Seattle Sounders Vs. Colorado Rapids: The Goals Keep Coming
by Jeremiah Oshan on Jul 16, 2011 7:12 PM PDT
in Sounders: MLS Regular Season
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Tell me if you've heard this one before: The Seattle Sounders fall behind early, come storming back, fall behind again, take a lead and then hold on for dear life. Saturday's 4-3 win over the Colorado Rapids may not have played out exactly like last week's win over the Portland Timbers, but there seems to be an eery trend forming.
At this point, I think we can safely say no Sounders team has ever clicked like this on offense. For the fourth time in six matches against MLS teams, the Sounders scored at least three goals. In their past 11 matches, they have scored 23 goals. More importantly, they have not lost any of those and have gone 6-0-3 in MLS competition to move within a point of the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Supporters' Shield race.
This one had something for everyone. Alvaro Fernandez continued to show that he might just be one of the better finishers in MLS, winning a battle with right back Kosuke Kimura and then beating Matt PIckens for his fifth goal of the season. Roger Levesque added another opportunistic goal on a nice finish on a pass to the near post. Fredy Montero scored a beautiful diving header for his sixth tally of the season. Mauro Rosales even scored to go along with an earlier assist.
Offensively, it was an effective, almost workman-like performance as the Sounders took just 13 shots, but put nine of them on frame. Basically, it was a very similar offensive performance to what we've grown accustomed seeing from this team.
But it wasn't exactly a pretty game, either. All three of the Rapids' goals were on defensive breakdowns. The first off a horrible clearance, the second when Jeff Larentowicz was unmarked at the top of the box and the third when Caleb Folan lost his mark on a corner kick.
How much of that is attributable to the awful turf -- and man, did it look bad -- is a fair question. But this seems to be part of a recent trend. While the defense hasn't been outright bad, they have allowed 11 goals during their unbeaten streak after giving up just seven during their previous 9.
Maybe this is just part of the deal, though. The insertion of Tyson Wahl at left back seems to have come with the knowledge that some amount of defense would be sacrificed. The same could be said with Erik Friberg getting most of the time over Brad Evans. Both Wahl and Friberg are unquestionably more dynamic offensive players, and there is a predictable cost with that.
Right now, it's a cost well worth paying. Even during the heady days of late last season, when the team was reeling of wins with remarkable regularity and surging toward the playoffs, the Sounders never went this long without a loss. They also never scored at quite this impressive a clip (their biggest output over 11 all-competition matches was 21).
Simply put, this team is a joy to watch right now, even if they are prone to some mistakes. The ball moves fluidly through the midfield and quickly down the wings. The forwards seem to be in the right place at the right time. Meanwhile, Osvaldo Alonso seems to be everywhere all at once. If this means there are going to be more goals scored against, I think I can live with that.
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Osvaldo Alonso
Did a great job helping to neutralize Mastroeni today.
Jeremiah, after listening to the podcast last night I think CDAM might be an apt description for the Honey Badger.
by James Bray on Jul 16, 2011 7:27 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
That could go a myriad of ways
And I think I like them all.
by James Bray on Jul 16, 2011 7:43 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
HBMF? It might be more scientific.
by DaveValleDrinkNight on Jul 16, 2011 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
bamfhb?
A sky of blue, a sea of green...(or claret)
by kelliott1527 on Jul 17, 2011 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Composure
The very early goal. A physical 1st half with some questionable refereeing. Defensive miscues. And the attack just stayed focused. Didn’t rush and was rewarded. Love how this is going.
by jayw913 on Jul 16, 2011 7:44 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Fernandez ruined Kimura on the left
He was fantastic all day long and could’ve scored 2 more goals. Man did that turf get eaten alive today. I’m really glad that we aren’t playing Philly next weekend on it. After today and ManU midweek it would’ve been atrocious. Read on Twitter that Sheridan was at the game. Anyone see him also?
I'm not sure if it was just Colorado's back line being shitty while playing high or the Sounders carving them apart (maybe a little of both)...
…but Seattle had a lot of amazing through balls. Beautiful football by the Sounders today. Pretty much everybody in the front six had some great set up passes, especially Montero’s to Rosales and a couple from Alonso.
by Greg Pirkl Lives on Jul 16, 2011 8:01 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
What is everyone's opinion of Friberg these last few matches?
