The Sounders U23s are in a tough spot. The boys just finished up a three game road trip that roughed them up, dropping all possible points. After a 3-1 defeat to the Timbers U23s, the rave green side traveled to Calgary for two matches against a Foothills team that won in Sumner back in May. Calgary would score a total of three goals on the weekend, winning 2-1 in the Friday night match and 1-0 in the Sunday matinee. The results saw the Sounders drop out of a playoff spot.
Speaking of playoffs, here is where they stand.
Currently, Calgary and Portland occupy the two Northwest division playoff spots. If current positions hold Calgary would host Portland in a one-off match, with the winner going to the Western Conference Championship. With Calgary at the top the Sounders U23s are poised to qualify for the Open Cup in 2018, though Lane United is in striking distance.
The Sounders U23s have four games to get their butts back into a playoff spot. In order to get the job done, they have one route — win out. Thankfully for the U23s, they play two of the teams below them in the standing for all four of the matches.
They will split hosting duties with Victoria Highlanders FC and TSS Rovers, and Seattle will like the odds against both sides, having defeated each of them earlier in the season. In the second half of a double header with S2, The Sounders defeated TSS at Starfire 3-0; hopefully a portend of good things to come. The Sounders also defeated Victoria on the big island up north with a 1-0 victory.
It’s grit time in the PDL, and the Sounders U23s will need all the fan support they can get. Two home games remain for the rave green, and both are must wins. On Saturday, July 1st, the U23s host TSS Rovers in Sumner at Sunset Stadium, with kickoff at 7:30 PM. On Friday, June 7, the Victoria Highlanders will visit Sunset Stadium. This match is the second part of a twin billing with the Sounders Women, who kickoff at 5:00 PM; the U23s match will start around 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 online and at the match - come out and see the future.