In the final match of the 2017 USL regular season, S2 suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss on the road to OKC Energy FC. Though S2 controlled possession for a majority of the match, building attacks from the back and linking play in the final third, the hosts were lethal in transition and capitalized on their few quality chances.
S2 came flying out of the gates, with Sam Rogers playing a lovely diagonal pass to his former Sounders Academy teammate, Azriel Gonzalez, in the final third, but it narrowly missed the 16-year-old. The visitors continued to boss possession throughout the first half, stringing together a few intricate passing sequences. That control, however, didn’t translate to goals, and Energy FC supplied a gut-punch in the 43rd minute with a goal in transition against the run of play. Jose Engulo drove forward from midfield before slipping pass into the path of Wojciech Wojcik, who slipped his shot underneath the onrushing Tyler Miller.
The Rave Green started the second half on the front foot once again, but a goal from Miguel Gonzalez, again assisted by Engulo, put the match firmly in OKC’s favor. S2 pushed forward in search of a goal and were once again undone by a counter-attack, as Engulo supplied the finishing touch on the third-and-final tally.
Sounders Academy alum Shandon Hopeau pulled one back for Seattle in the 84th minute, as he danced past two defenders before firing a shot from distance into the top corner for his first professional goal.
Hopeau’s First Professional Goal
Hopeau came off the bench in the 64th minute, replacing former Academy teammate Gonzalez, and made an immediate impact. The Hawaiian promptly provided thrust and incisive play from the left-hand side. His eagerness in the attack paid off in the 84th minute, when he struck an absolute laser into the top corner.
Azriel Gonzalez Dynamic in the Attack
Shortly after signing with S2, 16-year-old Gonzalez succumbed to an ankle injury. But he’s back and better than ever, as the young prospect put in a promising shift out on the left wing. The Academy alum provided plenty of verve and creativity in the final third, taking on defenders and looking to set up teammates. In the final match of the season, Gonzalez’s display portends a bright future with the club.
Another Solid Performance by Francisco Narbon
As one of the oldest members of the squad, Francisco Narbon supplied a composed, two-way performance in the heart of S2’s midfield. Playing as a No. 6/8 hybrid, he kept things ticking with his possession, and even managed to drive forward into the attack on occasion. In his first season with the club, the Panamanian provided a veteran presence for a squad filled to the brim with exciting talent.
