Jaqua has played his best in June, racking up 14 goals all-time for the month.
It should have been 15 goals.
Against D.C. United, Nate Jaqua’s shot was barely deflected by a D.C. defender into the net, tallying up an own-goal rather than a goal for Jaqua.
The score would’ve given Jaqua three in the month of June and 15 all-time during the month, which is statistically his best.
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Jaqua, however, could care less about his golden month so long as the team comes away with three points. And if the team continues to gel like they have then adding ample points to their Western Conference standing shouldn’t be a problem.
“When we get going, and get everyone kind of clicking on the same page offensively, we’re arguably one of the best teams in the league,” Jaqua said. “It’s fun playing like that.”
It was evident last Sunday that the team cranked it up a few notches offensively after scoring three goals while shutting out Colorado.
Jaqua was declared man of the match to a chorus of cheers in Qwest Field after netting two goals.
“Offensively it’s definitely clicking for us more and more,” Jaqua said. “That third goal I think kind of killed them. They kind of shut down a little bit.”
Jaqua is now tied for fourth in the MLS with six goals on the season.
But, it’s not just his offensive play that makes Jaqua a vital asset to the Sounders, but his ability to win balls with his size and ball handling skills and play defense. Those skills certainly helped contribute to the shutout on Sunday.
“That’s kind of the hallmark of our team is when we’re playing well we’re fighting and winning those balls and a lot of offense can be created when we’re doing that,” Jaqua said.
Still, you wouldn't point to Jaqua and say the best part of his game is playing defense. Just ask Colorado Rapids head coach Gary Smith.
"I thought Jaqua was almost un-playable at times today," Smith said. "He is very strong and extremely uncompromising and his finishing was probably the best it has been all season."
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
