Sporting Kansas City II is trending in the right direction in recent months, with several key young players putting in strong performances.
Alenis Vargas shined Sunday night, scoring a hat trick in a 6-1 win over Timbers2. Vargas scored two goals in the first half, then completed the hat trick eight minutes into the second half.
The 19-year-old continues to impress in his first season with Sporting KC II. He scored his first goal for the club on July 2, in a 7-1 win over Whitecaps FC 2, and added another goal on July 30 before Sunday's hat trick.
An emphatic finish to score from a precision cross from Lucas Rosa brought Sporting KC II its first goal of the match. Vargas' diving finish sent the ball powerfully into the roof of the net.
Vargas made no mistake on his next clear-cut opportunity, as he sent the ball into the bottom left corner after latching onto a long ball forward.
Vargas stepped up to the penalty spot in the 53rd minute to complete the hat trick. He sent his shot into the left side.
Vargas joined Sporting Kansas City on loan from Costa Rica's Futbol Consultants Desemparados on April 3. He has played 852 minutes across 16 appearances in his first MLS NEXT Pro season. Vargas raised his season total to five goals and five assists.
Sporting KC II coach Benny Feilhaber was named Coach of the Month by MLS NEXT Pro in June and July after several key performances from players such as Vargas and academy standout Nati Clarke.
