Across three 60 minute scrimmages against FC Tucson, Sporting Kansas City prevailed a combined total of 9-0 as they continued their preparation for February's Concacaf Champions League debut.
SKC did the most damage in the first scrimmage of the day, where they fielded what looked to be their first-choice lineup in a 6-0 win. Krisztian Nemeth started at the No. 9 spot and bagged two goals, while new arrival Kelyn Rowe also bagged a pair.
The rest of Sporting's goals came in the second 60-minute period, which ended 3-0 in favor of the MLS side. One of Nemeth's competitors for the No. 9 spot, Erik Hurtado scored, as did teenage prodigy Gianluca Busio. The third 60-minute scrimmage ended scoreless.
Scrimmage No. 1 scorers
- 21' – Kelyn Rowe
- 23' – Graham Zusi
- 40' – Krisztian Nemeth
- 44' – Johnny Russell
- 52' – Krisztian Nemeth
- 54' – Kelyn Rowe
Scrimmage No. 2 scorers
- 12' – Yohan Croizet
- 16' – Gianluca Busio
- 27' – Erik Hurtado
Scrimmage No. 3 scorers
- None
Below are the three lineups that SKC used in each period, with Andreu Fontas partnering Matt Besler in defense as well as Rowe and Rodney Wallace playing with most of last season's first XI in the first scrimmage. Nemeth got the nod up front in the first scrimmage, with Hurtado at center forward in the second 60 minutes.
Scrimmage No. 1 lineup
Scrimmage No. 2 lineup
Scrimmage No. 3 lineup
Sporting KC kick off their 2019 campaign on Feb. 21 in the Concacaf Champions League against Toluca.
