#TheFuture is back in Tacoma after what can only be described as a horror show down in Sacramento. Luckily, some of the damage has been mitigated after Rodrigue Ele’s red card was rescinded earlier today. Seattle Sounders FC 2 will still be left short at right back and we could see Narbon, one of the left backs or maybe even Dylan Teves there tonight. Another interesting thing to look for will be the pitch at Cheney Stadium tonight. While it has generally been good so far, a few dead spots in the infield aside, tonight’s match will be the first time S2 has played in close proximity to the Rainiers. This will be the first real test of the temporary infield grass which was laid just yesterday after the Rainiers played a double header at Cheney on Monday. The rest of the field should be as pristine as usual but the infield could be dodgy.
Field and player difficulties aside, S2 are coming up against a veritable USL Western Conference juggernaut in Real Monarchs SLC. They were not only clearly the best MLS affiliate in the Western Conference last year, but the best regular season team period. The Monarchs outscored S2 7-2 last year in their two matchups, and that is, frankly, a kind scoreline to S2. The USL side out of Sandy don’t appear to be any worse this year, starting the season 3-0-0. That said, both Tulsa and T2 (teams arguably inferior to S2) hung 2 goals on the Monarchs, so if the Tacoma Tall Boys can hold it together defensively, there may be a result to be had. All 8 of the Monarchs goals this season have come from inside the box, and half of those were headers. If S2 can keep things compact in the box and track their runners they may just be able to limit the Monarchs to a goal or two.
This is going to be S2’s toughest test of the season, but a victory will go a long way towards getting the young players some confidence and could just about put the season back on track.
It should also be noted this is the last S2 game available live on YouTube. Starting with the game on Saturday, S2 games will be behind a paywall over at ESPN+.
nos audietis in somniis | nos audietis in altum
you will hear us in your sleep | you will hear us from the deep
this is our Sound
Keys to the Game:
- Limit the Monarchs’ crossing chances.
- Pack the defensive 18.
- Utilize late runs from the midfield.
- Finish your gosh darn chances, please.
Lineups
Introducing your Sounders FC 2 Starting XI for tonight’s match against @RealMonarchs. pic.twitter.com/bjcO6niRRb
— Seattle Sounders 2 (@SoundersFC2) April 12, 2018
Tonight's Starting XI to face @SoundersFC2:
— Real Monarchs (@RealMonarchs) April 12, 2018
BREAKDOWN: https://t.co/rvIFfZosJL pic.twitter.com/D5d6zYGlIr
How to Watch
Match date/time: 7:00 PM PT, Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Venue: Cheney Stadium, Central Tacoma, Puyallup-White River Watershed, Cascadia.
Streaming: YouTube (Talent: Andrew Harvey, James Riley and Dave Clark)
How I'm watching
Outfit: A black sweater, some jeans and black leather sneakers.
Where: I’ll be in class, might sneak a peek on my laptop like any good student would.