2. Disaster strikes for Sounders backline
It was a night to forget for the Seattle Sounders backline. All four goals scored by LAFC were the direct result of defensive errors. Diego Rossi was brought down by Xavier Arreaga in the box which led to a successful penalty. Blessing’s shot was directed in via a deflection by Shane O’Neill.
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The disastrous defensive performance did not stop there. Arreaga failed to clear the ball out of the box which allowed Rossi to collect it and slot home his second of the match. Gustav Svensson then failed to control a pass that went right into the path of Rodriguez who scored LAFC’s fourth.
When the regular season resumes, the Sounders are certainly going to be working on making sure they fix their defensive woes. Even though the goals LAFC scored were from defensive errors, they had other opportunities from open play that caused problems for the Sounders backline.
This scoreline could have been much worse for the Sounders. LAFC had a total of 25 shots and were allowed time and space to create chances. If the Sounders want to repeat as MLS champions, they will need to improve across the defense. And fast.