Sounders FC came out with a resounding boom as their star forward, U.S. National Team player Jordan Morris, rocketed a shot past Republic FC keeper Josh Cohen in the second minute. Morris found space in the box on a set piece and he pounced on the opportunity when the ball found his feet to put the visitors ahead early.
They would add a second goal in the 27th minute. Sounders FC midfielder Nico Lodeiro found space up the left wing before looping the ball to the far post where Henry Wingo was setting up. Wingo unloaded on a right-footed, side-volley that beat a diving Cohen near-post to give Sounders FC a 2-0 lead.
Republic FC nearly pulled one back in the 35th minute after some relentless attacking led forward Christian Eissele with the ball in the box. Eissele picked his head up and sent a left-footed shot at the far post that forced Sounders FC keeper Stefan Frei to make a key diving save. Wilson Kneeshaw also provided some early spark for Republic FC as he pestered the back line of Sounders FC.
The home side did not disappoint to start the second half. Solid build up play in the 47th minute gave defender Josh Turnley time and space out on the left wing. Turnley curled a left-footed cross into the box and forward Christian Eissele skillfully flicked his header back across goal to beat Frei and cut the lead to 2-1.
Josh Cohen kept Republic FC close with a crucial stop on Henry Wingo in the 58th minute. Wingo was alone in the box after a cross left, when Cohen charged off his line to dispossess and clear the ball. Wingo tried to drag the ball past Cohen but the keeper was able to snag the ball and clear it out of danger.
Jordan Morris would add a second goal in the 79th minute. Morris sent a through ball to forward Seyi Abekoya and followed his pass into the box. Abekoya cut the ball back into the path of Morris and he wasted no time sending a one-touch shot past Cohen and into the back of the net. Morris’ second goal sealed the victory for Sounders FC as the final whistle blew with a 3-1 final score.
“I think the guys tried to execute which was really good,” said Republic FC Head Coach Simon Elliott. “I think the guys weren’t sure what to expect. I’m relatively pleased with the way the team is coming together. We’ve got something to build on.”
Sounders FC came out with a resounding boom as their star forward, U.S. National Team player Jordan Morris, rocketed a shot past Republic FC keeper Josh Cohen in the second minute. Morris found space in the box on a set piece and he pounced on the opportunity when the ball found his feet to put the visitors ahead early.
They would add a second goal in the 27th minute. Sounders FC midfielder Nico Lodeiro found space up the left wing before looping the ball to the far post where Henry Wingo was setting up. Wingo unloaded on a right-footed, side-volley that beat a diving Cohen near-post to give Sounders FC a 2-0 lead.
Republic FC nearly pulled one back in the 35th minute after some relentless attacking led forward Christian Eissele with the ball in the box. Eissele picked his head up and sent a left-footed shot at the far post that forced Sounders FC keeper Stefan Frei to make a key diving save. Wilson Kneeshaw also provided some early spark for Republic FC as he pestered the back line of Sounders FC.
The home side did not disappoint to start the second half. Solid build up play in the 47th minute gave defender Josh Turnley time and space out on the left wing. Turnley curled a left-footed cross into the box and forward Christian Eissele skillfully flicked his header back across goal to beat Frei and cut the lead to 2-1.
Josh Cohen kept Republic FC close with a crucial stop on Henry Wingo in the 58th minute. Wingo was alone in the box after a cross left, when Cohen charged off his line to dispossess and clear the ball. Wingo tried to drag the ball past Cohen but the keeper was able to snag the ball and clear it out of danger.
Jordan Morris would add a second goal in the 79th minute. Morris sent a through ball to forward Seyi Abekoya and followed his pass into the box. Abekoya cut the ball back into the path of Morris and he wasted no time sending a one-touch shot past Cohen and into the back of the net. Morris’ second goal sealed the victory for Sounders FC as the final whistle blew with a 3-1 final score.
“I think the guys tried to execute which was really good,” said Republic FC Head Coach Simon Elliott. “I think the guys weren’t sure what to expect. I’m relatively pleased with the way the team is coming together. We’ve got something to build on.”
