Kenyan midfielder makes debut in the US

Kenyan midfielder Philip Mayaka was finally handed his maiden appearance for Colorado Springs as they whitewashed 10-man Sporting Kansas City II 0-4 in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.

Mayaka was snapped up by Colorado Rapids as the third overall pick in the Major Soccer League (MLS) Super Draft back in January.

The 20-year-old was however shipped out on loan for the rest of the season to Springs who are also known as Switchbacks FC, which acts as a feeder team to Rapids.

The former St. Anthony's Kitale skipper started on the bench for Springs as they had a perfect start to the game with Dewing Austin opening the scoring in the seventh minute.

Barry Hadji won a penalty in the 28th minute after being brought down by the keeper as he tried to round him and stepped up to take the penalty which he converted to make it 0-2.

Discipline costed Kansas City as they conceded another penalty in the 36th minute with Congolese midfielder Michee Ngalina stepping up to convert the spot-kick.

Kansas City were reduced to 10 men six minutes before the interval after Mathew Constant elbowed Ngalina with Hadji also booked for shoving Constant after the foul.

Springs finally made their man advantage count in the 64th minute with Ngalina turning provider for Hadji who bagged his brace.

Mayaka was introduced in the 74th minute for Zachary Zandi but Kansas City did some damage limitation to finish the game 0-4.