Seattle faced a significant challenge when they hosted San Diego SC Wednesday night. Not only were SDSC second place in the Western Conference, but they’d beaten us 3-0 in San Diego in April. This time, though, the Sounders emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win. They triumphed, not because they dominated offensively, but because of the team’s resilience, anchored by a stout defensive performance, exceptional goalkeeping, and one opportunistic goal. The victory underscored the grit and unwavering desire that have been hallmarks of the Sounders’ identity over the years. They effectively limited San Diego’s attacking threats, denying them clear-cut scoring opportunities throughout the match. When San Diego did manage to breach the defensive lines, the Sounders’ goalkeeper rose to the occasion, delivering a top-notch performance that preserved Seattle’s clean sheet and all three points.
Gritty: With their fourth and fifth-choice center backs playing most of this match, Seattle held the second-highest scoring team in the West to a bunch of half chances and long attempts. Playing off the back foot and conceding most of the possession and ball control, the Sounders reached deep and found the defensive resilience to combine as a team to keep a shutout, requiring the whole team to provide cover and support the win.
Pretty: Seattle seized momentum early in the second half and could have scored multiple goals in this brief flurry. Importantly, they got the one they needed, thanks to a lovely pass, a beautiful first-time cross, and a clever turn and shot by Jesús Ferreira. His first Sounders goal earned the win.
Up next: Suddenly looking at a potential nine-point week, second place in the West is within reach.
Goalkeeper
Stefan Frei – 8 (MOTM) | Community – 8.6 (MOTM)
Stefan Frei was not going to let goalkeeping be the reason Seattle conceded on Wednesday night. He made seven saves, with multiple highlight reel and goal-saving efforts. This was one of his most impressive outings this season, coordinating a makeshift backline and leading by example with clean, impenetrable defense. He was outstanding.
Gritty: Often when the Sounders earn shutouts, it’s from a brilliant performance by their defensive unit, making the few shots they allow predictable. San Diego did a great job creating uncertainty, like a 66th minute shot that deflected and forced a kick save from Frei. This was harder than it looked, and was the kind of deflection that was just scored on us recently.
Pretty: In the 44th minute, the away team looked to be taking a lead into halftime, but somehow Stef got quickly down to his left, blocking a goalbound shot with instinctual agility, importantly setting up a ™Nouhou bicycle kick clearance.
Up next: If Frei can continue this level of play on Sunday, Seattle could earn another shutout. With a set-piece team entering, he’ll need to be ready.
Defense
Nouhou – 7 | Community – 7.2
Nouhou had yet another excellent match, combining well with teammates while locking down his wing. His 90 percent passing was smart and disciplined, as was his positioning, outside of a few unnecessary forward runs. He had eight recoveries and importantly won all five of his ground duels.
Gritty: Although San Diego isn’t a team with huge stars, arguably their best player has been Anders Dreyer. If you weren’t familiar with him before the match, you still aren’t, since Nouhou completely erased his impact on the match. In the 38th and 47th minutes, Dreyer was denied, and he basically had little to no luck against Nouhou all evening.
Pretty: ™Nouhou bicycle kick clearances are fun. He combined this ingenious (and necessary) clearance method with smart movement up the field. He clearly understood that the team needed calm defense, not passionate offense.
Up next: Incoming Minnesota has a very different offensive approach, and Nouhou will again need to be on his game.
Jonathan Bell – 6 | Community – 6.5
Bell replaced Yeimar in the starting lineup and did a solid job, moving to the left in between Nouhou and Kim. He was lucky not to have a few risky passes stolen, including terrible choices in the 23rd and 55th minutes. Otherwise, Bell was consistent and made the opponent’s offense predictable.
Gritty: The defensive work had to be strong and steady all afternoon, and it was. Bell’s pressing and physicality was essential to denying entry into the box. He won 3/4 duels and, most importantly, wasn’t dribbled past a single time.
Pretty: In the 17th minute Bell understood the gamestate and pressed San Diego all the way to their own 18, which nearly opened up a Seattle chance. His read on the game flow was strong all match, moving in unison to help ensure the shutout.
Up next: With the injuries on the back line, look for Bell to continue to feature.
Kim Kee-hee – 5 | Community – 6.3 (off 34’ for Hawkins)
Kim started on the right this time, replacing the injured Yeimar, and fit in well. Unfortunately, he was hurt just over a third of the way into the match and forced to leave. Prior to this, he combined with Alex to his right and Bell to his left, to the tune of 91 percent passing. He added three defensive actions and won all of his duels.
Gritty: In the 23rd minute, a pivotal moment unfolded showcasing Kim’s tenacity and power as he won a contested 50/50 ball. This decisive action not only prevented a potential threat but also swung possession back in Seattle’s favor. His ability to win such physical battles highlights an often-overlooked facet of his game, providing a crucial edge in tight midfield encounters and defensive challenges.
Pretty: Kim has excellent understanding of the players around him, which has turbo-charged his ability to join in with teammates almost seamlessly on the back line. A gorgeous cover in the 18th saw him pop up behind Nouhou to support defensively.
