Seattle confronted a must-win sport at residence towards Cincinnati and didn’t come via. Regardless of a resurgent second half efficiency, there have been too many massive errors, and the Sounders couldn’t overcome a number of participant absences and a scarcity of cohesion, which in the end led to a 1-1 tie. This doesn’t formally finish the Sounders season, however the likelihood of Seattle making the playoffs for a 14th straight 12 months is distant.

Stefan Frei – 6 | Group – 7.4

Frei has had a wierd 12 months. Though he hasn’t given up an irregular variety of targets, it’s the kind of targets the Seattle staff protection is conceding that’s infuriating for any observer. Once more, Seattle appeared to have management of possession after they inexplicably conceded, largely towards the run of play. Asking this group to attain a number of targets was an excessive amount of to count on.

One factor I favored: Within the 76th minute with a tie sport and Seattle pushing monumental strain ahead, Frei saved Seattle’s probabilities alive with an enormous point-blank save.

One factor I didn’t like: Stefan was caught in between two minds on the objective towards, initially popping out to help a flailing protection then backing to his line with just a few steps earlier than then shifting ahead to in the end miss a well-placed shot in transition. This was a footwork mess.

Going ahead: Seattle’s protection has by some means given up the fourth fewest targets within the West, although it feels a lot worse after video games like this.

Abdoulaye Cissoko – 5 | Group – 4.9 (off 55’ for Roldan)

Cissoko got here off a contentious week of observe to acquit himself pretty nicely, beginning on the left of the protection and including some measurement and physicality to the match. He introduced a tidy 87 p.c passing to the backline and led the staff with six tackles.

One factor I favored: Within the nineteenth minute it was Cissoko who got here throughout to avoid wasting a badly crushed Kelyn Rowe with some clutch defending on Alvas Powell.

One factor I didn’t like: With a really stretched protection, AB was the final man towards Brenner within the twenty fourth minute and made a multitude of it, shedding the person then awkwardly diving and pushing the ball into the Cincinnati runner, permitting a 1-v-1 towards an out of place Frei.

Going ahead: Seattle wanted a bit extra struggle on this match and a bit much less in observe.

Jackson Ragen – 6 | Group – 5.7

Ragen began in the midst of the protection and did a strong job controlling the protection, and out of doors of some (admittedly massive) defensive lapses, the staff held form and possession nicely. Jackson had the fifth-most touches on the staff and was good within the selections he made on the place to share the ball.

One factor I favored: A thirty second minute over-the-top ball to Will Bruin confirmed a recognition that Seattle wanted to be rather more aggressive vertically, an opinion not shared by many teammates within the first half.

One factor I didn’t like: Ragen had quite a few fairly tough fouls within the second half after being caught in house, with one on a break within the 53rd minute incomes him a yellow card and one other practically card-worthy foul within the 66th.

Going ahead: Jackson seems to be able to be a full time starter.

Yeimar – 6 | Group – 6.2

Yeimar turned in one other statistically sturdy outing that was marred by some giant gaffes. Two tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 clearances, a blocked shot and 80 p.c passing have been solely a part of the story.

One factor I favored: Yeimar stuffed up the stat sheet, each defending throughout, behind the opposite defenders on quite a few events, and successful again publish headers on offense.

One factor I didn’t like: It’s a on condition that Yeimar goes to do the appropriate factor for his personal statistical success, however he won’t make the appropriate play for the betterment of the staff, and that’s precisely what occurred through the Cincinnati objective, as he was caught approach out of place.

Going ahead: Yeimar was each glorious and struggled on this match, a symptom the complete staff suffered from.

Kelyn Rowe – 4 | Group – 5.6 (off 69’ through pink card)

Rowe had a horrible match, punctuated by just a few moments of utter brilliance, adopted by getting despatched off and placing his staff in near-impossible circumstances. His defensive work was a wrestle for many of the evening, however he excelled in a brief stretch within the second half, main Seattle with two key passes on an anemic attacking night.

One factor I favored: After struggling a lot of the match, Rowe made a superb dribble in house to beat a person within the 58th minute, then threaded an unimaginable cross discipline go to Fredy Montero for an help. Two minutes later he unlocked a diagonal run via the field by Cristian Roldan that just about gave Seattle the lead.

