That was certainly interesting, wasn't it? A couple red cards, a blown lead, a second-half equalizer, a late penalty shout and, of course, a road point. All things considered, the Seattle Sounders weren't happy but clearly more than willing to get out of town with a 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union.
The Sounders started this one as strong as any match this season. Eddie Johnson's early goal was the most obvious sign, but they were creating plenty of chances in the first 20 minutes or so. But the Union were able to catch the match shortly after that and, frankly, the Sounders were lucky not to be down a goal or two even before Danny Cruz's 88-second scoring explosion.
The positive development came in the Sounders' reaction. Instead of falling apart, they regrouped and, of course, got the equalizer. It made for a nice narrative that Mauro Rosales was the one who picked up, too. This was easily his best performance of the season, as he logged a goal and an assist in the same game for the first time since Aug. 27, 2011.
Mario Martinez, it's worth noting, had the pass that really set up the equalizer. The Honduran has had a rough start to the season, but turned in a solid 28-minute performance. He was far more active in both halves and seemed to stay on the ball less than he has in the past.
How many of these positives can be carried over to Wednesday? That's the big question.
Scoring Summary:
SEA - Eddie Johnson (Mauro Rosales) 10'
PHI - Danny Cruz 50'
PHI - Danny Cruz 51'
SEA - Mauro Rosales (Leo Gonzalez, Mario Martinez) 64'
Seattle Sounders FC - Michael Gspurning, DeAndre Yedlin, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Djimi Traore, Leo Gonzalez, Mauro Rosales (David Estrada 83), Servando Carrasco, Brad Evans (Andy Rose 74), Alex Caskey (Mario Martinez 62), Lamar Neagle, Eddie Johnson.
Substitutes Not Used: Marcus Hahnemann, Zach Scott, Pat Ianni, Eriq Zavaleta.
TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (Evans, Johnson 2); SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Johnson 2); FOULS: 10 (3 players, 2); OFFSIDE: 2 (Johnson, Rosales 1); CORNER KICKS: 6 (Rosales 6); SAVES: 2 (Gspurning 2).
Philadelphia Union - Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Jeff Parke (Gabriel Farfan 45+1), Amobi Okugo, Raymon Gaddis, Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot 72), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan, Conor Casey, Jack McInerney (Sebastien Le Toux 87).
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Konopka, Aaron Wheeler, Michael Lahoud, Jose Kleberson.
TOTAL SHOTS: 22 (Cruz 4); SHOTS ON GOAL: 4 (Cruz 3); FOULS: 11 (3 players, 2); OFFSIDE: 2 (Cruz, McInerney 1); CORNER KICKS: 5 (M. Farfan 4); SAVES: 1 (MacMath 1).
Misconduct Summary:
PHI - Michael Farfan (caution) 43'
PHI - Gabriel Farfan (caution) 81'
SEA - Lamar Neagle (ejection) 84'
PHI - Sheanon Williams (ejection) 85'
SEA - DeAndre Yedlin (ejection) 90+1'
SEA - Eddie Johnson (caution) 90+2'
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Referee's Assistants: Adam Wienckowski, Jeff Muschik
4th Official: Mark Geiger
Attendance: 18,344
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Sunny and 90 degrees
All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficialPhiladelphia Union
Seattle Sounders FC
Head Coach Sigi Schmid
On the game
We were happy that once we got down two to one that we came back and equalized the game. I thought we had some chances earlier in the game that we should have done a little more with and obviously they came back and had chances. It could have been five- five, it was a pretty open game, a pretty attack-minded game.
On the red cards
I am not happy about us getting the two cards, I didn't quite understand the first set of circumstances, I was a little confused by that.
On his team getting into a flow early
Well it's good for us to score a goal, it's good for us to be able to score early but when we score we have got to hold on to that and use it to our advantage, which we did by creating some chances after that.
On the difference in the start of the second half
Well they (Philadelphia) started to control the game from about the 25th minute on, they were over-loading the outsides, they were bringing their outside backs forward. The game was physical-not much was being called-that allowed them to get through on some combinations, then we were tucked in a little too far and we gave them too much control.
