Seattle, WA
Sounders at Dynamo: Frei and Co. solid in shutout victory
Seattle Sounders continued their return to MLS dominance, once more beginning their most well-liked gamers and once more profitable. Even on quick relaxation and in some adversarial climate, the Sounders had sufficient high quality to create when it counted, and a valiant defensive effort earned a shutout. The sport ended 1-0 for Seattle, with each groups taking part in down a person when two gamers acquired second yellows and had been despatched off. Though clearly operating out of steam late, Seattle held on for his or her second consecutive league win as they cost up the standings.
Stefan Frei – 7 (MOTM) | Neighborhood – 7.1
Frei earned a much-needed shutout and did sufficient to defend towards 14 pictures from Houston. Total, his goalkeeping was strong, though just a few surprising moments went in Seattle’s favor in his objective field. Stefan dealt with possession towards the press very nicely.
One factor I preferred: A 23rd minute save was what we count on from Frei, and attributable to his near-perfect positioning, this play turned routine. One other extra frantic scramble within the 68th ended with the identical end result: the ball cradled within the arms of the Seattle goalkeeper.
One factor I didn’t like: The Sounders’ set piece protection has appeared fairly weak currently, and this recreation was one other instance. Though not conceding, Frei appears rooted to his line and the protection in entrance of him has persistently allowed high quality possibilities. One thing wants to alter.
Going ahead: Frei has had some matches the place he was unfortunate with the protection in entrance of him, however he won’t enable straightforward possibilities. Groups have to be incredible to even sniff his objective.
Nouhou – 7 | Neighborhood – 6.8
Nouhou on quick relaxation was effective, displaying an amazing 94 % passing fee whereas judiciously selecting his moments to go ahead. He did somewhat little bit of every part, with two every of clears, interceptions, and tackles.
One factor I preferred: There was gradual enchancment on Nouhou’s offensive choice making, and a very good 18th minute cross was a part of some sensible soccer from the left again.
One factor I didn’t like: Within the 12th minute Nouhou charged into the field and simply missed an amazing go from Nico Lodeiro. Too dangerous; it could have been thrilling to see what the Cameroonian did with it.
Going ahead: Nouhou was clearly drained late however was nonetheless as much as the duty of monitoring contemporary Houston legs subbed in. He could also be due a relaxation this weekend.
Xavier Arreaga – 7 | Neighborhood – 6.9
Arreaga once more showcased super aggression from the again within the middle, one thing that helps assist the midfield form. He was glorious in possession, with 92 % passing and infrequently placing a go awry.
One factor I preferred: Xavi being aggressive within the center can occur defensively (game-high 5 interceptions) and offensively (42nd minute line-splitting go). His skill to positively have an effect on the match in each instructions is excellent.
One factor I didn’t like: Arreaga rides the sting between protected and too dangerous, and the potential for issues to go mistaken is certainly there. A 14th minute go central was an instance, as he selected the harmful go over one thing extra reserved from deep.
Going ahead: With the defensive starters set and adjusting to their roles and coordination with one another, Xavier is a recognized commodity who picks his moments nicely and persistently gives high quality play in assist of the midfield.
Yeimar – 7 | Neighborhood – 6.9
Yeimar didn’t have many spotlight performs, as a result of he was quietly doing nearly every part proper again and again. Houston repeatedly examined his ft and aerial expertise and he was as much as the duty each time.
One factor I preferred: 4 tackles, three interceptions, 5 clearances, three blocked pictures, 5 duels — the numbers defensively for Yeimar had been glorious, and he continues to win each interplay with opponents.
One factor I didn’t like: A 6th minute whiff led to a counter assault, and a 15th minute clearance went awry in an in any other case clear match from Yeimar (89 % passing).
Going ahead: Yeimar continues to lift his stage of play every match since his damage earlier this 12 months, and he doesn’t seem like slowing down any time quickly.
Alex Roldan – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.9
Alex had a irritating night, concerned in some nice play early however then fading late, getting drained, and in the end incurring some foolish playing cards that ultimately noticed him despatched off within the 82nd minute. Earlier than leaving, he amassed 88 % passing on 53 touches.
One factor I preferred: Within the first half, Roldan overlapped into the field for a pleasant cross within the 18th minute after which, 10 minutes later, was once more a late runner into the field, this time dropping an ideal helping cross to Raúl Ruidíaz.
One factor I didn’t like: With loads of cowl behind him within the 82nd minute, Alex acquired right into a bodily battle with Beto Avila. When their legs tangled, Alex was despatched off for his troubles which negated Seattle’s man benefit.
Going ahead: Alex is usually a lynchpin for attacking down the proper, however he’s appeared a bit muted in the previous few matches. Sitting out a recreation might in the end assist him and the workforce.
