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Bryan Meredith did his best, but the veteran keeper could not keep Sacramento Republic from scoring twice. Meredith had seven saves and kept the Seattle Sounders hopes alive, despite losing a starting forward just under 40 minutes into the match. In the loss the Sounders were their best absorbing pressure, but this was a break, not bend evening.
With the 2-1 win Republic advance to face the Portland Timbers, with the hosting draw on June 7.
Late in the match Harry Shipp added skill to the attack, and scored Seattle’s only goal.
Harry Shipp scores in stoppage time to make it 1-1. pic.twitter.com/upQi0tWT2F
— Sounder At Heart (@sounderatheart) June 7, 2018
Shipp entered in the 76’ for Shandon Hopeau. His goal came at 90+1’ and was the first shot on goal by the Sounders.
David Olsen replaced Nick Hinds at 82’, so when Shipp earned Seattle extra time they were out of subs with both Ray Saari and Felix Chenkam playing through nagging injuries. Saari’s injury ended all hope that Seattle could defend their goal, or connect the defense to the attack.
The loss means that the Sounders are out of the US Open Cup, lost a third forward to injury and S2 will be diminished with Saari’s injury. Chenkam may be less effective on the weekend as well.
The First Team hosts D.C. United at 7:00 p.m. (JOEtv) on Saturday June 9. S2 hosts OKC Energy at Cheney Stadium on Sunday June 10 at 1:30 p.m. (ESPN+).