Although Sounders FC 2 is only five months into its inaugural season, the team has had ample time to familiarize itself with its regional rival, Timbers 2.
With four matches already under its belt against the Timbers FC saplings, including three in league play and an extra time victory in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round, the clubs have produced 390 minutes, 13 yellow cards and 10 goals against each other in 2015, with S2 emerging as victor from each match
Friday night, S2 has a chance to complete the season sweep as T2 makes the trip north for the third time this season for the series finale.
“We obviously want to win every match, but these rivalry matches add a lot of excitement and energy to the players and the people watching,” said S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson. “They are a very tough team, and because we beat them at their place we know they will come in hungry, but we will be prepared to defend our turf and get the win.
T2, which is 3-6-0 on the road, enters the match having most recently split a home and away series against Whitecaps FC 2, defeating the ‘Caps 4-2 at home in its previous match. S2 enters the match having earned a 1-1 draw on the road against the high-scoring attack of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Prior to that, S2 recorded a victory at home to the tune of a 4-0 shutout over Arizona United SC to regain the top of the USL Western Conference Table.
S2 still sits tied with LA Galaxy II atop the table going into the weekend, with T2 only one point out of playoff contention with a game in hand. A win for S2 would put the club alone in first as the season starts to dwindle, while T2 will look to make a late push to end above the red line.
Tickets to Friday’s match are available here, and kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT. The first 500 fans to show up will receive a white S2 Rally Towel in honor of White Out night at Starfire. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for special promotions and giveaways of white S2 merchandise.
