Seattle player ratings after the Sounders’ 2-1 advantage over FC Dallas in the first leg of the two-match Western Conference semifinals. The sides conclude their aggregate goals series next Sunday in Dallas.
Stefan Frei – 5.5
The Austrian keeper couldn’t be blamed on Castillo’s first half goal. For the rest of the match, Frei and his defense tightened up and kept FC Dallas off the scoreboard.
Tyrone Mears – 5.0
Mears was nowhere to be found on FC Dallas’ tally that left Scott as the lone defender to try and stop Castillo’s dash to the goal. Mears and the rest of the back four regained their defensive mojo in the second half.
Zach Scott – 4.5
With Brad Evans out with a hamstring pull, head coach Sigi Schmid called on Scott to hold down the right center back role. Credit FC Dallas for targeting the veteran Seattle defender. Mauro Castillo outran an out-of-position Scott to score the first goal of the game. After the lapse, Scott regained his defensive rhythm.
Chad Marshall – 5.5
Marshall had new defensive teammates to his right (Scott) and to his left (Fisher). Last year’s Defender of the Year never loses his cool and played his usual solid defensive game.
Oniel Fisher – 5.5
The rookie replaced the injured Leo Gonzalez at left back. Fisher’s job was to be disciplined and not take any undo risks. He succeeded on both counts and may be back if Gonzalez’s injury doesn’t heal by next Sunday.
Marco Pappa – 4.5 (Subbed out in 62′)
Schmid took Pappa out and replaced him with Nelson Valdez with 28 minutes left in regulation time. Schmidt may have tired of Pappa’s poor passing and general ineffectiveness on offense and defense.
Andy Rose – 6.0
Rose took over the midfield slot after Osvaldo Alonso suffered an adductor injury in last Sunday’s LA Galaxy knockout match. Out of three new starters, the lanky midfielder appeared the most comfortable. Rose’s touches and distributions were disciplined and effective.
Erik Friberg – 5.0 (Subbed out in 76′)
The Swede brings a spark and increased energy level to the midfield. His efforts yielded few results or errors. Ran out of gas in the second half and was replaced by Cristian Roldan.
Andreas Ivanschitz – 6.5 (Subbed out in 90′)
The veteran midfielder outran and outmaneuvered the FC Dallas defense to score the Sounders’ first goal of the match. Ivanschitz may prove to be Seattle’s best late season acquisition with his laser focused free kicks. His fabulous run and goal in tonight’s game were an added bonus.
Clint Dempsey – 7.0 (Man of the Match)
Stepped up to take and make a critical 86th minute free kick to give Seattle an important lead in the two-match playoffs. A local writer questioned if Dempsey was worth his high salary, this strike may put those queries to bed.
Obafemi Martins – 5.5
FC Dallas kept Martins in check throughout the match. He combined with Dempsey to generate a number of scoring chances, but failed to find the space for one of his highlight reel tallies.
Substitutes
Nelson Valdez – 5.0 (Subbed in for Pappa 62′)
Came in for Pappa with less then 30 minutes to play in regulation. Didn’t distinguish himself one way or the other.
Cristian Roldan – Incomplete (Subbed in for Friberg in 76′)
Michael Azira – Incomplete (Subbed in for Ivanschitz in 90′)
