Sporting Kansas City was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 32 after a 3-0 defeat to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field, according to an April 15 announcement.
The result means Sporting will not advance further in this year’s national tournament. The match saw head coach Raphael Wicky make three changes to his lineup, starting Jansen Miller, Jake Davis and Capita Capemba for the club’s cup opener.
Colorado Springs took control early, with Juan Tejada scoring in the 11th minute following an assist by Sadam Masereka. Masereka added a second goal for the hosts in the 31st minute after taking advantage of a defensive mistake on Sporting’s left side. Sporting had chances early in the second half through Davis and substitute Taylor Calheira but failed to convert them into goals.
The game became more difficult for Sporting when Shapi Suleymanov received a straight red card in the 78th minute after an altercation that followed a challenge by Aidan Rocha. Colorado Springs sealed their victory with Khori Bennett scoring their third goal in the 84th minute following another defensive error by Sporting Kansas City.
Attendance at Weidner Field was reported as 1,902, with weather conditions described as partly cloudy and temperatures at 56 degrees. The referee for the match was Corbyn May.
Sporting Kansas City will continue its road trip this week as they return to Major League Soccer action against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Friday night.
