May 3, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Game referee Silviu Petrescu talks with Philadelphia Union forward Aaron Wheeler (12) and Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Philadelphia 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
On a rainy night in the Emerald City, the Seattle Sounders beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1. Brad Evans scored an own-goal during the 13th minute, Obafemi Martins scored during the 61st minute, and Chad Marshall scored during the 84th minute.
Don’t let the score fool you; even though it seemed close, the Sounders thoroughly dominated the Union. The only goal they allowed was one scored by one of their own players on a fluke deflection. It was an offensive onslaught by the Seattle Sounders, with fantastic first touches and quick passing plays that tore the Philadelphia defense to shreds. It was pure luck and stellar play from keeper Zac MacMath that kept the away side in the lead until the 61 minute mark.
The opening minutes of the contest set the tone for the night, with Seattle coming out guns blazing. Lamar Neagle almost struck pay-dirt 7 minutes in when he had an open chance on net, wailing a shot off the crossbar. They kept attacking the Union right up the middle of the pitch, until the visiting squad was awarded a free kick. Cristián Maidana laid a ball smack dab in the middle of the box, and as Brad Evans battled Maurice Edu for the ball, it glanced of the USMNT regular and into the back of the net. The early setbacks for the home side continued in the 40th minute, when MacMath saved an Osvaldo Alonso penalty kick, glancing off the keeper’s gloves to the post, bouncing safely out. Philadelphia showed a little bit more life as the half drew to a close with Maidana and Vincent Nogueira leading the charge, but ultimately didn’t end up converting on their chances.
Streaks of rave green started flying down the pitch when the whistle blew to start the second half. Seattle was relentless in their attack, with Martins and Clint Dempsey working their magic to create brilliant scoring opportunities. And on the few defensive breakdowns that they had, Marshall and defensive partner Djimi Traore squashed out any of Philadelphia’s scoring hopes with great positioning and clutch shot blocking. MacMath stood tall in his box but he couldn’t delay the inevitable, as Martins took advantage of a sleeping Union defense and scored. Marshall scored a header off a corner kick 22 minutes later to end the game in dramatic fashion.
There were a lot of UGH Award candidates this week, and it was going to be Marshall until he scored the game winner. This may be cheating a bit since he’s in great form at the moment, but my pick this week is going to “The Deuce” himself, Clint Dempsey. Not only did he orchestrate the Sounders offense as usual, but he also started getting chippy with defender Aaron Wheeler ten minutes before the game winner was scored. The two were getting into a physical battle away from the play, tugging on shirts and throwing elbows, drawing the attention of the referee who had a talk with both men. Dempsey showed his talent and grit during this one, providing a spark to his team that helped lead to a victory.