One factor I didn’t like: Outdoors of these two sensible offensive actions, Kelyn struggled many of the evening with defensive positioning and was unable to get into the offensive third to help with any frequency. He compounded this tough evening by committing a 69th minute pink card offense which additional decreased Seattle’s slim likelihood of successful the match.

Going ahead: Rowe clearly had moments of brilliance in his sport, however sadly they have been surrounded by disappointing contact and protection — and an ejection — which greater than offset the great.

Danny Leyva – 5 | Group – 5.8 (off 55’ for Chú)

Leyva had one other 55 minutes to point out what he may do. He was a part of a desperately anemic assault that managed the ball and the center third of the sphere however was powerless in getting the ball into attacking areas. His 63 touches have been a minimum of aggressive, as he tried to push the ball ahead and ended with a 78 p.c passing charge.

One factor I favored: A pleasant thirty fifth minute cross well picked out the top of Will Bruin and Seattle wanted extra from this beautiful go.

One factor I didn’t like: Though Seattle had the ball quite a bit, the midfield was a lifeless zone as Leyva and Co. failed to maneuver the ball via it very nicely. A lot of Danny’s errant passes put undue strain on the protection all through.

Going ahead: This match confirmed the shortage of central playmaking from the beginning defensive midfield pair, one thing that may have to be rectified.

Joshua Atencio – 5 | Group – 6.1 (off 75’ for Medranda)

Atencio once more was central and was a part of the great and the dangerous for Seattle. On the great aspect, he had 64 touches and 4 tackles, roaming the center to restrict Cincy via central areas. On the dangerous aspect, his 74 p.c passing confirmed his incapability to mix with teammates centrally.

One factor I favored: It was good to see Josh attempt to push the tempo, particularly within the second half as he modified to extra vertical and over-the-top passing.

One factor I didn’t like: I used to be shocked to see Atencio pushed off the ball within the nineteenth minute, shedding a bodily battle on the sting of the field and permitting a Cincinnati likelihood.

Going ahead: This match confirmed the shortage of central playmaking from the beginning defensive midfield pair, one thing that may have to be rectified.

Ethan Dobbelaere – 5 | Group – 6.2

Fan favourite Dobbelaere returned to the beginning lineup as a wingback and performed up and down the appropriate aspect for Seattle. He introduced limitless power up the wing, translating that into the second most touches (76) and an 87 p.c completion charge, together with a key go.

One factor I favored: With Yeimar getting wild going ahead, it was good defensive work by Ethan within the 14th minute that coated a mid diagonal run that was large open.

One factor I didn’t like: For as a lot as Dobbeleare was on the ball, he did little or no successfully with it. Whether or not it was dangerous central passes, errant crosses, or passes to nobody, Ethan was glorious at stepping into nice positions and horrible at changing that into goal-dangerous probabilities for his staff.

Going ahead: Simply being an “effort” man will solely get you to date; the talent checks need to be handed sooner or later.

Albert Rusnák – 6 | Group – 6.4

Rusnák was absent for lengthy intervals of this match, however the occasions when he was on the ball and mixing with Montero have been the most effective moments of the primary half. He had only a few choices going ahead, typically getting the ball after which turning to search out zero runs obtainable.

One factor I favored: Getting Rusnák on the ball was the one solution to discover connections going ahead and he used dribbling and incisive passing to manage the second half.

One factor I didn’t like: Albert was absent for lengthy intervals of this match, and an pointless, horrible backheel within the thirty third minute each stopped a counter for Seattle and handed one to Cincinnati, summing up how the primary half went.

Going ahead: Rusnák saved searching for impression gamers round him and located his search wanting.

Fredy Montero – 8 (MOTM) | Group – 7.5 (MOTM)

For giant parts of this match, Montero regarded like the one participant interested by making the playoffs. He introduced effort, talent, management, and drive, which have been nearly fully missing from the remainder of the staff. He led the staff in touches, photographs, targets, and defensive depth.

One factor I favored: Every little thing constructive had Fredy concerned. Within the first half that meant getting out of their very own half — typically on account of a “kick it towards Montero” plan. Within the second half that meant being each the playmaker and probably the most objective harmful attacker, resulting in a unbelievable 58th minute objective that gave Seattle an opportunity.

One factor I didn’t like: Fredy wasn’t in a position to translate his depth to others, as a sluggish Seattle offense not often regarded harmful when he wasn’t concerned.

