The Seattle Sounders played their first match of the 2017 preseason, and that’s exactly what it looked like. A mixed squad with plenty of new players got up to real game speed and got to know each other better, all while putting in a respectable performance against the Timbers. Sure, defensive errors and missed passes were common, but there was also strong individual play at times, and Harry Shipp officially put the ball in the back of the net for the first time as a Sounder.
Most importantly, the coaching staff got a better look at the crew of draftees, trialists and academy kids who filled out the roster, especially in the second half.