The Swope Park Rangers went on their first road trip of the season heading down to Oklahoma for the first of four meetings between them and the Tulsa Roughnecks. Without Jimmy Medranda who had been recalled by the first team for their game against Real Salt Lake, the Rangers were still able to take care of business and pull out a 2-1 win over the Roughnecks to continue their perfect start.
The Rangers were able to grab an early goal through the USL's all time leading scorer, Dane Kelly. Kelly received a ball from Kevin Oliveira at the top of the box, and immediately made a cut to the outside, turned and fired a shot that caught goalkeeper Alex Mangels a bit by surprise as it flew past him and into the upper 90 of the near post to put the Rangers on top. The Rangers almost added to their lead in the 34th but Oliveira's shot from close range was cleared off the line.
In the second half the Rangers were able to hold off the Roughnecks attack from leveling things. In the mean time the Rangers weren't able to extend their lead either. At least not early. Finally in stoppage time the Rangers found their insurance goal. Off a quick throw-in Nansel Salbol let the ball bounce across his body before firing a shot that again caught Mangels by surprise and sneaked past him low at his near post. Like last week against the Timbers the Rangers needed that second goal as later in stoppage time the Roughnecks got a ball over the top that played Taylor Morgan in behind Christian Duke. Morgan fired a shot that beat Jon Kempin to the far post and made the final few minutes of stoppage time much more intense for the Rangers. The Rangers will continue to play on the road next week when they'll travel to San Antonio to take on fellow expansion side, San Antonio FC.
No comments:
Post a Comment