SEATTLE – Frustrations were running high for the Seattle Sounders following their 0-0 draw against Western Conference foe Chivas USA, and two penalty kicks—one missed and one not awarded—were at the forefront.
Throughout the match, the Sounders placed considerable pressure on the Rojiblancos but were unable to break through the visitors' rigid defense. Their frustrations, though, began in the 19th minute when midfielder Alvaro Fernandez missed a penalty kick, bouncing his shot off the right post, onto the back of Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy and out wide.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS: SEA 0, CHV 0
"That’s how penalties go," Fernandez said. "It was not kicked that badly, but it cost us two points.”
After the miss, the Sounders continued to generate chances, outshooting Chivas by a wide 10 to 4 margin. Fernandez admitted that the team had their chances to win the match.
“We had very clear opportunities, even a penalty,” Fernandez said. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t convert it, but I’m happy that the team was able to create the opportunities."
The Sounders’ frustrations continued when the team was unlucky not to be awarded a second penalty kick in the 89th minute after Chivas USA defender David Junior Lopes brought down second half substitute Lamar Neagle on a late challenge.
Rather than giving the Sounders the penalty, Stott urged the teams to play on, causing wild boos from the Seattle faithful. Following the match, Schmid admitted having a postgame discussion with Stott.
However, Schmid maintained that it wasn’t just that decision that kept Seattle from three points.
“You have to have a look at it and see what you think,” Schmid told reporters after the game. “It’s not the referring. We had chances to score. We had a penalty and we could have scored that one and we walk away today 1-0 winners. Eventually you have to score.”
