TUKWILA, Wash. – Coming off of a disappointing 1-0 loss in their season opener on Friday, Seattle Sounders FC 2 now face a tight turnaround as they welcome Arizona United SC to Starfire Sports Complex on Wednesday [7:30 p.m. PT, Live Stream on SoundersFC.com].
Both teams will look to this match for redemption, as United were also defeated 2-0 in their season opener at the hands of LA Galaxy 2.
S2 fell to Sacramento Republic FC last Friday on a disputed PK call in the second half, and it was clear to head coach Ezra Hendrickson that some improvements must be made if they are to claim three points on Wednesday.
“I think the movement of the ball sometimes became stagnant (on Friday),” said Hendrickson. “On this pitch, when you don’t play the ball fast, you get closed down. It’s a very small pitch, and guys are on top of you, so we just need to play the ball faster.”
- HIGHLIGHTS: S2 fall in season opener at Starfire Sports
S2 fans will recognize a familiar face on the other side of the ball as former Sounder Sam Garza resigned with United on February 5. Garza appeared in 23 matches for S2 last seson, recording four goals and two assists.
In an additional twist, former S2 player and Sounders academy product Duncan McCormick recently came to an agreement with United and signed a contract earlier this month. Whether or not McCormick will make an appearance in this match is unclear.
S2 and Arizona United split results last season [1-1], though S2 outscored United 5-2 over the two matches. S2 fans can expect a different look from their opponents, however, as United brought in longtime MLS head coach Frank Yallop to oversee operations in Arizona.
S2 will once again play without forward Myron Samuel, who appeared for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in their World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night, and will likely be looking to the services of forward Andy Craven to start up top in the 4-3-3 formation.
