San Jose Earthquakes 0-1 Seattle Sounders FC
SAN JOSE, CA–Both Roldans are proving invaluable to the Sounders these days. Cristian scored the game’s lone goal in the 17th minute and Alex had to go in goal late to preserve a 1-0 for Seattle over San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Stadium.
The win gives the Sounders an early four-point advantage over the rest of the Western Conference as they remain one of three unbeaten teams in MLS along with CF Montreal and Nashville SC who are both at a win and three draws.
Cristian’s strike, a left-footer that hit the upper 90 past JT Marcinkowski came minutes after San Jose thought they had a penalty after Javier Lopez’s shot struck Yeimar in the arm. But no sooner was referee Baldomero Toledo pointing to his ear after pointing to the spot. After reviewing with VAR Kevin Stott, the call was overturned.
The Sounders then withstood the Quakes’ attack with first Stefan Frei denying Cade Cowell on 37 minutes and then Cristian Espinoza going just wide after 54.
However, Alex Roldan would have to go into the net for second half stoppage time after Frei injured his knee in a collision with Shane O’Neill and the Sounders has exhausted all three substitution opportunities at that point. Earlier, the Sounders had lost Jordy Delem to a knee injury in the ninth minute. Alex did manage to keep the Quakes at bay to preserve the victory.
“We’re going to bring [Delem and Frei] home to Seattle and assess them there,” said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer.
It was revealed that Cristian advised Schmetzer to put his younger brother in goal for the final few minutes despite not recalling ever playing keeper before, Alex had three clutch saves to preserve the team’s third shutout of the season.
Alex Roldan had to go in goal late to preserve the clean sheet. (Photo: ISI Photo/Sounders FC)
“That’s one thing about me, I’ve always had confidence in what I do,” said Alex said. He’s the first Sounders field player to play in goal and the 12th in MLS’s 26-year history.
“The coaching staff and my brother as well put confidence in me to step in there,” Alex continued. “Luckily we were able to come out with a win. That’s the best part.”
The Sounders will look to keep up their unbeaten run despite the injuries when they host LAFC on Sunday at 6:30pm PT on FS1. The Quakes host Portland on Saturday at 7pm PT.
