KANSAS CITY, MO – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 turned to a young debutant, 16-year-old goalkeeper Sam Rogers, for a courageous effort in a 3-2 away loss against Sporting Kansas City II at Children's Mercy Field in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday night.
In his professional debut, Rogers made an outstanding penalty kick save against Missael Rodríguez. However, SKC II scored late in stoppage time to claim their first victory of 2026.
Rogers was sharp early on. A long through ball led onrushing SKC II midfielder Carter Derksen to break the offside trap and sprint ahead for a one-on-one duel. From 15 yards out, Derksen cracked a low attempt on target that the young goalkeeper bravely steered out of danger.
At the half-hour, a Cristiano Bruletti corner kick was punched out by SKC II goalkeeper Jacob Molinaro. The ball fell to WFC2 midfielder Sahil Deo, but his 15-yard effort was blocked by Sporting defender Pierre Lurot.
Daniel Ittycheria also came close for the young 'Caps, as he bolted down the left wing, and left his marker in the dust. From a sharp angle, Ittycheria unleashed a powerful drive that stung Molinaro’s palms.
After play resumed, WFC2 would find the opener three minutes later. A towering Carson Rassak corner kick looped to the back post, where Liam Mackenzie nodded home his fifth goal of the season, giving the 'Caps the 1-0 lead.
Rassak collected an assist from his corner. Last week, the academy product was named the MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday for his two-assist performance in a 2-1 win over Tacoma Defiance.
WFC2 almost doubled the lead as a point-blank header from Trevor Wright sent Molinaro skyward for the acrobatic denial.
At the hour mark, Rogers was put to the ultimate test. After SKC’s Lurot was dragged down in the WFC2 area, referee Drew Klemp pointed to the spot for a penalty kick. Missael Rodríguez stepped up to drill low to the near post, but Rogers leapt heroically to his left to stop his first-ever professional spot kick.
With 20 minutes left, Rodríguez made amends with a sprint down the right wing. He dribbled past defenders to cooly slot finish into the top corner for the equalizer.
Once again, the young ’Caps relied on a set piece for glory. Bruletti’s corner deflected to Prince Amponsah, who was denied before Wright cashed in for a 2-1 WFC2 lead. It marked the second consecutive match with a goal for Wright.
However, SKC II substitute Zamir Loyo Reynaga beat Rogers in the 89th minute to tie the match at 2-2. In the dying moments, Derksen set up Kashan Hines for the gamewinner in stoppage time.
Next up, the young ’Caps return home to Swangard to take on Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, April 26 at 4 p.m. PT.
For every home match this season, WFC2 tickets are only $10 each. Tickets can be purchased through Universe. Also, season ticket members can receive free admission. Access the complimentary WFC2 tickets by using your account number as the access key at checkout.
Youth who are 18 and under get in free.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Drew Klemp
Scoring Summary
48’ – VAN – Liam Mackenzie (Carson Rassak)
71’ – SKC – Missael Rodríguez (Carter Derksen, Pierre Lurot)
73’ – VAN – Trevor Wright (Prince Amponsah)
89’ – SKC – Zamir Loyo Reynaga (Daniel Russo, Missael Rodríguez)
90’+7 – SKC – Kashan Hines (Carter Derksen)
Cautions
29’ – VAN – Carson Rassak
30’ – SKC – Gael Quintero
36’ – VAN – Cristiano Bruletti
76’ – SKC – Carter Derksen
90’+1 – VAN – Liam Mackenzie
90’+8 – SKC – Kashan Hines
Statistics
Possession: SKC 51% – VAN 49%
Shots: SKC 18 – VAN 18
Shots on Goal: SKC 6 – VAN 8
Saves: SKC 6 – VAN 3
Fouls: SKC 10 – VAN 14
Offsides: SKC 2 – VAN 0
Corners: SKC 8 – VAN 10
Sporting Kansas City II
91.Jacob Molinaro, 72.Zane Wantland (34.Daniel Russo 62’), 60.Nate Young, 41.Pierre Lurot, 87.Jack Francka; 48.Blaine Mabie (75.Zamir Loyo Reynaga 69’), 97.Carter Derksen, 44.Gael Quintero (70.Ty Haas 70’); 88.Shane Donovan, 37.Tega Ikoba (77.Kashan Hines 62’), 96.Missael Rodríguez
Substitutes not used
67.Kael Taylor, 40.Tomiwa Adewumi, 49.Troy Lor, 76.Johann Ortiz, 80.Makhi Francis
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
60.Sam Rogers; 53.Immanuel Mathe (64.Tyler Brown 90’), 43.Trevor Wright ©, 54.Prince Amponsah, 48.Micaah Garnette; 46.Cristiano Bruletti, 61.Carson Rassak (68.Yuma Tsuji 69’); 66.Sahil Deo (45.Yeider Zuluaga 69’), 97.Liam Mackenzie, 44.Daniel Ittycheria; 47.Marko Popović (62.Rufus Sewell 62’)
Substitutes not used
50.Isaac Francoeur, 51.Kevin Podgorni
