MNUFC2 vs. Sporting KC II

National Sports Center | Blaine, MN

09.17.2023 | MLS NEXT Pro | Game No. 27

5:00 p.m. CT (AppleTV - MLS Season Pass)

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With two games left on their schedule and holding the last spot in the Western Conference standings, the Twos face a formidable challenge this Sunday in the form of Sporting Kansas City II. Sitting in the fourth spot in the conference standings, Sporting KC II has already faced the Twosies back in August, when a late goal from KCII forward Alenis Vargas would end up being the game-winner in the 1-0 win by KC II at Rock Chalk Park. Now, the Twos get a chance to take on KC II at the National Sports Center in Blaine, which should give the boys a boost as they fight for their playoff lives.

Following another clutch performance in which he made four big saves and converted on his own attempt in the shootout win over Austin FC II, goalkeeper Fred Emmings will play a big role if the Twos are to get a positive result against SKC II. Especially if this match ends up mirroring the low-scoring affair back in August, Emmings will have little room for error in keeping KC II out of the net. On the other hand, there’s hope that the three-headed scoring monster of Kameron Lacey, Diogo Pacheco, and Emmanuel Iwe can present some clear and present danger to the KC II defenders. 

One thing that may play into the Twosies’ hands would be the status of SKC II’s Alenis Vargas. In last week’s match against Chicago Fire II, the talented young forward was forced out of the match early with a hamstring injury. While his availability is still unknown, if Vargas misses the match or is in any way limited, it could be a boost to the MNUFC2 defenders as they try to protect the penalty box, not to mention their spot in the standings. 

If you want to catch the Twosies in their penultimate match of the regular season schedule, get your tickets and head out to the National Sports Center in Blaine this Sunday at 5 p.m. or stream the match remotely on AppleTV’s MLS Season Pass,