Zakuani underperformed despite scoring
the team's second goal. Aaron Weinberg / NSS
The Sounders FC faced one of the loudest crowds in the MLS in Toronto on Saturday but Seattle left the game all smiles after a 2-0 victory in the team's first away win in club history.
The Sounders players were matched up against a difficult opponent, but the play from some individual players unlocked Toronto's defense and took the crowd completely out of the game.
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Freddie Ljungberg vs. Adrian Serioux - WIN, Ljungberg
Sigi Schmid gave Ljungberg the nod to start up front with Nate Jaqua and the former Swedish international did not disappoint. Ljungberg played in between Jaqua and the midfield and was the most dangerous player while he was on the pitch. He played the ball confidently in his first MLS start and scored a timely goal in the 15th minute to silence the rampant Toronto crowd. Ljungberg controlled the tempo of the game with every step and even played a hand in the Sounders second goal.
Osvaldo Alonso vs. Amado Guevara - WIN, Alonso
Alonso has become a stalwart in the holding-midfield role for the Sounders and disrupted multiple Toronto attacks as they pressed the Seattle goal. Guevara rarely had time to look up to pass because Alonso was constantly clipping his heels. Alonso broke up passes on the defensive end and was also able to provide support in attack, sitting just above the center circle to help switch play across the field. Alonso's play as the defensive-midfielder has proven how important this position can be for a team's defense.
Steve Zakuani vs. Marvell Wynne - WIN, Wynne
Marvell Wynne clearly got the better of Zakuani throughout the game, defending aggressively and also taking part in Toronto's attack. Zakuani seemed out-of-sorts on the left and had a lot of trouble against an experienced U.S.-international defender. The rookie made up for his performance by scoring the clinching goal just before halftime, but few attacks were started or created from Seattle's left side. Zakauni seemed to drift to the middle too often, which pinched Seattle's attack and forced them to play through the right-hand side.
Tyrone Marshall vs. Dwayne DeRosario - WIN, Marshall
Although Marshall did not defend DeRosario as much as normal, the defender kept the defensive line organized against a potent Toronto attack. DeRosario always seemed to play with his back towards goal, which is a tribute to the Sounders' team defense against a dangerous scoring midfielder. Marshall made several crucial tackles and was a physical presence in the air.
BMO Field vs. the Players - WIN, the players
Both Seattle and Toronto adjusted well to 30-mile gusts of wind and the Sounders showed some slick passing to take Toronto's crowd and the weather out of the game. The Sounders almost looked like they were in a training match the way they kept possession and were able to cut through Toronto's defense by keeping the ball on the ground.
Reach Jesse Amorratanasuchad at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
