Tyrone Mears’ Late Goal Pushes Sounders FC Past D.C. United
By Sean Maslin
For ninety minutes, the Seattle Sounders pushed and pushed the D.C. United defense. It turns out all that they needed was a shove. With just minutes to spare, Seattle Sounders FC found the game-winner that they had been looking for all match. A punishing strike by defender Tyrone Mears proved to be the difference-maker as Sounders FC nabbed the late victory over D.C. United by the score of 1-0.
From the start of the match it was apparent that this game was going to be a difficult match for both sides. Due to both teams playing a significant number of matches in a short amount of time players appeared to be tired and lacking pace. Within five minutes United sustained the first injury of the match when midfielder Luis Silva was taken off due to a groin injury. Seattle would also lose goalkeeper Stefan Frei shortly before the end of the first half after colliding with United center-back Steve Birnbaum.
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United’s depth would be further tested in the 27th minute when forward Fabian Espindola would be sent off after a foul on Sounders FC defender Zach Scott. The foul appeared to be in retaliation for Scott’s foul on Espindola in the 13th minute which forced the Argentine attacker out of the match to check on possible concussion symptoms. The Scott-Espindola series underscored a very physical match which saw 6 cards and 27 fouls.
With the man advantage and with United losing a forward, the Sounders could spend more of their resources on the attack with little concern for their defense. Sounders midfielder Lamar Neagle had the best opportunity of the first half with a shot at the top of the penalty box which looked promising, but ultimately went wide of the goal. Even without starting right-back Sean Franklin, the United defense looked sharp with outside-backs Chris Korb and Taylor Kemp keeping the pacey Neagle and right-midfielder Cristian Roldan at bay.
In the second half, the Sounders continued to knock on the door of the United defense only to be shut out time and time again. Finishing also seemed to be an issue for Seattle. Without Obafemi Martins (right adductor strain) and Clint Dempsey (USMNT duty,) their two top scorers, Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid had to go with Neagle and Chad Barrett up front. Although they were able to create opportunities the last touch was just lacking throughout the match. Credit should also go to United backup goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra who filled in for an ailing Bill Hamid and made several quality saves.
But the Sounders hard work on the attack would pay off with Mears burying his opportunity in the box late to lift the Sounders over United. Picking up a rebound with acres of space in the United penalty box, Mears ripped a shot that went into the upper-right corner of the goal. Dykstra made an excellent read on the chance but just missed making the save.
The goal was Mears’ first with the Sounders since joining the club in 2014. His goal also snapped the Sounders three game goalless streak.
With the victory, Seattle jumped to the top of the Western Conference (10-7-2, 32 points). They will next play on Saturday July the 11th against the Chicago Fire.
Despite the loss, United can still hang their hats on the fact that they are still 11 points ahead of the New England Revolution (6-7-6, 24 points) in the Eastern Conference and three points ahead of the Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps (10-7-2, 32 points) for the Supporters Shield. After playing their seventh match in twenty days, United will get a two week break before traveling to Texas to take on FC Dallas.