TUKWILA, Wash. – When Seattle Sounders FC 2 face off against Oklahoma City Energy FC on Sunday (7 p.m. PT; Live Stream on SoundersFC.com) they will do so on the business end of a three-game unbeaten streak.
After a troubling 0-3-0 start to the season, S2 have turned things around, having claimed five points from the last three matches. The recent success of head coach Ezra Hendrickson’s squad can largely be attributed to a stout defense that’s now forged two straight clean sheets.
“When people hear clean sheet they think of the back four or maybe the keeper,” said Hendrickson. “But it’s a team effort. All over the pitch defensively, we’ve been a lot better.”
S2 know they have a long way to go, however, as they still sit in 13th in the USL’s Western Conference. Defensively, they’ve been one of the league’s best in their recent form, but the offense continues to struggle with just three goals in six matches this season.
“Right now the offensive third of the pitch is not good enough,” Hendrickson said. “It’s not just the finishing aspect of it; it’s the movement. I don’t think we have enough decisive movements in the box to free up guys so that’s got to get better.”
Oklahoma City come into the match relatively untested with only three matches played so far in the 2016, the fewest of any team in the league. They’re 1-1-1 with four goals scored and four goals conceded.
OKC are coached by former Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen. They sit in 14th in the West and went 1-1 against S2 last season.
In injury news, midfielder Zach Mathers was unable to make the trip to Rio Tinto Stadium on Tuesday due to a hip flexor, but Hendrickson indicated that Mathers might be able to make his return on Sunday.
“We’re going to be a little cautious but if he can go we’ll definitely have him out there because he’s a big part of our team,” said Hendrickson.
In addition, S2 will also be welcoming reinforcements on Sunday in the form of three new signings – defender Brandon John, and midfielders Jordy Delem and Willy Kapawa, signed Friday.
“Now we are fully set,” said Hendrickson. “We have the team that’s going to be here for the rest of the year.”
With all players back from injury and the signing of three new ones, S2 are now fully loaded and ready for the rest of the season.
“Like I told them today,” Hendrickson said, ‘I want you guys to be happy, but I don’t want you to be satisfied.’”