On the new additions to the line-up
It has been our story all season, today was our 10th different lineup in 10 games and our next game will be our 11th different lineup in 11 games. Philadelphia I think has played the same team the past four games, we haven't had that luxury. So once we get to that level I think it will improve our play. It's just guys missing, not knowing what the guy next to him is going to do. This is the first game Eddie and Lamar have played together. If you play more games together you have a better understanding of what the other person is going to do.
On Osvaldo missing the game
First we want to congratulate Ossie and his wife on the birth of their daughter and hope everything is going well and everybody is healthy. But certainly Ossie is an important player for us, so it is some big shoes to fill but I though Servando Carrasco played well today I though he stepped up and had is opportunity and took his opportunity well.
On Roberto Martinez
We wanted to bring Mario on because we felt we could get a little bit of attacking space there, I even wanted to make him be even more aggressive on the left hand side and go at (Ray) Gaddis a little bit more. But he ended up setting up that goal and had some good situations.
Michael Gspurning,
On the game as a whole
That was a very intense game, especially at the end. It was a good drama for the fans. But of course we should defend better around halftime. We had very bad minutes before and after halftime, but then we came back into the game and took a point. It was a very tough game for us on defense. Especially after 30 minute into the game they came in and took a couple chances but we did well until the end of the first half. We had a really bad start of the second half but at least we came back.
On giving up two goals that quickly
It was completely unnecessary for us. You should be more awake after the first goal and not stay tight, but yes I believe the momentum changes and sometimes the second goal is possible. In the end the pressure Philadelphia put on was too much for us.
On being able to come back and get a point
We have to take the point today, like it or not. It was a good team and a strong and physical team. To take the point, we wanted three and it was possible but in the end you one man down and have to take the point.
On the scoreless streak that ended
Of course it says something about the defense and we are proud of it. During the game you should just think about your work and being prepared for the work you need to bring. In the end the minutes come in time.
Mauro Rosales
On the crazy game
Yea, we get a point, which is very good for the team, but being ahead in the first half we should keep the ball and try to score again goal to control the game but they have good players and played very well today and they won the half. In the second half, the two early goals I think we didn't come with the same concentration as the first half. It was a good result, we got points a way, it is not what we wanted, we wanted three.
On picking the team up after giving up the two goals
Not giving up any more goals and trying to score a second goal was something that helped us get in the game again.
On many guys missing time
We have like four or five players injured. It is tough for us, we have a lot of injuries and then suspensions now but we have to figure it out quickly, every guy that is training needs to concentrate on stepping onto the field and try to do the same that the other guys.
On the end of the game
Everybody they wanted to win the game and we played very tough. They made it the same way. The discussion is came from everybody wanting to win but we need to keep calm and move forth.
On quick turnaround
Like I said before, everyone needs to be ready because in this moment we need help from each other and from everybody.
Eddie Johnson
On end of the game getting chippy
That's part of the sport; I don't know why people read into it. It is two teams playing for three points. Three points for us was very meaningful in this game but we are happy with a point. It goes to show the passion, the passion for the game, the fans are even into it, and that's what will make the sport big in America.
On being happy coming away with a point
Yea, I think we started off well. A lot of new faces out there, a lot of different players on the field, the lineup has been different, we haven't had a consistent lineup this year. I thought we came out and had a good start of the game, the first 20 minutes, and then they started to play good football and create chance and make it difficult for us. We knew that coming into the game, playing away from your home against a team that has been scoring goals lately. We expected that. But like I said it is good to get out of here with two goals, get a point and we are looking forward to the next game.
On his scoring, especially after the injury
It is good for confidence. I missed three games, and at the end of the day the good goal scorers, they have rhythm just playing game after game after game. That's how you get your sharpness and confidence. I have been battling a hamstring injury the last couple weeks but now it's right and I'm looking forward to getting my rhythm back. I've been trying to make a difference the last couple games, we have been playing some good soccer, and I just want to make an impact. I wouldn't change the way I played at all.
On bouncing back after two quick goals by the Union
We know we are a team that creates chances. Most important thing for us was trying to keep their crowd out of the game. [Philly] getting two goals in six minutes, that was challenging. I thought we weathered the storm. We got a goal. Realistic time, we probably could have got another one. But like I said, it was a good football match, credit to them, they played well. It was a chippy game but that is part of the sport, I like that.
