KANSAS CITY – Former Missouri State men's soccer standout Parker Maher (2011-14) was in uniform Wednesday evening (June 28), representing Sporting KC in the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup.
 
Maher was one of three USL affiliate signings brought on board for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by the MLS Sporting KC club.
 
Maher signed for the Swope Park Rangers of the USL ahead of the 2017 campaign after spending his first two USL seasons with Saint Louis FC. The left back has played in 11 matches for the Rangers and is tied for the team lead with two assists.
 
The Joplin, Mo., native started every game for the Bears his senior season (2014) and led the MVC regular-season champions in minutes played. In 2014, Maher tallied a career high three assists and earned All-MVCS second team honors. Maher has also been named to the MVC All-Tournament team in back-to-back seasons. Maher was an All-North/Central Region Academic first team member in 2014, after being named to the second team in 2013.
 
After the 2-0 win over Houston on Wednesday, Sporting Kansas City now advances to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, where the club will host reigning tournament champions FC Dallas at 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at Children's Mercy Park.