rooney became the first goal scorer in the first win of the club’s new era. Rooney pulled together a strong all-around performance in addition to his two goals, completing 83 percent of his 40 passes and recording two successful dribbles.

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

NANSEL SELBOL 31 PRONUNCIATION: NAHN-­sul POSITION: Forward BORN: 5/31/97 (19 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­4 WEIGHT: 140 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Jos, Nigeria BIRTHPLACE: Jos, Nigeria COLLEGE: ­­-LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA)

CHRISTIAN DUKE

32

PRONUNCIATION: ­­-POSITION: Defender BORN: 6/5/91 (25 years old) HEIGHT: 5­-8 WEIGHT: 160 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, Kan. BIRTHPLACE: Overland Park, Kan. COLLEGE: University of San Diego LAST CLUB: OKC Energy FC (USL)

Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

Last Game: Started and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

2017: Has made 2 appearances, inlcluding one start , recording one assist in 1-0 win over Portland Timbers 2.

2017: Has made 3 appearances, including starts while also tallying his first assist of the season against OKC.

2016 : Made 22 appearances in the regular season including six starts, scoring one goal and adding one assist.

2016 : Made 30 appearances in the regular season, starting 29, and added two goals and an assist

JOE AMICO 33 PRONUNCIATION: uh-MEE-co POSITION: Defender BORN: 4/17/95 (21 years old) HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Indianapolis, Ind. BIRTHPLACE: Indianapolis, Ind. COLLEGE: J­­ acksonville University LAST CLUB: --

JAMES MUSA 41 PRONUNCIATION: MOO-suh POSITION: Defender/Midfielder BORN: 4/1/92 (24 years old) HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 170 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Plymouth, United Kingdom BIRTHPLACE: Plymouth, United Kingdom COLLEGE: ­­-LAST CLUB: Saint Louis FC

Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

Last Game: Started and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

College : Amico spent his freshman season at the University of Central Florida, making 15 appearances in the 2013 season before transferring to Jacksonville University. He then made 50 appearances in three seasons with the Dolphins, including 43 starts, adding a goal and an assist from the backline

2017: Has made two appearances, including two starts and named to USL Team of the Week for Week 2 2016 : Played in 27 games for Saint Louis FC, adding three goals and three assists.

He placed second on the team in minutes played with 2,366 and led the team with

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

LEBO MOLOTO 42 PRONUNCIATION: muh-LOE-toe POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 5/21/90 (26 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­11 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Polokwane, South Africa BIRTHPLACE: Polokwane, South Africa COLLEGE: L­­ indsey Wilson College LAST CLUB: Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL)

ROBERT MIROSAVIC 43 PRONUNCIATION: mirro-SAV-itch POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 2/6/95 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­8 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Ängelholm, Sweden BIRTHPLACE: Ängelholm, Sweden COLLEGE: ­­-LAST CLUB: Högaborgs BK (Sweden)

Last Game: Was an unused substitue in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

Last Game: Started and played the first 59 minutes before being replaced by Belmar.

2017: Appeared in first two games recording one start vs Timbers 2

2017: Has appeared in 1 game, including 1 start, playing 59 minutes.

2016 : Played in 27 games for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, recording one goal and one assist. Scored the opening goal in Pittsburgh’s first win of the season – a 2-1 win over Toronto FC II .

After scoring 49 goals in 45 games for the club’s youth sides, Mirosavic spent time on trial at Arsenal in 2011 before joining Portuguese side Benfica in 2012 amid interest from Real Madrid

PARKER MAHER 44

MARK ANTHONY GONZALEZ

PRONUNCIATION: Marr POSITION: Defender/Midfielder BORN: 7/12/93 (23 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­11 WEIGHT: 170 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Joplin, Missouri BIRTHPLACE: Fort Smith, Ark. COLLEGE: M ­­ issouri State University LAST CLUB: Saint Louis FC (USL) Last Game: Played the final 20 minutes after replacing Tyler Pasher in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C. 2017: Has appeared in first two games earning first start with Rangers against OKC in their season opener, while also tallying his first assist of the season.

2016 : Made 22 appearances for Saint Louis FC before suffering a groin injury in a 1-1 draw with SPR on Aug. 3 and missed the remainder of the season.

