SEATTLE — Tyrone Mears’ long-range volley in the 88th minute gave the Sounders (10-7-2, 32 points) a hard-earned 1-0 win over a short-handed and determined D.C. United (10-5-5, 35 points) side. Seattle’s win ended a three-match winless streak. The loss stopped United’s three-game unbeaten run.
Seattle was frustrated throughout the match as they failed to take advantage of man advantage starting in the 27th minute of play. Referee Silviu Petrescu ejected D.C. forward Fabian Espindola after he threw a forearm into the face of defender Zach Scott. The two were involved in an earlier a physical encounter in the 13th minute that left a dazed Espindola on the pitch for several minutes, while Scott needed assistance to clean up blood around his ear.
The home side dominated possession (70-30%) and an edge in shots (16-10). As expected, Seattle had the better scoring opportunities, but lacked the finishing touch to score a goal until Mears’ heroics.
Midfielder Thomas had a chance to put Seattle on the board three minutes into the second half. His shot across the goal appeared headed into the net. Keeper Andrew Dykstra dove to the ground and deflected the ball wide of the post.
Five minutes later, Seattle forward Chad Barrett received a cross from Tyrone Mears in front of the D.C. goal. Barrett’s header sailed inches above crossbar.
The visitors had their own chance to score in the 68th minute. On a free kick just outside the corner of the box, Taylor Kemp’s left-footer hit the top of the crossbar.
Mears broke the scoreless deadlock with two minutes left in regulation. Dylan Remick’s deep cross to the far corner of the box found an open Mears. The Seattle defender nailed his strike into the left corner of the net for 1-0 advantage.
A minute later Nick DeLeon’s shot for a tying goal from a free kick hit the crossbar to keep D.C. United off the scoreboard.
United forward Luis Silva left the game after suffering a groin injury five minutes into the match. Conor Doyle replaced Silva.
Seattle keeper Stefan Frei and United defender Steve Brinbaum collided in the 29th minute inside the box area. Frei went down and stayed in the game. With halftime approaching, he left the pitch with a limp left arm. Troy Perkins stepped in for the injured Frei.
The Sounders were missing their two leading soccers Clint Dempsey (USMNT duty) and Obafemi Martins (adductor strain), and their 14 combined goals. D.C. United was without the services of keeper Bill Hamid, last year’s MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Hamid was out due to a finger ailment.
The Sounders next travel to Chicago for a Saturday matchup against the Fire. D.C. United has next week off. Their next game is in Texas for a clash against FC Dallas on July 18.
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