CHARLESTON, S.C. - In the last of three Carolina Challenge Cup matches, Sounders FC fell by a score of 1-0 to Columbus Crew SC on Saturday afternoon. Columbus captain Wil Trapp delivered a through-ball to substitute Niko Hansen, who delivered a shot past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei for the match's lone score. The Rave Green close out their 2017 preseason with a final scrimmage against local NCAA side the College of Charleston on Sunday morning, primarily featuring players that did not factor in today's contest. Brian Schmetzer's club then turns its focus to the opening week of MLS action, with Seattle traveling to BBVA Compass Stadium to face the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 4.
With lineups for both sides featuring largely full-strength personnel, the first half saw open exchanges between the two clubs. Saturday's contest saw the return of MLS Cup MVP Stefan Frei, with Seattle's starting goalkeeper being called into action on numerous occasions throughout the first 45 minutes. His first appearance for Sounders FC since MLS Cup and his call-up to Bruce Arena's United States Men's National Team camp in January, Frei put together a strong performance with seven saves.
Captain Osvaldo Alonso made his second-consecutive preseason appearance in his return from injury, this time logging 62 minutes of action. Alonso previously played 20 minutes in Wednesday's matchup against Atlanta United.
In the 67th minute of play, Seattle created one of its best scoring opportunities of the day, as Nico Lodeiro combined with fellow Designated Player Clint Dempsey on a corner-kick. The Texas native hit Lodeiro's cross on a half-volley, forcing a quality reactionary save from Columbus goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
Columbus broke the deadlock with a goal by Hansen in the 82nd minute. Trapp won the ball in the middle of the park near Seattle's area and found Hansen streaking into the 18-yard-box. Hansen received Trapp's through-ball and coolly slotted his attempt into the bottom left corner of the net for the 1-0 Columbus lead. The result crowned Crew SC as tournament champion.
The 2017 Sounders FC preseason presented by adidas concludes tomorrow with a morning scrimmage against the College of Charleston, with the Rave Green set to depart South Carolina on Sunday evening. Sounders FC's ninth MLS campaign begins on Saturday, March 4 against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. 2017 Season Ticket Memberships are still available by calling 877-MLS-GOAL or emailing Sales@SoundersFC.com. Complete information on all Sounders FC ticket packages can be found at SoundersFC.com/Tickets.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 0 - Columbus Crew SC 1
Saturday, February 25, 2017
MUSC Health Stadium
Weather: 74 degrees and partly cloudy
SCORING SUMMARY
CLB - Niko Hansen (Wil Trapp) 82'
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
CLB - Wil Trapp (caution) 15'
SEA - Osvaldo Alonso (caution) 46'
SEA - Cristian Roldan (caution) 89'
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC- Stefan Frei; Gustav Svensson, Chad Marshall, Román Torres, Joevin Jones; Osvaldo Alonso (Harry Shipp 62'), Cristian Roldan, Nicolás Lodeiro, Clint Dempsey (Henry Wingo 80'); Will Bruin
Total shots: 6
Shots on goal: 3
Corner-kicks: 4
Offside: 0
Saves: 7
Columbus Crew SC - Zack Steffen; Harrison Afful (Connor Maloney 73'), Nicolai Naess, Jonathan Mensah, Jukka Raitala; Mohammed Abu, Will Trapp, Ethan Finlay, Federico Higuain (Lalas Abubakar 87'), Justin Meram (Niko Hansen 73'); Adam Jahn
Total shots: 14
Shots on goal: 8
Corner-kicks: 9
Offside: 0
Saves: 3
