The sun was out and shining for the pre-season match between the Sounders Reserves and the Seattle University Redhawks on Monday. Hosted at the Starfire Soccer Complex, this game gave both teams a chance to face competition during the before their regular seasons begin. While the Reserves easily won 4 – 1, the game was hard fought and there was a sense of respect between the players.

For the beginning of the game the possession favored the Reserves, but the Redhawk defenders managed to keep them scoreless for the first 30 minutes. Until, however, Marco Pappa found the back of the net to put the Reserves up 1 – 0. Through the entire half the Reserves kept the Redhawks to only a single shot on goal, which was certainly the most impressive showing of the game. Center defender Zach Scott commanded the field with his voice, telling his teammates how much space they had, where to swing the ball to, and who they should cover. By the end of the half the Reserves had a 2-0 lead, but there were many missed opportunities.

At halftime the Reserves’ coaches told the players to clean up the offense and to work on the mental toughness of playing a full 90 minutes without any mistakes.

A minute into the second half the Reserves scored off a beautifully cross, which set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Redhawks eventually found a way to place the ball on frame and nearly scored on a few corner kicks. Yet the reserves continued the offensive onslaught as Cam Weaver took full advantage of his height by scoring his second header of the game. Nearing the end of the game, the crowd erupted when Redhawk forward Jeff Rose scored a laser of a shot into the upper left corner of the goal. But it was too little, too late for the outmatched Redhawks.

After the Reserves managed to score once more, the game ended with a score of 5-1. Both teams seemed to enjoy the friendly competition as they prepare for their own seasons ahead. Plus, it was sunny and warm outside so it really was a win-win for everyone!