Tensions ran high at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday night as the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo faced off in another penalty showdown to determine the victor of Match Two in the Round One Best-Of-3 series.
After six rounds of successful attempts from both sides, midfielder Obed Vargas slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for the Sounders’ seventh. Houston defender Tate Schmitt had an opportunity to tie it up, but his attempt was no match for goalkeeper Stefan Frei, who’s diving save ultimately landed the Sounders a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The opportunity to reach such a feat comes as no surprise to the players on the Seattle squad given the constant feeling of camaraderie throughout the season.
“This team is the closest team I've been a part of in my 10 years here, and you can sense that on the field,” said Roldan. “Guys buy in a little bit more, and that's credit to our entire group, front office, staff and players.”
Despite missing offensive weapons Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák in Match Two, the team came together to fill in the gaps.
“We come in here and we don't have our best game, and we still get a result…The belief is there,” said Roldan. “And while our team might not be the most talented, we believe in the way we play, we defend as a group, and we make it difficult on teams.”
It was a rollercoaster of emotions in the final moments of the match, with Roldan’s one-time finish in the 87th minute, his own goal in second half stoppage time, and the penalty shootout that came after.
But, the team never faltered.
“To take a gut punch like that in 90 + 3’ minute and get scored on a man up, is a psychological blow,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “And we were able to regroup again, so credit to that group of guys in there for persevering and pushing us through.”
The Sounders carry a collective, optimistic mindset, no matter the circumstances.
“The mentality of this group is when we are not playing well, to not get scored on, keep that clean sheet, and always give us a chance to win,” said Vargas.
The team did exactly that, putting an end to Houston’s 2024 season on their home turf.
“Anything can happen in a game, and we obviously didn't want it to go to the third game,” said Roldan. “Good teams find ways to win when you're not at your best…We struggled, we defended deep, but we were able to cap off the night and cap off the series.”
The Sounders will face the winner of the LAFC – Vancouver Whitecaps series. If LAFC wins Match Three on November 8, the Sounders will face the Black & Gold on the road at BMO Stadium in the next round. If the Whitecaps emerge victorious, Seattle will host their Cascadia rivals at Lumen Field in the Western Conference Semifinals.
