TUKWILA, WASH. - Despite a fifth-minute goal from 2017 MLS SuperDraft selection Brian Nana-Sinkam, Sounders FC 2 (0-1-0, 0 points) opened its third USL campaign with a 2-1 home loss to Sacramento Republic FC (1-0-0, 3 points) on Sunday afternoon. The contest marked the third consecutive season S2 has faced Republic FC in the season's first match at Starfire Stadium, with the visitors winning each of the past two fixtures.
The Rave Green jumped out to an early lead from a fifth-minute goal by Nana-Sinkam. On a free-kick from just outside the area, forward Irvin Parra sent a rolling through-ball into the center of the 18-yard-box. The pass found a streaking Nana-Sinkam, who delivered a hard strike that bounced off the underside of the crossbar and across the line.
Sacramento nearly found the equalizer in the 22nd minute, but S2 goalkeeper Bryan Meredith made a diving save to preserve the lead. Another attempt from the visitors just missed the top right corner of Meredith's net in the 32nd minute. Despite 13 shots from Sacramento, Seattle held the 1-0 advantage through the first half.
In the 65th minute, Sacramento's James Kiffee tied the score at 1-1 with a well-struck ball that snuck through traffic in Seattle's area and past Meredith. Moments later, former Sounders FC forward Sammy Ochoa's shot hit the right post, then the left post, before bouncing into Meredith's arms.
Sacramento found the winner in the 83rd minute on a goal by Emrah Klimenta. After Seattle cleared a scramble in front of its own net, it fell to Klimenta, who fired a low shot from close range that hit the post and bounced into the back of the net.
On Sunday, April 2, S2 hosts Portland Timbers 2 in a Cascadia clash at Starfire Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. PT.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 |1 - 2| Sacramento Republic FC
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Venue: Starfire Stadium
Referee: Baboucarr Jallow
Assistants: Cephas Quartson, Christian Clerc
Fourth Official: Jeff Arthurholtz
Attendance: 1,115
Weather: 48 degrees and rain
SCORING SUMMARY
SEA - Brian Nana-Sinkam 5'
SAC - James Kiffe (Agustin Cazarez) 65'
SAC - Emar Klimenta (Sammy Ochoa) 83'
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SEA - Francisco Narbon (caution) 39'
SAC - Sammy Ochoa (caution) 61'
SAC - Danny Barrera (caution) 71'
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC 2 - Bryan Meredith; Ethan Lotenero, Sam Rogers, Riley Grant, Brian Nana-Sinkam; Ray Saari, Francisco Narbon, Lorenzo Ramos (Joe Hafferty 60'), Shandon Hopeau (Seyi Adekoya 50'), David Olsen; Irvin Parra (Felix Chenkam 73')
Substitutes not used: Trey Muse, Jamie Dimitroff, Azriel Gonzalez, Milo Barton
Total shots: 8
Shots on goal: 2
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 7
Sacramento Republic FC - Dominik Jakubek; Elliot Hord, Julius James (Emrah Klimenta HT), Jeremy Hall, James Kiffe, Danny Barrera; Adam Moffat; Agustin Cazarez; Tyler Blackwood; Trevin Caesar (Wilson Kneeshaw HT); Sammy Ochoa (Daniel Trickett-Smith 90'+1')
Substitutes not used: Evan Newton, Harry Williams, Gabe Gissie, Enrique Montano
Total shots: 28
Shots on goal: 9
Corner-kicks: 8
Saves: 1
