The Seattle Sounders fell 2-0 to D.C. United at Audi Field on Sunday behind goals either side of halftime from Lucas Rodríguez and Frédéric Brillant.
Seattle had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 7th minute, as Brad Smith raced past D.C.’s entire team but the Australian’s ensuing shot crashed back off the crossbar. The hosts punished the Sounders for that miss just seven minutes later, with Rodríguez sliding a shot into the bottom corner.
The Sounders were a bit fortunate to enter the halftime break trailing by only one goal, as Wayne Rooney struck the crossbar twice and Stefan Frei produced a smart save to deny Paul Arriola.
Starting the second half full of energy, the Rave Green were punished once again for their inability to capitalize on momentum. In the 54th minute, Rooney drove in a low, venomous free kick that Brillant redirected past Frei from close range.
Every time the Sounders seemed like they might pull one back, D.C.’s back line or goalkeeper managed to repel them at the last-possible second.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
FIXTURE CONGESTION
The match in the nation’s capital wrapped up a three-game week for the Sounders, with the Rave Green collecting four points from three matches. After a multi-goal victory over the Red Bulls in Week 28, Seattle settled for a scoreless draw against FC Dallas on Wednesday before falling in D.C.
Seattle now has a week to rest and recuperate before a tricky road match against the San Jose Earthquakes (Sunday, September 29, 4:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, Univision-Seattle, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). On the bright side, Seattle will get center back Xavier Arreaga back for the Western Conference tilt, which will allow Gustav Svensson to move back into midfield.
LOOK AROUND THE LEAGUE
While the result in D.C. is certainly disappointing, the Sounders still sit second in a jam-packed Western Conference. FC Dallas dropped points at home against New York City FC, while Minnesota United and the Portland Timbers battled to a scoreless draw at Providence Park. Factor in Real Salt Lake’s draw against the New England Revolution and San Jose’s loss at Atlanta United, and the Sounders’ defeat didn’t lead to a drop in the standings.
DESTINY IN SEATTLE’S HANDS
The Sounders only have two matches remaining on the season. Both of those contests, away to San Jose and at home against Minnesota on October 6 (1:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, Univision-Seattle, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS), are against Western Conference opponents also vying for spots in the postseason. With a pair of six-point matches to close out the campaign, the Sounders have the opportunity to finish 2019 on 56 points.
