Post Game: @ Seattle

By: Michael Sandoval    

The Colorado Rapids extended their unbeaten streak to eight games Saturday night when they beat the Seattle Sounders 1-0.   The Sounders possessed more of the ball (66% to 34%) and tallied more shots (17 to 9) but at the end of the day the only stat that matters in this harsh world is the score line, and for the third straight time against our foes from the rainy state, we stand triumphant!  Walking away with all three points, and remain at the summit of the Supporters Shield Race.

Seattle’s dominance of possession started early and lead to two early chances for the home team to take the advantage.  The second of which was none either then Clint Dempsey one on one with MacMath in the ninth minute.  Osvaldo Alonso would provide a great through ball for the US International but Dempsey was unable to beat MacMath who stood strong to the effort. 

Throughout the game the Sounders managed to get 4 shots on target to Colorado’s 1, but Axel Sjorberg made sure it was the only one they needed.  In the 43^rd minute the towering defender would get his first goal for the Rapids off a Marc Burch corner.  Bobby Burling managed to distract two Seattle defenders, leaving Sjoberg a chance at a free header.  A chance he buried in the far corner for the lead, and eventual win. 

Dempsey continued to lead the charge for Seattle, getting another chance in the 55^th minute.  Deuce created enough space for himself at the top of the penalty area and tested MacMath at his near post, a test the young keeper passed with flying colors (get it…flying…because he dove…never mind). 

The Rapids had a real chance to double their lead in the 59^th minute when Doyle would lead a 3v2 counter attack.  The Irishman managed to get the ball over to Luis Solignac whose effort would roll passed the keeper only to bounce off the outside of the post.. 

Seattle’s best chance to equalize would come in the 72^nd minute when Dempsey managed to get on the end of a corner kick and head the ball down to the far post…exactly where Burch was standing and able to clear the ball off the line.

The win keeps the Rapids on top of the West, and the MLS.  Next week’s game will see the best teams in both conferences face off as the Philadelphia Union come to Dicks Sporting Goods Park on Saturday the 28^th.  Both teams will be looking to finish strong before the Copa America break.