In a close match, the Seattle Sounders FC defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at CenturyLink Field. The Sounders have had a rocky season, but still are strong in the West and are on track to make the playoffs. How far they make it is questionable, especially when considering their current track record.
Brian Mullan received boos and distaste from the crowd every time he touched the ball. Mullan was responsible for Steve Zakuani’s broken leg, and the Seattle soccer culture has not forgotten it. Following the game, Zakuani and Mullan had a friendly exchange; a true display of atonement, maturity, and sportsmanship.
The Sounders FC had an unusual starting lineup, with Alvaro Fernandez and Eddie Johnson as dual strikers. The two worked well together, but the real duo was between Johnson and Mauro Rosales who repeatedly linked up for scoring chances. Andy Rose, a fairly fresh face for Seattle, played quite strongly and made several smart, lofty passes. Adam Johansson was all over the field, stopping aerial through balls and remaining poised under pressure. Bryan Meredith made a handful of great stops; his diving and punching efforts kept the Rapids discouraged and scoreless for much of the ninety. The first half ended with zero stoppage time as Rosales broke away for a one-on-one opportunity. Following the ref’s whistle, the crowd was unhappy as Rosales stood in the middle of the field in disbelief. It is no secret that many goals are scored right at the end of the first half in soccer as players are tired and lose focus; this referee should have allowed advantage and play to continue.
Seattle had a plethora of corner kicks, one of which resulted in a goal. Alvaro Fernandez had several chances off of headers in the first half before finally scoring off of a Rosales corner kick in the 52nd minute. Matt Pickens got a hand on the ball as it soared into the net. Two minutes later, Fernandez had another scoring chance as his chip went wide of the goal.
Jeff Larentowicz responded with an on target strike in the 59th; Meredith’s took a quick dive to knock the ball out of play.
After an hour of play, Johnson appeared to be fouled hard in the box, but no penalty was awarded. Upon further review, it was clear that the defender touched the ball first and made a fantastic defensive stop of what would have surely been another goal. Despite the defensive awareness, Rosales crossed to Johnson was headed in for the second Seattle goal on the night. The goal was Johnson’s eighth on the season and Rosales’ second assist for the match and sixth for the season. Following the goal, Johnson earned a yellow card for removing his shirt in a celebratory fashion.
Fredy Montero came in for Johnson in the 72nd minute, however, his presence in the game was minimal. Several more chances for the Sounders surmounted on the night, including smart one-twos between Rosales and Fernandez. Andy Rose also had a handful of chances on the night. The young mid-fielder looked hungry for goals. Zakuani entered the match in the final minutes of the game to the sounds of cheers and thunderous roars of the supporting Seattle supporters.
Colorado finally responded late in the game, as Luis Zapata made a curving aerial cross to the back post where Omar Cummings tapped the ball into the net. In the 86th, Larentowicz scored a fantastic goal which did not count due to a Colorado striker getting hit by the shot while in the offsides position. Colorado had one last chance during stoppage time: Martin Rivero struck a bouncing ball at the top of the eighteen yard box. The shot sailed no more than a foot over the crossbar as the 39,060 in attendance held their breaths.
