4. Sounders beat Loyola Marymount 3-2
The Seattle Sounders secured their first win of the year on Wednesday as they beat Loyola Marymount University of Los Angeles. As the 3-2 final scoreline indicates, the closed-door friendly was a lot closer than many may have anticipated against a college team.
In addition, the Rave Green had to come from behind to secure the victory during an extended game which lasted 105 minutes. The winning goal came courtesy of homegrown player Handwalla Bwana in the 98th minute.
In fairness to the Sounders, they were using the game as an opportunity to, among other things, experiment with a defense which is the least stable position on the roster. Of particular note, Gustav Svensson partnered Shane O’Neill at center-back, with Kelvin Leerdam and Joevin Jones completing the backline.
In addition, the majority of the starting XI will look vastly different when the season begins. Overall, the game allowed the opportunity for a variety of fringe players to show coach Brian Schmetzer and the rest of the staff what they can do and meant the club could leave Southern California with that winning feeling.