Nicolas Lodeiro’s 61st-minute penalty kick propels Seattle Sounders to 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids in Leg One of Western Conference Finals.
If patience is a virtue then the Seattle Sounders FC deserve their hard fought 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids Tuesday at Century Link Field. The Sounders task going into the match was a formidable one. Could they find a way to break down Major League Soccers stingiest defense. The Rapids strategy of putting ten players behind the ball frustrated many teams during the regular season and playoffs.
EARLY CHANCES
Early in Tuesday’s match, the Sounders looked like they would fall victim to Rapids strategy of frustrating inpatient teams. The Sounders had some early chances in the game but had nothing to show for their efforts. In the 7th minute, Jordan Morris had his right footed shot blocked after an exquisite pass from Lodeiro. Two minutes later Lodeiro’s left-footed shot from distance was saved by Colorado keeper Zach McMath. Seattle’s inability to capitalize came back to haunt them in the 13th minute when Kevin Doyle gave the visitors the 1-0.
EQUALIZER
The one goal deficit seemed to spark Seattle as the home side began to control the game with short passes in the middle of the pitch that opened up the Rapids defense and resulted in Jordan Morris in a Jordan Morris goal that leveled the game at 1-1 in the 19th minutes.
Seattle started the second half on the front foot and had the visitors reeling due to their attacking play. The Sounders were making quick short passes then switching the ball from side to side. The strategy worked to perfection in the 59 minute when Colorado Rapid defender Marc Burch conceded a penalty when he took down Lodeiro in the penalty box.
Lodeiro right footed the spot kick past Colorado goalkeeper Zac MacMath to give the Sounders the 2-1 victory.
The Sounders will travel to Colorado for Leg Two which will be played Sunday ( 1 p.m. PT) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
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