Man of the Match Clint Dempsey recorded two goals and an assist en route to a playoff-clinching victory over RSL.
By Steven Agen
Ratings from Seattle’s 3-1 Decision Day victory over RSL. With the victory, Seattle earned the 4th seed in the Western Conference and a home playoff game with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Stefan Frei – 5.5
Frei saw very little action in a first half that didn’t feature a shot on target from RSL. He dives a little early on Luis Gil’s consolation goal, but there isn’t enough in it to move him away from baseline.
Tyrone Mears – 6
Mears wasn’t asked to get involved in the attack as frequently as normal, with Leo Gonzalez providing width and a spark going forward on the left flank. Did really well to slide away a low cross for a corner while facing his own goal on 45’. Got caught pinching in several times in the second half, but positionally sound most of the day.
Chad Marshall – 6
Helped keep dangerous forward Juan Manuel Martinez quiet, and didn’t have anything to do with the goal Seattle gave up. A solid performance, but mostly unnoticed because of RSL’s poor showing in the attacking third.
Brad Evans – 6
Came forward and nearly created a chance when Seattle were 3-0 up in the first half. On the plus side, that move featured a Dempsey backheel and looked pretty slick all the way around. On the downside, he’s the closest one to Luis Gil when he scores. Sounders will be very hopeful that Alonso is available on Wednesday, for the drop off at centerback from Evans to Scott will be sorely felt if the captain has to move to midfield.
Leo Gonzalez – 7 (Subbed off on 70’)
Gonzalez won himself the starting left back job for Seattle’s MLS Cup playoff run on Sunday. The veteran chipped Martins in behind the defense en route to Sounders first goal, showing offensive savvy that Oniel Fisher and Dylan Remick have lacked this year. Ultimately set up Pappa’s 10th minute goal by playing for Dempsey at the top of the area. Looked comfortable in Seattle’s short passing-oriented offense. On the defensive end, Gonzalez looked steady as ever with limited work to do.
Marco Pappa – 7
Combined really well with Dempsey and Martins, and that goal has to be huge for his confidence. If Pappa gets hot as the playoffs get going, he’s a huge threat for Seattle. No one else on the roster has quite the creative make up he does. Speaking of the goal specifically, a left footed curler from outside the area is worth a full point.
Osvaldo Alonso – 6.5 (Subbed off on 73’)
Picked up a concerning knock that forced him off early. Sigi Schmid suggested postgame that it was precautionary, but Alonso sat out Monday’s training session. This has to raise serious questions about whether or not he’ll be able to play on Wednesday AND Sunday, provided Seattle make it that far. The MLS Cup aspirations don’t really have any weight behind them if Alonso misses significant time in the next week.
Erik Friberg – 6
Made several impressive recovery challenges; managed to stop a handful of RSL chances in the center of the park before they got dangerous. In facing an RSL midfield devoid of any guile (but not Gil), he didn’t have that much to do on Sunday. He’s even more important than before if Alonso can’t play against LA on Wednesday, as he’s the only true defensive midfield replacement Seattle have.
Andreas Ivanschitz – 7
The Austrian was involved in everything on Sunday. Played a fantastic early through ball to an offside Dempsey at 1-0 on 8 minutes, reminiscent of Tyson Wahl’s assist on a Fredy Montero goal against Chicago in 2010. Was involved in nearly every dangerous passage for Seattle, and still found time to clear set pieces out of his own area. He looks like a great addition for his creativity, chemistry and attitude. He’s locked down a starting role in the playoffs as well.
Obafemi Martins – 7.5
Makes a smart run and then plays in a great cross to Dempsey on Seattle’s first goal. Forces Willis into the save that creates Sounders’ third goal, also in combination with Dempsey. Just another day at the office for Mr. Martins, who’ll lead Seattle in goals for the second consecutive MLS season.
Clint Dempsey – 8.5 (MotM) (Subbed off on 65’)
He’s back! Maybe it was a nagging injury, or fatigue. Or an emotional hangover from Gold Cup and CONCACAF Cup. Or just a bad run of form. Whatever it was, Dempsey had it hanging over his head for the last month or so. On Sunday, he shrugged it off in some style. The forward registered two goals and an assist, and easily could’ve had more. Showed a determination and level of fitness that looked a little suspect for a while. If he plays like this in November, he could wipe out the memories of an abysmal summer with an MLS Cup.
Substitutes
Chad Barrett – 5.5 (Subbed in on 65’)
Worked hard chasing down long balls as Seattle killed the game off. The home side had understandably taken their foot off the pedal by the time Barrett entered, and this made looks hard to come by.
Oniel Fisher – 5 (Subbed in on 70’)
Brought on mostly so Seattle could save Gonzalez for Wednesday, one would think. He doesn’t close down the cross Gil knocks home well enough, and that’s probably why the goal happens.
Gonzalo Pineda – 5.5 (Subbed in on 73’)
Seattle didn’t need Pineda’s link up play when he subbed in on Sunday, but they may if they’re chasing a goal in the playoffs. The third-choice center midfielder helped Sounders shut up shop.
Sounders FC
Real Salt Lake
