Sounders 3 - DC United 3

CONTENDERS!

What a game. Both sides raised their level. Sounders passing was fantastic, better than I've seen this year (or ever). Offense was powerful. But then they had to go and get conservative, pulling Ljungberg and Montero out for a more defensive configuration. Like I said in the pre-match post, you can't beat a team like DC United by playing defense. The key is to keep the ball in DC's zone and force their weaker defenders back on their heels. Keller was upset with this, but Seattle just does not have the defensive skills to hold off a high-powered offense like DC. Sure the outcome was disappointing, but Seattle showed everyone that they are a serious team. So while everyone is griping about the tie, here are some reasons why I liked what I saw:
1. Nate Jaqua is playing like Peter Crouch on crystal meth. He's all legs and arms and grimaces and determination, and he gets it in the net. AND he did a freaking Lambeau Leap.
2. Sigi came up with the right game plan for DC: fast passing in the offensive zone. This stripped DC of their power offensive attack.
3. Saab Le Touch is taking great free kicks.
4. People keep forgetting that this is an expansion team...an expansion team that came within a few minutes of beating DC-freaking-United, man. Let's give them a little credit.

Okay. Enough ranting. Watch the clips!

Sounders FC Okay!