By Charles Hamaker
Tangier, Morocco – A history making match for the Seattle Sounders and effectively the MLS as a whole ended in late game pain, as the rave green were defeated thanks to an 88th minute goal by Al Ahly’s Mohamed Afsha. Despite Seattle leading in shots, taking more corners than their opponents, and being more disciplined than Al Ahly fouls wise, Seattle continues to struggle with their finishing. Seattle now gets to turn its full attention to preparing for the MLS regular season, although the potential matchup against Real Madrid had they advanced in this tournament is something the club will remember.
Al Ahly’s goal unfortunately came off of the leg of Seattle’s Alex Roldan on a deflection (Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
Aggressive, dictated first half inspires hope
The first half for the Sounders, who easily could have been rattled by the nerves of their record setting appearance in this tournament, proved to be a successful one. Despite not being able to find the back of the net, which I understand is the entire idea of this sport, Seattle dominated the offensive statistics through the first 45 minutes with numerous good but not great chances on goal. Al Ahly was only able to muster one attempt on Stefan Frei in goal for the Sounders, as Seattle was able to play sound, structured defense. This sort of effort sent the Sounders into the locker room at the half with hope that they did in fact belong in this moment and that they could topple this talented, experienced Egyptian side. All they had to do was be more clinical in the final third, an issue they’ve been trying to correct dating back to the second half of last season.
Young Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio had the best chance for his team in the second half (Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
Critical error late lays Seattle’s hopes of advancing to rest
Opportunities came at more of a premium in the second half for the Sounders, only recording half as many shots as their total from the first 45 minutes. The most promising chance that Seattle had actually came in the 50th minute, as Josh Atencio’s shot from outside of the box clipped an Al Ahly defenders’ leg and nearly slipped under goaltender Mohamed El Shenawi. Both clubs failed to get much quality off in terms of their opportunities towards net, until Al Ahly in the final minutes of the match.
After receiving a pass at the top of the box from Percy Tau, Mohamed Afsha immediately lifted a shot over Seattle defender Yeimar. The initial shot hit the crossbar and it’s rebound was headed away by Joao Paulo, but that headed ball unfortunately didn’t go far enough. It landed at the feet of Afsha, who’s volley shot was initially offline of goal and was more so headed in the direction of the Sounders backline that was clumped together. Seattle outside back Alex Roldan stuck his left leg out to block the ball, and instead the shot took an odd bounce backwards towards goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Frei couldn’t have anticipated the odd bounce, and Seattle’s hopes of advancing bounced into their own net. The goal ended the Sounders run in the Club World Cup, as Seattle failed to pull off a late equalizer.
The return of Joao Paulo to the pitch is a major positive for Seattle (Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
All things considered, positive flashes were shown
While it is frustrating that the Sounders played a sound, solid game defensively and ultimately could not advance to this “dream match” against Real Madrid, there are multiple reasons for hope. Seeing Joao Paulo out on the pitch is its own beacon of hope considering the level of play that the midfielder brings when healthy. Seeing young midfielder Josh Atencio have one of dangerous chances for the Sounders is promising considering that the coaching staff is working to add more youth throughout the lineup this season. The Sounders played well defensively against this quality Egyptian side, outside of the deflected ball that ended up in their own net. Once this Seattle squad can get clicking (remember that they’ve had a far shortened preseason), it should prove to be a dangerous one.
What’s next?
Seattle will return home from Morocco to continue their preseason. Their next match is a friendly against Louisville City FC on February 18th. It is currently unclear if this match will be an event open to the public or if it will be a behind closed doors event. This will be the third friendly match that Louisville City will play against MLS sides, having previously battled with Nashville, Sporting Kansas City, and Austin FC prior to arriving in Seattle.
Cover photo by Mike Fiechtner/Seattle Sounders FC Communications
