Studs and Duds from Sounders 3-2 win over San Jose

The Sounders’ three goals against the San Jose  Earthquakes made it three consecutive games in which they have scored three goals. The last time the Sounders achieved this feat was in September 2021.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that the Sounders have conceded seven goals in the same three-game period. Against the Earthquakes, the Sounders showed resolve, determination, and the courage needed to win a tight and entertaining game.

HERE ARE THE STUDS AND DUDS FROM THE GAME

STUDS

DANNY MUSOVISKI

This is not because of his brace, but rather the way he played offense and defense. On the Sounders’ first goal, it was Musovski who pressured Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel into a rushed kick upfield that was intercepted by Pedro de la Vaga.  The Argentine quickly passed the ball to Obed Vargas, who in turn passed it to Rusnák, who then crossed the ball to Musoviski for the 1-1 equalizer.

While it might seem like a small thing, it highlights the importance of high pressure when the Sounders are in their high press, which they prefer to exert, as opposing goalkeepers have the ball at their feet. Two goals speak for themselves. Musovski is an efficient and lethal goal box striker. After subbing in for the injured Morris, Musovski had 37 touches, four shots and two goals.  He also had eight touches in the opposition box.

KALANI KOSA -RIENZI

Outside of getting beat on the Earthquakes’ first goal, Kosa-Rienzi played a solid game,  moving up the right flank and being an extra outlet on the attacking end.  On the Earthquakes’ first goal, Kosa-Reinze was left flatfooted after a double cross over a dribble by the Earthquakes’ Jamar Ricketts.

After blowing past Kosa-Reinze, Ricketts crossed the ball to Preston Judd, who made an inside post run and beat Jon Bell and Thomas. In fairness, it was a team goal against.   Obed Vargas and  Cristen Roldan allowed  Judd to make the run unmarked.

Kosa-Reinze played 62 minutes and had 65 touches, was accurate on 37 of 39 passes (95%), made two passes in the final third, and, most importantly, had three interceptions and won three of seven duels.

REED BAKER -WHITING

Baker-Whiting played a full  90 minutes, which is a positive sign for the scrappy but solid defender. His services will be needed due to the upcoming fixture congestion caused by the League Cup competition.  His improved pay will put pressure on Nouhou to snap out of his present form. As for the game, the 20-year-old Baker-Whitting played a solid defensive game.

 In the 90-minute play, he had seven clearances, two of which were headed clearances, and he also logged four recoveries. Despite winning just 6/16  ( 38%) duels, Baker-Whitting held down the Sounders’ left side.  The Earthquakes attack from their right side, led by Cristian Espinoza, Chichi Arango, and Preston Judd. Baker-Whitting was always in the right place at the right time.

PEDRO DELA VEGA

The Argentine had arguably his best game as a Sounder in recent memory. He had sharp, clean, and clinical movements at both ends of the pitch.  His game-winning goal in the 69^th minute was magical and showcased his talent. Just as spectacular was his dribble out of the Sounders’ goal area to break the Earthquakes’ press. In his post-game press conference, Schmetzer stated that De la Vega had played himself into the starting conversation. In his 84 minutes played, De la Vega had 40 touches, six of which were in the Earthquakes’ goal box, three shots, and one assist.

DUDS

THE INJURY BUG

It’s not a player, but one can’t write an article without feeling for Jordan Morris, who suffered another injury in just his fourth start of the season.

JON BELL AND YEIMAR

I am grouping these two because, as a whole, the pair lacked cohesion as a unit. With Jackson Ragen out and Kim Kee-Hee coming on as a late substitute for Yeimar, the game was Bell’s show to showcase his talents back at his regular center-back position.  His position was good, but his recovery was subpar. He had two recoveries, two interceptions, four clearances, and one last-man tackle.

YEIMAR

In his 62 minutes, Yeimar was the most accurate passer to play 45 minutes or more. The lacking was one duel out of a possible four.  And like Bell, his poor positioning at times made for late recoveries.

KIM KEE-HEE

The South Korean  International replaced Yeimar in the 62^nd minute, and he looked heavy-footed from the get-go.   After an Obed Vargas handball and ensuing free kick, Kee-Hee mistimed Espenoza’s kick, which was headed towards the right corner by Judd.  A miraculous save by Thomas put the ball back in front of the Sounders’ goal box, which allowed a wide-open Arango to pounce for the equalizer.

 BIG TAKE AWAY

Cristian Roldan and  Obed Vargas continued their usual outstanding clinical play in the midfield. When needed, they pushed up to support Albert Rusnák,  Jesus Ferreira and Musoviski in the attack. On defense, two had the  one breakdown on the Earthquakes’ first goal.  Thomas also deserves a shutout for his seven saves.

Three were diving saves, and five of his seven saves were inside his goal box. Both goals conceded could have been prevented with some heady play by his backline. The bottom line? The Sounders were able to rest some players and bag all three points.

• Key Takeaways from Seattle Storm’s Thrilling Preseason Match
• FIFA Empowers Afghan Women Footballers with Historic Regulation Change
• Seahawks 2026 Draft: Analysis of Key Picks and Strategies
• Key Stats from Seattle Storm vs Golden State Valkyries Preseason Clash
• Seahawks Draft Emmanuel Henderson: Special Teams Prospects