Sounders 2 play well in disappointing draw with Sacramento Republic FC

David Olsen and a new signing were impressive, but Sacramento equalized with their last kick.

By Scott Burbidge Jun 1, 2017, 2:45pm PDT

Same Rogers sits in disappointment after surrendering late goal.

TUKWILA, Wash. -- The game got off to a tepid start, with neither team looking even remotely dangerous for the opening 10 minutes. The first real chance of the game fell to Sacramento Republic FC when Trevin Caesar cut inside with the ball and completely torched Brian Nana-Sinkam. He got off a decent shot from 15 yards out, but Tyler Miller did very well to get down for the save.

That was the only real chance of the first half. Both teams had a few half-chances, but none of them turned remotely goal dangerous. S2 made a couple of changes at half - Javorn Stevens in for Seyi Adekoya and Charles Renken in for Milo Barton - that really helped liven up S2’s offensive play.

Seattle started the second half off well, applying a decent amount of pressure, but were nearly the first to surrender a goal in the 50’. A horrible square pass from Nana-Sinkam was intercepted by Tyler Blackwood, however Miller was again able to stop the one-on-one chance. Unfortunately the respite wasn’t long lived. In the 60’ Caesar got in behind the defense and easily beat Miller to make it 1-0.

S2 didn’t give up, though, and in the 78’ Nana-Sinkam was able to atone for some of his poor defensive play when he headed in a Zach Mathers free kick to even the score.

And they weren’t done! In the 86’ David Olsen made a superb late back-post run to get on the end of a Renken cross to put S2 in the lead.

Unfortunately, S2 couldn’t keep their concentration locked in. In the third minute of stoppage time gave up the equalizing goal to make it 2-2.

Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Tyler Miller; Denso Ulysse, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Sam Rogers, Nouhou; Ray Saari, Francisco Narbon (Lorenzo Ramos 73'); Zach Mathers, David Olsen, Milo Barton (Charles Renken HT); Seyi Adekoya (Javorn Stevens HT)

Noteworthy Performances

Denso Ulysse (RB)

Ulysse’s time with S2 has been a bit confusing so far. He joined S2 after being deemed the best right back at the CONCACAF U20 championship, but for the most part has looked like he has never played RB. In previous games his CBs have had to cover for him often, but he defended his position well on Sunday. He was better positionally disciplined and did a good job defending in the corner.

He was also able to get forward quite effectively. He combined well with Olsen in the first and Renken in the second. In the first half Ulysse put in several great crosses that deserved better runs made to get on the end of them. All in all, it was an average performance that also showed a lot of Ulysse’s potential.

David Olsen (AM)

The long-time forward has quickly become S2’s most complete player in the band of three. His defensive work rate is impressive, and each week he seems to become a better defender. On Sunday he had 2 clearances, 2 tackles and 2 interceptions, but, more important than the numbers, is the peace of mind his work affords the two CDMs. Olsen’s defensive work allows them to cover a lot more ground because they never have to worry about the full back on Olsen’s side being left out to dry.

Olsen was also good offensively, and his late back post run that ended in a goal was particularly impressive. If that is an aspect he can consistently add to his game he may get his MLS shot sooner than later.

Charles Renken (AM)

Renken was extremely impressive in his opening 45 minutes with S2. He came on and made the team immediately more threatening going forward. He likes to go directly at people, and, though he may have overused the stepover a bit, he was very successful at driving from wide into the box. This direct threat is something S2 lack at times and it created some great scoring chances for S2.

He had a team high 3 chances created in his 45 minutes and was probably unlucky to not walk away with multiple assists. His crossing was dangerous throughout the half, including the one that Olsen was able to get on the end of in the 86’. If Renken can stay healthy he looks set to be a great signing for S2.