Observations from Leg One of the Western Conference Championship

In years past, Sounders FC has struggled in the First Leg of MLS Cup Playoff series. Against the LA Galaxy on Sunday in the Western Conference Championship, Seattle took a 1-0 defeat…but put itself in a very good position heading into Sunday’s Second Leg at CenturyLink Field.

The only goal allowed in the match was a Marcelo Sarvas shot that took a huge deflection off Chad Marshall. Both teams had a number of chances, but no additional tallies were added as the Second Leg is nicely primed at 1-0 in LA’s favor.

Here are some takeaways from Leg One as we patiently wait for Sunday’s massive return fixture.

Chad Marshall Is Defender of the Year - The voting for the end-of-season awards happens prior to the postseason, but Marshall’s performance against the Galaxy was one of the best matches he’s played all season. Arguably the Sounders best player on Sunday—his unfortunate and unavoidable deflection aside—Marshall was an absolute rock in the back and limited LA’s chances at every turn, whether it was headed clearances or perfectly-timed tackles.

Mike Azira Filled In Wonderfully For Ozzie Alonso
- With Alonso sidelined with a hamstring injury, Mike Azira was tasked with filling the Honey Badger’s shoes in the center of the midfield. He performed admirably in such a difficult situation, controlling the flow in the middle and keeping things in the Sounders end well-organized. MLSSoccer.com’s Matt Doyle agreed.

Azira already with 7 interceptions & 7 recoveries. He's just gumming everything up in there: pic.twitter.com/RaaDCSDSGN
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) November 23, 2014

Donovan The Non-Factor - Contrary to his historic performance against Real Salt Lake in the Second Leg of the Western Conference Semifinals, Donovan was absent from Sunday’s match. Hold a few nice crosses, the retiring American wasn’t much of an impact and didn’t register a shot. The pair of DeAndre Yedlin and Brad Evans on the Sounders right did a fine job of limiting his space and opportunities and will look to repeat that this coming weekend at CenturyLink Field.

The Ref Let Them Play…Or Did He? - Much was made post-game about the decisions or lack thereof from Head Official Kevin Stott. Four yellow cards were handed out, but a number of fouls were let go, resulting in both teams having a full complement of players to choose from in Leg Two.

Stefan Frei Continues To Shine - The Swiss goalkeeper, playing in his first ever postseason, has got better and better for Sounders FC when it mattered this year. Allowing only two goals in three matches so far in these playoffs—including just one from the run of play—Frei’s presence in the area and shot-stopping have been excellent. Facing twenty shots from LA on Sunday, Frei only allowed the one goal, and it was one that he had no chance of saving as the deflection sent him the other way. The Sounders can be very proud of his play of late.

The Sounders Traveling Support Was Tremendous – Few Sounders' away matches have been as important as Sunday’s contest with the Galaxy. The road support for this one was unlike anything seen from a non-Cascadia fixture. A reported 700 Rave Green crazies were in attendance and it can be said right now…the loudest singing was coming from Seattle’s supporters and not the home club’s, despite the Rave Green being outnumbered by around 38-to-1. Moving stuff.

Leg Two comes to CenturyLink Field on Sunday with kickoff set for 6 p.m. PST. Television coverage will be on ESPN.

Seattle

Observations from Leg One of the Western Conference Championship

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