Sporting KC II won its third consecutive game following a 2-1 win over Earthquakes II at PayPal Park Friday evening.
The visitors now moved up to fifth in the Western Conference with the win, while the home side fell to eighth.
After a scoreless first half, both teams managed to net three goals in the second half. The first two came in a two-minute span for Sporting KC II.
Defender Esai Easley opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a looping header over the goalkeeper after a set-piece cross from midfielder Kian Alberto.
Not satisfied with a 1-0 lead, forward Guy Michaeli doubled the advantage two minutes later with a header at point-blank, which marked his first goal of the season.
Not to go out without a fight, Quakes II cut the visitors’ lead in half in the 67th minute courtesy of a goal from forward Rudolfo Castro, which marked his second goal in two matches.
The home side hunted for the equalizer that would take the game into a shootout, but the Sporting KC II backline held firm despite the Earthquakes II finishing the match with 18 shots and 67% of the possession.
The Story: Esai Easley, a rock for the Sporting KC II backline
Don’t look now, but Sporting KC II now has won three straight games after defeating Earthquakes II. Most will create the frontline, but the real key so far has been defender Esai Easley.
The 21-year-old won man of the match honors for his stellar performance against the Earthquakes II. The home side was held to one goal after scoring seven last week against Colorado Rapids 2.
Easley played a massive role in halting the opposition's red-hot offense and he also scored the opening goal of the match, essentially doing it all for Sporting KC II.
The Hawaii native was signed by SKCII this year after he was drafted 22nd overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
He began his career at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona where he played for four years. He tallied two goals and four assists as he led the Antelopes to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Western Athletic Conference titles.
The future looks bright for the defender as he looks for a call-up to the MLS.
