The Seattle Sounders qualified for the U.S. Open Cup semifinals for their eighth time overall, but their first since 2014 after a hard-fought 2-1 road win over the USL-Championship’s Sacramento Republic on Tuesday. The Sounders got goals from Josh Atencio and Jordan Morris in the first half but had to withstand some nervy moments after Republic pulled one back early in the second half. The Sounders will host the winner of LAFC-New Mexico on Aug. 27 for a chance to qualify for their sixth Open Cup final as they pursue a fifth title.
Highlights
Kicking off the day with some @opencup Jingle Bells 🎶 pic.twitter.com/ynEzIHzg33
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 10, 2024
Stats
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Sacramento Republic FC 1
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Venue: Heart Health Park
Referee: Ted Unkel
Assistants: Fernando Fierro, Stephen McGonagle
Fourth Official: Robert Vincze
Attendance: 11,569
Weather: 83 degrees and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
SEA – Josh Atencio 16’
SEA – Jordan Morris (Reed Baker-Whiting) 31’
SAC – Sebastián Herrera (Jack Gurr) 49’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SAC – Nick Ross (caution) 5’
SAC – Cristian Parano (caution) 51’
SAC – Jack Gurr (caution) 56’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Andrew Thomas; Cristian Roldan – Captain, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Jonathan Bell, Nouhou; Josh Atencio (Danny Musovski 90’), João Paulo (Alex Roldan 62’); Paul Rothrock (Raúl Ruidíaz 62’), Albert Rusnák (Jackson Ragen 89’), Reed Baker-Whiting (Obed Vargas 81’); Jordan Morris
Substitutes not used: Jacob Castro, Pedro De La Vega
Total shots: 9
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 13
Offside: 5
Corner-Kicks: 4
Saves: 1
Sacramento Republic FC – Danny Vitiello; Shane Wiedt (Jonathan Ricketts 84’), Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer; Damià Viader (Sebastián Herrera 46’), Luis Felipe, Nick Ross, Jack Gurr; Aldair Sanchez (Blake Willey 90’+5’), Kieran Phillips (Trevor Amann 69’), Cristian Parano (Conor Donovan 90’+3’)
Substitutes not used: Rafael Jauregui, Jared Mazzola
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 20
Offside: 3
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 2
Quotes
Brian Schmetzer
“I was happy with the performance because they overcame some adversity. They are coming together as a group. That wasn’t an easy game by a long shot.”
“I thought we generated plenty of chances to put it away. Credit to their goalkeeper and a little unlucky for us.”
“Ever since Sounder at Heart wrote a commentary that we didn’t take Open Cup seriously… we discussed it after the New England game, but we are taking it seriously. We’re going to still try to get league results, but we’re also going to make sure we put out strong lineups for the semifinals and finals.”
“A lot of guys played on two days’ rest. It wasn’t easy. That’s testament to that group’s determination, their grit, their desire to win, their desire to win more trophies. They’re already talking in there. They’re saying ‘let’s do this.’ They want to get to another final.’’
“Some of our fitness guys took a beating early in year because of the injuries. They do a great job. Jordan Morris has become a complete athlete. He used not be able to play three games in a week but he played two really good games.”
“It’s great. I love it. It’s absolutely what (the Open Cup) is about.’ Love the trailer we are changing in, love the atmosphere, their barbecue, their beer garden. I thought it was great.”
Josh Atencio
“I was really eager to get out here and put out a good performance. We’re treating this as a big deal and it is.”
“We kinda got lucky, it wasn’t super hot today. At kickoff it was 80, 82 which is really good soccer weather. It’s hot out there. I got a little tired at the end but it was good.”
“We knew were going to get one early to get momentum and sort of weather the storm. We knew they were going to come at us and throw everything forward. I thought the guys did well.”
“I loved it. The fans were loud. The announcer does a good job getting the fans into the game. It’s a cool atmosphere. We’re the away team but it got me amped up.”
Andrew Thomas
“It’s huge. Everyone has played a role. It’s a collective fight and something everyone can be proud of.”
“Yes, we’re coming in as the favorite but we’re on the road against a very good USL team, that didn’t play over the weekend, that is used the environment, used to the field … the quality we had on the field showed at times, we were able to keep possession and play through things that wasn’t true in reverse. Celebration was muted because it was to be expected, but it doesn’t mean any less in the slightest.”
