International friendly action came to CenturyLink Field on July 5, with the Seattle Sounders squaring off against EPL side West Ham United. For some players returning to full fitness, it was a chance to get in ever-important minutes. For others, it was an opportunity to make a First Team debut.
Midfielder Zach Mathers had just made his first appearance for the Sounders on June 15 in a U.S. Open Cup match against Kitsap Pumas. He then got his second start in the next round of the tournament against Real Salt Lake. One week later, he came off the bench in the 63rd minute to play against West Ham in his first match at CenturyLink Field.
“It was great; the fans were awesome and to play in that stadium was wonderful,” he said. “I just tried to keep composed on the field and I think I did that and I had a lot of fun doing it. For me that’s the most important part when I get on the field, is to have fun. That’s when I’m the most confident and I think that showed that night when I played West Ham.”
It showed most perhaps in the 70th minute when Mathers stepped up to take a free kick not far outside of the West Ham area.
“I didn’t even know I was going to take that free kick,” said Mathers. “No one stepped up to it so I was like, ‘Okay I’ll take it!’”
Mathers' free kick found forward Oalex Anderson, who earned his first team contract after playing with S2 in 2015. Anderson’s touch was saved point blank by the West Ham keeper but finished by forward Jordan Morris who came flying in.
Just like that, Mathers tallied an assist towards a Sounders' goal.
Meanwhile, for defender Michael Nelson, it was the very first debut with the first team. As a sub in the 77th minute, Nelson came on for Oniel Fisher and helped close out the clean sheet for the Sounders.
“That’s what you work for,” said Nelson on the experience. “When you get an opportunity like that it makes you feel like your work is getting noticed and it’s worthwhile, so it’s a tremendous experience.”
Both players returned to S2 for their 2-1 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Sunday and will be available for Saturday’s upcoming match at Arizona United SC.