Kelyn Rowe 6 | Neighborhood – 5.9 (off 59’ for Atencio)
Rowe performed some bend-but-don’t-break midfieldering, doing a lot of the required soiled work to unlock the finesse gamers round him. He additionally demonstrated numerous near-critical errors centrally. His hustle and tenacity noticed him earn 34 touches and 89 % passing.
One factor I preferred: Rowe made some sensible performs within the center, highlighted by a 6th minute aggressive step ahead to win the ball and begin a counter assault that ended with a shot. Kelyn personally had a shot and a key go as nicely.
One factor I didn’t like: Because of his place on the sector, errors are highlighted, and he had a bunch of them, corresponding to a 16th minute dangerous go, a 23rd minute give-and-go that left him dizzy, and a 52nd minute giveaway within the center that possible hastened his exit from the match for more energizing legs.
Going ahead: Rowe confirmed he can pair with Albert Rusnák and be sensible sufficient to fill within the gaps within the match, which can be sufficient to maintain incomes him time.
Albert Rusnák – 7 | Neighborhood – 7.2 (off 86’ for Dobbeleare)
Rusnák once more confirmed unimaginable management and passing contact, frequently defusing potential Houston alternatives with a peaceful entice and fast go to ft. His 77 touches had been second-most within the recreation, and he settled properly right into a affected person deeper mendacity inventive position.
One factor I preferred: Bert was glorious to find passes to alleviate strain, whether or not it was discovering Jordan Morris excessive within the first 10 minutes (carving that thought into the thoughts of the Dynamo defenders), or a stupendous 18th minute vast go, he was all the time head up and driving ahead. He discovered Ruidíaz within the 84th minute attributable to his skill to sense the place to alleviate strain (or assault weak spot).
One factor I didn’t like: Nobody is prone to mistake Rusnák for an incredible defender, and his restoration protection within the 66th minute was extra “olé” than anything.
Going ahead: Many of the good issues that occurred on this match started with sensible play from Snack, and together with his obvious endurance, he might determine massively this weekend.
Jordan Morris – 7 | Neighborhood – 6.7 (off 77’ for Medranda)
Morris was super at going ahead for a lot of his time on the sector, frequently pushing at objective and discovering teammates or going direct himself. He was environment friendly in his 34 touches, discovering three pictures and 92 % passing whereas profitable just a few aerials and 5 duels as nicely.
One factor I preferred: Jordan created numerous massive possibilities for himself on objective, nevertheless it was his endurance when put into house by a nifty Lodeiro go within the 28th that led to Seattle’s objective. Head up, he drove on the keeper to pressure a defensive choice, noticed the bottom run from Alex Roldan, and dropped a superb ball throughout objective.
One factor I didn’t like: His shot within the 20th minute was all mistaken, bending away from objective, and his 63rd minute shot, with an opportunity to place the match away, was equally disappointing.
Going ahead: Jordan Morris continues to be an issue for opponents. He was clearly gassed on the finish of his shift towards Houston, and could also be finest as a luxurious change of tempo late for the Sounders’ weekend match.
Nico Lodeiro– 7 | Neighborhood – 7.0
Nico performed his second recreation in just a few days and once more was the marshal of the match, gaining nearly 20 extra touches than another participant on the sector (93). He transformed this to a shot, a key go, and sufficient hustle to make sure Houston performed a person down (for some time, a minimum of).
One factor I preferred: There’s maybe nobody higher within the league at seeing (not to mention changing) on the slip go that Lodeiro hit to Morris within the 28th minute. This deft contact got here off of a stern go to Nico, but he casually softened this one way or the other into an ideal ball via for Jordan, getting him in behind on a play that in the end ended within the game-winning objective.
One factor I didn’t like: As everybody drained, Seattle nonetheless had numerous massive possibilities to place it away, and an 80th minute cross on a breakaway went missing.
Going ahead: Nico is now again into the “a number of sturdy performances going 90 minutes just some days aside” chapter of his restoration, and issues are going swimmingly.
Cristian Roldan – 6 | Neighborhood – 7.2
Like within the final match, Cristian was quiet within the first half towards the Dynamo. Sadly, he was additionally quiet within the second, with loads of laborious work and little or no to indicate for it. He had 64 touches and 98 % passing marks in a considerably torpid outing.
One factor I preferred: Roldan didn’t miss any passes, and his crossing stays extremely correct as nicely. Two glorious providers within the 10th and 61st minutes went missing, however solely as a result of the ending was poor.
One factor I didn’t like: Extra affect is required from such a precious participant on this workforce. Cristian’s seen frustration appeared to cross over to his brother, with each struggling for it.
Going ahead: Cristian cooled off this match, however his stamina is known which implies he possible scores a hattrick this weekend.
Raúl Ruidíaz – 7 | Neighborhood – 7.4 (MOTM) (off 86’ for Bruin)
Ruidíaz once more confirmed up when Seattle wanted it probably the most, scoring the game-winner on one in every of his two pictures. He did have 30 touches and displayed a superb skill to drop in and assist the midfield together with his again to objective, rewarding the workforce with 89 % passing.
