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Tacoma Defiance

Sounders FC 2 Tops Whitecaps FC 2 by a Score of 3-2 in Cascadia Clash at Starfire Stadium

June 10, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tacoma Defiance News Release


TUKWILA, WASH. - Forwards Victor Mansaray and Andy Craven scored their team-leading third goals of the season in a 3-2 victory for Sounders FC 2 (2-7-4, 10 points) over conference-leading Whitecaps FC 2 (6-2-4, 22 points) Thursday evening at Starfire Stadium. Sounders FC Academy product Lorenzo Ramos opened his scoring account with a second-half game-winner as S2 snaps its seven-match winless streak. Next up, S2 continues its Cascadia stretch with a road match against Portland Timbers 2 on Tuesday, June 14 at Providence Park (4:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com).

Each side exchanged dangerous chances early in the match, as Seattle forward Carlos Patino's free-kick attempt landed just wide in the second minute, while midfielder Zach Mathers' shot sailed high in the 28th minute. Defender Nouhou Tolo kept the match scoreless in the eighth minute when he protected Seattle's open net with a sliding clearance.

Craven eventually opened the scoring in the 41st minute with his third goal in two games. Mathers, who wore the captain's armband for Thursday's rainy contest, drew the penalty-kick after being taken down in Whitecaps FC 2's area. Craven coolly placed the ball into the left side of the net for the 1-0 lead.

On the brink of halftime, the Whitecaps FC 2 drew level with a converted penalty after midfielder Mark O'Ojong was called for a hard challenge in front of Seattle's goal. Kyle Greig's attempt tucked into the left corner between the post and goalkeeper Tyler Miller's fingertips, as the visitors entered halftime tied at 1-1.

Just seconds into the second period, Mansaray gave the host side a 2-1 lead. Mathers sent an impressive through-ball into the opposing area, where Mansaray gathered the pass, made a half-turn and sent the ball into the far corner of the net for the 2-1 lead.

Ramos scored the winner minutes later when the Academy product sent a seething rip from 25 yards out into the back of the net. Ramos' goal gave the Rave Green a season-high three goals in the match. Tonight marked the Academy player's first career S2 start.

For the remaining 35 minutes of the contest, Whitecaps FC 2 displayed a frenetic attack. The visitors got one back in the 72nd minute on a counter-attack by Guiliano Frano, who found Miller's far net. Frano played in 25 matches and recorded two goals for S2 in 2015.

Whitecaps FC 2 nearly equalized in the 90th minute, but the shot attempt struck the right goalpost and Seattle held its 3-2 lead.

S2 takes on Portland Timbers 2 on Tuesday, June 14 at Providence Park (4:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com). All information on the S2 Flex Plan, season tickets, group tickets or single-match options, can be found via: www.SoundersFC.com/S2/Tickets.

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