After nearly two hours of play and a tense penalty shootout, the Seattle Sounders secured an advantage as they head into Game 2 of their best-of-3 series on Monday. The match concluded in a 0-0 draw against the Houston Dynamo, following regulation time and additional stoppage minutes. The Sounders ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 5-4, with Alex Roldan scoring the decisive spot kick.
Throughout the match, Seattle posed a greater threat, but they failed to challenge Steve Clarke effectively during regulation. This was despite having a one-man advantage after the 66th minute, when a video review determined that Coco Carrasquilla deserved a red card for kicking Albert Rusnák following a foul by João Paulo in midfield. Initially booked for “lack of respect for the game,” Carrasquilla’s foul led to his dismissal. The Sounders out-shot Houston 11-3 while enjoying their man advantage and 19-7 yet the majority of their attempts were speculative rather than truly threatening.
In stoppage time, it seemed the Sounders had found a break when a brilliant cross from Danny Leyva reached Cristian Roldan at the back post. Roldan redirected the header across the goal, where it struck Houston center back Micael—first hitting his chest, then his hand—prompting referee Ted Unkel to call for a penalty. However, after a review, the decision was overturned, and the game continued until the final whistle, leading directly to the penalty shootout to determine the winner of the opening match in the series.
Both teams were flawless in the first three rounds of penalties, with Raúl Ruidíaz, Albert Rusnák, and Jackson Ragen successfully converting their attempts. Stefan Frei, meanwhile, could not stop any of Houston’s shooters. When Erik Sviatchenko took Houston’s fourth penalty kick, he missed by sending his attempt wide, giving the Sounders an opening. Cristian and Alex Roldan stepped up for Seattle’s fourth and fifth penalties, both scoring with confidence. Although Daniel Steres tried to keep Houston in contention between the Roldan brothers’ kicks, Sviatchenko’s miss ultimately proved critical.
While it wasn’t the preferred way to secure the win—especially after playing for over thirty minutes with a numerical advantage—a victory is still a victory. Compounding their challenges was the apparent hamstring injury suffered by Jordan Morris, which forced him to leave the field in the 52nd minute.
Now, both teams must quickly regroup and prepare for their next encounter in Houston on Sunday, November 3, for the series’ second match.
💸
Key moments
6 – Shot! Cristian Roldan collects the ball at the top of the box and forces a save from Steve Clarke after an earlier attempt from Alex Roldan was blocked.
11 – Chance! Albert Rusnak sends in a quality free kick for Paul Rothrock at the back post. The ball clearly goes out off Griffin Dorsey but is incorrectly called a goal kick.
48 – Goal kick. Houston’s most threatening chance so far as Ibrahim Aliyu delivers a low cross to Ezequiel Ponce, who sends it out for a goal kick.
56 – Shot! Rusnak takes a short free kick to Georgi Minoungou on the right wing. Minoungou breaks through a couple of defenders and reaches the end line, where he sends in a cross that Raul Ruidiaz flicks on to Yeimar at the back post. Yeimar takes a touch to create space and unleashes a shot that gets blocked out for a corner.
58 – Stop! Houston appears to have a chance to counterattack, but Alex Roldan hinders Coco Carrasquilla in midfield, allowing Yeimar and Jackson Ragen to combine to regain possession.
66 – Red card! Following an altercation and video review, Coco Carrasquilla is shown a straight red for violent conduct after striking Rusnak in the face. Houston is down to 10 men for the remainder of the match.
of the match.
90+9 – Penalty review. Danny Leyva delivers a cross for Cristian Roldan at the back post, where he heads it back across the goal. The attempt is halted by what appears to be a handball, but following a review, the on-field decision is overturned.