One factor I preferred: The little issues Raúl does to attain are sometimes neglected, nevertheless it’s telling that within the goalscoring sequence his motion in the end acquired him to the spot with the ball to attain. It wasn’t notably fancy, he’s simply sooner and higher at attending to the place the ball shall be than anybody else within the recreation, making it look straightforward.
One factor I didn’t like: Raúl was pressured to play together with his again to the objective rather a lot, not seeing many pictures or alternatives exterior of the objective he scored. Typically this was a direct results of his personal errors, corresponding to a nasty 64th minute contact within the field and a poor go a minute later to Nico.
Going ahead: Raúl has now scored in back-to-back video games and appears as goal-dangerous as ever. Be careful, league.
Josh Atencio – 6 | Neighborhood – 6.0 (on 59’ for Rowe)
Atencio acquired his probability to play centrally and after a short hiccup, appeared superb. Touching the ball rather a lot (44 instances), he was additionally a robust defensive presence, supporting the again as everybody round him drained.
One factor I preferred: Not simply content material to steal the ball, Josh on a number of events turned this possession into an assault. His 61st and 80th minute aggressive dribbles ahead after turning over Houston had been glorious.
One factor I didn’t like: An early miscue gave possession again to Houston at an inopportune second, and his 81 % passing was low for taking part in up a person and making an attempt to carry the ball for a lot of it.
Going ahead: Atencio performed nicely sufficient to throw his title within the hat for extra defensive midfield minutes reverse Snack.
Jimmy Medranda – 5 | Neighborhood – 5.8 (on 77’ for Morris)
A JM for JM sub noticed Jimmy change Jordan and quietly assist see out the match late from the left facet.
One factor I preferred: A 92nd minute ahead ball and 93rd minute midfield ball received had been important late performs to make sure all three factors.
One factor I didn’t like: Subbing in on the 77th minute contemporary ought to have resulted in additional than eight touches for a winger.
Going ahead: Medranda continues to indicate he can add some late match vitality and appears poised to be a key left-sided participant because the workforce navigates fixture congestion.
Ethan Dobbelaere – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.8 (on 86’ for Rusnak)
Ethan acquired a while on the proper, pushing Cristian again after the youthful Roldan was despatched off. Dobbelaere was a high-energy, urgent choice that added protection via offensive effort.
One factor I preferred: Double Dare was glorious within the 89th minute when pushing ahead 1-v-4 and selecting to maintain possession. He received a 93rd minute free kick in a really energetic outing.
One factor I didn’t like: Within the 90th minute Seattle had a break with numbers up and an opportunity to ice the match, however Ethan appeared misplaced, in the end making an attempt to cross to Will Bruin in a forgettable sequence.
Going ahead: Dobbelaere has proven loads of effort this 12 months, and on this match, it match the wants of the workforce nicely. In future moments he might want to present extra than simply hustle if he desires to contend for a bench spot.
Will Bruin – 6 | Neighborhood – 5.5 (on 86’ for Ruidiaz)
Bruin gave Raúl an early relaxation and ate some clock with hustle up entrance.
One factor I preferred: I cherished the holdup from Will on this one, getting the ball to a teammate within the 87th, incomes a foul within the 89th, and exhibiting glorious management in site visitors within the 92nd, all extremely precious at serving to see out a slim victory.
One factor I didn’t like: Charging ahead with Dobbelaere was useful on numerous events, however neither appeared notably harmful doing so.
Going ahead: Getting Will a couple of minutes towards his outdated workforce was a pleasant gesture, and he confirmed that he has worth on this position late in video games.
Rubiel Vazquez – 7 | Neighborhood – 5.5
Vazquez acquired rather a lot proper on this one, frequently recognizing fouls and even carding early as vital. I agreed in precept with all of his playing cards, though taken as an entire they didn’t all the time add up.
One factor I preferred: The early yellow card for an expert foul and chronic infringement was proper, as was the cardboard that despatched Houston to 10 males, albeit very gentle. I discovered myself in the end agreeing with almost each name.
One factor I didn’t like: Was this referee making an attempt to even out the match after sending off Adalberto Carrasquilla early within the second half? Houston apparently had 14 fouls and acquired two yellow playing cards; Seattle dedicated 5 fouls however acquired three yellow playing cards, which whereas technically appropriate, is complicated.
Going ahead: Total this was a robust refereeing efficiency and it’s simply the circumstances of the playing cards that made it bizarre.
Darwin Quintero acted because the fulcrum for the overwhelming majority of Houston’s assaults. He persistently dropped away from Seattle’s centerbacks to facilitate buildup earlier than slipping a teammate in (as evidenced by a whopping 5 key passes) or taking up the shot himself.
Subsequent up: Enjoying a really sturdy Colorado workforce on the street goes to be a troublesome battle. Time to check this workforce depth we’ve been listening to about.