The Sounders are cooking lately, winning their fifth MLS match in a row, and finding a variety of ways to win. The one consistent component is their defense, which once again was fantastic, earning Seattle’s eighth shutout on the season. The 2-0 win over St. Louis City SC was based around this strong defending plus opportunistic offense that exerted pressure in big moments and converted their chances. Another key takeaway from this match was the rotation used, as Seattle got big performances from role players, were able to rest those that needed it, and didn’t force their top-end talents to run extra miles. This availability and maturation of the middle and back end of the roster is a massive improvement, with the depth showing up and producing more than just minutes eaten.
Goalkeeper
Stefan Frei – 7 | Community – 7.6 (MOTM)
Another shutout for Frei and company; even with some rotation in the back six, the defensive ethos of this team looks ingrained and permanent. While St. Louis had a few good opportunities, Stefan was only asked to make two saves. Seattle had a massive possession advantage (65 percent), and Frei himself had 48 touches in the back.
What I liked: One of the few opportunities that the away team had was an 11th minute shot, which Frei handled cleanly.
What I didn’t like: Most of this match was clean for Frei, but on a 46th minute scramble while defending a corner, Stef was glued to his line in a poor position. Luckily, he had help from his teammates to clear.
Outlook: Frei is now tied with Kevin Hartman for the second most shutouts in MLS history. That is an incredible compliment to Frei’s skill, resiliency, and effort, and to those Sounders teams he has been on since 2014.
Defense
Nouhou – 6 | Community – 6.6 (off 64’ for Baker-Whiting)
Nouhou again turned in a solid defensive outing and was a big part of the shutout effort. He had 86 percent passing, five recoveries, two won tackles, and an interception. For much of the evening he stayed in the defensive end where he helped control possession.
What I liked: The defense was solid, preventing any major opportunities down his wing while releasing the players in front of him to overload the offensive areas of the field. His help in the 12th minute to support Cristian Roldan was excellent.
What I didn’t like: Nice defense and a runout in the 22nd minute was paired with a terrible cross, and he missed Jordan Morris forward in the 35th minute, a few moments where his offensive deficiency was apparent.
Outlook: This is a strong defensive unit, and Nouhou is a big part of it.
Jonathan Bell – 8 (MOTM) | Community – 7.2
One of the rotated players for Seattle, Jon Bell announced himself in a big way against St. Louis. His consistent defensive play and distribution were fantastic, and he showed up on the score sheet as well. He had a goal, three interceptions, six defensive recoveries, and returned 92 percent passing on a massive 102 touches.
What I liked: I loved seeing the 44th minute over-the-top pass to Léo Chú. Bell overshadowed this great play with an even better one right after halftime. His 49th minute free-kick header was authoritative, and unlike many of the defenders’ attempts, in the back of the net for his first goal as a Sounder. Throughout he added calm defending.
What I didn’t like: A 9th minute bad angle and 11th minute missed defensive assignment were two early defensive miscues that needed (and received) adjustment.
Outlook: Seattle yet again has found a versatile, quality player under the radar. Bell looks competent every time he steps on the field.
Jackson Ragen – 7 | Community – 6.7
Ragen moved to the right and was excellent, not just leading the team with 118 touches, but making his distribution useful. He completed 90 percent, spraying the ball around as Seattle dominated possession. Jackson added five clearances.
What I liked: A solid central pair pushed Alex Roldan forward, with Ragen sliding into the right channel and playing deep distributor. He was a vital part of pushing the ball forward as early as the eighth minute, trying a long diagonal to Chú, following this up in the 27th with a long ball searching out Morris. He was directly goal dangerous in the first five minutes, narrowly missing a header.
What I didn’t like: Seattle needed Ragen to save the ball off the line multiple times on corners, which was due to some marking issues.
Outlook: It’s great to see the defensive versatility, and Ragen’s ability to slide right allows even more tactical flexibility.
Alex Roldan – 6 | Community – 6.1
Alex had another start on the right defense and looked more like the version of himself that was an incumbent starter. His 110 touches were second on the team, and he added a key pass for his efforts. The 81 percent passing was a bit low for a team that had so much of the ball and a high overall percentage, which showed up in poor long ball and crossing completion rates.
What I liked: Good things happen when you put the ball in dangerous spots, and Alex did that nicely in the 27th minute. His dangerous cross towards the onrushing Morris befuddled Tim Parker, who calmly and cleanly finished into the net before Jordan could steal his goal.
