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Score one goal and two appear. Hail Hydra
Seattle Sounders FC again sacrifices the lead to empower a comeback. The Wednesday night victory looked shaky when Michel netted the penalty after a soft-ish call penalty call against Brad Evans, but birthday boy Lamar Neagle, sub Kenny Cooper and ignored Nigerian Obafemi Martins would not let win expectancy take the day.
Sigi Schmid's lineup had a few shifts from its standard. Brad Evans slotted in at left back for the injured Remick and Gonzalez. Zach Scott provided Traore a bit of a rest. Marco Pappa started in the midfield instead of Evans.
That lineup with a bit more technical players struggled to break through FC Dallas in the first half. The technical play of Oba, Dempsey, Pineda and Pappa provided the Burn/Toros the opportunity to pull eight to ten men back. Owning possession and attempts isn't enough against such a strategy.
Seattle owned the shot advantage. Dallas only had four attempts to Sounders FC's seven. The PK goal gave a perception of failure. While the Rave Green beast failed to break down Dallas despite having nearly as many completed passes as FCD tried.
Beasts Are Strong
The second half Seattle went more direct, stronger. Though the subs indicated a less skillful side, Sounders FC actually passed more effectively. The lessons of the first half were learned. A more direct path took place. Neagle's goal was exactly what he does.
@liviubird ps. Was I right bout Neagle? Can’t teach that. Kids got it.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) May 8, 2014
As Seattle ramped up it's "go to goal" mode the play of Dempsey and Pineda was slightly reduced. Instead strong performances by Chad Barrett, Lamar Neagle, Kenny Cooper and Obafemi Martins would show Pareja's men that they would no longer have time to set the bunker.
No bunker. No containment.
It's another win from behind. Another demonstration of a deep offense. Another victory in the streak that is now as long as any other teams' total wins.