Academy Catches Tough Breaks in Arizona

Unfortunate red card and last-minute goal sours Sounders road trip

CASA GRANDE, ARIZ.— Sounders FC Academy came away with a loss and draw as they traveled to Arizona this weekend to take on RSL Academy  in a non-divisional matchup. An unfortunate red card caused the U18's to be downed 4-1, while a last-second RSL goal forced a 2-2 draw against the U16's.

The U18’s (9-11-3, 7-5-1, 22 points NW Division) equalized the game 1-1 before the half thanks to an Austin Sweeney goal.  However, center-back Ian Lange picked up a red card in the 60th minute, and the extra player combined with the Arizona heat proved too much as the Rave Green gave up three second half goals in a 4-1 defeat.

The U16's (15-5-3, 10-2-1, 31 points NW Division) fell behind 1-0 early in the second half, but David Olsen equalized on a cross from Kyle Bjornethun, and Duncan McCormick gave the squad a 2-1 lead after a scrum following a corner kick. The 2-1 lead remained until the final moments when RSL equalized on a controversial offsides no-call, sending the young Sounders home with draw.

The teams return to Seattle this week for their final home games of the season next weekend against the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA at Starfire Sports. The U16’s have already clinched a spot in the USSDA Playoffs.