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PRONUNCIATION: -­­ POSITION: Forward BORN: 9/9/94 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 155 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Bolton, Ontario BIRTHPLACE: Toronto, Ontario COLLEGE: University of Evansville LAST CLUB: --­­ Last Game: Started and played the full 90 minutes recording his first goal of the season in the 70th minute in 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C. 2017: Has appeared in 1 game, including 1 start, recording 1 goal.

2016 : Enjoyed a standout rookie season with the Swope Park Rangers, making 27 regular-season appearances, including 16 starts, and tallying a team-best nine goals and four assists Gonzalez was named Swope Park Rangers Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

WILL LITTLE 49 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 4/9/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­7 WEIGHT: 135 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Johnson City, Tenn.

BIRTHPLACE: Johnson City, Tenn.

COLLEGE: ­­-LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA)

LEROY ENZUGUSI 50

Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

PRONUNCIATION: EN-zuh-GOO-see POSITION: Forward BORN: 6/13/99 (17 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­10 WEIGHT: 155 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Marion, Iowa BIRTHPLACE: Nairobi, Kenya COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

2016 : Made eight appearances in the regular season, all as a substitute, totaling 92 minutes

2016 : Joined the Sporting KC Academy in August 2016 and has plundered home nine goals in 12 games for the Under-18s in his first Development Academy

Made his debut for the Rangers against San Antonio FC on his 18th birthday on April 9, 2016.

He was previously named the 2016 Gatorade High School Player of the Year for Iowa and is a former member of the Iowa Olympic Development Program.

AMER DIDIC 55 PRONUNCIATION: UH-meer JIH-ditch POSITION: Defender BORN: 12/28/94 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 6-­4 WEIGHT: 195 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Edmonton, Alberta BIRTHPLACE: Zenica, Bosnia COLLEGE: B­­ aker University LAST CLUB: -Last Game: Started and played the full 90 minutes in 1-0 win over Sacramento Repiblic F.C. 2016 : Made 28 appearances in the regular season, including 21 starts, in his rookie season. Scored one goal, coming in the regular-season finale against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

EZRA ARMSTRONG 56 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Defender BORN: 12/15/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­8 WEIGHT: 155 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Nashville, Tenn.

BIRTHPLACE: Gastonia, N.C. COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C. 2016 : Signed with the Swope Park Rangers as an Academy signing on March 10

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

DAKOTA BARNATHAN 58 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Defender/Midfielder BORN: 11/9/94 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Massapequa, N.Y. BIRTHPLACE: Massapequa, N.Y. COLLEGE: V­­ irginia Commonwealth University LAST CLUB: -Last Game: Was an unused substitue in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

PATRICK WILKINSON 60 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Defender BORN: 5/19/99 (17 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­11 WEIGHT: 145 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, Kan. BIRTHPLACE: Overland Park, Kan. COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

2017: Appeared in first two games, earning a start against OKC in the season opener College: Made 80 appearances at VCU, tallying nine goals and eight assists for the Rams. He captained the side during his junior and senior seasons, helping guide the Rams to the A-10 Conference Championship match in 2015 and 2016

LOUIS BENNETT II

63

2016 : Signed by the Swope Park Rangers as an Academy signing on Aug. 18. Wilkinson made his debut for the club on Aug. 21 in the 1-1 draw with Saint Louis FC

LIAM DOYLE 66

PRONUNCIATION: LOO-ee POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 5/19/95 (21 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­4 WEIGHT: 140 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Shorewood, Wis. BIRTHPLACE: Shorewood, Wis. COLLEGE: M ­­ arquette University LAST CLUB: Anorthosis Famagusta FC (Cyprus) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Defender BORN: 7/1/92 (24 years old) HEIGHT: 6-­4 WEIGHT: 200 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Isle of Man, United Kingdom BIRTHPLACE: Isle of Man, United Kingdom COLLEGE: O­­ hio State University LAST CLUB: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

2016 : Signed his first professional contract in August 2016 with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta FC. He spent six months with the team but did not make an appearance.

