2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League
Score: Sounders FC 2 vs. CD Olimpia 1
Goal-scorers: Alberth Elis (5’), Erik Friberg (90’), Brad Evans (90+7’)
Site: CenturyLink Field
Man of the Match: Aaron Kovar caused havoc all night on the left wing, creating chance after chance before contributing to Sounders FC’s first goal of the game. In the 90th minute, Kovar’s long throw-in deflected off a CD Olimpia defender and made its way to Erik Friberg at the far post, where the Swedish midfielder scored a wide-open header. Kovar hit the post on multiple occasions Wednesday night, taking a game-high five shots in the contest.
Telling Stat: Seattle controlled the run of play in Wednesday’s match, as Olimpia was content to sit back and defend after taking the lead five minutes into the game. Sounders FC had 70 percent of possession and attempted 10 more shots than the Honduran side.
Prior to this victory, the Sounders were just 1-7-1 in SCCL play when trailing at halftime. Seattle midfielder Brad Evans, who converted the game-winning penalty kick in stoppage time, has been successful on all nine of his penalty attempts as a Sounder.
What You Missed: In what was supposed to be the final minute of extra time, Dylan Remick chased after a loose ball inside the box and was taken down on a sliding challenge by Olimpia midfielder Arnold Peralta. With tempers flaring late in the game, the referee pointed to the spot, and Evans stepped up and drilled a shot into the right side of the net as the goalkeeper dove the opposite way.
The Sounders made 10 changes to the starting lineup that took the pitch against Orlando City SC on Sunday. Of note, rookie striker Darwin Jones made his first start for the club and Micheal Azira played right back rather than his typical spot in the central midfield. Azira is one of five Sounders that have been on the field for the full 90 minutes in the first two SCCL matches.
So What: Sounders FC moves atop Group F with two Group Stage matches remaining, although both opponents have a game in hand on the Rave Green. Seattle and Olimpia will meet again next Wednesday at Estadio Nacional in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, but not before the Sounders return to MLS action on Saturday at Real Salt Lake.
