Swope Park Rangers and Los Angeles II played out a goalless draw in MLS Next Pro on Monday, 14 September, in the group stage. The match ended 0:0, a result that keeps both sides on track for their respective positions in the standings. Los Angeles II remain third with 42 points after 26 games, while Swope Park Rangers sit sixth with 26 points from the same number of outings.
There were no goals on the board, but the match did see its share of incidents. M. Rodriguez picked up a yellow card in the 36th minute, and M. Ozar was booked shortly after in the 41st minute. The game remained tight throughout, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Substitutions came thick and fast in the second half. At the interval, Los Angeles II made three changes: M. Ozar, A. Cunningham, and T. Burns all left the pitch. Swope Park Rangers brought on D. Russo in the 54th minute, followed by S. Donovan in the 77th minute and D. Guerra in the 85th minute. T. Mihalic and T. Ikoba were also replaced, though the timing of those changes wasn't recorded.
The result does little to shift the table dynamics. Los Angeles II hold a 16-point cushion over Swope Park Rangers, and both sides continue their campaigns without the benefit of a draw. For the visitors, the point extends a pattern of mixed results in recent outings, including a 1:1 draw with Los Angeles Galaxy II and a 2:3 defeat to San Jose Earthquakes II.
Swope Park Rangers, meanwhile, remain winless in the group stage with six victories and 20 defeats from 26 matches. Their recent form has been difficult: losses to St. Louis City II, Vancouver Whitecaps II, and Tacoma Defiance, along with a narrow defeat to Los Angeles II earlier in September.
There was nothing to separate the sides on the day, and the points were shared. Both teams will look to build on this result as the group stage continues, though for now the table remains unchanged.
