Score: Sounders FC 0 vs. LA Galaxy 3
Site: CenturyLink Field
Records: Sounders FC (12-5-2, 38 points). LA Galaxy (8-4-6, 30 points).
Man of the Match: Stefan Frei’s seven saves marked a season-high for the Seattle goalkeeper. He made a few highlight saves, including two in rapid succession on shots from Gyasi Zardes in the first half. However, just like in the two previous matches that saw Frei nab six saves – a 5-0 loss to New England and a 1-0 loss to Vancouver – Seattle was shutout on the offensive end.
Telling Stat: 32. It wasn’t until the 32nd minute that Sounders FC attempted its first shot. That shot, by Clint Dempsey, was blocked before it threatened LA goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. By that point, the Galaxy already had eight attempts on goal and a 2-0 lead. At halftime, the lead expanded to 3-0 and LA outshot Seattle 11-3, with all three of Seattle’s shots being blocked.
What You Missed: Sounders FC All-Star defender Chad Marshall missed the match after suffering back spasms. He was rear-ended in his car on Saturday. It was just the second match he had missed all season – the other due to illness. Seattle is 0-1-1 in his absence and has allowed five goals in those two matches.
So What: The loss was Sounders FC’s first at CenturyLink Field since March 29. After rattling off six straight wins and three straight shutouts, the 3-0 result was far from expected. Seattle does remain tied atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with Sporting Kansas City with two games in hand on the defending MLS Cup champions.
