Sounders Reserves 4-2 Chivas: Recap

In a game that was really in their control throughout, the Sounders needed to come from behind to beat that other Chivas USA, after two set pieces had the home team down 2-1. But as the first team did on Saturday, so the reserves mimicked on Sunday, as Seattle picked up their second straight come-from-behind reserve win with a 4-2 victory.

Those in attendance were not only treated to an entertaining professional soccer match, but to got a look at a pair of intriguing new faces wearing the rave green Sunday. Former European star Eidur Gudjohnsen started the first half, and displayed the veteran wiles expected of a past Chelsea and Barcelona striker. While the fitness and touch were at times shaky, Gudjohnsen displayed a certain knack for finding the open space, and when presented with the ball in front of net, he didn't hesitate.

The other unfamiliar yet notable trialist was George Ogararu, whose name I'm sure I misspelled several times in the gamethread. He subbed on in the second half and quickly displayed a fire on the pitch, playing with a tenacity and aggressiveness. He frequently played opponents physically, and was unafraid to overlap the midfielder on his side of the pitch. The time he spent in the attacking third was worthwhile, leading to Sounders scoring chances. But the aggressiveness nearly cost him on a few occasions, as attackers were able to maneuver by him or into the space he was vacating. And he received a yellow card only four minutes into the second half for a rough challenge.

Ogararu's greatest asset is that, unlike Zach Scott or Michael Seamon, Ogararu could sub in for Adam Johansson and the Sounders could play a similar game as they would with Johansson in. He is a similar type of attacking fullback, and while he didn't display the pure quality that Johansson has, he doesn't necessitate a new defensive scheme. If Ogararu is signed, his value would lie in the increased defensive depth, with a little less to worry about if Johansson gets (knock on wood) injured. (I'm not just saying that. You, the reader, should knock on some wood right now).

Depth would also appear to be the key word for Gudjohnsen, who played well, but won't be taking spots from Fredy Montero, Eddie Badjohnson, or Christian Tiffert. He could fill in comfortably in a pinch at either Forward position, which is rather valuable considering that there is only one Montero, and one Eddie. (AGAIN! KNOCK ON WOOD!)

It is unsurprising that the play of these two make up the majority of this post, because the reset of the game was more or less unsurprising. Andy Rose, Alex Caskey, and Cordell Cato continued to show why they consistently earn minutes on the first team (though I must say, Cato's goal was very classy). Sammy Ochoa is still playing with surprising efficiency, involved in several of Seattle's best scoring chances. Servando Carrasco seemed to have a quiet day, though the window frame in the press box neatly blocked my view of midfield throughout the match. All I'm saying is that maybe Carrasco was Superman in one isolated stretch of the field.

Final Thought: Jeff Parke seemed to play at a higher intensity today, nearly performing a suplex on an opponent and playing to contact. This is his second match in a row outside the starting 11, so Sunday might have been the result of some frustration. Or maybe it was something completely different. Or even nothing at all. Probably that second option.

Scoring:
Sounders-Eidur Gudjohnsen 23'
Chivas-Jose Correa 26'
Chivas-Own Goal 60'
Sounders-Cordell Cato 62'
Sounders-Michael Seamon 69'
Sounders-Seth C'deBaca 90'