SACRAMENTO, CALIF. - Seattle Sounders FC 2 (7-11-2, 23 points) came up short in a 2-0 loss to Sacramento Republic FC (8-6-4, 28 points) on Sunday evening at Papa Murphy's Stadium in Sacramento. The defeat marks the third consecutive loss for S2, who is now in eighth place in the Western Conference and one point above the postseason cutoff line. Ezra Hendrickson's side returns to action with a road contest at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, July 29 (5:00 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com).
Sacramento broke through in the 16th minute on a goal by Trevin Caesar. Former Sounders FC player Sammy Ochoa sent a curling cross into the area, where Caesar knocked home a volley for the early lead. Republic FC doubled the lead in the 60th minute on an impressive strike from Tyler Blackwood. On an apparent cross from the left flank, Blackwood's ball spun into the top right corner of the net for the 2-0 advantage.
S2 had a few opportunities to score, but was unable to find the back of the net. Forward Irvin Parra's shot from distance barely missed in the first half, while Shandon Hopeau forced the goalkeeper to make a diving save a couple minutes after. Midfielder Guy Edoa made his second USL appearance and nearly opened his account in the 51st minute.
The Rave Green continue their road swing with a contest at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, July 29. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. PT.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 |0 - 2| Sacramento Republic FC
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Venue: Papa Murphy's Stadium
Referee: Timothy Ford
Assistants: Andrew Hanks, Stephen McGonagle
Fourth Official: Michael Zapata
Attendance: 11,569
Weather: 100 degrees and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
SAC - Trevin Caesar (Sammy Ochoa) 16'
SAC - Tyler Blackwood (Sammy Ochoa) 60'
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SAC - Christopher Christian (caution) 46'
SEA - Ray Saari (caution) 49'
SAC - Harrison Heath (caution) 56'
SAC - Sammy Ochoa (caution) 59'
SEA - Jackson Ragen (caution) 71'
SEA - Francisco Narbon (caution) 90'+2'
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC 2 - Sam Fowler; Khai Brisco, Sam Rogers, Jackson Ragen, Brian Nana-Sinkam; Ray Saari, Lorenzo Ramos (Francisco Narbon 60'), David Olsen, Shandon Hopeau (Charles Renken 55'), Azriel Gonzalez (Guy Edoa 43'); Irvin Parra
Substitutes not used: Akili Kasim, Christian Koontz, Javorn Stevens, Dylan Teves
Total shots: 14
Shots on goal: 3
Corner-kicks: 7
Saves: 7
Sacramento Republic FC - Evan Newton; Elliot Hord, James Kiffe, Emrah Klimenta, Chris Christian; Jeremy Hall, Wilson Kneeshaw (Christian Chaney 80'), Harrison Heath (Agustin Heath 80'), Sammy Ochoa; Trevin Caesar (Dan Trickett-Smith 56'), Tyler Blackwood
Substitutes not used: Dominik Jakubek, Peter McGlynn, Harry Williams, Gabe Gissie
Total shots: 18
Shots on goal: 9
Corner-kicks: 5
Saves: 3
