Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders used a three goal second half to defeat Minnesota United FC. Seattle, coming into this match with their worst form in club history through eight games, took care of business in the final 45. After a first half where they had more dangerous chances than Minnesota, it seemed like they the Sounders had a goal coming at any moment. Minnesota got a goal right before the half thanks to a poor play by Nouhou where he missed an easy clearance. Seattle roared back after half, and gained three critical points.
Stefan Frei takes a goal kick
Cristian Roldan continues MVP level form
“Local boy” Cristian Roldan has been playing in stellar form for the Sounders all season. The former University of Washington Husky has made an impact all over the pitch, from great assists to drawing fouls in the box. Roldan continued this level of play by posting a 9.0 rating, a goal, and an assist against Minnesota. The goal that Cristian scored came from just above the top of the box, with the game tied at a goal each. In the 74th minute, running parallel to the box, Roldan turned and fired to the top left corner of the goal. The laser of a shot was perfectly placed, and the Sounders took the lead. With the loss of last year’s MVP finalist Joao Paulo to season-ending injury, the continued form of Cristian Roldan is critical to Seattle’s success.
Cristian Roldan brings the ball up as his brother Alex follows
Set piece defense an area to correct
The main issue to address from the Sounders win would be their defensive performance against set pieces. While Seattle led in the majority of the statistics, what becomes apparent is the number of corners. Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer spoke about how Minnesota got some good chances off of those corners, and that there was a clear issue in how they defended them. Schmetzer would go on to mention a great save that Stefan Frei made on a corner, remarking that, “We don’t want to rely on those types of saved. We’ll look at that to make sure we set them up for success.”
Seattle’s Nouhou made an error on an easy clearance, resulting in a Minnesota goal
No easy road ahead for Seattle
The Sounders viewed this game in different ways, as Cristian Roldan saw it in the light of “must win” and Stefan Frei did not agree. To Frei’s point, there is still plenty of season ahead. Seattle has 25 more regular season games to play in MLS, which is more than enough to turn things around and finish in a playoff spot. The Sounders have seen tough starts to their years washed away with great form down the stretch. With that being said, Seattle will have to earn these victories. Cristian Roldan, while acknowledging the win, said that Seattle will get every club’s best shot.
Raul Ruidiaz attempts a shot on goal
The Sounders have a solid opportunity to get back on track with five home matches following two road matches. Seattle’s next contest is against the Houston Dynamo, who currently sit at a record of 4-4-3. Houston is the sixth ranked team in the Western Conference, so things don’t get easier for Seattle. The teams will play on May 18th, with a 5:30PM PST kickoff at PNC Stadium.
Thanks to Mel Levin and Paul Kahl for the photos used in this article! Thank you Mel and Paul!
Seattle Sounders FC
Minnesota United
