TUKWILA, Wash. – Seattle Sounders FC 2 return to action against new USL franchise Rio Grande Valley FC at Starfire Sports on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. PT; SoundersFC.com), still seeking its first win of the new season.
Rio Grande is an expansion franchise in its debut season, led by former Chivas USA and U.S. Under-17 coach Wilmer Cabrera. The club - which is affiliated with the Houston Dynamo - are 1-1-0 this season with three points, and currently sit in 10th in the Western Conference.
After a rapid-fire start to the season playing three matches in 10 days, S2 has enjoyed a bit of a breather this past week in preparation for their showdown on Tuesday. Still, it won’t be enough time to see starters Jordan Schweitzer and Michael Nelson return to the field, who are among the many rostered players still sitting out for S2.
“We have about five guys [injured]; we have a couple guys who don’t have their ITC clearances yet,” said head coach Ezra Hendrickson. “We’ve been using Academy kids and I think they’ve filled in well.”
Hendrickson specifically called out defender and Academy product Tobi Jnohope, who has been the starting center back since the season opened in March. Jnohope has been matched up with tough opponents all year so far, including Jamaican international and MLS veteran Jason Johnson of San Antonio FC.
“Tobi Jnohope has filled in really well at center back,” Hendrickson said. “It gives him a chance to get some minutes and gain some experience…it’s a work in progress and I know he’ll continue to improve.”
Hendrickson also made a point to mention that even though these Academy players are filling in for injuries, this is not a temporary bandage. He sees the academy players as integral parts of the team and will continue to play them in competitive matches.
“You’ll continue to see those guys because everyone on the S2 roster are young guys,” said Hendrickson. “Whoever is playing well will get to play.”
