TUKWILA, Wash. – A second half PK proved to be the deciding factor on Friday night as Seattle Sounders FC 2 fell to Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 in the team's home opener at Starfire Sports.
The call was made in the 62nd minute when defender Tony Alfaro took down Sac Republic forward Adam Jahn in the box. Thomas Stewart neatly dispatched the penalty despite goalkeeper Charlie Lyon’s best efforts.
“From my position, I thought it was a little bit soft but the ref is there to make that call and he’s the one who lives with it,” said Lyon on the call. “My job is to try to keep it out. It’s unfortunate for us because we limited their opportunities well.”
Following the match S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson agreed with his 'keeper. “It was probably a soft penalty but it is what it is," said Hendrickson. "The guy is facing away from the box, maybe we don’t put a leg in there.”
S2 will not have to wait long for a chance at redemption as they hit the pitch again on Wednesday evening against Arizona United SC at Starfire Sports. The match will be the second in a five-match home stand to begin the season, a factor that Lyon believes is a real advantage for him and his teammates.
“We love playing here at Starfire,” said Lyon. “It really does add a home field advantage; we feel that it’s a difficult place to play. It gives us confidence knowing that we have this place to call home.”
S2 were out-shot 11 to eight and were only able to put one on target. PK or no PK, Hendrickson believes that his team did not do enough to win and that they will need to improve on this performance in order to claim three points next week.
“I’m not disappointed but I’m not satisfied either,” said Hendrickson. “This team will play better.”
S2 played without forward Myron Samuel who was on international duty with St. Vincent and the Grenadines where he recorded a goal against Trinidad and Tobago.
S2 faces off against Arizona United SC on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. PT; Tickets) at Starfire Sports in Tukwila.
