UMKC, Sporting KC a winning partnership
UMKC Night at Sporting Park Sunday was a blast, as Kansas City’s university and Kansas City’s professional soccer team joined forces.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City and Sporting Kansas City are celebrating the third year of a winning partnership, “It’s all about the goals.”
The festivities began with live entertainment, food and friendship on the Sprint Plaza. ‘Roos of all ages stopped at the tent to reminisce about their time at the university, express pride as a student and to get information about UMKC events and classes.
UMKC alumni and friends enjoyed a tailgate prior to the game, and mascot Kasey Roo posed for pictures at the UMKC Athletics tent. As a young girl hugged Kasey, she proudly told him, “My mom goes there.”
Hundreds of UMKC alumni, staff, faculty, students and friends cheered Chancellor Leo Morton and UMKC Alumni Association President Raymond Cattaneo (MD ’03) during the on-field coin toss. They then settled back to watch Sporting KC take on the Seattle Sounders FC. And in true Sporting KC style, fireworks, heart thumping music and a thrilling video got the packed stadium roaring. As the match quickly moved to halftime, Kasey entertained the audience on the pitch.
The Sounders scored in the 32nd minute. And in the 79th minute, Dom Dwyer scored a goal five minutes after entering the match. Sporting KC and the Seattle Sounders FC tied 1-1. Sporting Park welcomed 19,496 people on Sunday, marking the 68th consecutive MLS sellout. With the draw, Sporting KC remains in fifth place in the Western Conference.