Header happy Sounders get revenge on Sporting KC in 3-0 victory
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders took their revenge against Sporting Kansas City in a three-goal stomping. The Sounders were looking for revenge, considering the fact that Kansas City had Seattle’s number recently. Kansas City had seen some solid form as of late, but their poor road record stayed true. The Sounders, to the delight of their fans, got sweet, sweet revenge on Tim Melia and Sporting. Since Seattle won Concacaf Championship League, the Sounders are 5-2-1.
Seattle celebrated Pride during their June 25th victory (Photo @SoundersFC on Twitter)
Jump around!
Seattles first two goals came off of headers, the first in the 8th minute by striker Will Bruin. The second by forward Jordan Morris, and it’s good to see Morris diversify his scoring. A chippy contest throughout, the Sounders were able to let this play speak for itself. Excellent service by Cristian Roldan and Nouhou, respectively, put the ball in perfect spots. Bruin and Morris headed the balls home, netting the Sounders their first two goals and pushing them towards three points. Head coach Brian Schmetzer was confident when Raul Ruidiaz went down that his club would step up. He would be right, and he stated “I told you guys I wasn’t worried when Raul went down. Will was deserved of a chance.”
Several Sounders celebrate one of their three goals (Photo @SoundersFC on Twitter)
Another clean sheet for the backline and Frei
Last year's Sounders defense was good, top of MLS good. So far, this year's group has been pretty solid as well, and that continued today. The group recorded their third clean sheet on the season, thanks in part to the backline and keeper Stefan Frei putting on another masterful show. Sporting only had a handful of real dangerous chances, but the majority of their offensive possession was nullified. The grouping of Yeimar and Jackson Ragen in front of Frei, plus Nouhou and Alex Roldan outside, negated anything Kansas City tried to start.
Stefan Frei and the Sounders earned their third clean sheet of the season (Photo @SoundersFC on Twitter)
Exacting revenge
This was a near perfect match for Seattle, putting three points in the points column and getting a satisfying result against Sporting. As mentioned, the Sounders have been in good form over the course of their last eight. They have no brought themselves up to sixth in the Western Conference, and are looking like a juggernaut. Eight games is a decent sample size to go off of, but there are bigger battles ahead. With three months ahead in the schedule, there is plenty for Seattle to tune up before the postseason.
The Sounders next matchup comes on Wednesday, June 29th as Montreal comes to town. Seattle battles the fifth best team in the Eastern Conference with a 7PM PST kickoff. The Sounders should be looking at the return of Peruvian striker Raul Ruidiaz as well.