On showing the young guys how to keep their cool
What is young these days? I mean, Lamar is 26, DeAndre is 20, young is 18. But I think these guys coming back into the locker room after what happened, they probably wish they didn't react or got caught up in the emotions but that is part of growing up as a soccer player, it is learning. It took me a while to figure it out. I'm pretty sure they learn from it, put it behind them and go forward.
On quick turnaround
Rest, and trying to take on some of the positive things we did in this game. Obviously we got two red cards; we have guys back in Seattle. It is going to be another challenge. But at the end of the day as a player you want to be challenged. That is what makes you a better player, that is what gives you a better understanding of the game, and we are looking forward to the challenge. It is a great team, Kansas City, and we are playing them at home. It should be a good challenge.Team Manager John Hackworth
On Sheanon Williams' red card
I mean to be fair to Mark Geiger the fourth official, I don't think he knew what was going on either. There's so many calls. Michael Farfan gets a yellow card in the first half and gets a two hand shove as he is trying to track down the ball and gets a yellow for it. So there's not just one play, forget that we should have had a penalty kick on the clearest handball you can see on video. There's so many little plays in that game. It wasn't against us necessarily. It was just bizarre. It can't happen in this league.
On the defense response after Parke is injured
Great response. Really good but then we let up and we let the second one in. you work so hard to get back in that game and we put a lot of energy to get back in that game. Should have been back at halftime, for sure and we are down a goal. Get two back in the second, do all the right things, should have got a third. Our fault for giving up that second one for sure.
On Cruz stepping up in the second half
We talked about the fact that we just had to come out with as much urgency, and as much pressure and as much...we were playing good at the end of that first half, we had put a lot of balls into the box but execution was really poor and I said to the guys, there is nothing I can say as a coach to get you to execute a skill that you guys are all really good at, but I can get you to play harder and you have got to just keep going, you have got to keep your foot on the gas and know that it is coming and believe in it and thank goodness....For Danny it was especially pleasing because he probably has been microscoped a little bit and criticized for some missed chances and for sure he takes two great chances there. So I am really happy for him.
On changing strategy when going down men
It changes everything. You have to make major adjustments every time a red card is given and when two red cards are given and you are making some subs, it is very difficult. But to be fair, I think we made the right ones. I don't want to keep beating the dead horse on this but I don't know how there is 3 minutes of injury time when it looked like it took 3 minutes for him to decide to give the first red cards alone. There were 3 goals scored, I think there were 6 subs. So a lot of those little decisions. Ill try not to talk about it the rest of the press conference.
On Gabe Farfan's performance
I'm really happy for Gabe. He continues to work hard. He is a guy that I trust immensely on a personal and professional level and he is a really good player. He is competing right now with his brother for playing time, but when called upon today he did his job and he did it very well.
On McInerney substitution
Jack had emptied the tank. He had done so much work. We had tried to put Antoine on and put Jack at right mid but he just didn't have anything left. So we ended up having to put him back up high and moving Antoine back at right midfield. So at the end there we wanted to bring in fresh legs and the thought is Sebastian is equally as good at those opportunities so...wish we would have had a little more playing time to execute though.
On second half numbers
I think in the end it is execution is the answer, but we pushed Gabe forward into the midfield and essentially came out with 3 players in the back to start the second half. That allowed Michael to push up and inside and I think that was, early, very hard for them to deal with. They tried to compensate by pushing guys to their right hand side, which opened up our right hand side on their left hand side and we got the matchup we wanted against Cruz and Gonzalez.
Amobi Okugo
On how the team's defensive alignment altered with the injury to Jeff Parke...
We switched (Raymond Gaddis)-once (Jeff Parke) went off with his injury, (Sheanon Williams) came inside with me and Ray tucked in. He was on the right. (Gabriel Farfan) was kind of playing hybrid, or left mid-he came back when needed ... once we got the second goal, we dropped Gabe back. It was fine, and then the whole debacle with Sheanon and (Lamar Neagle) happened. It was three in the back, and then (Brian Carroll) decided to hold the fort.
