Kansas City, Missouri (October 9, 2016)- In quite the dramatic fashion, Swope Park Rangers have advanced to the USL Western Conference Final thanks to a 2-1 win vs. Orange County Blues FC. Swope seemed doomed as they went down to nine men after Tommy Meyer and Ever Alvarado saw red late in the second half. At the end of the first half of Extra Time, Dane Kelly unleashed a shot that seemed to befuddle Blues keeper Joshua Cohen. The Zoo, Swope’s supporter’s section erupted as the ball nestled in the back of the net as Swope Park Rangers regained the lead for the final time. They advance to the Western Conference Finals against Vancouver Whitecaps II.
USL Playoffs: Nine-Man Swope Park Pull Off Miracle Win
The game started out as expected, with Swope Park being the agressor. While OC Blues got the first shot of the game, Swope seemed to be settling in just around then. In the 26th minute, Mark Anthony Gonzalez gave Swope Park the lead. The ball ricocheted around the 18 before falling to Gonzalez at the edge of the six yard box. He slotted home underneath Cohen for his 12th goal of the season. After Alvarado was sent off for what was deemed a serious foul, Max Rauhofer put the ball in the back of the net for his first of the year. There were no more goals before Extra Time, but Tommy Meyer was sent off for violent conduct.
At first glance, it was a confusing play. In looking at replays, it was clear Meyer stepped on Akwafei Ajeakwa with intent. He was shown a straight red-card thanks to help from the assistant referee. On his way off he shoulder-checked the AR, and will most likely see an extra game added to his sentence. Despite being down to nine men, Swope Park Rangers still created more chances than the OC Blues in extra time. With the keeper well off his line, Dane Kelly took advantage of Cohen. His shot from long range dipped and swerved, throwing off the OC keeper. When asked by Fountain City Soccer if he had ever scored a bigger goal in his life, he simply answered, “No.”
A Look Ahead
Swope Park Rangers will take on Vancouver Whitecaps II on Saturday, October 15th at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri. The match kicks off at 7:30pm local time.
