Photo credit: @soundersfc
The Columbus Crew came to Centurylink, the home of the MLS Champion Seattle Sounders, and showed no fear. In the 1st half, the Sounders were on their heels often and suffered a 1st half goal off the foot of Gyasi Zardes. It would take until the 2nd half for the Rave Green to wake up and get it in gear.
In the 79th minute, a Nouhou cross found Harrison Afful’s hand in the penalty box. The accidental hand ball allowed for a Raul Ruidiaz penalty kick. But this would be no routine kick as Columbus’ goalie Eloy Room blocked Raul’s first shot. It was judged though that Room left the goal line early and the infraction required a second penalty kick which Raul put gracefully into the back of the net.
Picked his spot 👊@RaulRuidiazM gets us on the board! #SEAvCLB | #SoundersMatchday pic.twitter.com/X3mazkCGlf
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 8, 2020
The chances were there for the Sounders as they had 17 shot attempts. One such attempt drew some controversy as a Sounder goal was waved off by the officiating crew. Early in the 2nd half, Jordan Morris found a cutting Miguel Ibarra in the box which Ibarra rifled into the net. However, on VAR (instant replay) the officials deemed Ibarra to be ever so slightly offsides much to the chagrin of the Rave Green fans.
While the result wasn’t optimal for the Sounders, it is a point and seeing how much more offense they applied in this game than the season opener, things are looking up for the MLS Champions. Next game is in Houston on Saturday March 14th.