On how the team's defense might look next week given Sheanon Williams' suspension and Jeff Parke's possible injury...
We feel comfortable playing with whoever's back there. At practice we work on all different types of formations, and different people, whether it's me and (Bakary Soumare), me and (Jeff Parke), or Parke and Baki. Hopefully, we are going to come out ready. It's a big game vs. Chicago. Hopefully we can get a result.
On the Union's defense of late...
We've limited the shots on goal to about less than three a game, but the chances that we're giving up are clear chances, and the other teams have been doing a good job of capitalizing on them. We've got to go back to the drawing board. Defensively, I thought we did well today, but they had two good chances-three good chances, and they capitalized on two of them. If we could just limit the chances that they get, maybe we can get a shutout, or keep them to one goal.
Sheanon Williams
On the ending of the match...
We got to see the replay, which I know our guys didn't get to see, but we got to see it pretty clearly. Nothing you can do about it now, game's over, but...no PK given, so, move on.
On his interaction with the referee following his sending off...
(The referee) said that we both headbutted each other, which is false. I didn't headbutt (Lamar Neagle); he didn't headbutt me either. I asked (Neagle) when we were going off if he thought that I headbutted him, and he said ‘no.' He didn't headbutt me, and that's the explanation that the referee gave us. If you want to give us a yellow for a shoving match, that's fine, but to throw us out of a game for something that we both didn't do, I thought that was just a little unfair.
On the match overall...
I thought we played better than they did. I thought we played one hundred times better than they did. The score doesn't show that, we tied...two great goals from Danny coming out of the second half. We wanted to start the second half that way, and we did. He finished two great opportunities that we didn't finish off in the first half. I thought we had a number of good chances in the first half, and then they got that goal back. I haven't had a chance to see that replay, just a cross into the box that they finished off. I think even after that, we got a number of chances, still, during the run of play, and if we can continue to play like that, that's more to our style, and that's something that suits us.
Brian Carroll
On the timing of Danny Cruz's two goals (just after halftime)...
We'll take them before that, too, but I'm happy that (Cruz) was able to stick two in the net. It comes from multiple chances that maybe we had in the first and second half. He puts them away, I'm happy for him, but maybe a bounce here or there, off the post, and we're winning three to two, or even more, perhaps-but I'm proud of the effort that the guys put in today.
On the Union's defense ...
I'll have to take a look at the two goals. Obviously, the first goal is a set piece, so we need to find a way to clean that up. We've been better with that so far this year. The second goal, I'll have to take a look-I thought from my angle that it was a handball, but we'll have to take a look at the whole sequence and see what we could have done to prevent that.
On the Union limiting chances but still allowing goals...
We're doing our absolute best to limit the chances that the other team gets. Maybe we just need to do an even better job to not let them get anything. Credit to all the guys and the work that they put in to get back in the game. You're never satisfied with a home draw, but everyone put in a great work rate, intensity, and there's nobody that you can really point to or anything negatively at all.
On the Union midfield contributing two goals today...
We need goals from everybody-forwards, midfielders, defenders, set pieces, through the run of play. To see someone like (Danny Cruz), who's been knocking on the door for a while, given a few chances, I'm happy to see him put two in one game ... maybe it'll relieve (Jack McInerney) a little bit and give him an extra bit of space to start creating some more goals.
On the Union's development from last season to this season...
We've seen a lot of growth from some of our younger guys. They've really stepped up this year, and we're going to continue to need them to step up and be a more integral part of our team moving forward.
On the ending of the match and the referee's amount of stoppage time decision...
Yeah, there could have been (more stoppage time). I think both teams put it all out there. I know a lot of our guys put everything they had into that game. Three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, I mean, who knows what would have happened. Maybe, maybe not. I don't know.
On the appeals for handball in the waning seconds of the match...
We had multiple chances tonight, and that's from the guys' work rates, getting forward, trying to create things and get into the box-slightly off, hitting the post a couple times. A bounce here, a bounce there, and we're winning 3-2 or more. The guys put everything they had into the game, and I'm proud of that. I know the goals will continue to come, maybe even more so, going forward.