USLSoccer.com Staff Report
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – The Swope Park Rangers made a big first impression as they claimed a 3-1 win against Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids at the Desert Diamond Cup on Wednesday night. Alberto Sanchez and Will Little scored second-half goals for the Rangers to lead the side to victory.
Former Austin Aztex forward Kris Tyrpak gave the Rangers the lead in the opening minute, as a pass from Christian Duke found Dane Kelly down the left flank. Kelly took on his man, and then centered for Tyrpak to finish first time into the bottom-right corner.
- WATCH: Swope Park Rangers vs. Colorado Rapids
Colorado evened the score before the break as former Charlotte Independence loanee Dominique Badji got on the end of a free kick by Dillon Powers in the 19th minute to make it 1-1. The Rangers regained the lead just past the hour-mark, though, when Academy standout Little delivered a cross that was flicked home by a back-heel finish from Sanchez.
Little added a goal of his own in the final minute when he found space 25 yards from goal and rifled a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net.
Swope Park will next take on fellow USL club Arizona United SC on Saturday night.