Up next: Hopefully this injury isn’t anything major.
Alex Roldan – 6 | Community – 6.5
Alex started behind Paul Rothrock and stayed mostly home (outside of an early near-goal). For most of the match, Alex maintained a relatively deep position, primarily focused on securing possession and facilitating the build-up play from the back. He worked well with the center backs to lock down opportunities on the right, directing the flow of possession toward the central midfield where Alex’s brother waited with his tackling boots on.
Gritty: While not flawless, Alex displayed excellent overall defending. A late first-half lapse required a significant save. Partnering initially with Kim and later supporting Hawkins, Roldan was defensively strong, registering four recoveries, two interceptions, and two clearances.
Pretty: Early in the match, Alex managed to capitalize on a turnover by quickly assessing the goalkeeper’s position and unleashing a quick shot, demonstrating awareness and skill. Despite the keeper getting a hand to the shot and saving it, Alex’s opportunistic play and well-executed attempt was one of Seattle’s most promising scoring opportunities in the first half.
Up next: Prepare for long throw-ins.
Defensive Midfield
Cristian Roldan – 7 | Community – 7.5
Seattle needed another strong effort in the middle from the elder Roldan and they got it, with Cristian once again showing incredible ability to organize the middle and limit opponent attacks. His positioning was critical to support the makeshift back line, and he continuously dropped low to help the buildout in possession.
Gritty: It was often Roldan who stood between the opponents and Frei, and he won nearly every one of those battles. He ended with 11 defensive actions, including five recoveries. He added 10 passes into the final third, being the best option for Seattle to move the ball forward when they managed to attack.
Pretty: Cristian nearly put a bow on the match, showing incredible energy in the 93rd minute to get forward and put a blistering shot on goal that forced a keeper save.
Up next: Seattle depends on the excellence of Cristian Roldan, and they’ve been rewarded with elite play.
Obed Vargas – 5 | Community – 5.9 (off 77’ for JP)
For much of this match, Obed was overwhelmed in the middle, struggling to exert his usual influence on the match and possession. He had 30 fewer touches than his partner Roldan, and only 80 percent passing.
Gritty: The epitome of grit was Obed in the 27th minute shielding the ball, getting fouled multiple times, landing on the ground with the ball under him, yet still fighting. He ultimately came out of the scrum with the ball after a full 20 seconds of fight.
Pretty: This match was not pretty for Vargas, who seemed overmatched in the middle, and with Seattle not having possession, a lot of his skills went unused. Unable to get into the attack and combine going forward, Obed was looking for the ball and not finding it.
Up next: Still part of Seattle’s best pairing in the middle, it’s telling that Vargas was subbed out, and he’ll need to play better.
Attacking Midfield
Ryan Kent – 5 | Community – 6.1 (off 66’ for PDLV)
In this game, Kent was constantly double-teamed and struggled to find his way through the congestion. He only touched the ball 24 times, and while he was 9/12 passing, he was only successful on one of four dribble attempts.
Gritty: Even struggling, Kent drew multiple defenders while battling for possession and tilting the field to his side. His beautiful 24th minute control on a direct over-the-top ball was classy as he expertly brought down a long ball over his shoulder.
Pretty: Time and again you could see the high level combination ideas that Ryan has. The execution wasn’t there, but a few times he dribbled into an area or tried a pass that with better luck or coordination would have created a big moment.
Up next: This is now a slightly alarming trend in Kent’s play. He will need to re-establish success to warrant the earlier high expectations.
Albert Rusnák – 6 | Community – 6.8
Once again it was Albert in the middle pulling the strings for Seattle. However, because San Diego was able to control the ball possession at Lumen Field, Rusnák was absent for long stretches of the match. He battled centrally and was quietly a positional defensive player, anchoring some of the Sounder press.
Gritty: Long periods of back and forth play didn’t cover the Sounders in glory, but Albert’s ability to hold the ball under pressure and play clean passes was excellent. He was able to give Seattle an outlet from the back to front.
Pretty: Even on a rough night, Albert still led the Sounders with two key passes. He very nearly scored a textbook Snacks goal in the 60th minute, almost doubling the Sounders lead on a shot that forced a big save.
Up next: Continually exerting his will includes workmanlike matches like this.
Paul Rothrock – 5 | Community – 6.6 (off 78’ for Kossa-Rienzi)
Rothrock started again, this time on the right, and was a consistent point of effort. This eventually paid off with an assist, but he also struggled for long periods. Paul was 2/7 on duels, didn’t record a successful dribble, and completed 71 percent of his passes.
Gritty: Even struggling mightily with San Diego’s wide play, Paul brought all the effort and toughness we love from him. Not backing down from challenges, he repeatedly got involved in physical battles and was his usual pesky gnat to the opponent.
Pretty: After being slow to get the ball off his foot a number of times, it was great to see Paul take Cristian’s 58th minute pass up the wing and first-time pass it central. His assist was expertly taken before the defense could get set.
