Seattle Sounders Vs Columbus Crew: 3 things we learned – Tantalizing tie

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 01: Xavier Arreaga #3 of Seattle Sounders kicks the ball during the second half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders topped the Chicago Fire, 2-1. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 01: Xavier Arreaga #3 of Seattle Sounders kicks the ball during the second half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders topped the Chicago Fire, 2-1. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
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Seattle Sounders
Raul Ruidiaz of the Seattle Sounders FC (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

2. Sounders see both sides of the coin with VAR

This is one of those occasions where you find out how objective football fans can be and whether they perceive the video assistant referee (VAR) as a good or bad inclusion to the game. First up is the Seattle Sounders’ disallowed goal in the 53rd minute.

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Looking to equalize, Jordan Morris set up Miguel Ibarra in the box, who appeared to have scored his first goal for the club. However, VAR stepped in and disallowed the goal after ruling it offside.

In fairness, even though it was tight, replays appeared to back up the decision, although this would never pacify the fans in attendance. And yet, those same people who were cursing the introduction of VAR should also be thankful for it after what transpired later on in the match.

Still desperately seeking an equalizer, the Sounders were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute. However, when Raul Ruidiaz had his shot saved, it seemed like it just wasn’t meant to be the Sounders’ day.

Fortunately for the Rave Green, they were given a second chance when VAR ruled that Eloy Room had come off his line. A grateful Ruidiaz smashed home the retake to score his first competitive goal of the season and salvage a tie for the home side.