It was a lovely evening for the Seattle Sounders Reserves to return to Starfire Stadium. They played a challenging match against the Chivas USA Reserves. The Sounders were hopeful for redemption, after a rough (3-2) loss against the Colorado Rapids Reserves last Monday. Fortunately, the Sounders put up a solid fight and were successful.

From the start of the match through the end of the first half, both teams struggled to control the possession of the ball. After much back and forth between both teams, the Chivas were able to fight off the Sounders’ defense in the 33rd minute of play and Forward #6 Jose Manuel was able to send one past the Sounders’ Keeper. In the 37th minute, Chivas’ Manuel was successful in scoring a goal off of a free kick that flew into the top right corner, just out of the Keeper’s reach. The Sounders were really starting to feel the pressure. Luckily, the Sounders’ offense did an excellent job of picking up the slack. Chivas’ Keeper #24 Patrick McLain was quick on his feet and did an excellent job of tending the goal; however, a break-away by Forward #16 David Estrada in the 43 minute resulted in an outstanding goal by Forward #22 Eriq Zavaleta. The Sounders finished the first half trailing the Chivas, with a score of 2-1.

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As they entered the second half, it was apparent that the Sounders had increased their intensity and focus. Immediately, the communication was clearer and the passing game was improved. They were able to regulate the possession of the ball and make smarter plays. In the 61st minute, Sounders Midfielder #23 Servando Carrasco scored off of a penalty kick and was able to tie up the game. The Sounders continued to push hard and play smart. In the 80th minute, Zavaleta was able to score once again and help the Sounders push ahead. The final score was 3-2, Sounders.

The Sounders Reserves will return to Starfire Stadium on August 26tth at 7:00 PM to play the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It was another beautiful Thursday evening at Starfire Stadium, as the women of the Seattle Reign were ready to encounter the women of the Chicago Red Stars. After a tough loss against FC Kansas City on July 20th, the Reign were looking to come back strong. As the fans settled down and the teams filed in, we were ready for the start of what would become a very exciting game.

There was a bit of a slow start on both ends, but eventually the Reign were able to take control. With the help of midfielder #15 Megan Rapinoe, the Reign absolutely dominated the possession of the ball for the entire game. Rapinoe was also responsible for a strong goal off of a free kick in the 6th minute of play. Following the goal by Rapinoe was an incredible play by midfielder #6 Kaylyn Kyle. In the 21st minute, Kyle scored off of a penalty kick fired into the top right corner, just out of reach for Red Stars’ keeper Erin McLeod. With all of this momentum and energy, the reign kept the upper hand and had a flawless first half.

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As they returned to the field, the Reign were able to regain the control they previously had. Once again, Rapinoe took the lead and launched a fabulous shot right past McLeod in the 72nd minute. Directly following this goal was one of the twelve tremendous saves made by keeper #1 Hope Solo. Solo stopped a penalty kick in the 73rd minute and almost maintained a perfect game. Unfortunately, Chicago was able to sneak a goal past Solo, yet our Seattle Reign were able to continue to push ahead. A fourth and final goal was scored by #5 Liz Bogus in the 82nd minute. There were high fives all around, as both fans and players celebrate another strong win for the women of the Seattle Reign. The final score was 4-1, Reign.

Fans should be sure to come out and support the women in their final home game against the Portland Thorns FC on August 17th, here at Starfire Stadium. Single tickets are still available, so grab them quick!

It was another beautiful and sunny Sunday down at the Starfire Stadium, as the Seattle Sounders Reserves prepared to faceoff against the Colorado Rapids’ Reserves. Fans of all ages began to pile in and fill up the stadium, eager to watch a great match. Following kickoff was an aggressive start on both ends, with high intensity and focus that lasted throughout the match.

The Colorado Rapids offense put some serious pressure on the Sounders defenders from the very start, allowing them to score a tough goal in the 6th minute of play. Fortunately, the Sounders were able to fight back with all they had and did an excellent job of sending some pressure right back at the Rapids defense. After three shots on goal, the Sounders were able to score in the 12th minute with a stellar goal by Forward #22, Eriq Zavaleta. Zavaleta did a great job leading the offense in the first half with numerous of shots on goal. Unfortunately the Sounders were unable to keep this momentum up, as the Rapids fought back and drove down the field, only to score in the 12th minute as well. The Rapids ultimately maintained greater possession of the ball and conquered the passing game in the first half, leading 2-1.

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At the Start of the second, Sounders offense came back strong, absolutely dominating the overall possession and really put the pressure on the Rapids defense. Forward #16, David Estrada did an absolutely magnificent job of controlling the offense and putting pressure on the Rapids’ keeper with shot after shot on target and a great assist. In the 72nd minute of play, Estrada broke away down field and assisted in a beautiful goal scored by #4, Patrick Ianni.
Despite their dominant second half, unfortunately the Sounders were unable to come out with a win. The final score of the match was Rapids 3, Sounders 2. Be sure to come out and support your Sounders Reserves as they kickoff on Monday, July 24, at 7 pm against Chivas USA, right here at Starfire Stadium.