Sounders 02/03 Boys Open 2021 Season at Surf Cup

Friday, January 8, 2021

Not having played a proper game in what seems like forever and training in the cold winter conditions, the oldest group of Spokane Sounders boys ventured to Phoenix last week for a little taste of what hopefully lies around the corner for everyone. The 2002/03 ECNL Boys side returned to competition with a split 1-1-1 campaign at the Surf Cup, dominating the run of play in a pair of matches.

Their play started off well in the opener against Heat FC with Dane Cobb scoring via Parker McKean and Chris Swider tallying the second in a game in which the opposition managed to eek out the 2-2 draw via a free kick and a penalty.

The lack of regular play seemed to catch up to them the second day as a bit of sluggish play allowed Santa Barbara SC to earn a 4-2 win. Some second half adjustments, though, enabled the Sounders boys to keep the contest close with Swider and Levi Hawk finding the back of the net.

In the final match the Sounders boys controlled from the outset against Blues FC of Sacramento. Hawk again played a key role, scoring on a free kick from about 22 yards delivering a nice box cross that Cobb tapped in for what stood as the winner with the opponents tallying from the spot to pull within one.

Featuring several guest players, coach Jesse Retan was happy with the result.

“It was a solid performance all weekend and a great opportunity to get some competitive games. We brought in graduated players Clayton Crockett, Trent Ripley and Mundo Cariel to join us, which was great to see.”

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