I think he looks like a totally different player than four-five weeks ago. He is really starting to impress me.
La Vecchia Signora Forever!
He used to make a lot more mistakes but much better now
He still makes a few mistakes but he has gelled with the team and is playing much better than earlier this season. I used to be skeptical of him because of the constant mistakes and giveaways but he is now a solid and reliable contributor on the pitch.
I think he has developed a much better awareness of how his team plays around him which eliminated a lot of the early error tendencies. He doesn’t stand out for me but I am happy to have him for depth. He kind of lives in the shadow of Alonso; if we lost Alonso he would be the logical replacement.
by AliasDictusTyrant on Jul 16, 2011 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure that Carrasco is Alsonso's replacement
Your other points are right on point, however.
by wyte_lightning on Jul 16, 2011 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions
i like him a lot
i think it took him a bit to gel with the team but i love this midfield.
Friberg is alright
I’ve never been exactly sure what all the fuss is about but he has been solid. If you look at his passing stats they are nothing to write home about, but stats don’t tell the whole story. He certainly doesn’t offer as much defensively as what has usually been expected out of that position. Fernandez would be a better CM in my opinion.
...and you will hear us scream
by malcontentjake on Jul 17, 2011 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
When Zak is back, he will get his normal spot back and Fernandez should be given the central role.
"The fans are excited. And the stadium, well, it ignites with explosion."
Friberg has been fantastic...
…in all the ways you can’t see on a scoresheet or in statistics. Half of the balls Ozzie wins are because friberg pressures midfielders into questionable passes. Not taking anything away from Mr. Badger—but Friberg’s certainly putting in good shifts. He’s also looked great on the ball, finding good passes. He still needs to be a bit more composed when attacking as he often makes questionable passes when ging forward—his final ball could be better. But you’re right, he’s looked a lot better lately. Evans is having a hard time finding the field.
So...rain tomorrow. Cloudy Monday, Tuesday. Rain Wednesday....
Anyone interested to see who could slide further on their stomach. Rooney vs Jaqua…GO!
A mile high, in more ways than one.
Fawk the thug cRapids and their ginger bitch! There has never been a least deserving champion in the leagues history. Soooooo glad we swept those whiney d-bags. And of course, to cover up the fact they are a hack em and slash em team, they and their 2 fans are now crying that we were the ones to physical. What fantasy land do those idiots from Colorado live in???
by carella211 on Jul 16, 2011 8:15 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I can't believe
That any team is allowing Rosales that much space down the right. Have they been paying attention? There were times when he was receiving balls with 20 yards of space in any direction you care to choose.
I lost my rag at an old biddy sat behind me today. “Montero’s so lazy,” she wibbled. “Why’s he not defending? There are two other players up there with him, why isn’t he running back?” And as a comeback, “Have you seen Rooney?” Yes, I’ve seen how Rooney only tackles back when it’s absolutely necessary, because he’s NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DEFENDING, YOU DOLT. Gah, just the sort of “fan” that gives credence to the TA’s accusations of fake fandom.
by Targaff on Jul 16, 2011 8:17 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Old Biddy
Montero is lazy and immature. I do wish I could discuss the game with my friend without your turing around to berate me. In soccer everyone defends when the other team has the ball. I’m not sure what your issue is, but I suspect it may be sexism. I never mentioned Rooney’s tackles. I am impressed with how hard he works and covers back. If my “wibbling” bothers you don’t listen during the game. Lighten up and stop being a soccer snob.
“Old Biddy”
The tactical impact of "everyone back defending"
Is that there will not be an outlet pass that has a possibility to result in a goal. Your preferred situation would instead just result in a turnover and another long defensive stand.
Congratulations, you would be making the team worse.
It isn’t sexism to say that you are wrong. It is smart soccer to say that you are wrong.
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2011 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Defending
Defending does not mean everyone back. I never said that. Defending is placing yourself so that the other team can’t have easy options for passing or pressuring your area when the other team has the ball. Not standing watching the game
Old Biddy
Except that he does that
When the people near him actually have the ball.
What he doesn’t do is pressure a CB when the ball is in the Sounders 18
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2011 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Until given evidence to the contrary I am assuming this is a troll account
by Aaron Campeau on Jul 18, 2011 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Troll Account
New at this—not a Troll ( had to look up). Just wanted to respond to original demeaning name calling .
