By Ed Pham

Seattle Sounders player ratings in a rare early season friendly versus Xolos de Tijuana, the current first place team in the Mexican Liga MX.  An overcast Tuesday night match played at CenturyLink field, in front of 39,115.  There was no live TV broadcast of this high profile matchup.

Troy Perkins – 5

Didn’t have too much to do this game, as Xolos was limited to five shots total. He could have done better on stopping Dayro Moreno’s first and second shots as they were taken from such acute angles. Not much he could have done on the second goal to stop Moreno from making the square ball pass for Ruíz to run on and tap in.

Dylan Remick – 6

Made some good runs forward to help out the Sounders attack. His presence on the attack helped contribute to the Sounders first goal. Could have done better to try to stop Alfredo Moreno from making that through ball to Dayro Moreno for Xolos’s second goal.

Brad Evans – 5

Evans wasn’t required to do too much. He was poised for the majority of the time he was in the game. The misread on the pass was costly, as it gave Xolos their first goal. However, it was a difficult pass to bring down. Was part of a defense that limited Xolos’s chances to very little otherwise.

Zach Scott – 5.5

Like Evans, he wasn’t required to do much and helped limited Xolos’s chances. However, his presence defensively the moment Evans made his mistake was nowhere to be found until the ball was in the back of the net.

Oniel Fisher – 6

Like Remick, Fisher made some good runs forward and provided a lot of hustle to provide plenty of corners and chances for the Sounders. Was part of the build-up to the second goal. However, he was one of the last two players back on the corner that lead to Xolos’s counter and eventual goal. Could have been more alert to see Ruíz coming down field.

Gonzalo Pineda – 6

Provided a good presence and control of the midfield alongside Azira. He was showing his poise and composition against the Xolos midfield with some neat footwork. However, his pass to Evans was ultimately what forced him to make that mistake and created that first goal for Xolos.

Aaron Kovar – 8

For his second ever appearance on the Sounders first team, he definitely showed he’s capable of playing with them. He provided precise crosses that created plenty of chances for the Sounders, as well as Neagle’s and Rose’s goals. His creativity at the end of the game required the most timely stops from the Xolos defenders, else Sounders could have come away with a victory.

Michael Azira – 7

He was limited to only 45 minutes today, but did a solid job defensively, getting plenty of interceptions and tackles against the Xolos midfield. His presence and distribution was clean and efficient.

Christian Roldan – 7

Another bright spot for this youthful Sounders lineup. Provided the header and assist to Neagle to give the Sounders the opening goal. Provided plenty of dangerous passes and cross, as well creativity and flair to the Sounders attack. Nifty little pass to excite the crowd as well and show he has confidence.

Lamar Neagle – 7

Neagle showed he wanted a goal early with two quick chances in the first 10 minutes of the game. Finally got his goal on an open header in front of goal. Had some good interplay with Martins that forced the Xolos defense to respond. Only criticism was his missed chances. Could have done better on those two chances in the opening minutes.

Obafemi Martins – 6

Nothing extraordinary from Martins. Some good interplay with Neagle to give the Xolos defense problems, which included a free kick just outside of the 18. Was willing to drop deeper into the midfield to receive the ball and help with possession for the Sounders.

Andy Rose (on in 46’) – 7

Made a great run to get away from his defender and get onto Kovar’s low whipping cross into the back of the net with a calm finish. Provided pressure on the Xolos defense to keep the ball primarily in that half the field for the majority of the second half.

Chad Barrett (on in 46’) – 7

Provided more bite, energy, and maturity to the attack in the second half. Was making good runs and attempts to create chances on the attack. Good read on Mansaray’s pass, but just left wanting after not being able to bring down that pass. His poise, positioning and presence helped in the build-up of the second goal by Andy Rose.

Andres Correa (on in 46’) – 6

Wasn’t required to do much this game defensively. Had some interceptions and made some good overlapping runs to help with the attack. Overall decent first appearance for the Sounders first team.

Victor Mansaray (on in 46’) – 6

Provided energy to the Sounders attack. Put pressure on the Xolos defense to force them to make mistakes. Hustled hard to try to get the ball back. Looked to create chances for his teammates. His pass to Barrett into the 18-yard box was great, but Barrett couldn’t bring it down unfortunately.

Darwin Jones (on in 64’) – 6

Made a great run at the very end of the game from Kovar’s through ball, only to be denied by a timely interception from the Xolos defender. Like the other subs, provided energy to the attack. His pace allowed a couple of good opportunities on the attack.

Jimmy Ockford (on in 64’) –  6

Much like Correa, wasn’t required to do much defensively. Came on, helped contain the Xolos attack and helped the Sounders prevent them from scoring in the second half.

Damion Lowe (on in 73’) – 6

His presence in the back was good.  Had some bright spots in the limited amount of playing time allowed.  Showed some restraint along with his strength in holding off the attacking player from making a play on the ball and force them to lose it out of bounds.