Up next: Paul has endless energy and will likely feature this weekend.
Forward
Jesús Ferreira – 7 | Community – 7.0 (off 66’ for Musovski)
Jesús has been getting into good spots for quite some time now, and it was great to see this pay off with a goal. Especially in this match, when Seattle had less of the ball, touches were limited. Ferreira had only 15, and a single shot, but he made it count.
Gritty: Seattle needed a full team effort to see out the result, and it started with intelligent angles on the press and a willingness to track back defensively. Jesús did this, added two tackles and two won duels, starting the defense from front to back.
Pretty: When Paul put in his 58th minute cross, there still was a lot to do. Jesús displayed a gorgeous flick, first-touch and turn, spinning his defender and creating space for a left footed shot. He stroked the ball home, displaying a confident and cultured finish. It happened quick and looked effortless, highlighted by the brilliant turn.
Up next: Ferreira has looked solid all over the field, but was missing the final finish. Hopefully this unlocks that bit of extra confidence to keep him scoring.
Substitutes
Stuart Hawkins – 6 | Community – 6.3 (on 34’ for Kee-hee)
Young Hawkins saw the longest run out of his career, and responded very well. Asked to come in cold after an unfortunate injury to Kim, this was a giant task on the defensive end and he was up for it. He ended up with 26 touches and even had a shot.
Gritty: Seventy-two percent passing, four clearances, two defensive actions, and a whole lot of growing up in real time. This game was intense and hard fought and Stuart never looked out of place, outside of a poor back pass in the 70th minute.
Pretty: In the 52nd, San Diego thought they had a quick counter after a set piece in their own end, only to see the blazing speed of Hawkins as he raced back and got into defensive position, surprising everyone.
Up next: After that outing, Hawkins might be in for more time.
Pedro de la Vega – 5 | Community – 6.0 (on 66’ for Kent)
Pedro came on and was an upgrade on the wing, adding some control and direct play that showed promise but ultimately came to nothing. He had only 13 touches and an unimpressive 67 percent completion on his few pass attempts.
Gritty: PDLV was ready to fight for everything, and that was needed by the subs. This meant he got into a lot of tackles and duels, even if he didn’t win many of them. His effort was consistently high.
Pretty: Multiple times in this match, Pedro made runs that, had his teammates found him, would have put him in on goal in a great position. His off-ball movement was exceptional, continually finding the kind of moments that will pay off.
Up next: You have to imagine de la Vega will be ready to start on the weekend.
Danny Musovski – 5 | Community – 5.7 (on 66’ for Ferreira)
Scheduled to join earlier, Danny was brought in after Seattle took the lead. This changed his role, although he continued to be the point of the Sounders’ spear. He had a minuscule three touches.
Gritty: Willing to stick in, Danny had four defensive actions, starting the press and getting physical.
Pretty: Musovski’s 0/5 in duels was not pretty.
Up next: Even though the next guy up just scored, Danny is likely to start if he’s healthy on the weekend.
João Paulo – 5 | Community – 6.1 (on 77’ for Vargas)
Trying to control more of the center of the field, coach Schmetzer turned to veteran João Paulo to help see out the match. He had 10 touches, but only 50 percent passing.
Gritty: JP had an interception, and an 89th minute won ball came off great anticipation to jump a passing lane.
Up next: This performance hopefully helped JP’s confidence after his previous poor outing.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – 5 | Community – 6.3 (on 78’ for Rothrock)
Kalani came in and was immediately impactful. His energy was evident on both sides of the field as he improved Seattle’s shape and defensive effort to help see out the win.
Gritty: Breaking out in the 81st minute, KKR was free and he forced a yellow card foul to prevent his advance. He had perfect passing on 12 touches and five defensive actions.
Pretty: Kossa-Rienzi continually created opportunities with great defensive work. He got into his own head in the 86th minute; instead of putting a streaking Pedro in on goal he tried an audacious long shot that failed to trouble the keeper much.
Up next: KKR is improving and showing a more rounded skillset that should see him continue to get time like this.
Referee
Ismir Pekmic – 7 | Community – 4.9
This referee took a back seat to the match, using his whistle sparingly. While he allowed more physicality than you might prefer, he was consistent in his application of the rules. Calling an even 12-13 fouls and 2-1 cards was a pleasant change.
Gritty: A potential handball by the SD keeper was missed, and luckily that potential big error had no adverse effect on the match. It was paired with another close call at the other end that was a “play on” mere seconds later.
Pretty: After some fairly rough refereeing jobs, it was almost jarring to see a center ref do his job quietly and consistently, while maintaining a low profile on the field. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but when compared to other recent performances, this was an improvement.
San Diego FC MOTM
After surviving a nearly disastrous early give-away, dos Santos settled in and dealt with the Sounders rather comfortably for the bulk of this match. Ferreira took his goal well, but dos Santos kept his side within touching distance as he tipped over Rusnák’s devilish attempt from the top of the box moments later.
Up next: Nine point week, you say? Gritty or pretty (or both), let’s do it.
