The Swope Park Rangers kicked off the 2017 season with a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over regional rival OKC Energy FC on Saturday at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Swope Soccer Village. After going a goal down in the first half, the Rangers rallied with goals from Kharlton Belmar, Latif Blessing and Daniel Salloi for a sixth straight home win dating back to last season.
The Rangers – playing without the team’s 2016 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year due to international call-ups for Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Amer Didic -- started the match on the front foot and threatened in the game’s seventh minute as two players making their professional debuts combined on the right side.