Next Game:
Sporting KC Unified vs Minnesota United FC Unified
July 22 - 10 AM @ Swope Soccer Village (6310 Lewis Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132)
Free Entrance! Come cheer on the home team 💠
Sporting KC’s Unified team hit the road for its first game of the season against St. Louis City Unified. A rivalry game doubleheader preceded the first team’s game, but it was just as action-packed.
The action started bright and early for Sporting’s Unified Team. The players and staff met at the Special Olympics Missouri offices, where the team was greeted by goodies from Unified Team partner UMB. Players and staff were provided with snacks, beverages, ponchos, and mini fans, all the fuel needed for their trip to St. Louis.
You’d think the early morning call time (5 AM) would mean the energy would be muted on the bus, but that wasn’t an issue with Sporting’s team. Conversation, laughter, and a nap here and there were the soundtrack to the trip.
Once the team arrived at St. Louis, it was all business. In his second year as Unified Head Coach, Phil Gomez went through the game plan one last time in the locker room before taking the pitch for the first game of the season. The game wouldn’t be easy, the temperature was hot, and the humidity was worse, but the team pushed through despite the conditions.
The first goal came early in the game as Piper Hinson slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. The team cheered as they opened up the scoresheet for the season. Hinson’s goal soon opened up the game. St. Louis had an incredible keeper on hand who made it difficult for Sporting, but Sporting’s number nine, Luis Picazo, was determined. Picazo slotted the second goal, leaving Sporting with a 2-0 lead after the first quarter.
In the game, number 13, Ithan Rodriguez went in for an incredible slide clearance, unfortunately the athlete landed hard on the turf and had to sub out for the game. The team rallied behind him and went on to play the game with their teammate in mind, looking for the win.
Unfortunately for the squad, the weather only worsened, and lightning in the area forced a rain delay for over an hour.
Rain and lightning could not stop the competitive spirit, and Sporting’s Unified team began debating life’s important questions. Which fast food fires are the best? Best Zoo animal? And of course, the best appetizer. After McDonald’s fires, big cats and mozzarella sticks were crowned king, the team continued on with a game of heads up. The laughter filled City’s facilities, and the team continued to wait out the rain, thankfully fueled by their snack pack provided by UMB.
Once the team got the all-clear to go back to the game, the team played two more 15-minute quarters to finish out the night. Picazo got his brace early in the third quarter, followed shortly by Robbie Fehr’s goal, which amped up the bench, and the team ran onto the pitch to celebrate. St. Louis was able to get one past Tyler Robonei on goal, who was a brick wall between the sticks. The cherry on top was a final goal from three-year veteran Gentry Scheid, who gave Sporting the 5-1 win over St. Louis Unified in their first derby game.
Now Sporting shifts its attention to its game against Minnesota United FC’s Unified team for another double header on Wednesday, July 22. The team will play at 10 AM at Swope Soccer Village. Admission is free for all; come cheer on Sporting KC Unified for the second and final game of their season.