Shootout
Houston PK 1 – Ezequiel Ponce strikes down the middle, successfully beating Frei. 1-0 Houston
Seattle PK 1 - Raúl Ruidíaz executes a cheeky panenka over Clark as he dives to his right. 1-1
Houston PK 2 – Griffin Dorsey smoothly converts his shot past Frei. 2-1 Houston
Seattle PK 2 – Albert Rusnák places his shot into the bottom left corner. 2-2
Houston PK 3 – Sebastian Kowalczyk blasts his attempt to the left, catching Frei off guard. 3-2 Houston
Seattle PK 3 – Jackson Ragen smashes his shot off the underside of the crossbar. 3-3
Houston PK 4 – Erik Sviatchenko sends his effort wide of the goal! 3-3
Seattle PK 4 – Cristian Roldan powerfully drives his penalty into the top right corner! 4-3 Seattle
Houston PK 5 – Daniel Steres places his shot just out of Frei’s reach. 4-4
Seattle PK 5 – Alex Roldan sends Clark the wrong way, sealing the victory! 5-4 Seattle
Quick thoughts
The midfield engine: There are numerous aspects to dissect and feel frustrated about from this match. Although the Sounders secured a win, it wasn’t the first time this season that their attack seemed to struggle to find its rhythm. However, one notable aspect worth commending was Cristian Roldan’s performance in the midfield once again. Playing as the more advanced member of the double pivot alongside JP during Obed Vargas’ absence, Roldan completed 46 out of 52 passes, including several impressive line-breaking deliveries. He played a significant role in maintaining the flow of the game for Seattle and contributed defensively by winning 6 out of 7 ground duels, alongside 4 defensive actions and 5 recoveries. While he could have arguably done more to assist Seattle in scoring, such as making questionable shot selections and opting for a header across the goal rather than at it during the reviewed penalty, Roldan consistently looked strong in the midfield managing the game.
Still looking for that spark: This match marked yet another instance where the attack felt notably underwhelming. The Sounders appeared to be just this close to unlocking the game in transition during the first half, but a slightly mistimed pass or an overly heavy touch often turned a promising opportunity into something less fruitful. In the second half, Seattle faced the challenge of breaking down a Dynamo team that seemed increasingly inclined to take the match to penalties, especially after Carrasquilla’s sending off. Georgi Minoungou made dribbling past defenders look effortless, frequently penetrating the box or winning free kicks in dangerous areas, but he was always met with a crowded penalty area. The upcoming game in Houston may unfold differently, as the Dynamo will likely have to take more risks at home in their pursuit of a win to keep their season alive, but Seattle’s attack must find form quickly if the team wishes to advance beyond this series.
Penalties: I have a strong dislike for penalties. They induce deep anxiety for me. During the Sounders’ 2016 MLS Cup victory, I avoided watching a single kick live, opting instead to hide behind Mark Kastner’s couch with my eyes covered, hoping for a favorable outcome. However, Seattle’s penalties tonight were a joy, each one a cherished offering to the football gods. Of course, Ruidíaz executed a panenka, and the Roldan brothers took theirs like the seasoned professionals and leaders they are. Jackson Ragen’s effort, hitting the crossbar as if it were a casual training drill rather than a playoff match, was a beautiful sight. Achieving this in the first shootout win for the Sounders at Lumen Field makes it even more special. While it doesn’t alter my feelings towards penalties, it’s certainly a relief when things go well.
Notable quote
“We will evaluate Jordan. His hamstring tightness provides me with some optimism. I may take a cautious approach, but if he wakes up and feels he can play, then he will. However, if he is unable to, Raul will be thrilled to step in.” – Schmetzer
— Jeremiah Oshan (@JeremiahOshan) October 29, 2024
Player Spotlight
The centerbacks, Jackson Ragen and Yeimar, offer a contrasting dynamic that enhances their partnership. Ragen displayed remarkable composure by finishing his penalty and achieved an impressive 59 out of 61 passes, including 7 successful long balls. He also contributed with 5 out of 8 duels won, 6 defensive actions, and 5 recoveries. On the other hand, Yeimar completed 47 out of 58 passes, successfully executed 1 out of 2 dribbles, made 15 defensive actions, and won 8 out of 10 duels.
Seattle Sounders Edge Out Houston Dynamo in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Claim Game 1 Victory
The anticipation was palpable as the Seattle Sounders faced off against the Houston Dynamo in the first game of their playoff series. Both teams entered the match with high hopes, but it was the Sounders who emerged victorious after a tense penalty shootout that had fans on the edge of their seats. This thrilling encounter showcased not only the skill and determination of both teams but also the drama that can unfold in high-stakes soccer.
