SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (June 30, 2018) — Bryan Meredith had a short time to prepare for the Cascadia Cup.
After being unable to pass a concussion test, Stefan Frei was scratched out of the Seattle Sounders lineup against the Portland Timbers. In addition to Frei, second-string goalkeeper Calle Brown is also recovering from a concussion.
Bryan Meredith Starts in Seattle Sounders 3-2 Loss to Portland Timbers
With two goalkeepers out, Meredith stepped up.
It had been six years since Meredith featured in a regular-season match for Seattle. He began his MLS career with Seattle in 2011 after being drafted in the MLS SuperDraft. However, he didn’t earn playing time until the following year.
In 2012, Meredith made 12 appearances, starting 10 matches. He posted a record of 3-3-5. Since 2012, he hasn’t made a regular-season appearance.
What better way to revitalize an MLS career than in a rivalry match. Meredith made three saves to deny Larrys Mabiala twice and Dairon Asprilla.
Meredith said he felt “confident and comfortable.”
“I was confident that I could step up and fill Stef’s shoes well, and I thought I did that,” Meredith said. “Happy with my performance. Unfortunate to give up three goals, but I think it’s something to build on.”
Meanwhile, Meredith’s coach, Brian Schmetzer, said he made some “really, really tremendous saves” in the first half.
“I don’t want to fault him for any of the three goals,” Schmetzer said. “He came in and did a good job. I thought he was good.”
However, Mabiala got the better of Meredith on two occasions. All of the match’s goals were scored in the second half and Mabiala earned the first point on the board in the 48th minute. He scored again in the 74th minute, notching the game-winning goal.
Samuel Armenteros scored Portland’s other second-half goal.
Meanwhile, Seattle did not remain scoreless like the last meet up. Instead, Víctor Rodríguez earned his first goal of the season in the 51st minute. Sounders defender Chad Marshall also earned his first tally of 2018 in the 68th minute.
However, failed attempts from Cristian Roldan, Clint Dempsey and Rodríguez failed to get Seattle an equalizer.
Unfortunate result today but man do I miss that feeling!
— Bryan Meredith (@bryanmeredith1) July 1, 2018
Seattle Brings in Reinforcements
With the lack of depth at goalkeeper due to two concussions, Seattle relied on a little help from USL club Phoenix Rising.
The team acquired goalkeeper Zac Lubin on loan from Phoenix. Seattle announced the move only hours before the match began.
The loan is for a match-by-match basis.
With nobody on the depth chart behind Meredith, the move was crucial for Schmetzer and company. Lubin has featured four times for Phoenix Rising in 2018. Aside from a few stints overseas with IFK Luleå in and Ljungskile SK in Sweden, Lubin has featured in the USL for his career.
The 28-year-old from Montana featured in college for Saint Martin University, in nearby Lacey, Washington.
Always Seattle. #SoundersMatchday | #SEAvPOR pic.twitter.com/kRowDMMF7g
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 30, 2018
What’s Next?
Seattle will travel to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to face the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, July 4.
The Fourth of July match will kick off at 6 p.m. PT.
With Colorado’s victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps this past weekend, the Rapids move to 10th place in the Western Conference with 15 points. Seattle sits right behind Colorado in 11th place with 12 points.
The San Jose Earthquakes are at the bottom of the table with 12 points after a draw with the LA Galaxy.
Rave TV Recap: Sounders come up short in back-and-forth battle with Portland. #SEAvPOR pic.twitter.com/jjNFxj1fOf
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 1, 2018
He's home. 💚
Prior to #SEAvPOR, Raúl Ruidíaz was introduced to fans at CenturyLink Field. #ElNuevo9 pic.twitter.com/mLsWikcGdB
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 1, 2018