What I didn’t like: There were some poor passes and missed opportunities forward, but none of that compared to the relief when Alex appeared to be fine after a 75th minute head injury.
Outlook: Alex showed that while he plays right back differently than his brother, he can still add there when he is needed.
Defensive Midfield
Obed Vargas – 6 | Community – 7.0 (off 86’ for Leyva)
Vargas continues to be a very solid midfielder who is capable of big moments, often from dynamic vertical dribbling. Against St. Louis, he played very short and possession-oriented, and he had a low 81 percent passing rate but contributed two shots pushing into the attack. His combination with Cristian in the middle was compact and he controlled the ball well.
What I liked: In the 61st minute, Obed had a great run and nearly found Morris. He followed this up in the 72nd with another excellent dribble followed by a shot that was barely saved.
What I didn’t like: In the 71st minute, Vargas inexplicably had a terrible pass backwards, which luckily went out of bounds.
Outlook: The big play impacts are exciting as Obed switches into a higher gear, and he’s showing his incredible talent in spurts.
Cristian Roldan – 6 | Community – 6.5 (off 74’ for JP)
Cristian Roldan started in the middle and showed his quality in yet another position. His 72 touch, 91 percent passing outing included a shot, a dribble, 100 percent successful tackle rate, and four recoveries as Cristian did a little bit of everything.
What I liked: The control that Seattle had over this match and the possession of the ball was a direct result of Cristian’s movement and abilities. He was everywhere in support of the middle, a constant outlet and distribution focal point.
What I didn’t like: A 21st minute turnover killed a promising attack. In the 37th, he lost his mark in the middle which was a rare mistake.
Outlook: I’m not sure exactly where, but Seattle’s best 11 has Cristian on the field.
Attacking Midfield
Léo Chú – 5 | Community – 5.1 (off 64’ for Ruidíaz)
Chú received another start and was improved on the left but still unimpactful for much of the match. A willing runner, he earned a much better 27 touches, however, they didn’t turn into a shot or key pass as he was unable to create for himself or others. His 88 percent passing was a strong part of the control Seattle exerted inside the St. Louis half.
What I liked: While a non-factor in the offense, Chú remained very active, especially willing to defend. A critical 55th minute track-back defensive effort was great, adding to his team-leading three tackles.
What I didn’t like: Léo didn’t have an offensive impact. A 41st minute attempt to dribble central to find the match ended in a turnover and unfortunately, this was the norm for his outing.
Outlook: Chú offers a ton of game-stretching potential, but it’s not currently translating to success.
Albert Rusnák – 7 | Community – 7.3
Albert started in his customary central attacking midfield spot and as usual lately, he personally contributed to the scoresheet. He was the director of the offense and did so with a shot and a team-high four key passes, including an assist. He did all this on only 62 touches, taking what the match gave him and driving Seattle to the victory.
What I liked: Suddenly devastating on set pieces, he found Ragen in the 5th minute for a shot that was cleared off the line, and later dialed up Bell for goal No. 2 in the 49th. In between, he had a fantastic through ball to Chú in the 23rd exhibiting amazing vision and touch.
What I didn’t like: A missed 8th minute long ball and poor backheel turnover in the 89th were errors, but there was little in between to complain about.
Outlook: Rusnák takes what the game gives him and produces.
Paul Rothrock – 6 | Community – 6.6
Rothrock started in front of Alex and was his usual disruptive self. While the effort was there, it didn’t always directly translate to Seattle success. The statline was just okay — 52 touches, three tackles, and no shots or key passes. His impact was felt, though.
What I liked: Even though he wasn’t combining well with teammates, he made his mark with hustle, starting in the fourth minute where he drew a St. Louis yellow card with an excellent run. In the 33rd minute his effort and movement perfectly supported a Seattle attack. He drew a second STL yellow in the 38th minute, and drew yet another foul in the 49th, which earned the Sounders the free kick they scored on.
What I didn’t like: Paul’s passing remains pretty rough, with a terrible 15th minute ball standing out among a lot of misses. He ended with a team-low 63 percent passing rate, and did not complete a single long ball or cross.
Outlook: Rothrock doesn’t care about those percent stats and neither should you. The stat that matters is Ws.