The end.
OB
No offense, but I remain skeptical.
It seems a rather unlikely coincidence that you would have randomly stumbled upon this particular comment.
by Aaron Campeau on Jul 18, 2011 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Replay?
Does anyone know if there is going to be a replay? I missed the game due to work and I want to see the game outside of the post game highlights.
I couldn't take the third goal seriously after they showed this guy.
by Greg Pirkl Lives on Jul 16, 2011 8:39 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Good day sir
My name is Ebenezer von Shufflebottom of the Saxony Shufflebottoms. I enjoyed supporting my team, the Rapids of Colorado, in your fine city and bid you adieu.
by Derek Young on Jul 16, 2011 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
The fact that Larentowicz made the giveaway that led to Montero's goal after mocking the crowd after his goal is just amazing
by Aaron Campeau on Jul 16, 2011 8:41 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
This was a fantastic match to watch. I like the slower pitch, I think it helped the attacking style of the Sounders, but the quality of the pitch was awful.
The Good: Seattle is a goal-scoring offensive machine that is increasingly able to systematically deconstruct the defenses of opposing sides with fluid technical play. In current form, they are arguably the most dangerous attacking side in MLS, not because they have media-whoring superstars but because they have amazing breadth and depth when it comes to attacking options and those options are clearly well-integrated. I love that style of play. And they manage to do it with Levesque filling in for a real target forward (not a dig against Levesque, but he is a fairly middling generic forward with a lot of heart).
The Bad: What the hell happened with the defense? I know Hurtado was out but this has been a trend as of late; I think the defense might have been tighter a couple months ago. I worry about this. Keller is solid but there have been troubling lapses in the back line. The Sounders clearly have a lack of depth in that department. I can live without an upgrade to the offense but we need to take a serious look at upgrading and deepening the back line.
The Ugly: I cannot overstate how much I detest the brutish, ugly style of play that Colorado brings to the pitch. That is the worst of MLS on purely stylistic grounds but it also makes me feel dirty watching it. And they try to drag their opponents into their game. If it was not for the fact that the Sounders were putting on a thrilling match I would have turned off the television. There were points in that match where Colorado essentially reset the baseline for what draws a card. MLS should be dropping the hammer on that kind of play, it damages the reputation of the entire league.
Overall, a great game. Seattle’s attacking quality is starting to reach heights that I do not recall ever seeing before in the MLS. If they can fix their defense the Sounders would be unstoppable.
by AliasDictusTyrant on Jul 16, 2011 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Defense
“What the hell happened with the defense? I know Hurtado was out but this has been a trend as of late; I think the defense might have been tighter a couple months ago. I worry about this. Keller is solid but there have been troubling lapses in the back line. The Sounders clearly have a lack of depth in that department. I can live without an upgrade to the offense but we need to take a serious look at upgrading and deepening the back line.”
Been worried all season and all of last, actually. During our dp talk of last week, I suggested that what the Sounders really need is a stellar CB. The kind of guy who stifles offensives, directs, distributes, and can be a threat on FKs. Defense is a problem for this team. If Jeremiah is okay with this as long as we keep scoring goals, that’s fine. I’m not. Defensive deficiencies most often show their ugly head during the play-offs and critical games.
All of that said, man, am I happy we’re clicking on offense. 3-2 and 4-3 wins are always entertaining if not studies in flawless soccer.
I think Hurtado is exactly that CB
And with Iannia and Parke, we have considerable depth there.
There’s really no need to panic. The Sounders still have the 6th best GAA in the league and are one goal away from being tied for 4th. The Sounders defense has been above average to elite the whole season, and a few fluky deflections against Portland and one bad game against Colorado doesn’t change that.
If we're talking about adding pieces in defense
I think I’d prefer a fullback rather than a CB. CB is a lot stronger position on this team and, barring Parke’s error today and depending on whose man Folan was at the end, we don’t give up a ton of goals from CB problems. Most of them seem to come off things a FB would be better at preventing – counters or getting burned by speed down the flanks.
The D is an issue, though.
Folan just completely lost his marker on that one
I think closest Sounder was Neagle, but I doubt he’s supposed to mark Folan in the box.
by ABTsportsline on Jul 17, 2011 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Montero
It must be the new haircut. Also, didn’t he finish a similar header last season?
