This past Saturday the Union traveled to Washington to take on the Western Conference leaders, the Seattle Sounders. Despite the Union’s hold on a 1-0 lead throughout the entirety of the first half, they struggled to hold their lead in the second half. The game ended 2-1 and the Union failed to gain any points.
The starting lineup was in the formation of a 4-2-3-1 with Andrew Wenger up top as striker. Behind him in the supporting midfield role were Maidana, Nogueira, and Le Toux. In the defensive midfield position were Brian Carroll and Maurice Edu.
Seattle were playing an attack oriented style of play which was evident early on when they almost scored in the 7th minute. The Union defense appeared unorganized as Ozzie Alonso dribbled down towards the box. He crossed it over to Lamar Neagle who was left unmarked in the box. His shot on goal, however, was deflected off the goalpost.
Other than that major mistake that almost cost them, the Union maintained possession and created chances throughout the first half. Brad Evans opened up the scoring with an own goal. Christian Maidana took a free kick from distance and sent it into the box. The ball flicked off Maurice Edu and Brad Evans’ head who were both in the air fighting to the ball. However, Brad Evans had the last touch before the ball went into the goal.
Amobi Okugo had a hand ball in the box in the 40th minute and the Sounders were given a penalty kick. Ozzie Alonso stepped up to take. He shot the ball low and hard to the right corner. Fortunately, MacMath who hasn’t let any of the penalty kicks taken on him in this season, saved yet another which kept the Union’s hope of 3 points alive momentarily.
The Sounders equalized early on in the first half in the 61st minute. The goal was a result of Seattle’s heavy offensive presence in the Union’s half. Majority of the Sounders players were up near the Union’s box because there had just been a corner, it was played out but Marco Pappa gained control of it again. He played it into the box but Aaron Wheeler played it out only to Brad Evans who headed it right past the Union’s defensive line right to the feet of Obafemi Martins who softly laid it off into the back of the net.
The Sounders pulled ahead late in the game in the 84th minute with a goal from Chad Marshall. The goal was assisted by Marco Pappa off a corner kick. Before the end of the game the Union were able to create a few more opportunities but none to bring a late equalizer.
Next week the Union take on Eastern Conference rivals DC United where they will look to get their first win since their home opener.
(image courtesy of Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
