CHARLESTON — The Seattle Sounders' second match of the Carolina Challenge Cup against Atlanta United FC on Wednesday didn't start according to plan.
The Sounders fielded a starting XI consisting of mostly young Academy players, trialists and reserves against a first-choice Atlanta roster. Midfielder Harry Shipp was the only potential starter Seattle trotted out.
The result, a 4-2 Atlanta win, may not have been surprising given the circumstance, but how quickly it did sure was. Atlanta jumped out to a 2-0 lead just three minutes in after an errant pass from guest player Quinton Griffith in the back led to a Josef Martinez breakaway before Miguel Almiron buried a penalty kick two minutes later.