The Seattle Sounders found their first win in almost a month, getting a deflected goal and holding on to a 1-0 home victory over Real Salt Lake Saturday afternoon.
The lion's share of possession went to the Sounders, and they turned that possession into a plethora of chances. Harry Shipp's first half goal took a deflection on its way in, and it proved to be the only time the Sounders would beat Nick Rimando despite recording 6 on target shots. Included in that figure is a second half penalty kick attempt that Clint Dempsey took, which Rimando was able to save keeping RSL in the game until the final whistle.
Goals
- 42' - SEA - Harry Shipp Watch
Three Things
- FINISH YOUR CHANCES: RSL's goal has been under siege over the last month, with four straight games facing six or more on-target shots. Rimando returning to his goalkeeper position has lessened the impact on that bombardment, but with 17 total attempts, the Sounders will feel hard done only coming away with one goal. Seattle also continued their recent trend of having their goal peppered, with fifth straight game facing five or more on-target shots.
- ABSENT MORRIS: A significant chunk of Seattle's game plan came down to playing early balls over the top to Jordan Morris in the lone striker position. The plan worked in so far as Morris was able to record two on-target shots and three key passes, all originating inside the penalty area, but going 0-for-5 on those chances didn't help his team's cause. Morris hasn't scored for the Sounders since March 23.
- HOME COOKING: Saturday's game marks now 12 straight wins by the home team in the Sounders-RSL series. Not that home games have been particularly kind as of late for the Sounders, who hadn't won at home since March 19.This road loss marks 10 in their last 12 away games for RSL.
Next Up