Forward
Jordan Morris – 6 | Community – 6.8 (off 87’ for Musovski)
Morris returned to the front and again Seattle was potent, creating multiple goals and controlling the match. St. Louis was able to deny Jordan from the score sheet, but they did so by dropping back so far that they conceded large swaths of the field and a majority of possession to Seattle. Jordan had a shot and a key pass and forced multiple defensive miscues with only 17 touches.
What I liked: Morris’ pressure forced the opponent into an own goal early. Jordan created big chances in the 44th and 48th, and had a brilliant cross to Raúl Ruidíaz in the 73rd minute after picking up the ball in a wide position.
What I didn’t like: In the 81st minute, Jordan had a chance to completely put the match to bed and took a shot with the outside of his right foot, forcing an excellent save. He had Rothrock as an ever-willing runner for an easier finish. (I still want Jordan shooting that).
Outlook: Morris doesn’t need a lot of the ball; he just makes so many productive runs.
Substitutes
Raúl Ruidíaz – 6 | Community – 6.0 (on 64’ for Chú)
Raúl came in midway through the second half and brought instant, direct impact. Finding good positions, being goal dangerous, and adding energy led to a two shot, one key pass substitute appearance.
What I liked: In the 73rd minute, Ruidíaz made a perfect supporting run to Morris and forced not just one, but two huge saves from Roman Bürki — first off his foot and then from his head.
What I didn’t like: Neither of those excellent 73rd minute shots found the back of the net.
Outlook: Raúl is a fantastic sub option who is showing well off the bench.
Reed Baker-Whiting – 5 | Community – 6.2 (on 64’ for Nouhou)
Seattle was able to rotate the left back position halfway through the second period and brought in Reed. He responded with some dynamic attacking, helping create left-sided push with his 25 touches on the ball.
What I liked: Reed made a terrific pass to open up Morris in the 73rd minute as he combined with Jordan and Raúl to create multiple goal opportunities.
What I didn’t like: Seattle having nearly 70 percent possession meant there was little defending Reed needed to do, but he still got a little excited, forgetting his defensive duties in a few nervous moments.
Outlook: Reed got some more experience at left back but seems to be more comfortable on the wing.
João Paulo – 5 | Community – 6.2 (on 74’ for Cristian Roldan)
JP came in to give Cristian a break, filled his role seamlessly, and saw out the shutout victory. He had 17 touches.
What I liked: He brought 93 percent passing, compact defensive shape, and leadership.
What I didn’t like: I can’t remember anything.
Outlook: Splitting some minutes hopefully keeps both Cristian and JP fresh for the weekend.
Danny Leyva – 5 | Community – 5.4 (on 86’ for Vargas)
For the second game in a row, Leyva got some time, and against St. Louis he was an active part of the match with 12 touches.
What I liked: His 89 percent passing was excellent to see as Leyva supported a clean possession to end the match.
What I didn’t like: His 91st minute shot may still be in orbit.
Outlook: It’s nice to see Leyva get a few minutes.
Danny Musovski – 5 | Community – 5.0 (on 87’ for Morris)
Musovski arrived to help kill off the match and did that. He had eight touches and won a header.
What I liked: A nice 87th minute flick found a teammate.
What I didn’t like: An 88th minute foul was a bummer.
Outlook: Musovski isn’t showing a lot these days.
Referee
Alexis Da Silva – 5 | Community – 4.7
Da Silva refereed his second Sounders match this season. Like the last time, he was fine, with no large errors but some smaller things to take issue with. He called 14 fouls on St. Louis and eight on Seattle, while issuing three yellow cards. The match was plenty physical, but the lack of fouls called was perhaps a bit lucky not to be a bigger factor in the end result.
What I liked: Giving a correct fourth minute yellow card was good to see, as often early in the match refs are reluctant to cheese people up.
What I didn’t like: A lot of fouls went uncalled, specifically two egregious non-calls in the 36th minute among other general lack of whistles. There was no play on the ball by a St. Louis player who charged into Frei in the 58th, but no yellow card was given.
Outlook: This wasn’t a great refereeing job, but it wasn’t necessarily awful either.
St. Louis City SC MOTM
As is the rule around these parts, every other opposing Man of the Match must be awarded to a keeper. But, in this case at least, Bürki is completely deserving. He came up with five saves, including a double-save on a pair of Ruidíaz efforts from point-blank range, and a huge 1-v-1 with Morris minutes later.
Upcoming: Huge opportunity on Saturday: is this team only able to beat up on lower-table competition, or are they actually contenders?