Match Overview
The Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo clashed in a match that promised excitement from the outset. The game was played at Lumen Field, where the Sea of Green fans created an electric atmosphere. Here’s a brief overview of the match:
- Date: October 14, 2023
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- Attendance: Over 40,000 passionate fans
- Final Score: 1-1 (Seattle Sounders won 5-4 on penalties)
First Half Highlights
From the kickoff, both teams displayed aggressive play and a strong desire to dominate the match. The first half was characterized by:
- Strong Defense: Both teams showcased solid defensive strategies, making it difficult for either side to score.
- Near Misses: Several close calls kept fans on edge, with both teams coming close to finding the back of the net.
- Key Players: Players like Jordan Morris for the Sounders and Darwin Quintero for the Dynamo stood out with their offensive efforts.
Second Half Action
The second half saw an increase in intensity as both teams pushed for a winning goal. The turning points included:
- Seattle Breakthrough: In the 67th minute, Seattle’s Cristian Roldan scored a stunning goal, giving the Sounders a 1-0 lead that sent fans into a frenzy.
- Equalizer by Dynamo: Houston responded quickly, with Fafa Picault scoring in the 75th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
- Injury Time Drama: The last minutes were filled with tension as both teams had chances to clinch the game, but stellar goalkeeping kept the score tied.
Penalty Shootout Showdown
With the match tied at the end of regulation and extra time, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. This portion of the match revealed the true character of both teams:
Key Moments in the Shootout
- First Round: Seattle’s first shooter, Morris, scored confidently, while Dynamo’s Picault was denied by Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
- Back-and-Forth: Both teams traded successful penalties until the score was tied at 4-4.
- Decisive Moment: The shootout came down to the final pair of shooters. Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz converted his kick, putting the pressure on Dynamo’s last shooter.
- Frei’s Heroics: Frei made a crucial save against Houston’s final attempt, sealing the victory for Seattle.
Player Performances
Several players were instrumental in the Sounders’ victory. Here are some standout performances:
| Player | Position | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Stefan Frei | Goalkeeper | Crucial saves during the match and two penalty saves. |
| Cristian Roldan | Midfielder | Scored the opening goal and contributed to midfield control. |
| Jordan Morris | Forward | Scored in the shootout and created opportunities throughout the match. |
| Raul Ruidiaz | Forward | Converted a crucial penalty and was a constant offensive threat. |
Benefits of Watching MLS Playoff Matches
The thrilling nature of matches like Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo illustrates why MLS playoffs are must-watch events:
- High Stakes: Every game is critical, leading to increased intensity and passionate play.
- Talent Showcase: Fans have the opportunity to see top players elevate their game on a national stage.
- Community Spirit: The atmosphere in stadiums during playoffs fosters a sense of unity among fans.
Community and Fan Involvement
The Seattle Sounders enjoy a loyal and passionate fan base known as the “Emerald City Supporters.” Their unwavering support plays a pivotal role in the team’s success. Here are some ways fans can engage with the team:
- Attend Games: Being present at matches not only shows support but also enhances the home-field advantage.
- Participate in Fan Events: The Sounders organize events where fans can meet players and engage with the community.
- Join Supporter Groups: Groups like the Emerald City Supporters provide a way for fans to connect and amplify their voices during games.
First-Hand Experience: The Atmosphere at Lumen Field
Attending a match at Lumen Field is an unforgettable experience. The energy, the sights, and the sounds create an atmosphere that is electric. Here’s what to expect:
- Chants and Songs: The fans create an ambiance of unity with coordinated chants and songs throughout the match.
- Colorful Displays: Tifo displays and banners reflect the spirit and dedication of the Sounders’ supporters.
- Post-Match Celebrations: Victory celebrations at Lumen Field can last long after the final whistle, with fans joining players in the stands.
Conclusion
The Seattle Sounders’ dramatic victory over the Houston Dynamo in Game 1 of the playoffs not only showcased the talent and resilience of the team but also highlighted the passion of MLS fans. As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on the Sounders as they strive for success. The road to the championship is undoubtedly filled with challenges, but with the support of their fans and their unwavering determination, the Sounders are poised to make a deep playoff run.
