The Seattle Sounders went for 3 wins in a row but an 85th minute defensive lapse proved to be a problem as the Rave Green would walk away with just a draw against Real Salt Lake. Ultimately, a draw is a good result considering the Sounders have now crept their way into 2nd place in the MLS Western conference. Additionally, this is the first time since 2012 the Sounders have earned any points in Sandy, UT. But a win would have vaulted them past Sporting KC and into 1st and we will see what happens closer to the end of the season and how important this miscue truly was.
An 85ht minute longshot by Pablo Ruiz nicked the Sounders Yeimar Gómez causing an own goal. The powerful shot may have scored anyway, but the deflection was a bit of bad luck that had finally turned against the Sounders who had seemed blessed in recent weeks.
Nico Lodiero got the scoring going early after a Aaron Herrera handball in the box. A penalty kick by the Uruguayan gave the Sounders the early lead. And the normally vibrant Rave Green offense was quiet for the 1st time in weeks as they managed just 5 shots on goal. Unlike Real who had 12 shots and 5 on target.
This game draws some concerns as to which Sounders team is the real team? Is it the one who blasted LAFC and Portland by an aggregate score of 6-1 or is it a team on its heels and subject to defensive lapses at times? Perhaps both are true? Time will tell, but for the Sounders, being in 2nd place and having to figure this out, is a lot better than the alternatives.
photo credit: (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
