Port City FC Falls to New Orleans Jesters in U-19 Pilot

By Port City FC

A disappointing defensive first half dooms the Sounders despite spending more time in possession.  The home side today fell to the visiting New Orleans Jesters 4-3 at the Jackson County Soccer Complex.  What started off as a fairly even first 10 minutes, quickly changed as the Sounders were caught in possession at the back and punished by forward Taylor Weeks. Unfortunately for the Sounders, the Jesters weren’t done there.  In the 18th minute, the Jesters worked the ball up the field following a few quick passes releasing Russell Brown for his first goal of the night. 

Following some promising buildup from the Sounders, the Jesters were able to capitalize on another defensive mistake.  A seemingly harmless throw in from about 40 yards away was launched into the box.  Sair Pacheco from the away side was able to get his head on the ball to flick it past the outstretched arms of Betz.  In the 41st minute, the Jesters were able to nick the ball away from the sounders and quickly break down the right side of the pitch.  Following a cross that was knocked down in the area, the ball was bundled home by Brown for his second goal of the night. 

Following more positive play from the Sounders, the boys in white and blue were able to salvage something from the first half as Simon Thames would net his first goal of the night via a deflected free kick just before the halftime whistle to make the score line 4-1.

After the break, the Sounders started on the front foot and began attacking the Jesters goal and applying more pressure.  The opening few minutes were rewarded via another Thames goal in the 59th minute.  The Sounders pressed well in the midfield and were able to create an opening for Thames as his long-range strike was able to find the back of the net. 

More Sounders pressure would be rewarded again in the 87th minute following a set piece.  An attacking set piece was won on the right side of the penalty area.  The ball was swung in, and cleared away briefly by the Jesters defense only to be smashed home by Benjamin Magee on the half volley to make the score 4-3.  The Sounders pushed for that vital fourth goal; however, the first-half deficit proved to be too much to overcome with the Jesters winning 4-3. 

The Sounders are back in action against the Florida Roots tomorrow at 3:00 pm along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Photo Credit: Port City FC