Sounders Attack Shines in 2-0 Win Against San Jose – Photo Recap

The Seattle Sounders welcomed the San Jose Earthquakes to CentruyLink Field on a beautiful Saturday evening for the two side’s first matchup of the 2016 MLS season.

Right from the get go it was the Sounders who controlled the game. Their passing was noticeably crisper than in weeks past, linking up in quick one-two triangles that’ve been largely absent since the departure of Obafemi Martins.

Seattle’s pressure was rewarded in the 26th minute. Jordan Morris found Erik Friberg on the edge of the box. The Swede, amking his first start back from injury,  picked out Clint Dempsey running centrally in on goal. His side-footed effort easily passed by San Jose keeper David Bingham to put Seattle on top 1-0.

With Seattle controlling the majority of the possession the Quakes were limited to intermittent counters and sloppy give aways earned due to Barrett and Wondolowski’s incessant pressure.

Even still they created a few sterling chances, including one in the 35th minute where Wondolowski’s perfect run was rewarded with an equally impressive pass to leave the US international in on goal. But he miscontroled right to Sounders keeper Stefan Frei, who gladly gobbled up the ball to end the chance.

The first half ended with little other fan fare. Both sides marched up and down the pitch but struggled to make penetrating runs.

In the second half the Sounders picked up right where they left off. With surging runs forward and crisp passing. Morris in particular looked dangerous. The rookie had three chances where he was mere inches from extending his scoring streak.

Offensive subs started to flood the field around the 60th minute as both sides pushed for the second goal of the night. With the increasing attacking emphasis, it became a question of when, not if, there’d be another goal on the night.

San Jose got their chance to play the spoiler in the 84th minute when Tyrone Mears took down Victor Bernardez in the box to earn a penalty.

Chris Wondolowski stepped up to take, but for just the second time in over two years the he failed to convert. This time doing so in stunning fashion as his shot bounced off the post and out. Much to the elation of the 39,570 fans in attendance, and one Mr. Stefan Frei

Instead it was the Sounders with the last laugh as four minutes later Jordan Morris sealed it when he collected the ball on the counter and stridded forward. His ensuring shot from 25 yards out split his defenders legs and dashed straight by Bingham for his fourth goal in as many games. Tying the rookie record for consecutive games with a goal at four.

After the remarkable turn of events unfolded, the game ended quietly. San Jose must make a quick turn around as they return home to play Houston on Wednesday May 11th. The Sounders meanwhile look to continue to build on offensive success at the tough confines of Toyota Stadium against FC Dallas.