Following a narrow defeat at Providence Park last Thursday, Seattle Sounders FC 2 travel down to Orange County Blues FC on Saturday in search of their first road win of the season. Head coach Ezra Hendrickson will be looking to capitalize on a recent poor run of form from the Blues who have two points in their last four matches.
“They’ve had a little bad run of form the last few games but I think they’re a team that’s still capable of doing well,” said Hendrickson. “We had very good games against them last year.”
S2 come into the match with their own struggles, having earned three points in their last six and Hendrickson believes that defense will be crucial to their success down at OC. Despite a poor away record, S2 have been relatively stingy at the back only conceding three goals in three away matches.
“With being on the road, defending becomes key,” Hendrickson said. “In the few games we’ve played on the road, I thought we’ve defended well.”
While playing on the road always presents challenges for the visitors, S2 may find comfort in a bigger pitch down at OC Blues’ Anteater Stadium. S2 have struggled mightily at home this season on the narrow confines of Starfire Stadium.
“It’s a little bigger and that actually helps us with the way we like to play,” said Hendrickson. “I think the more room our players have, the better for us. We like to spread the field. We’re not a direct team that likes a narrow pitch.”
The squad comes into the match healthy with no notable injuries beyond midfielder Amadou Sanyang who has yet to make an appearance for S2 so far this season. They will be affected by international call ups for the Caribbean Cup, as forward Myron Samuel will compete for his country of St. Vincent and Grenadines and midfielder Jordy Delem will suit up for Martinique.
The match takes place on Saturday, June 4( 7 p.m. PT, livestream on SoundersFC.com).
