Aaron Weinberg/NSS
End of game: The Sounders had their opportunities all game but couldn't make up for a lackluster opening. So it's another tie, and perhaps more importantly, another red card, this time to defender Tyronne Marshall.
Stick around for the post-game recap and audio of the press conference.
Added time: You'd think up a man, Columbus would want to press the attack, but it's Seattle pressing while the Crew roll on the ground with an injury to slow the game.
To continue...
75th minute: After a couple minutes of arguing and tussling, and two yellow cards issued to Crew players, Seattle's free kick from within the box amounted to one shot and no goal.
It seemed almost too close, as Ljungberg didn't have the right angle to get the ball over the heads of the Crew defenders, who blockaded the goal, making sure no shot could sneak past.
Still, Seattle continues to press and are playing far more actively on the offensive end.
71st minute: The Crew continue to get looks at the goal but fail to make the most of their opportunities. Both of their shots on goal this half been either right to Keller or way wide of the goal.
66th minute: Midfielder Fredy Montero finally got a good look at goal but couldn't get the ball past the Crew defender.
Jaqua, who has been far more involved offensively, set Montero up by heading a cross in Montero's direction. He passed up a shot at goal to do so but didn't have the angle to make a credible attempt.
58th minute: Sounders goal:After playing with more energy and a more vibrant, attacking style in the second half, the Sounders got their tying goal.
Receiving the cross from Ljungberg, forward Nate Jaqua caught the ball in the air and sent a rocket into the upper left corner of the Crew goal. It was his third goal of the year.
The goal came near minutes after midfielder Peter Vagenas sent a shot just high of the goal. The Sounders passing on the Columbus half of the pitch has been far more crisp and effective thus far in the second half.
Halftime: Ljungberg and Zakuani have been the only two having an impact on the offensive end. Both are fighting hard, often winning out against multiple defenders but seem to be finding no one on the receiving end of their crosses.
The loss of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso seems to be having an immediate impact on Seattle's control over the middle of the pitch, as the team struggles to set their offense for a sustained attack on Columbus' goal.
40th minute: The Crew have been getting those headers and almost scored again off one.
Kasey Keller made a great diving save to keep the defense from completely looking bad after Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo sliced right through the middle and past two defenders.
33rd minute: Seattle's best chance to score the equalizer came when midfielder Freddie Ljungberg missed wide left on a penalty kick.
He received the free kick after being taken down after getting behind the defense on a give and go with midfielder Steve Zakuani.
They've been trying it all game, and it finally worked but not for a score. Still, Seattle has been having success attacking the right side of the Crew defense.
12th minute: Crew goal: The Crew got on the board early Crew forward Alejandro Moreno scored on a header, received by forward Pat Noonan's lob pass over Seattle's defense.
The play came on the heels after a Jhon Hurtado penalty gave the Crew a free kick at the center of the field. The two forwards beat the entire Sounders defense, and goalkeeper Kasey Keller was out of position, watching Noonan on the right side.
Starting lineups:
Seattle Sounders FC
GK Kasey Keller 18
DEF Tyson Wahl 5
DEF Jhon Kennedy Hurtado 34
DEF Tyrone Marshall 14
DEF James Riley 7
MID Braad Evans 3
MID Peter Vagenas 8
MID Freddie Ljungberg 10
MID Steve Zakuani 11
FWD Fredy Montero 17
FWD Nate Jaqua 21
Columbus Crew
GK Andy Gruenebaum 30
DEF Gino Padula 4
DEF Chad Marshall 14
DEF Eric Brunner 23
DEF Jed Zayner 23
MID Eddie Gaven 12
MID Robbie Rogers 19
MID Danny O'Rourke 5
MID Emmanuel Ekpo 17
FWD Alejandro Moreno 10
FWD Pat Noonan
Broadcast Information (all times Pacific)
National TV: Fox Soccer Channel (Pregame begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Talent: Max Bretos (play-by-play), Christopher Sullivan (color), Christian Miles (sideline)
Local English Radio: News Talk 97.3 FM (Pregame begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Talent: Kevin Calabro (play-by-play), Cliff McCrath (analyst)
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