2016 : Made 28 appearances for the Harrisburg City Islanders, recording one assist in his rookie season. He was selected 67th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by DC United but did not sign with the club after spending preseason with the team

Bennett has previously trained with FC Cologne in Germany and AIK Stockholm in

International: Doyle has represented the Isle of Man four times since making his

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

DARRIN MACLEOD 70 PRONUNCIATION: muh-CLOUD POSITION: GK BORN: 3/4/94 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 180 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Waterloo, Ontario BIRTHPLACE: Waterloo, Ontario COLLEGE: D­­ rake University LAST CLUB: --

DAVID GRECZEK 71 PRONUNCIATION: GREH-check POSITION: GK BORN: 10/29/94 (22 years old) HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Fairfield, N.J. BIRTHPLACE: Fairfield, N.J. COLLEGE: R­­ utgers University LAST CLUB: --

Last Game: Was an unused substitue in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

Last Game: Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

College: MacLeod attended Drake University and left the program as the all-time leader in saves (308), shutouts (19), wins (33) and games played (76) He was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on four occasions throughout his college career

College: Greczek was a walk on at Rutgers University and ended his four-year tenure as the all-time program leader in saves with 372 across 75 games Greczek was a member of the New York Red Bulls Academy and spent two weeks

WAN KUZAIN WAN KAMAL

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PRONUNCIATION: COO-zane KUH-mahl POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 9/14/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­10 WEIGHT: 160 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Carbondale, Ill. BIRTHPLACE: Carbondale, Ill. COLLEGE: ­­-LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Was an unused substitue in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

MAX RUGOVA 79 PRONUNCIATION: ruh-GO-vuh POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 2/17/00 (17 years old) HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, Kan. BIRTHPLACE: Overland Park, Kan. COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

2017: Has made 2 appearances including 2 starts, playing 165 minutes.

2016 : Signed by the Swope Park Rangers as an Academy signing on Aug. 18. Wan Kamal was included on the gameday roster against Saint Louis FC on Aug. 21 but did not make an appearance

SKC Academy: Rugova joined the Academy ahead of the 2013-14 season and has played for both the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups. Rugova had 14 goals in 27 games while splitting time between the two teams in the 2015-16 season

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

OUMAR BALLO 81 PRONUNCIATION: OH-mar BAHL-oh POSITION: Defender BORN: 4/2/91 (25 years old) HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Md. BIRTHPLACE: Bamako, Mali COLLEGE: U­­ niv. of Maryland - Baltimore County LAST CLUB: Houston Dynamo (MLS) Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

FELIPE HERNANDEZ 85 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 6/8/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­7 WEIGHT: 135 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Nashville, Tenn.

BIRTHPLACE: Ibague, Colombia COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA) Last Game: Started and played the full first half before being replaced by Oliveira.

2017: Has appeared in 3 games including 3 starts playing 191 minutes.

2017: Has appeared in 1 game playing 15 minutes 2016 : Made 21 regular season appearances for the Swope Park Rangers, recording one assist – coming on Mark Anthony Gonzalez’s first professional goal against Portland Timbers 2

KEVIN OLIVEIRA 88 PRONUNCIATION: OLL-EE-vay-rah POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 6/8/96 (20 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­7 WEIGHT: 145 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Sao Vincente, Cape Verde BIRTHPLACE: Sao Vincente, Cape Verde COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: Benfica (Portugal) Last Game: Made season debut after coming back from a nine month recovery from a torn ACL. Played the full second half after replacing Hernandez, recording first yellow card.

International: A constant in the U.S. Under-19 National Team, Hernandez was recently called in to the U.S. Under-20 National Team for a camp in London, England.

KHARLTON BELMAR 90 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Forward BORN: 12/1/92 (24 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­11 WEIGHT: 160 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, Va. BIRTHPLACE: Virginia Beach, Va. COLLEGE: V­­ irginia Commonwealth University LAST CLUB: Portland Timbers 2 (USL) Last Game: Played the final 31 minutes replacing Mirosavic in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C. 2017: Has made 3 appearances, including two starts and recording 2 goals.

2016 : Made 13 appearances, including 12 starts, in the regular season before having his season cut short with an ACL injury in late June. Posted three goals and four assists – which led the league at the time of his injury

2016 : Played in 25 games for Portland Timbers 2, adding three goals and placed second on the team with three assists. Came off the bench in the season opener against the Swope Park Rangers to record an assist.

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

STEVEN TEKESKY 98 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: GK BORN: 1/20/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­9 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Raymore, Mo. BIRTHPLACE: San Bernadino, Calif.

COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA)

CHASE BROMSTEDT 99 PRONUNCIATION: -POSITION: Midfielder BORN: 5/26/98 (18 years old) HEIGHT: 5-­9 WEIGHT: 130 lbs.

