The Seattle Sounders had the proverbial Championship hangover when they hit the field at BVAA Compass Stadium Stadium Saturday night in their 2017 season opener against the Houston Dynamo.

Seattle Sounder goalkeeper Stefan Frei made three-goal saving saves in the first seven minutes of the game due to a lethargic backline that was out of sync when it came to on ball marking as well as off ball marking. The culprit was a lack of communication that resulted in  Frei being called to action early and often. While  Gustav Svensson started at right back for the injured Brad Evans the first half backline transgressions were not the fault of just one man. The Dynamo’s new look attack featuring  Erick Torres and Honduran wingers  Romell Quioto and Albert Ellis kept attacking the lethargic Seattle defense and the persistence paid off in the 20th minute when Erik Torres strikes gave the home side a 1-0 lead.

Romell Quito’s superb strike just before halftime double the lead to 2-0 and it looked like the Dynamo were well on their way to routing the defending champions.

SECOND HALF ADJUSTMENTS 

As was the case last year under Brian  Schmetzer the  Sounders were able to regroup during the break and the visitors came out with focus and determination. Clint Dempsey goal in the 58th minute narrowed the gap to 2-1 as Seattle outshot the Dynamo 12-2 the rest of the way but the shooting advantage was of no avail as the Dynamo held on for the win.