Seattle Sounders 2-San Jose Earthquakes 1
The Sounders came in to decision day with a slew of possibilities. The Sounders could have finished anywhere from second to fifth. A Sounders win was a must. The wins or losses by Dallas and LAFC would take care of themselves.
The Sounders perhaps feeling the task ahead played one of their worst games of the second half turnaround. They were very sloppy on the ball and did not match the energy of the Earthquakes in the early going. The Sounders could have been in trouble but the ‘Quakes attack lacked any real bite.
The Sounders still managed a few dangerous chances but were unable to beat the ‘Quakes keeper Marcinkowski! The Sounders came close in the 25th minute when a Nouhou shot was blocked and fell right to Alonso who’s shot was blocked and feel right to Lodeiro whose rocket hit the post. The best chance of the firist half for the Sounders.
The Sounders hoped for better at the start of the second half. But more of the same. The Earthquakes content to keep the pace of the game slow. With the results of decision day going against them it just looked like it wasn’t going to be the Sounders day. That fear was realized when a Danny Hoesen shot deflected off of Chad Marshall and wrong foots Frei for a own goal in the 63rd minute. It looked bleak for the rave green at that point.
In the 74th minute the Sounders made their first sub with Handwalla Bwana coming on for Kelvin Leerdam. That sub spured the team on. With Bwana looking dangerous in the attack and put the Earthquakes under pressure. That pressure paid off in the 78th minute with Roldan now at rightback put in a picture perfect cross that Ruidiaz was able to chest in and the score was tied.
The Sounders now finding their rhythm keep up the pressure. Results elsewhere also turned in the Sounders favor as Sporting is beating LAFC and the Rapids scored two goals in two minutes to take a 2-1 lead over FC Dallas.
The Sounders get the game winner with a beautiful combination play as Victor Rodriguez passed to Nicolas Loderio who put the ball right into Rual Ruidiaz’s path.The Peruvian international slotted home his 10th goal of the season, sending the crowd into bedlam.
When the smoke clears the Sounders finish off the best half season in MLS history in second place. With the all important bye week coming up. A remarkable turnaround by the Sounders this season. They head into the playoffs red hot. Another amazing decision day has come to a close. A great idea that MLS came up with having all the games in the league kickoff at the same time. A amazing day!
Seattle Sounders
San Jose Earthquakes