Against the Union
Home opener last year… that time a defender foolishly kept him onside. Tonight they were only foolish for thinking they could deny the Tail.
I agree with the good and the bad
but I am not so sure about ugly. Colorado played physical, but it is not more physical than a lot of other teams in MLS. They made less than 10 fouls today (I am not sure 6 or 7), so I would not call their style brutal today. They have some guys that play hard (Mastroeni, Larentowicz), but they are not dirty players. I would put them in the same category as Shea, Joseph, Lenhart… If you have them on your team, you love them, but if they are on opposing team, everyone else hates them. I thought they play well today (they missed great chance to go up 3:1 before the halftime) , with the really good work in transition, but all their good work was undone by their defense, which for some reason was just set up too high. Not sure if they were hoping to catch Sounders in offside position million times, but Sounders had miles and miles of free space.
Physical play is okay up to a point
I make a distinction between physical play as an individual style and physical play as a team strategy. Colorado makes it a team strategy.
I accept that some players are inherently more physical than others. Alonso is an example on the Sounders side and he draws plenty of cards as a consequence. In the case of Colorado, I get the sense that this style of play is actively encouraged in order to intimidate opponents. That is an unsavory substitute for developing a high level of technical skill as a side but I completely understand why it works against a lot of teams. Nonetheless, I object to it; physical play is a cheap substitute for developing skill in depth. I want to watch MLS football, not NFL football.
And yeah, I have no idea why Colorado played their defense so high. That mistake was used over and over by Seattle. The offside trap worked a few times but not enough to keep them from being punished; the Sounders figured that out pretty damn quickly, it should have been a throwaway tactic.
by AliasDictusTyrant on Jul 16, 2011 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the idea with the high line
Is that they’ve got a really speedy defense, and absent Rosales, the Sounders don’t have a whole lot of speed on the pitch. They could use the high line to disrupt the technical play of the Sounders by leaving very little room in the midfield.
I don’t think it’s a terrible strategy, actually. It was probably the right one to approach the match with. The Sounders are just torrid right now.
I do not think you can play that if you have Tyrone Marshall on your defense
I am glad that he is not here anymore.
Mastroeni elbowed a dude in the junk.
He is a dirty player and the Rapids are a dirty team.
by Aaron Campeau on Jul 16, 2011 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 6 recs
He deserved to be ejected for it,
but 99% of humans would react the same if someone steps on them. I do not think Friberg done purposely, but it seems his foot landed on Mastroeni.
Friberg didn't step on him.
Watch the replay.
by Galeforce1 on Jul 16, 2011 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
violent retaliation for a foul is warrant for a card
most players would not do that. in fact I haven’t seen that happen nearly every game. So who are these 99% of humans?
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
99% was exaggeration, but
One reason is that does not happen more often is because usually player is in the pain, but if somehow he can throw elbow, he will do it (Montano vs. Shea). Or, why is always some kind of retaliation in basketball after the hard foul?
so what you're saying...
is that in most cases it does result in a red card (montano)?
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.
by Jeremiah Oshan on Jul 17, 2011 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Is there anyone
that thinks that isn’t a no-thought yellow if Mastroeni wasn’t already holding a card?
by Patrick N on Jul 17, 2011 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's exactly what I was saying at the time
I thought the first yellow on Mastroeni was soft, honestly.
Theory: the ref probably realized the first call was harsh and that’s why he let this one slide.
by ABTsportsline on Jul 17, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the ref kept him in the game because we were inside the first 25 minutes.
Ref didn’t want to be the game changer even though a red was justified, so he elected to give neither player a card.
by magistermilitum on Jul 17, 2011 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
There were only 6-7 fouls called on them. That doesn't mean they only committed 6-7 fouls.
by Xylorjax on Jul 16, 2011 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rosales got knocked down 3 times before finally getting a call the 4th time
Ironically, he took a little bit of a dive on the last one that got the call, whereas he was just flat-out flattened on the other ones.
Flaco being taken down on the breakaway and no call….that was inexcusable.
Conor Casey bodied down 3-4 Sounders before finally getting a yellow…for dissent.
