The Seattle Sounders were unable to replicate the heroics of last week’s drama-filled CONCACAF Champions League victory over Club Olimpia, this time falling rather quietly by a 1-0 scoreline on Wednesday night in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Striker Alberth Elis tallied what would turn out to be the game-winner for the home side after scoring Olimpia’s only goal in last week’s game as well. With the loss, the Sounders remain at four points in Group F, while Olimpia vaulted over the Vancouver Whitecaps into second in the group with three points of their own.
In the event that the sides end up tied atop the group, Olimpia would now advance based on the away-goal tiebreaker.
The game was scoreless through the opening 45 minutes and despite some energetic back-and-forth play, notably dangerous chances seemed to elude both teams.
Club Olimpia had perhaps their best opportunity just seconds after the opening kickoff after Elis burst into the Seattle penalty box and set up a teammate with what appeared to be a dangerous-looking cross. But the shot was not controlled, instead blasted high and nowhere near Sounders ‘keeper Troy Perkins.
Olimpia pressured Seattle’s back four on several occasions during the rest of the half but the Sounders comfortably cleared anyway the danger each time, forcing the sides to head into the locker room at halftime locked in a scoreless tie.
But the hosts would find the go-ahead tally early in the second half, after Elis controlled a loose ball in front of the Seattle net that was left exposed after Perkins came off his line. The 19-year-old managed to turn his body and blast his shot into the net, giving his side the 1-0 advantage for the second straight week.
The Sounders had their best look at an equalizer late after substitute Marco Pappa was fouled just outside the Olimpia penalty box, giving Aaron Kovar a chance at a free kick from a dangerous spot. But Kovar’s attempt sailed over the head of a leaping Andy Rose and out for a goal kick, allowing Olimpia to avoid the threat.
Seattle wrap up group play against Vancouver at BC Place on Sept. 23, while Olimpia also have a clash of their own with the Whitecaps looming on Sept. 16.
