SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Seattle Sounders FC 2 (7-11-6, 27 points) fell in a 1-0 defeat to San Antonio FC (8-8-7, 31 points) at Toyota Field on Saturday evening. Rafa Castillo scored the contest’s lone goal in the 51st minute, as S2 lost on consecutive weekends in the Lone Star State after suffering a 6-0 loss at Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on August 13. S2 returns to the Pacific Northwest for a two-match homestand against a pair of Cascadia rivals, starting with Portland Timbers 2 on Monday, August 29 (7:30 PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com).
After a scoreless first half that featured just one shot on goal from either side, there was an extended halftime due to inclement weather. A few minutes following the resume of play, San Antonio found the back of the net for the fixture’s only score. In the 51st minute, a through-ball by Taylor Morgan into the center of the 18-yard-box found Castillo, who slipped behind Seattle’s backline and sent the ball to the left side of the goal for the 1-0 lead.
S2 strung together a few dangerous opportunities in the final 30 minutes, including Victor Mansaray’s chip in the 67th minute on a counterattack that was saved. Defender Tony Alfaro played a long ball to a streaking Nouhou Tolo along the left flank, but the Cameroonian was whistled offside in the 81st minute. In all, Seattle was signaled offside on a season-high eight occasions. Despite nine shot attempts, including six in the second half, S2 was held scoreless.
Forward Irvin Parra made his USL debut for S2 on Saturday evening with 72 minutes of action. Additionally, Sounders FC Academy players Jack Morris and Jamie Dimitroff made late appearances in reserve roles for their first competition with the USL club.
Ezra Hendrickson's side, which is 13th in the Western Conference and four points shy of the postseason cutoff line, returns home to host archrival Portland Timbers 2 on Monday, August 29 at Starfire Stadium (7:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com).
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 |0-1| San Antonio FC
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Venue: Toyota Field
Referee: Kyle Phillips
Assistants: Enea Zhonga, Diego Blas
Fourth Official: Juliana Duncan
Weather: Rainy and 77 degrees
SCORING SUMMARY
SAFC – Rafa Castillo (Taylor Morgan) 51’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
None
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Charlie Lyon; Oniel Fisher (Jake Morris 84’), Michael Nelson, Tony Alfaro, Nouhou Tolo; Jordan Schweitzer, Jordy Delem, Zach Mathers (Jamie Dimitroff 77’); Irvin Parra (Carlos Patino 71’), Myron Samuel, Victor Mansaray
Substitutes not used: Matt Bersano, Willy Kapawa, Habib Barry, Devon Fisher
Total shots: 9
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 10
Corner-kicks: 1
Saves: 1
San Antonio FC – Matt Cardone; Max Gunderson, Greg Cochrane, Sam McBride, Biko Bradnock-Brennan; Miggy Salazar, Rafa Castillo, Sebba Thuriere (Danny Garcia 69’), Carlos Alvarez (Manalo Sanchez 65’), Cesar Elizondo (Taylor Morgan 48’); Franck Tayou
Substitutes not used: Lee Johnson, Jason Johnson, Diego Garcia, Fejiro Okiomah
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 11
Corner-kicks: 4
Saves: 3
