For the second consecutive week, Sounders FC fell behind in a game and had to fight their way back with varying results. In last Saturday’s home opener against the Chicago Fire the Rave Green were able to overcome a 1-0 second-half deficit and grab all three points in the 2-1 come-back win. Last night against the Columbus Crew SC the Sounders found themselves in familiar but uncomfortable territory when Crew forward Gyasi Zardes gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with 33 minutes elapsed in the first half.
RALLY FALLS SHORT
Sounders FC rallied in the 79th minute when forward Raul Ruidiaz converted on his second attempt from the penalty spot. Ruidiaz’s first attempt was saved by Crew FC keeper Eloy Room but referee Jair Marrufo deemed that Room left his line prematurely and warranted another attempt by Ruidiaz. The Peruvian striker did not waste his second bite at the apple and calmly buried the shot into the middle left corner for the 1-1. Both teams played for the win but neither team was able to produce the game-winner and both teams shared the spoils in the 1-1 draw.
QUICK TAKE AWAYS
The game marked the first MLS start for the international signing Yeimar Gomez Andrade who partnered with Xavier Arreaga in the center back position. While it will take more game action for the two to gell Andrade ‘s physical presence in the middle will slow down opposing strikers and enable Arreaga to use his ability to read and pick off passes in the box ad get quickly get the ball upfield. This will enable Sounders FC to play an uptempo counter-attack.
NEVER MIND WALDO WHERE IS NICOLAS LODIERO
Defensive midfielder Gustav Svensson saw his first MLS action this season and his presence was a calming effect that enabled Cristian Roldan to push in the attacking third without worrying about defensive help. What is quickly becoming an eyebrow-raiser is the continued absence of Nicolas Lodeiro. The Sounders crafty playmaker and captain has yet to play this year due to hamstring tendinitis. The Sounder’s next game is March 14th at Houston Dynamo and a healthy Lodeiro could give a boost to an offense that is decent but not consistent in the attacking third.
