MLS Regular Season
Score: Sounders FC 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 0
Goal-scorers: Marco Pappa (15’)
Site: CenturyLink Field
Man of the Match:Marco Pappa notched his first goal of the 2015 season, providing the game-winner on a curling, right-footed shot from the edge of the box. Cristian Roldan’s cross made its way across the pitch to Pappa, who took two dribbles toward the middle before winding up and finding the top corner with a beautiful effort. While it was the first time he scored this season, Pappa has already matched a career high with five assists on the year.
Telling Stat: The Rave Green owned 76 percent of possession in the first half and finished the game with 70 percent. It was a dominant performance from start to finish for the Sounders, who also recorded the most passes in a half by any MLS team in the last five years (425).
Although he wasn’t tested too often, goalkeeper Stefan Frei made four saves Wednesday night en route to his league-high seventh clean sheet of the season.
What You Missed: Sigi Schmid made a number of changes to the lineup he employed over the weekend against Sporting Kansas City. Obafemi Martins returned to the starting XI after missing two games due to injury, while Roldan, Leo Gonzalez and Zach Scott were also inserted into the XI.
So What: Sounders FC moved into first place of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings thanks to its victory and D.C. United’s loss to Portland. It was the club’s second win in as many matches against Colorado this season and the sixth straight overall versus the Rapids. Seattle will be back in action on Sunday at CenturyLink Field against the New York Red Bulls.
