SEATTLE — Chad Marshall scored an 84th minute goal and the Seattle Sounders scored another come-from-behind victory, this time 2-1 over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at CenturyLink Field.
The Sounders have now won four straight and gotten results in games they trailed four times during their five-game unbeaten streak. The result-clinching goal in all four of those games has come after the 80th minute.
Until Marshall’s goal, though, it appeared as if the Sounders may have to settle for a tie. The Union had taken an early lead on an own goal and the Sounders had missed on several golden scoring chances, including a penalty that was saved by Zac MacMath.
The Union snapped a 204-minute scoreless drought on a 14th minute own goal off Brad Evans. Cristian Maidana sent in a free kick from a bout 40 yards out that hit off Evans’ head as he was trying to defend Maurice Edu.
The Union had a couple chances to expand their lead in the 43rd minute off Seattle give-aways, but each time Chad Marshall was able to make goal-saving blocks. On the first, Sebastien Le Toux got behind the Sounders defense and had an open look from about 10 yards out, but Marshall was able to stick his foot into the path of the shot. Just a few moments later, Le Toux had another clean look from inside the penalty area but Marshall again stepped in front of the shot. Marshall finished the game with six blocks.
The Sounders had plenty of chances of their own, though.
Lamar Neagle had the game’s first good look, getting a wide open chance from about 12 yards out. Evans had started the sequence with a ball up the sideline to Clint Dempsey, who sent in a cross that found Neagle all alone on the left wing. Neagle was able to run onto the ball and beat MacMath, but his shot struck the crossbar flush and ricochetted away.
The Sounders had an even better scoring opportunity in 39th minute when Sheanon Williams was whistiled for a handball in the penalty area. After a brief discussion with Dempsey, Osvaldo Alonso stepped to spot and sent a shot toward the right side. MacMath guessed correctly and pushed the attempt off the post. It was the third straight penalty MacMath has stopped.
The Sounders finally equalized in the 61st minute when Obafemi Martins was able to beat MacMath to a ball in the box from an Evans’ header. Martins has now scored in three straight games and has four goals this season.
The winner came about 20 minutes later. Marco Pappa sent a corner kick into the box where Marshall rose above the defense for his first goal of the season.
The Union (1-4-4) ran their winless streak to eight games and have not scored a goal from one of their players since Le Toux converted a penalty on April 16.
The Sounders (6-2-1) now have a MLS best 19 points and finish off a three-game home stand on Wednesday against FC Dallas.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chad-marshall" target="_blank">Chad Marshall</a> |
The center back was on his way to Man of the Match after stopping Philadelphia on his own time after time. His game-winning goal sealed it. |
2 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/zac-macmath" target="_blank">Zac MacMath</a> |
Saved his third consecutive penalty kick, and made a handful of other fantastic stops to keep the Union in the game |
3 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/obafemi-martins" target="_blank">Obafemi Martins</a> |
Smart, strong runs kept Philadelphia on their toes. Finally broke through with tying goal. |
