TUKWILA, Wash. – It was a cathartic night for Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Thursday.
S2 not only claimed victory against their northern rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 but did it with three goals, opening the floodgates on what has been a low scoring season thus far with a 3-2 win at Starfire Stadium.
“It was a good win for us; we’ve worked hard,” said head coach Ezra Hendrickson. “We’re still not out of the clear yet with finishing and executing in the final third but it’s a good start.”
Midfielder Lorenzo Ramos stole the highlight reel in the 56th minute with a rocket blast into the side netting from 26 yards out to put S2 up 3-1.
“When he picked it up we were telling him to switch but he saw the opening,” said Hendrickson.
The Sounders FC Academy player was making his first start of the season, filling in for midfielder Jordan Schweitzer. Ramos' goal was the decisive one of the evening, as S2 held on for the win after taking the two-goal lead early in the second half.
Hendrickson says he had complete confidence in starting the young midfielder.
“When Schweitzer was down, we had no hesitation putting him on the park to start tonight,” he said. “And he rewarded us with a magnificent goal.”
Forward Andy Craven opened the scoring with his third goal of the season on a penalty kick in the 41st minute. After beginning the season with an 11match scoreless run, Craven now has three in two matches.
“I think it just goes to show how strong your mental game has to be,” Craven said. “Confidence is key for a striker. When you have it, it just seems like you keep getting chances.”
Forward Victor Mansaray also got back on the scoresheet in the 46th minute with his third goal of the season, tied with Craven for the most on the team this season.
The win comes at a crucial time for S2. After a rough start to the season, it’s now do or die time for S2 if they wish to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win against a top conference rival not only brings them up from the bottom of the West, but builds the confidence needed to turn the season around.
“It’s fantastic for us, especially at the point in the season that we are,” said Craven. “To be able to get a good lead and hold that lead, especially with the way our season has gone, is a good reminder that we can do it.”
“I’m happy for the guys because a lot of effort went into this one,” added Hendrickson. “We got a victory tonight, so hopefully it’s something to change this season around for us.”
