2-1 Loss to Chicago means Sounders close to dropping out of MLS is Back Tourny

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In a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire, the Seattle Sounders see their chances in tournament play dwindling. After a 0-0 tie to San Jose on Friday, the 6am loss to the Fire–considered a beatable team–means that the Sounders are in a must win scenario next Sunday. Even with a potential win over the Vancouver Whitecaps it may not be enough to prevent getting dropped out of the MLS is Back Tournament.

“We have to get a win to have any chance of going through,” Sounders forward Jordan Morris said via a videoconference call provided by MLS. “That’s our mentality for the next game. We’ll have a little bit more rest, which will be good. Vancouver is a team we’re familiar with, so we’re going to have to come out and do everything we can to get a win.”

There was a dose of brilliance as Jordan Morris, who made a start, ran the a ball to the end line and fed Handwalla Bwana for a game tying goal in the 77th minute.
However, or a second game in a row the defensive line play was poor as center back Xavier Arreaga botched two plays leading to goals.  The Fire’s Robert Beric took advantage of  misplayed ball by Arreaga at midfield then ran right by Yeimar Gomez as he fired a goal into net. Then in the 84th minute on a set Arreaga was completely off the ball and out of position to make a play.

“The second goal certainly was an issue,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said via videoconference call of Arreaga’s positioning. “He misses his mark, but the ball goes inside of our 6-yard box, on the floor, all the way over to the back post. So, I have to accept responsibility for that. Defending on corner kicks, on set pieces has to be better. … I thought the back four was playing extremely well up until that moment (first goal). Goals change things.”

SSU Man of the match

Since no one on the Sounders defense deserved it, we will give it to the defender for the Chicago Fire Mauricio Pinedo who scored a goal and handled a defensive line that kept the Sounders to just 1 shot on target on 7 attempts.

Next match

Sounders need a win on Sunday night against Vancouver if they stand a chance of advancing in the MLS Tournament. Otherwise the Sounders stand to lose a lot of potential points and a severe hinderance to their title defense.

photo credit @mls_live

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