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Starting their B team Sporting Kansas City took an early lead against Seattle Sounders FC. Sigi Schmid started his first eleven in their final preseason action. Connor Hallisay scored early for KC. That eighth minute goal by a clear second teamer against Seattle's defense changed the game-state. In the 62nd minute Martins opened Seattle's account off a nifty little backwards sombrero and pass from Dempsey.
While the first half was a lesson in game-state and two sides generally using high pressure, the second half was more a lesson in how Clint Dempsey and Oba do crazy stuff with a soccer ball.
At about the 50th minute Clint Dempsey dribbles through most of Sporting's players starting at the centerline and taking a shot just inside the box. Kempin stretched his full length to save the goal. That started Oba and Clint interplaying. Dempsey broke Martins out and another save.
A few minutes after Oba's goal Aaron Kovar came on for Lamar Neagle and Andy Rose entered for Marco Pappa. Rose played as a the right mid. Late second half opened up a lot of space, with Rose flashing well along the right and crossing it into danger.
Seattle regularly threatened to take the lead, but Jon Kempin kept the Sounders off the board.
Gonzalo Pineda red carded in the 77th minute. Short a man Seattle still went into the attack, shifting to a 3-4-2.
In the 88th minute Seattle had their best chance when Michael Azira blitzed forward and sprung Clint. Dempsey rounded Kempin. Only a savvy Servando Carrasco sprinted back quickly enough to clear the line.
Seattle ends preseason only looking strong against amateur sides and FC Tucson. Against NASL and MLS sides they did not win. If preseason results matter, things are dire. Since they do not, the process is what is important. Sounders FC scoring is streaky; its defense can be pounced on, particularly after poor passing along the line.
The 2015 season may, or may not, start on March 6th, with the Sounders hosting New England on March 8th. That may not is all about the CBA negotiations.