SEATTLE — For all the buildup, all the corner kicks (12), and all the shots (26), the Sounders finally scored their first goal of 2011 in a 1-1 tie against the Houston Dynamo.
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After it appeared to some that Seattle might be the first team to be held scoreless for an entire season, Steve Zakuani scored a classic poacher’s goal at the far post, breaking his team’s 260-minute scoring drought.
On Seattle’s goal, a missed clearance on an Erik Friberg 80th-minute corner kick left Bobby Boswell unprepared to handle an incoming ball. The deflection off his knee went directly to the far post, where Zakuani pounced.
Were it not for Zakuani’s heads-up rebound, the Sounders might have come up empty yet again. According to Brad Evans, Zakuani deserves credit for being in the right place at the right time.
“It was the anticipation—Steve thought it was going to be there,” said Evans, who started and played 71 minutes in his first game of the year. “I think that was something that was maybe missing in the first couple games.”
[inline_node:332041]Boasting a 26-6 advantage in shots, Sounders fans might have anticipated a few more goals. Nevertheless, Seattle players were pleased to get the first goal. After two consecutive 1-0 losses, just seeing the ball ripple the back of the net was a welcome sight.
“We played well enough to win the game three or four to one,” said Zakuani. “We didn't do that; that's something we've got to focus on.
“In terms of our passing, our movement, creating opportunities—it was first-class today. We managed to not lose the game, which is important, and we've got to build on this now."
With goals at a premium, head coach Sigi Schmid was disappointed not to get a chance to score from the penalty spot deep into the second half.
On the play in question, a possible penalty appeal from Leo Gonzalez was turned away. The defender went down under pressure from Andre Hainault, and the play left Schmid wondering if Gonzalez deserved the call instead of the yellow card he was shown.
WATCH: Gonzalez goes down in the box
Seattle also hit either the woodwork or Tally Hall on a number of other occasions, with Hall’s save on an O’Brian White header especially aggrieving.
In the end, Schmid was left to lament the fact that the Sounders could have walked away with an handful of goals, but was happy to see his team break its scoring hex.
“I think we deserved more tonight than a tie,” said Schmid. “[But] I’m very proud of the team; I’m very proud of the effort we put in.”
After the draw, the players pledged to take the newfound confidence down to San Jose, where they play next Saturday.
“I think we played some very good soccer and we just got to keep it going,” said Nate Jaqua, who, like Evans, played in his first match of the season. “If we play like that, things are going to go in. We're going to win games."
