The Seattle Sounders gave up a pair of late goals in a defeat to Austin FC. The Sounders lone goal came from Paul Rothrock, but it was not enough as Austin put three goals into the Sounders’ net. Tonight’s loss marks a fourth straight defeat for the Sounders.
Coming off a pitiful performance last week, the Sounders traveled to Austin, Texas to take on another team in the midst of mid-season turmoil. Austin FC lost their last three matches prior to the World Cup break and sit in 14th place in the Western Conference.
The Sounders hold a 5-3-2 record all-time against Austin, and a 3-1-1 record on the road at Q2 Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams at Q2 Stadium saw Austin win 2-1, thanks to a 96th minute winner from Myrto Uzuni.
Tonight’s match started off with a couple soft fouls called against the Sounders, including a foul called against Rothrock despite the challenge being shoulder-to-shoulder. The referee seemed unsure exactly whether he was going to call the game strict or let them play. Minutes later a rough challenge on Albert Rusnak was not punished with a card, then Stuart Hawkins got away with a late push on an attacker.
In the 12th minute, a set-piece created the opening goal in favor of the hosts. A corner kick for Austin was headed home by Ilie Sanchez, giving Austin an early lead. The Sounders seemed a step, or two, late early in the game and the goal was another example of that.
Photo Credit: Sounders FC Communications
The Sounders would get their response in the 26th minute. A good run in-behind from Peter Kingston created the space. Kingston’s cut-back cross into the back was struck by Brunell and off the post before Paul Rothrock unconventionally turned the ball into the net while on his knees.
A hydration break at the half-hour mark allowed for both teams to reset tactically. The sweltering heat combined with the humidity created a very tough environment to play in. Not like playing in Seattle would have been much better.
Andrew Thomas came to the rescue twice in the span of 15 seconds in the 34th minute. A couple of great chances for Austin were denied by the Sounders’ keeper.
Just before halftime it was Snyder Brunell who took aim from outside the box. Inspired by his near chance earlier in the match, he decided to have a hit once again. This time the low-driven effort was saved by Austin’s keeper Brad Stuver.
The Sounders came out of the half as late as possible, staying in the locker room until there was about 30 seconds left on the half-time timer. Possibly trying to soak up as much AC as possible to beat the heat.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were rather uneventful for both sides. No clear cut chances for either attack, though both squads did earn a yellow card. Substitutions for both sides at the hour mark seemed necessary.
The first shot on target didn’t come until the 68th minute when Brandon Vazquez’ header was hit directly at Andrew Thomas for a comfortable save. Both sides were struggling to get a tempo going with the heat playing a big role in the match.
Photo Credit: Sounders FC Communications
The Sounders best chance in the second half came in the 80th minute. Jesus Ferreira left a ball for Rusnak to strike from outside the box. The effort forced a big save from Stuver, earning a corner for the Sounders.
Myrto Uzuni, just like last season, would prove to be a problem for the Sounders. In the 86th minute after a dribble by Earving Torres through the defense found Uzuni in the box, who slipped the ball by Andrew Thomas. Austin appeared to have won it late, yet again against the Sounders.
Minutes later Austin sealed the door shut. Earving Torres once again was a problem for the Sounders defense. Torres beat Arriola in a 1v1 before finding Christian Ramirez, who slotted the ball into the far-post net to seal the three points.
Then when you think things couldn’t get worse, they seem to always do. A needless foul from Jackson Ragen in the 95th minute saw him earn his second yellow card of the match. He was already going to be suspended because of the yellow card accumulation, but now the red card will see him miss the next two games including the away match in Portland.
Brian Schmetzer has to figure out what to do with this team. There are no more excuses. They looked flat and uninterested for the entire second half.
The Sounders travel to Philly this weekend before they play Portland the following matchday. Earning points has become absolutely crucial as this team doesn’t seem to have any confidence left.
(Cover Photo Credit: Sounders FC Communications)
Sounders Starting XI:
(4-2-3-1)
A. Thomas
P. Kingston
S. Hawkins
J. Ragen
Nouhou ©
H. Dotson
S. Brunell
A. Rusnak
J. Ferreira
P. Rothrock
D. Musovski
Substitutions:
(62’)
ON: O. De Rosario – OFF: D. Musovski
(66’)
ON: K. Kossa-Rienzi – OFF: P. Kingston
ON: P. Arriola – OFF: S. Brunell
(88’)
ON: S. Gomez – OFF: Nouhou
Scoring Summary:
ATX 1-0 SEA – 12’ Ilie Sanchez (Ast: B. Sabovic)
ATX 1-1 SEA – 26’ P. Rothrock (Ast: None)
ATX 2-1 SEA – 86’ M. Uzuni (Ast: E. Torres)
ATX 3-1 SEA – 90+2’ C. Ramirez (Ast: E. Torres)
