St Louis CITY2 secured a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday night at Energizer Park, extending their unbeaten streak to twelve matches. The match ended in a draw after regulation time, with both teams scoring twice.
Miguel Perez opened the scoring for CITY2 in first half stoppage time, marking his sixth goal of the season. Emil Jääskeläinen provided the assist. Colorado Rapids 2 responded in the second half with goals from James Cameron and Billo Diop, taking a 2-1 lead. Mykhi Joyner equalized for CITY2 in the 81st minute by converting a penalty kick.
Following regulation, the game was decided by penalties. Christian Olivares made a key save for CITY2, and Brendan McSorley scored the winning penalty to secure two extra points for St Louis.
With this result, CITY2 remains at the top of the MLS NEXT Pro overall standings with 48 points. The team will play North Texas SC next Saturday at Choctaw Stadium.
Postgame notes indicate that Mykhi Joyner now has thirteen goals this season—eight from penalty kicks—and is second in league scoring. Emil Jääskeläinen recorded his sixth assist of the year. St Louis won its regular season series against Colorado Rapids 2 and continues to lead the league standings.
The match saw several cautions issued: Vincent Rinaldi (COL), Gabriel Mikina (STL), Josh Belluz (COL), Stevie Flores (COL), Zack Campagnolo (COL), Emil Jääskeläinen (STL), and Wan Kuzain (STL).
St Louis CITY2’s lineup included Christian Olivares in goal; defenders Conrad Wallem, Gabriel Mikina, Cam Cilley, Joey Zalinsky; midfielders Chris Durkin, Tyson Pearce, Brendan McSorley, Miguel Perez, Jay Reid; and forward Emil Jääskeläinen. Substitutes used were Henry Kessler, Wan Kuzain, Caden Glover, Seth Antwi, and Mykhi Joyner.
Colorado Rapids 2 started Zack Campagnolo as goalkeeper; defenders Charlie Harper, Vincent Rinaldi, Josh Belluz; midfielders Nikola Djordjevic, Anderson Rosa, Malik Pinto, Noah Strellnauer, Stevie Flores; forwards James Cameron and Rogelio Garcia. Substitutes used included Billo Diop, Landon Strohmeyer, Pedro Venegas and Matthew Senanou.
Both teams had six corner kicks each and committed fifteen fouls apiece during rainy conditions at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Kyle Johnston served as referee.
