The Sounders FC Reserves played the San Jose Earthquake Reserves in an intense battle this evening. It didn’t take long before the San Jose’s Martinez ripped a shot over the bar early within the first five minutes. The Sounders Reserves responded swiftly with our very own Martinez who switched play excellently with a long ball across field which was controlled, shot on target and saved by San Jose’s goalkeeper. The next highlight came from San Jose’s striker Fucito who latched on to a cross with a powerful header which was saved by Marcus Hahnemann. The nerves on both teams eventually settled and the game started to develop a rhythm as both teams kept possession mainly in the middle of the field. The Sounders Reserves broke for a counter attack in the 20th minute with a long ball from the defense which Remick chased down but was parried by the goalkeeper. In the 25th minute, the crowd was left gasping when the Sounders Reserves worked with the ball really well at the top of the box, passed it wide to Remick who laid out a beautiful cross with was headed down and cleared to the feet of Martinez who took a laser shot which sailed over the post by inches. There were a few anxious moments for the Sounders fans when Fucito shot the ball over the bar from a header forward off a goal kick. Halftime ended with the score at 0 – 0.
The second half commenced. Within 15 minutes of kickoff the Sounders Reserves were awarded a free kick in a promising position. Carrasco blasted a powerful to the top left corner but was denied by the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper who made an excellent save. The deadlock was finally broken when Lund connected with the ball which was played from center field to the wing, in the midst of confusion San Jose’s defender attempted to clear it rather acrobatically only to have it drop in his own net. After the goal, San Jose pressed on with a deeper intent, and kept the bulk of possession but failed to produce any promising chance. The Sounders were awarded a corner in the 70th minute. Estrada stepped up to take the corner which was headed towards goal, saved and rebounded generously to the feet of a Sounder player who tapped the ball in. Estrada continued to impress when he dribbled the ball into the box with a few stopovers and shot the ball low into the box but the goalkeeper parried it with ease. San Jose continued to press for the most part of the latter stages in the game, seeking to find a way back in the game. They were given a glimmer of hope in the dying seconds of the game when they managed to score off a corner kick. A San Jose player headed the ball powerfully towards goal off a corner which Marcus Hahnemann wasn’t able to grasp cleanly resulting in an easy tap in goal. San Jose continued to push forward seeking an equalizer knowing very well they didn’t have much if any time left. Their efforts did not however lead to a goal. The game ended 2-1 to the Sounders Reserves.