HOMETOWN: Parkville, Mo. BIRTHPLACE: Sioux City, Iowa COLLEGE: -­­ LAST CLUB: SKC Academy (USSDA)

Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

Last Game: Was unavailable for selection in the 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic F.C.

SKC Academy: Tekesky joined the Sporting KC Academy in 2010 and advanced through the age groups to the Under-18s. In the 2015-16 Development Academy season, Tekesky made 16 starts, posting six shutouts and recording a 1.29 goals against average

SKC Academy: Bromstedt joined the Sporting KC Academy ahead of the 2010-11 season, advancing through the age groups to the Under-18s. In the 2016-17 season, Bromstedt has started 13 of the side’s 14 games, adding two goals from the midfield

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

SWOPE PARK RANGERS 2017 PRONUNCIATION GUIDE # PLAYER POS. 31 Nansel Selbol F 32 Christian Duke D/M 33 Joe Amico D 41 James Musa D/M 42 Lebo Moloto M 43 Robert Mirosavic M 44 Parker Maher D/M 47 Mark Anthony Gonzalez F 49 Will Little M 50 Leroy Enzugusi F 55 Amer Didic D 56 Ezra Armstrong D 58 Dakota Barnathan D/M 60 Patrick Wilkinson D 63 Louis Bennett II M 66 Liam Doyle D 70 Darrin MacLeod GK 71 David Greczek GK 75 Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal M 79 Max Rugova M 81 Oumar Ballo D 85 Felipe Hernandez M 88 Kevin Oliveira M 90 Kharlton Belmar F 98 Steven Tekesky GK 99 Chase Bromstedt M

BIRTHPLACE Jos, Nigeria Overland Park, Kan. Indianapolis, Ind. Plymouth, UK Polokwane, South Africa ร ngelholm, Sweden Fort Smith, Ark. Toronto, Ontario Johnson City, Tenn.

Nairobi, Kenya Zenica, Bosnia Gastonia, N.C. Massapequa, N.Y. Overland Park, Kan. Shorewood, Wis, Douglas, Isle of Man, UK Waterloo, Ontario Fairfield, N.J. Carbondale, Ill. Overland Park, Kan. Bamako, Mali Ibague, Colombia Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Virginia Beach, Va. San Bernadino, Calif.

Sioux City, Iowa

LAST CLUB SKC Academy OKC Energy FC -- Saint Louis FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds Hรถgaborgs BK Saint Louis FC -- SKC Academy SKC Academy -- SKC Academy -- SKC Academy Anorthosis Famagusta FC Harrisburg City Islanders - -- SKC Academy SKC Academy Houston Dynamo SKC Academy Benfica Portland Timbers 2 SKC Academy

SKC Academy

PRONUNCIATION NAHN-sul -uh-MEE-co MOO-suh muh-LOE-toe mirro-SAV-itch Marr --EN-zuh-GOO-see UH-meer JEE-ditch -BAR-nuh-thun -LOO-ee -muh-CLOUD GREH-check COO-zane KUH-mahl ruh-GO-vuh OH-mar BAHL-oh -OLL-EE-vay-rah ----

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

SWOPE PARK RANGERS 2017 PLAYER STATS PLAYER GP GS MIN G A Joe Amico Ezra Armstrong Oumar Ballo 1 0 15 Dakota Barnathan 2 1 135 Kharlton Belmar 3 2 207 2 Louis Bennett Latif Blessing 1 1 90 1 Chase Bromstedt Amer Didic 1 1 90 Liam Doyle Christian Duke 3 3 270 1 Kevin Ellis 1 1 90 Leroy Enzugusi Mark Anthony Gonzalez 1 1 90 1 Felipe Hernandez 3 3 191 Will Little Parker Maher 3 1 134 1 Robert Mirosavic 1 1 59 Lebo Moloto 2 1 95 James Musa 2 2 180 Kevin Oliveira 1 45 Max Rugova 1 29 Daniel Salloi 1 1 90 1 1 Nansel Selbol 2 1 94 1 Colton Storm 3 3 270 Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal 2 2 165 Patrick Wilkinson

Swope Park Rangers www.sportingkc.com/rangers

SWOPE PARK RANGERS 2017 GOALKEEPER STATS PLAYER GP GS MINUTES GA GAA SO SAV David Greczek Darrin MacLeod Steven Tekesky Adrian Zendejas 2 2 180 1 .5 1 8