Seattle Sounders FC player ratings after a penalty kick shootout loss (4-2) to FC Dallas in the second leg of their aggregate goals Western Conference playoff clash. FC Dallas moves on to the Western Conference Finals to face the Portland Timbers.
Stefan Frei – 7.0
Frei’s left-legged save kick in the second half and a left-handed stop in the 118th minute gave the Sounders a chance in the penalty kick shootout. FC Dallas had 25 shots on the night that required eight saves from Frei. The only blemish on the Austrian keeper was his inability to make one stop during the shootout. Frei would have been Man of the Match if Seattle had won.
Tyrone Mears – 5.5
Seattle’s right back made numerous runs down the wing in an attempt to generate some offense. Mears was able to get back into position to stop numerous FC Dallas counters. He managed to win his share of tackles and provided some veteran stability to a shaky defense.
Chad Marshall – 7.0
Marshall scored in the 90th minute to temporarily give Seattle a ticket to the next round of the playoffs. He recorded a team high three shots. With Seattle in a defensive shell throughout the match, Marshall helped Frei out front with his blocks, calm demeanor and steady play.
Zach Scott – 4.5
Scott struggled with a hamstring problem late in the match. His defensive play inside the box was tentative and led to confusion on set pieces. The veteran Sounder gave it his all, but lingering injuries took their toll.
Oniel Fisher – 5.5 (Subbed out in 88′)
The rookie defender held in own under relentless pressure. Fisher fought to keep the FC Dallas forwards at bay and battled for every ball. He performed well in difficult circumstances.
Andreas Ivanschitz – 5.0
Ivanschitz missed his penalty kick, but managed to get credit for one of Seattle’s three shots on target. His crosses weren’t effective as they usually are. The Sounders chose to play with fewer players up front and that led to fewer scoring chances.
Andy Rose – 4.0
The lanky midfielder isn’t known for his speed, and he failed to keep up with FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz. The crafty forward outmaneuvered and outran Rose on several occasions. After Rose’s performance in the first leg in Seattle, the match in Dallas showcased his weaknesses against a faster opponent.
Erik Friberg – 4.5 (Subbed out in 85′)
With Seattle playing behind the ball, the Sounders’ energetic midfielder failed to find his rhythm. FC Dallas’ offensive barrage and the Sounders’ tactics gave Friberg little room to maneuver. He had few memorable touches and wasn’t a factor throughout the match.
Nelson Valdez – 5.0 (Subbed out 76′)
Valdez’s fitness was less than 100%, and he struggled to keep up with the pace of play. Valdez’s shot right before the end of the first half deflected of a defender and bounced off the crossbar. He switched roles with Dempsey to play forward with Martins that yielded few results. He provided a good effort under trying circumstances.
Clint Dempsey – 5.0
Dempsey didn’t generate much offense and played a fair amount of time near the midfield and in the defensive third until late in the match. In extra time, he had an opportunity in the box to get a shot on target before losing the ball to a determined defender. Dempsey scored one of Seattle’s penalty kick. It was the lone highlight in a frustrating and disappointing loss.
Obafemi Martins – 5.0
The Nigerian forward registered one shot on goal in a little more than two hours of play. Martins had to handle the ball more than he used to, and he lost his fair share of possession. Seattle’s defensive game plan placed the striker closer to midfield than the opposition’s 18-yard box. Martins had to adjust to a new role that hampered his offensive skills.
Substitutes
Cristian Roldan – 5.0 (Subbed in for Valdez 76′)
Roldan was forced to play at left back once Oniel Fisher went to the bench. The FC Dallas attackers targeted the youngster on the left. Despite the forced role, Roldan did his best in a difficult situation.
Chad Barrett – 4.5 (Subbed in for Friberg 85′)
Barrett was inserted a third forward late in the match, and the Sounders did score in the 90th minute. In the penalty kick shootout, he sent a tepid shot that was easily stopped by keeper Jesse Gonzalez.
Marco Pappa – 5.0 (Subbed in for Fisher 88′)
Marshall scored on Pappa’s corner kick into the box. On the negative end, he lost a couple of challenges and picked up silly yellow card.
