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Latif Blessing

VIDEO: Latif Blessing nets debut goal in American third tier

Ghanaian youngster Latif Blessing scored his first competitive goal since moving to the United States for Swope Park Rangers as they thrashed Energy FC 3-1 on Saturday at the Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Swope Soccer Village.

Blessing, 20, is originally a player of Sporting Kansas City but turned out on-loan for their affiliate team Swope Park Rangers in the lower-tier United Soccer League.

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.

Energy scored first in the 23rd minute through Coady Andrews but Rangers responded through Belmar, who would not be denied in the 42nd minute, pulling Rangers level at 1-1 with a first-time finish from eight yards out.

The Rangers carried the momentum into the second half and took a 2-1 lead as a pair of forwards on loan from Sporting Kansas City combined for the go-ahead goal. Salloi picked off a pass from Michael Daly and then put a perfectly-placed pass into the path of Blessing for the clinical game-winner.

Daniel Salloi, who scored in the Rangers’ season opener a year ago, once again put himself on the scoresheet in the 71st minute. 

Club captain and fellow Academy product Christian Duke split the OKC Energy FC backline with a well-weighted through ball that Salloi slotted confidently past Cody Laurendi for the 3-1 result.

Blessing in an interview after the game said he was delighted to have netted on his debut and was looking forward to more opportunities to learn.

He said: "It felt great to get the goal, especially in my first time playing in Kansas City. I'm so happy. This game gave me more time to play and more experience. The coaches are teaching me to how to play the game and learn faster".

Watch Latif Blessing's strike below;

 

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