Photo by Ricky Varwig, Rhubarb City Supporters
By Ricky Varwig
The Sounders U23’s downed Bellingham United 1-0 in their first exhibition match of 2016 on Friday. The away victory at Civic Stadium was hailed as an unexpected one by many.
A match that featured early season nerves started slow with the Sounders holding majority possession, but few converted chances by both teams.
In the last quarter of the match the play began to open up. Following an uptick in pressure from the U23’s, the Sounders took the lead for good when a punched clearance from Hammers substitute goalkeeper Tyler Vistin landed at the feet of Adam Jones. Jones scored the winner into the far corner from about 20 yards out.
This result is viewed as a considerable upset given the U23’s are comprised mainly of local trialists this early in the season. Working off of roughly 2 weeks of preseason training, a win by the trialist squad over a team more cohesive and familiar with itself is an achievement, especially with the shutout on away grass – exhibition or league match, a clean sheet away is special.
Coach Sawatzky couldn’t be more pleased, although as he noted, “we’ve got a long way to go, and a short amount of time to get ready for the Open Cup.”
Next up for the Sounders U23’s is a huge 1st round US Open Cup clash with Outbreak FC of the LA Premiere League. That USOC tie will be held at Bonney Lake High School at 7:30 pm on Wednesday May 11th.
Despite being at home, the Sounders U23’s will again be considered the underdog on Wednesday — like Bellingham United, Outbreak FC features a squad of players that are familiar with each other. However, coach says they will “be ok.” Fans of the U23’s and his players are quite accustomed to such confidences from this club, so don’t be surprised to see them make more waves in their cup tie.
