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For their last road game of the 2017 season the Seattle Sounders lost. This prevented them from qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs, and showed a continued lack of goal-aggression without players like Dempsey, Morris and Jones (at left back). Lineup rotation forced by injury and a third game in just over a week was not up to standard. Philly’s 2-nil victory keep them alive in the East and prevents the Sounders from locking in their ninth-straight trip to the second season.
Marcus Epps was the first Philadelphia Union player to take advantage of the lackadaisical defense. His goal in the 28th minute was deserved, giving the Union an early lead they could protect.
Seattle surged in the second half but couldn’t convert. The energy on both sides of the ball greatly improved. It was the dagger from Roland Alberg ended most chances at a comeback. His 88th minute goal created a two-goal lead.
Key Moments
- Cristian Roldan clearly can’t run at his normal speed. The arm injury, mentioned as a bone bruise, is slowing him. Lodeiro threaded an extraordinary ball that Roldan could not run down. If he had Roldan would have been 1 v 1 with Blake. Instead it was a contested ball that Cristian couldn’t win.
- Entry of Clint Dempsey ignited an energy and demand for greatness that lacked in the first half. While he lacked the space necessary early, in just a few more minutes it was clear that the XI with Dempsey and Wingo could create chances. Clint finished with 7 shots in his 30ish minutes.
- Henry Wingo brought energy in attack, defense and created problems for the Union. In his first 10 minutes on the pitch Seattle looked dangerous in attack. They also looked better defensively with Jones at left back.
Lineup
Frei; Nouhou, Alfaro, Marshall, Leerdam; Delem, Svensson; Jones, Roldan, Lodeiro; Bruin
Subs
51’ Dempsey for Delem with Roldan dropping to DM
60’ Wingo for Nouhou with Joevin dropping to LB and Wingo at LM
80’ Neagle for Roldan. Formation is no longer meaningful