Winless after three games Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer rotated his lineup for the teams must-win game against the Earthquakes. Injuries played a major factor in Schemtzer’s lineup rotation. tw
Dylan Teves, Danny Leyva, and Sota Kitahara replaced Jos Antencio ( red card) Obed Vargas ( head) , Leo Chu ( knee) and Yeimar for Xavier Arreaga. Cristian Roldan was switched from the right side to the left side . Schmetzer rolled out a 4-4-2 formation with Stefan Frei in goal to start the game
The return of Frei, Yeimar paired with Jackson Ragen, Nouhou and Alex Roldan brought to full strength MLS’s defensive unit from last season. The last thought on the coaching staff was that the team would have a defensive lapse. But that is exactly what happened against the Earthquakes who entered the game without a point in four MLS games.
HIGH PRESS
The home side started with a high press looking to force a costly turnover by the Sounders and their shuffled lineup. After a shaky start, the Sounders were able to weather the Storm. Frie’s steadiness in the back and ability to kick the ball downfield when playing from the back was difficult and allowed the Sounders to settle down.
The Sounder’s best chance of the half came in the 38th minute when a Leyva pass found Tevez on the wing who quickly flicked the ball to an open Cristian Roldan who slid the ball to Jordan Morris who was open in the Quake’s goal box. Morris had his back to the goal and was unable to make a quick so he tried a backward shot that was blocked. The two sides traded possession without creating clear-cut chances.
DEFENSIVE LAPSE
The Quakes took the lead on a defensive breakdown by the Sounders. A poor defensive clearance was collected by Quakes defender Bruno Wilson who was given time to cross the ball into the Sounders goal box which was headed towards goal by a wide-open Alfredo Morales and slotted home by the on-running Vito Costa for the 1-0 lead.
The Quakes then doubled their lead one minute later when an unbalanced backline forced Jackson Ragen to gamble on pulling forward Preston Judd offside with a lung that failed. Judd slipped by Ragen and rifled a shot that was parroted by Frei to a wide-open Cristian Espinoza who slotted the ball past the sprawling Frei for the 2-0 lead minutes before the half-time break.
FIGHT BACK
With a two-goal advantage, the Quakes were willing to succeed possession to the Sounders who were searching for a way back into the game. Albert Rusnak replaced Kitahara in the 58th minute which brought energy and creativity to the Sounder’s attack. Jordan Morris moved to the left wing and Cristian Roldan moved inside midfield. Sensing the tide shifting Schmetzer shuffled the deck once more.
In the 69th minute Danny Musovski replaced Dylan Teves and Cody Baker replaced Danny Leyva. The personnel moves coupled with quick passes and intentionality in the attack paid dividends for the Sounders in the 72nd minute. Yeimar drew a penalty kick which was converted by Raul Rudiaz and cut the Sounders deficit in half at 2-1
CONTINUED PRESSURE
With momentum and wind at their back, the Sounders continued to attack the Quake’s defense.The relentless pressure paid off as the Rave Green were able to find the equalizer in the 81st minute. A sublime cross by Baker found Musovski lurking behind the Quaker’s defense at the far post. Musovski rose above a Quakes defender and headed the ball into the back of the net.
MENTAL BREAK DOWN AGAIN
Within sixty seconds of finding the equalizer, the Sounders made their third and most fatal defensive mistake of the night . Quakes midfielder Jack Skahan streaked down the right flank untouched and slotted the ball across the Sounder goal mouth to a streaking Jeremy Ebobisse who slotted the game-winner for the home side
THE BIG TAKE
This was a game the Sounders needed to win and should have won. The season is slowly slipping away and the pressure is mounting for the Sounders to get results. For that to happen each player must be committed and willing to make sacrifices for the team by staying within the game plan. We have yet to see a game where all 11 players on the pitch are making complimentary decisions. Injuries can play a role in familiarity. What is lacking right now for the Sounders is a focus on the team objectives and all the player’s understanding of how each of their individual decision on any given play affects the team objective.
- Seahawks Rookie Camp Day 1 Highlights
- Exploring Jadarian Price’s Impact on Seahawks’ Offense
- Seattle Storm’s Preseason Breakdown: Stats and Highlights
- Mariners complete strong road trip but Matt Brash causes concern
- Key Takeaways from Seattle Storm’s Thrilling Preseason Match
POST GAME NOTES AND LINE UPS
Discover more from Cascadiasports.net
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
One Reply to “Sounders offense takes a step forward and defense regresses in 3-2 loss to Earthquakes”