Sacramento Republic lose preseason game at Seattle Sounders

Sacramento Republic FC opened their 2020 preseason slate with a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Sounders in a closed-door scrimmage at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Wednesday. The game, which was an extended session of 120 minutes, was controlled by the defending MLS Cup champion throughout, although they have games coming in about two weeks and Republic FC are much earlier in their preseason timeline.

Seattle’s opening starting XI was quite strong, although Nicolas Lodeiro did not feature as he’s dealing with an injury at present. Raul Ruidiaz scored in the 2nd minute for Seattle, before goals from Harry Shipp (9th minute), Jordan Morris (35th minute), Justin Dhillon (78th and 97th minutes) and Alex Roldan (117th minute).

Sacramento got their first goal in the 72nd minute through Sam Werner, and added a second in the 96th minute courtesy of Cameron Iwasa. Reports on both sides of the game indicated the period around Werner’s goal was Republic FC’s best stretch of the game, as they played their way into the action and the first unit on the Sounders was slowing down.

Three academy players and two trialists featured for Sacramento, according to the information put out by SRFC (thanks, by the way!):

Sacramento Republic FC starting XI– Adam Grinwis; Aris Yang (academy player), Juan Barahona, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney; Jaime Villarreal, Rodrigo Lopez, Darek Formella, Julian Chavez (academy player), Kharlton Belmar; Khalid Balogun (trialist)

Sacramento Republic FC third period XI– Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Ashkanov Apollon (trialist), Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Rafael Jauregui (academy player), Sam Werner; Cameron Iwasa

So what does this mean? It’s preseason, and it’s the first game of preseason. In the grand scheme of things, the results don’t matter. Players come out, try to get some game time to build up fitness, coaches try players in spots to get a look at them, those on the fringe attempt to win a contract or more playing time.

What do you think? Any initial impressions based on what we know from the game? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!