I could go on and on. The Rapids are an ugly, thuggish side and they deserve the record they have.
by Kingdomer on Jul 17, 2011 5:54 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
there are a couple diferent angles here
1) not knowing the line between “hard” and “dirty”. Seems like this is a problem in MLS. the Brian Mullan factor at work here
2) when you see “physical” play that is fine, but when it accompanies a lack of technical ability, then that changes the equation a bit. I am more willing to put up with “physical” I feel the quality is there. MLS struggles with this as well
in the end it is the scourge of American soccer. We take so many of our cues from the English, for whom the game has largely passed them by in terms of tactical and technical thinking. At some point, I don’t want to watch ugly hackball, and have it rationalized by platitudes like “he’s a hard-nosed player.” Being a hard-nosed player is fine, but if its all ya got…?
At some point (I hope) our understanding of the nuances of the game is going to catch up with places like Spain or Italy and maybe we won’t stand for stuf like what we’ve seen from teams like CO and NE recently. I’m not holding my breathe…
...and you will hear us scream
by malcontentjake on Jul 17, 2011 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Argentina - Uruguay game yesterday
had 49 fouls in 120 minutes, and it was very physical, so I am presuming majority people here did not like it. These guys have some of the best players in the world, so we can not talk about lack of quality there. Btw, the game was great to watch, especially from the neutral point of view. While there is a difference between dirty play and hard play, soccer is a contact sport that actually gotten softer in last decade or two (similar to “quarterback protection” in NFL).
I do not watch Colorado on regular basis, but I still think there game yesterday was pretty clean compared with a lot of other team in MLS.
I still think you are missing the fact that there is no correlation between fouls called and physicallity
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
by Dave Clark on Jul 17, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It is really stupid that player gets yellow card when he takes off his jersey after the goal,
but not when they mocking the crowd as Larentowicz today or Shea earlier this season. It does not bother me when the player from opposing teams celebrate (it is goal, and I understand emotions and everything else), but all crowd mocking celebration needs to be penalized.
by seattle 13 on Jul 16, 2011 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I just think it's funny that the two players you mention mock fans of other teams, when our guys can only mock their empty seats.
I’d much rather be on the side of it we’re on.
You do all the work for us, Honey Badger, and we'll just eat whatever you find.
by mistuhp on Jul 16, 2011 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Larentowicz can do all the gesturing he wants
His goal was unrepeatable and lucky, and his side lost. These are the facts. Let them flap their jaws, the players are probably happy just to be scoring goals in front of a stadium that actually has fans in it!
They're supposed to be booked
For provocative, derisory or inflammatory gestures. Short of doing an Adebayor and running the length of the field, though, the refs seem to turn a blind eye.
anybody catch Kasey's after match intverview with Ventrella?
He was happy the team is able to score and come from behind but he was NOT happy with the defensive play and breakdowns.
Life's what happens while you're making other plans
the LA v Real Madrid match was played in the LA Coliseum and they expected a near sellout
boy…from the highlights it sure didn’t look anywhere near even half-way full for that match….what a sad sight in the stands….people missed a great chance to watch some fantastic, top-flight players…….it’s nice to know that the Clink will be chockablock full and rabid loud on Wednesday.
Life's what happens while you're making other plans
seriously..i was disappointed when i saw the highlights
i hope real madrid makes the trip here next year
There was a freeway closure in LA this weekend that pretty much shut down the entire city
by Aaron Campeau on Jul 17, 2011 12:19 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
yes, cause people can only drive on freeways...
(but i do get your point…it just sounds funny when you think of it, wa has 3 major freeways, la itself has a million)
A sky of blue, a sea of green...(or claret)
by kelliott1527 on Jul 17, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
The closure is for literally the busiest road in the USA
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
Erin go Braugh
It did very much look like Cillian Sheridan was at the Sounders bench. Hard to tell as the gent has a full beard. But if him, welcome new TF.
by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 16, 2011 11:57 PM PDT reply actions
I don't believe so.
Almost positive the Sounders (and Timbers and Whitecaps) all said thanks, but no thanks.
by Brian Floyd on Jul 17, 2011 12:17 AM PDT up reply actions
That's
what i thought that we passed on him.
Referee
After a win I usually don’t like to mention the referees. However, when is there going to be an article somewhere by someone reputable that will finally take the MLS to task on the horrible state of officiating in this league. I say its the worst in professional sports.
finally?
I’m not sure you’re looking very hard. Almost every prominent soccer writer in the country has written about the state of MLS referees.
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.
by Jeremiah Oshan on Jul 17, 2011 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
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