Sounders 2 win big in first competitive match

Andy Craven opened scoring for Seattle Sounders FC with a goal in the 49th minute. Damion Lowe hammered a clearance and Craven spun, danced and pushed his way into space on the ball and tapped it over the Republic keeper. Sacramento Republic responded quickly when Justin Braun opened their book with a shot off a deflection.

Those goals early in the second half erased memories of an uneventful first half. Both teams pushed forward much more often. Seattle took advantage quickly. When Sam Garza came on for Aaron Kovar in the 69th minute he showed an immediate impact. Pablo Rossi executed a nifty chip to release Garza. Sam's first shot was blocked, but fell right to his feet. The second shot slotted home.

Craven's size and speed continued to cause problems for Republic. Released on a long ball he was taken down from behind. Sacramento took him down earning a yellow and a Rossi free kick from 26 yards out. Rossi's nailed the goal which was saved, banged off the post, into the keepers head and into the net. That's the kind Rossi magic to be expected for S2.

Now up 3-1 the flood gates continue.

An interchange sprung Victor Mansaray down the left flank. His cross went far post to Cristian Roldan who banged Seattle's fourth home.

Octavio Guzman responded with a late Republic free kick goal to shortly before the final whistle. The 4-2 final showed.

Seattle's starting lineup consisted of six first team signees. Two other first teamers came on in the second half. The dual goals of development and winning started with match one. Sounders 2 next face Whitecaps 2.

Here's the first goal in @SoundersFC2 history courtesy of @andymcraven pic.twitter.com/7g43Y9KkSO

— Sounder At Heart (@sounderatheart) March 22, 2015