Sounders Move on in US Open Cup, Prepare for Red Bulls
By Ben Renner
The Sounders defeated the Kitsap Pumas 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the round of 16 in the US Open Cup against Real Salt Lake. They will take on the New York Red Bulls Sunday in MLS play.
More from Seattle Sounders
- Sounders’ struggles continue in loss to Sacramento
- Sounders: Has Clint Dempsey Played his Final Game for USMNT?
- Sounders Fight to Draw Against Former Coach
- Gold Cup Final Pits USMNT Against Unlikely Foe
- How International Duty Sparked Sounders Midfielder Cristian Roldan
The Sounders didn’t dominate the Kitsap Pumas on the scoreboard the way that many thought they would in a US Open Cup matchup pitting an MLS team against a fourth-division opponent, but the result is that the team will advance in the tournament. They will take on Real Salt Lake on the road on Tuesday, June 28th.
The Sounders got second-half goals from Cristian Roldan and Joevin Jones to defeat Kitsap, which held its own defensively and drew some praise from Aaron Kovar, who said after the game that the Pumas held their shape well and kept “numbers behind the ball” consistently. The win was a way of exorcising some demons from their last appearance in the USOC, when they lost in agonizing fashion to the Portland Timbers.
Meanwhile, the Sounders will return to their normal MLS schedule on Sunday, when they face the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey. Clint Dempsey will be unavailable for the New York match, but the Sounders appear to be headed in the right direction. New York also advanced in USOC play, handling the Rochester Rhinos 1-0 on Wednesday.
With Sigi Schmid returning to the sideline after serving his one-game suspension from USOC play, the Sounders will fight through another tough road draw in New Jersey. Road games have been rough on the squad so far, with the team finding its first win in their last match against DC United.
Next: Michael Bennett Injured but Present
The Red Bulls will be another test for a team trying to dig its way out of the Western Conference cellar and back into contention. The game is at 4:30 pm.