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Poised Rangers Snare Second Victory

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 03/29/17, 10:30PM EDT

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Belmar nets another goal as Swope Park edges T2 for 1-0 win


Photo courtesy of Swope Park Rangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The season is young, but the Swope Park Rangers lay claim as the first USL side to garner a second victory for the 2017 season with a 1-0 win against the Portland Timbers 2 in Western Conference action Wednesday at Children’s Mercy Victory Field. Former Timbers 2 striker and 2015 USL Rookie of the Year Kharlton Belmar had an early 15th-minute goal and it proved to be enough for the Rangers (2-0-0, 6 points). The Timbers 2 fell to 0-2-0 (0 points) and once again relied on some strong goalkeeping from Kendall McIntosh to keep things close. Dating back to last season, the Rangers have now won seven consecutive matches at home. Wednesday’s match also was the second regular-season USL game that incorporated the availability of Video Assistant Referee technology.

Scoring:
15’ – SPR – Kharlton Belmar (Nansel Selbol)

Three Things That Mattered:

  • 1. Nigerian footballer Nansel Selbol certainly set the tone for a number of Swope Park’s early scoring chances, including the opening goal by Kharlton Belmar. The 19-year-old Selbol provided a perfect rolling ball from the right side toward the top of the six-yard area to connect with Belmar for the 15th-minute goal – Belmar’s second goal in as many games and his first against his former Timbers 2 side. Belmar spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons in Portland. Selbol’s offensive contributions certainly were not reflective in the final score against T2. Portland goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh, who earned honorable mention in the USL Team of the Week voting this past week for his efforts during a 2-1 loss against Real Monarchs SLC, was once again a massive presence as he denied Selbol a couple times in one-on-one situations.

  • 2. Defender Erik Palmer-Brown, who captained the U.S. U20s to the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship, started and played the first 45 minutes for the Rangers before he was subbed out to start the second half, replaced by Dakota Barnathan. Palmer-Brown had several massive deflections during the first half, whether it was in one-on-one situations or disrupting Portland’s buildup. Between Palmer-Brown and goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas’ pinpoint awareness and clutch saves, the Rangers certainly prevented T2 on a number of occasions from finding an equalizer. The Rangers’ defense in the second half dodged a few moments, particularly in the 62nd minute when T2’s Neco Brett had a moment at close range. The slick conditions, however effected Brett’s left plant foot and he couldn’t line up his right-footed shot at the goal. Another key moment was during a 67th-minute corner kick opportunity as Portland’s effort was denied by a Felipe Hernandez goal-line clearance.

  • 3. Wednesday’s match included the utilization of Video Associated Referee technology in the second of 25 regular-season games in which the USL, Major League Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) are further enhancing the officiating accuracy in the sport. The next VAR match occurs on April 25 when Seattle Sounders FC 2 hosts San Antonio FC (10:30 p.m. ET).

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Nansel Selbol, Swope Park Rangers –
Selbol assisted Kharlton Belmar’s first-half tally and if not for T2 goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh, could have easily contributed a goal or two during an active offensive effort.

Upcoming Games:
Swope Park Rangers
vs. Sacramento Republic FC – April 15, 8 p.m. ET, Children’s Mercy Victory Field
Portland Timbers 2 at Seattle Sounders FC 2 – April 2, 5 p.m. ET, Starfire Stadium

 

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