The return of Obafemi Martins sparked the Seattle Sounders FC to 4-0 victory over a short-handed Orlando City SC. Seattle’s win ended a five-game losing streak, and scored more than one goal for the first time since June 13.
The Nigerian’s brace and first-ever MLS goals by two newcomers, Nelson Valdez and Thomas, rounded out the scoring for the Sounders. In their previous nine matches (1-8-0), Seattle managed to hit the back of the net a mere three times.
With Orlando City defender Tyler Turner’s second yellow and automatic ejection in the 40th minute, Seattle went on to score three more times in the second half.
The win gave the home team a four-point edge over Houston for the final playoff slot in the Western Conference.
Below are the individual ratings for the victorious Sounders FC:
Stefan Frei 5.0: The Seattle keeper recorded his ninth shutout of the year without having to make a save. Orlando City played down a man after the 40th minute and managed to get off five shots with none on target. Frei enjoyed his quiet afternoon in the Seattle sunshine.
Tyrone Mears 5.0: Mears had little to do against a short-handed opponent. With Seattle’s offense clicking, the Sounders’ defense felt no pressure throughout the game.
Chad Marshall 5.5: Marshall’s determined run in the 30th minute on a corner kick that led to an Orlando foul and subsequent penalty kick that Martins’ misfired on. The rangy defender worked well with the newly acquired Torres and had his usual solid game in front of Frei.
Roman Torres 5.5: In his first start ever, Torres moved into the backline as a replacement for Brad Evans. As a new central defender teamed with veteran Chad Marshall, Torres made all the right decisions and clearances. The visitors didn’t challenge Seattle’s central defenders, so it may take a better team to determine Torres’ true value.
Oniel Fisher 5.0: The rookie didn’t make any mistakes and made several runs along the flank. A good game for him to gain confidence where he’s the newcomer on the backlinede.
Brad Evans (off in 81′) 5.0: Seattle’s most versatile player moved back to the midfield slot in a holding position. Evans’ touches were few. He took several knocks that led to a late game substitution.
Andy Rose 4.5: He had one good chance to score in the opening 20 minutes and several runs into the box area. Rose was barely noticeable after the halftime break.
Lamar Neagle 6.0: The give-and-go combination with Martins led to Seattle’s first goal of the game. He missed a golden opportunity to score in 60th minute on a one-on-one chance against the Orlando keeper. He led the Sounders with five shots and was the most energetic player on the team.
Erick Friberg 7.0: His free kick in the 51st minute to Valdez in front of the net was right on the mark and given an assist on the goal. He was a presence on offense and defense. Friberg played all over the pitch making numerous stops and passes to the forwards. Unsung Player of the Game.
Obafemi Martins (off in 66′) 8.5: Man of the Match. The Nigerian striker knows how to make an impression after sitting out nine games with a leg injury. He got a lucky bounce on the second goal and made all the right moves to get the ball past the Orlando City keeper. Martins’ rating should have been closer to a perfect score if not for the missed penalty kick in the 30th minute. It was a fabulous return for a squad that needed Martins’ energy and creativity on offense.
Nelson Valdez (off in 56′) 6.5: Valdez signed with the Sounders on August 7th as their newest Designated Player. In his first MLS match he stepped in as Martins’ forward partner. His 51st minute header was perfectly placed past a sprawling Tally Hall. Head coach Sigi Schmid has to be pleased with Valdez’s debut, but now faces the pleasant task of incorporating Dempsey into the forward mix.
Substitutes
Thomas (on in 56′) 6.5: Sounders FC fans were waiting for the Brazilian to make an impression after he joined the team on June 1st. In his 10th MLS match, Thomas displayed several impressive moves to shake off several Orlando City defenders and record his first-ever league goal and point.
Darwin Jones (on in 66′) 5.0: Jones replaced Martins and managed to get off several shots in less than a half hour of play.
Cristian Roldan (on in 81′): Incomplete.
