Recap: Rangers Embarrassed by Loudoun United [Highlights]

The “streak” is at an end. Sporting Kansas City’s USL club the Swope Park Rangers had gone three games without losing including two back-to-back wins. That streak is over. Three Sporting KC players featured for SPR (Wan Kuzain, Felipe Hernandez and Jaylin Lindsey) with another riding the pine for 90 minutes (Tyler Freeman).

The Rangers were also without center back Rennico Clarke again as he continues to recover from an injury. He joined Brooks Thompson and Camilo Benitez on the injury report.

This game also marked the debut of Luis Olivera, the former River Plate (Argentina) left back. He had a very up and down game. He looked good going forward but had some suspect moments in defense. It should be said, the ref called him for two fouls that were very questionable where he got between the attacker and the ball and the attacker barreled through him only for him to be called for the foul. Twice. Unfortunately the first free kick led to the Loudoun United (D.C. United) opener.

Olivera got some redemption when he sent a picture perfect ball over the top to Mark Segbers who was playing left wing (quite well despite my reservations when the lineup came out). Segbers rounded the keeper only to be pulled down earning a PK. No assist for Olivera but Wilson Harris continued his scoring streak as he made it four goals in the last three games when he converted the penalty.

However, it wouldn’t be enough. Max Trejo, who made his second start in net for SPR, didn’t improve on his first performance as he again allowed four goals. Two starts. Eight goals. Eek. That’ll probably be the last time we see him in an SPR uniform in 2019. Maybe he’ll grown a foot before we see him in 2020.

The first one he let in on the free kick he slipped a bit, but it was the side of the net he was supposed to cover. The second is not really his fault but on the third he spilled a free kick which led to a tap in. The final goal was on a PK after Harris picked up a foul in the box.

Late in the game both teams saw red as Ethan Vanacore-Decker, who was just subbed on, was on the end of first a Griffin Yow foul (that was cynical and deserved yellow) before having Theodore Ku-Dipietro blast the ball into his head while he was down.

Decker took exception and got up and shoved Ku-Dipietro and his hands were a bit high (upper chest to neck area... watch the highlights and you be the judge). That was the 90th minute though, so no real impact other than they’ll miss the next game, but both of them weren’t starters.

The game ended 4-1 in favor of the home side. For a brief set of highlights, check that out below.

The Rangers will be back in action on Monday against the Birmingham Legion on ESPN+. The game is at 7:00 PM CT and is back at home in the cavernous Children’s Mercy Park. There are just five games to go in the USL Championship season.

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