SEATTLE — It may have been their most frustrating performance of the season, but the Seattle Sounders still found a way to secure all three points with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. The win moves them to 4-0-1, three points behind LAFC for the Supporters’ Shield lead and just .07 behind them in terms of points per game.

The lone goal came courtesy of Nicolás Lodeiro off a Cristian Roldan assist. It was Lodeiro’s second goal of the season and Roldan’s first assist.

Talking points

• Let’s just go ahead and start with the defense. This was their third shutout of the season — tied for the most in the league — and they’ve allowed a league-low three goals. RSL was mostly held in check, although they will likely be kicking themselves over Jefferson Savarino’s shot off the post in the 72nd minute. It was one of just three shots the Sounders allowed from inside the penalty area.
• Nicolás Lodeiro was not at his very best, but he still found a way to get the game-winning goal. And what a goal it was. Fading away, with the outside of his boot, on a full volley. That was not a remotely easy finish.
• Will Bruin can still do a job. It’s not always pretty, but his job with this group is to occupy defenders with good runs and keep the opposition honest. In other words, he doesn’t have to be Raúl Ruidíaz. He was easily that against RSL.
• We should also mention the Sounders are off to their best-ever start. Most of us recognized this was an important point in the season to start piling up points, but let’s give credit to them for taking care of business.

Did you see that?!?

Lodeiro’s goal was seriously amazing, but a moment on the other side of the pitch stood out for other reasons. This play didn’t even technically count since Sam Johnson was offside, but Stefan Frei sacrificed his face and that deserves to be appreciated.

Quote of the day

“I’m not pleased with it, at all. It was a set piece way back here and it traveled 70 yards in the air and our guys didn’t react. I’m not happy about it.” — Brian Schmetzer on Jefferson Savarino’s chance that almost proved costly

One stat to tell the tale

13 — Sounders are on 13 points through five games, easily their best start ever.