Going ahead: Fredy deserved to make the playoffs.

Will Bruin – 5 | Group – 5.4 (off 84’ for Teves)

Bruin had 25 touches. One shot. He did plenty of working however was clearly starved of service and resorted to coming again to close midfield to help.

One factor I favored: In a while, Will appeared to get up, abruptly discovering an depth proper earlier than subbing off that was fully missing within the first half. His effort and struggle have been evening and day completely different, dropping to help with holdup and making off ball runs with extra need and urgent with urgency.

One factor I didn’t like: A thirty fifth minute header was saved and will have modified the complete tenor of the match.

Going ahead: Bruin making an attempt to run previous defenders is one thing I don’t must see any extra of.

Cristian Roldan – 5 | Group – 6.7 (on 55’ for Cissoko)

Welcome again Cristian, who introduced a lot wanted depth and talent to a staff that was missing each previous to his introduction. He had 44 touches and 93 p.c passing.

One factor I favored: A sixtieth minute header and 68th minute shot compelled save makes an attempt, and it was clear how a lot elevated talent he delivered to the assault on the appropriate.

One factor I didn’t like: Simply lacking a sixtieth minute header modified the complexion of the complete season, for the more serious.

Going ahead: Having Cristian round for the previous couple of weeks probably would have made the distinction in these tight matches.

Léo Chú – 4 | Group – 4.8 (on 55’ for Leyva)

Chú got here in and performed practically a half and solely had 11 touches.

One factor I favored: A pleasant 82nd minute cross practically discovered a Seattle foot to redirect into objective.

One factor I didn’t like: Apart from just a few notable performs, you barely understand he’s on the sphere.

Going ahead: Chú is nice 1-v-1 to create a cross, however apart from that’s severely restricted on each ends of the pitch.

Jimmy Medranda – 5 | Group – 5.3 (on 75’ for Atencio)

Medranda got here in as a extra offensive possibility on the large left and didn’t do a lot, touching the ball 13 occasions and bringing nothing notable.

One factor I favored: Defending within the 76th minute, he coated the again publish, stopping a tap-in that might have ended the match.

One factor I didn’t like: Defending within the 76th minute (once more), Medranda didn’t cowl again in any respect, permitting a free again publish ball that Frei needed to stand on his head to avoid wasting.

Going ahead: Medranda was presupposed to deliver offense …?

Dylan Teves – 5 | Group – 5.3 (on 84’ for Bruin)

Teves introduced good effort to the match, discovering 11 touches of his personal.

One factor I favored: Dylan clearly is aware of the place to go, a helpful trait that noticed his motion persistently open up house for himself and others. An eighty fifth minute cross received a nook and his run within the 88th minute into the field was glorious.

One factor I didn’t like: Solely 65 p.c passing from Teves, who had quite a few dangerous touches and poor execution on connecting with teammates.

Going ahead: Dylan has a Cristian Roldan-esque nostril for the ball and is equally typically discovered making distinctive and particular runs that unlock defenses on account of a stellar soccer IQ. It is a particular high quality that has potential to be a sport changer, however provided that he is ready to offset another attributes which are at present solely common.

Rubiel Vazquez – 5 | Group – 4.0

This referee had a reasonably easy match, calling it free for a lot of the primary two-thirds of the sport and permitting plenty of contact and midfield strife. He tightened up late, ultimately ending with 4 yellows and a straight pink proven. The pink was onerous to argue with, a nasty and clumsy foul on the final man isn’t tremendous debatable, though it certain would have been good to catch a break and have the referee acknowledge the contact was not reachable.

One factor I favored: Finally carding Obinna Nwobodo was the appropriate name, though a bit late. Giving a repetitive contact card was additionally a reduction to see, because the play was getting unnecessarily bodily.

One factor I didn’t like: I believed as early because the eleventh minute a card was warranted on a Júnior Moreno foul, and there have been three card-worthy fouls and tactical performs that deserved yellows within the first half, but we acquired a number of “final warnings” as an alternative.

Going ahead: Seattle used up their one fortunate name this 12 months within the final match, it appears.

So difficult! So shifty! So cool beneath strain, it’s Brenner! He performed his counter for the objective completely, first bending his run to remain onside and beat Cissoko, then selecting the ball earlier than coolly slotting previous Frei.

Subsequent up: CCL was enjoyable.