Seattle Sounders midfielder Gustav Svensson started and went 78 minutes in a 2-0 friendly loss to Austria on Thursday at Generali Arena in Vienna. An own goal from Filip Helander in the 11th minute and a 64th minute tally from David Alaba proved the difference.
Svensson earned his 15th cap in the Blågult’s first match since losing in the quarterfinals of this past summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. Sweden will host Turkey on Sept. 10 at Friends Arena in Solna in their first UEFA Nations League match.
Svensson has started 17 matches this season for Seattle, scoring twice and adding an assist from defensive midfield. He and the Sounders will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Sept. 15 (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
