Sounders at New York Red Bulls, recap: Mike Grella's brace destroys plan

With New York Red Bulls playing a high-press throughout the night there was the opportunity for the Seattle Sounders to get out on the counter. They did well, for the first 55 minutes or so. There was one major problem - finishing. Despite Seattle dominating possession, shot creation, corners, etc they had zero goals. Mike Grella had two. At the time those were the only two shots, of just six taken, that Red Bull put on frame.

Seattle Sounders FC also had two shots on frame to that point, and eleven total shots. Aaron Kovar had five shots, including a bicycle kick attempt that missed. Jordan Morris had three shots, including a header that Luis Robles saved.

After putting so many shots on goal and still falling behind two-nil Seattle deflated. Their effort in the final 30 minutes waned. Despite bringing on two subs to create a bit more danger (Valdez, Anderson on for Jones, Kovar) there was less bite in the attack.

Jesse Marsch inserted Aurelien Collin as a third centerback. At that point the Sounders would no longer threaten. Settling for lofted crosses and hopeful punts the Sounders were broken.

Down two goals with subs less effective than their starting, but tired, counterparts the team looked defeated. Then they lost.