Sounders FC top Kitsap Pumas 3-2 in 2016 US Open Cup from Starfire Sports on Vimeo.
Starfire Sports hosted round four of the U.S. Open Cup where Sounders FC faced off against PDL side, Kitsap Pumas. For much of the game, the crowd was kept wondering who would be the first to score. There were many opportunities for both squads, but nothing found the back of the net until well into the second half.
The first notable chance came from Kitsap in the 3rd minute, as Sounders keeper Tyler Miller was forced to make a diving save. Zach Scott knocked on the door a mere three minutes later when his header off an Aaron Kovar corner ricocheted off the crossbar. The near misses continued, with notable attempts from Darwin Jones in the 39th minute and Aaron Kovar in the 42nd.
After assisting Aaron Kovar’s near miss, Hercules Gomez created a number of dangerous chances for his Sounders squad in the 2nd half, as the Sounders began to take more control over the match. Two set pieces—a corner and a free kick—came painfully close, while a killer shot was blocked in the 60th minute. Despite his best efforts, the score remained at zeroes.
The first goal of the match finally came in the 71st minute off a chippy little shot from Sounders midfielder, Christian Roldan (assisted by Aaron Kovar). The second, and final goal of the match came in stoppage time as Erik Friberg played a beautiful leading ball in to Joevin Jones, securing the win for the Sounders
With the win against the Kitsap Pumas, Sounders FC will advance to the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.