Sounders overcome slow start to beat Union

The Philadelphia Union threatened early and forced an own goal by Brad Evans. That early lead would not stand. Chad Marshall and Djimi Traore's stout defense kept Philly out of the net. The two helped Seattle rack up eight blocks. Traore defended through his unconventional means, while Marshall stepped in and up writing the clinic on how to defend.

In the 61st minute Obafemi Martins drew Seattle level. Action was clearly in Seattle's favor. Fed clean through by Brad Evans Oba snapped the ball straight by a diving Zach MacMath. After the kick Oba's boot clipped MacMath's face. Somehow Zach kept Philadelphia close with three saves over the next 15 minutes.

He would eventually succumb to the might and power of the Air Marshall. Chad's first goal as a Sounder came on a corner, of course. His 84th minute header off of Marco Pappa service earned Seattle their 19th point just nine games into the season, good for 1st overall. They are two are ahead of RSL and three up on Dallas (who play tomorrow).

There were some low moments. Neagle had trouble with turnovers and converting opportunities into shots. His best opportunity hit the frame. On his daughter's 1st birthday Osvaldo Alonso took a PK that MacMath would save. Remick took an injury that forced Evans into a left back role where he may have performed better than he did at right mid. Dempsey elbowed a dude in the face to take a yellow card.

Sometimes wins are ugly. Occasionally the early showing is poor. On a rain-soaked Saturday night Sounders FC showed that they do not need Dempsey to be on the top of his game to earn points. They may just need an Oba, a Chad and a Djimi.