By Anthony Veglatte

STARTERS

Stefan Frei – 7.5 – Frei was outstanding from the very beginning of the match. His positioning was superb and he made  saves technical and even world class at times. One was a point blank header off a set piece and the other was a fingertip save to push the ball over the crossbar. Without Frei’s heroics, this match could have easily ended 3-3.

Tyrone Mears – 5.5 – After a shaky 1^st half for the entire Seattle back line, the group recovered and did not allow a second half goal. Mears was in proper defensive position and made a vital challenge inside the penalty area to stay off a dangerous chance. Without a doubt his best play of match. Mears picked up a yellow card late in the match after a tacky foul.

Brad Evans – 6 – Evans escaped an early shout for a penalty. In fairness it would have been a harsh call against the center- back so early in the game. It’s clear Evans is still adjusting to his new position, however the captain receives a large part of the credit for re-organizing the back-line and not allowing a second half goal.

Chad Marshall – 6.5 – As usual the defending MLS defender of the year was rock solid. Marshall won several headers inside the 18. He was forced into a compromising tackle because of a poor give-away by Dylan Remick. Marshall received a well-deserved yellow card for his intervention, but other than that it was another good performance from the stalwart centerback.

Dylan Remick – 5.5 – This game showed that Remick is still a work in progress. After two solid performances before this I would have liked to rate him higher but his poor give-away lead to a Chad Marshall yellow card and a dangerous free-kick.

Marco Pappa – 6 – Pappa was quiet most of the match. However, his clever chip over the top led to Neagle’s scrappy game-winning goal in the first half.

Osvaldo Alonso – 6.5 – Sounder fans take Alonso for granted. The “Honey-Badger” won possession in the midfield numerous times with his signature challenges. Alonso also provided cover to Seattle’s shaky back-line by playing in a deep defensive midfield position.

Andy Rose – 6 – Rose played well. The Aussie flew under the radar for most of the match except for two moments. Rose’s 1st notable moment was in the 66^th minute when he received a yellow card for a bad foul. His second came from his pass that Martins somehow managed to turn into a goal.

Lamar Neagle – 8 – Man of the match. Neagle’s brilliant curler in the 5^th minute was exactly what the Sounders needed to dissuade anyone who feared a trap game. Neagles hard-earned scrappy second goal was far less spectacular but proved to be the game winner. He also tracked back to win possession in the midfield numerous times. Would have gave him a 9 if he picked out Martins unmarked run and assisted the Nigerian.

Clint Dempsey – 6 – Sounders fans are no doubt delighted to have Dempsey back. He looked a half-step slow coming back from the hamstring injury but that didn’t really seem to effect his play all that much. Dempsey played fine but should have scored when he was 1 on 1 with the Colorado goalie. The most import aspect with Dempsey is that he gets back to 100% health so he can contribute week to week.

Obafemi Martins – 7.5 – Martins’ moment of pure individual brilliance in the 73rd minute was world-class. Martins 1st touch was unreal. He backed-heeled a volley, to himself, from Andy Rose into the penalty area, splitting two defenders and curled a left foot shot around Irwin. Martins looked dangerous each time he was on the ball. Martin’s goal secured Seattle’s 3 points on the road.

SUBSTITUTES 

Gonzalo Pineda (sub for Dempsey 70^th  minute) – 5.5 – A tactical and professional sub. Helped secure the midfield late in the match.

Critian Roldan (sub for Pappa 81^st minute) – Roldan came on as a solid defensive sub but there wasn’t enough time for a proper assessment.

Leo Gonzalez (sub for Rose 89^th minute) – Not enough information.

 

Rapids Top 3 Players:

Clint Irwin – 7 – Irwin made several key stops to keep Colorado in the game. Irwin was quick off his line and looked sharp even though he surrendered 3 goals.

Dillon Powers – 6.5 – Powers looked dangerous in the midfield throughout the match. His clever assist led to Colorado’s only goal.

Gabriel Torres – 6.5 – Scored Colorado’s only goal on a fluid move for the Rapids. His finish was clinical.

Pablo Mastroeni – 10 – For his mustache.