By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Sounders S2 opens season with 2-1 victory over Portland

 

While one game does not a season make, the Sounders FC 2 move from Starfire Sports Complex was a resounding success as the team opened it 2018 USL season with a 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers 2 Saturday night at Cheney Stadium.

It was a historic occasion, as a soldout Cheney Stadium crowd of 6,049 fans witnessed Tacoma’s new professional club win its first match in the City of Destiny. Felix Chenkam and Nick Hinds bagged two goals at the end of the first half within two minutes of each other, giving Head Coach John Hutchinson his first win as S2 manager.

“Massive crowd, great environment for our team to play in first and foremost. I just want to thank all the people who came out tonight.  Hutchinson said after the game. “It was a massive effort to support the S2 boys and I know they are very grateful – they couldn’t wait to get out here and to start the home opener against Portland at home in front of a big crowd is an amazing goal for us.”

Cheney S2 fans
Sounders FC 2 fans show their support for the home side. ( Sounders FC)
After Augustine Williams put Portland into the lead in the 30th minute, it was Chenkam that leveled the match at one goal apiece from the penalty spot, netting S2’s first-ever goal in Tacoma in the 43rd minute. Hinds scored from open play minutes later, partnering with David Olsen on a one-touch combination inside the area for a clean finish in front of the supporters’ section
“It is what it is. I just tried my best to help my team out. Perfect finish, good setup by David [Olsen], ” Hinds said after the game. ” Everything was the way we wanted, so I just have to thank my teammates for giving me the opportunity to trust me and put it away.”
Sounders FC 2 Felix Chenkam celebrates goal with teammates
Sounders FC 2 Felix Chenkam celebrates his goal with teammates. ( Sounders FC)
Friday night game was the first match at Cheney Stadium in the era of S2’s new partnership with the Tacoma Rainiers. In November of 2017, Sounders FC and the Rainiers announced that beginning this season, Sounders FC 2’s previously-announced transition to Tacoma was accelerating, allowing S2 to play its home matches at Cheney while progress continues toward a new soccer-specific facility.
The two clubs previously reached a historic agreement to build a 5,000-seat facility in Central Tacoma on the footprint of Cheney Stadium. While that process moves forward, South Sound soccer fans are now able to see their USL side play in Tacoma several seasons ahead of schedule.
The club returns USL play on March 24 at Swope Park Rangers, with Hutchinson’s side returning to the friendly confines of Cheney Stadium on Wednesday, Match 28 against Fresno FC (7:00 p.m. PT / USLsoccer.com).

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