2024 Seattle Sounders FC Simulation: Match 27 - Minnesota United FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC

A fitting backdrop but a match of massive significance the stage is set a packed house at the ready awaiting two teams who like nothing better than to test themselves on a stage like this the tricky part is trying to decide which side will outbox the other thank you for attending the story of the game as it unfolds live next on eatv and a warm welcome on what is a fine day for football I'm delighted to be able to report I'm Derek Ray in the commentary position and alongside me is the former Arsenal and West Ham Midfield player Stuart Robson and coming up for you is live action from Major League Soccer it's Minnesota United and they take on the Seattle Sounders real chance and up for grabs off the keeper threat over for now it seems and this is the initial 11 for the visitors today well plenty of attacking width in this 4-33 but they'll need to get their Midfield players to join the center forward as much as possible if not he'll become isolated a fine use of the ball Alex Rodan well that s to beat your opponent [Applause] chance here that is how to keep it out of the net can't get the shot through and a big moment because the referee has pointed to the spot penalty coming up [Applause] [Applause] this to make it one n a goal calmly taken spot [Applause] kick well here it is again he makes it look so easy the keeper Dives slightly early and he passes it into the other side really confident finish the ball is moving once more how important will that opening goal prove to be well trap hanani doson well possibilities in the Center defensive Brazilians to shut them down ruy Diaz rosak well he knows what he's doing defensively of thech show please come to against relations to claim your priz POI well trap passing it around as the search goes on for an equalizer but then the commentator's curse comes into play Albert rusak [Applause] Hassani doson an effective [Applause] challenge Teo puki but tackling like that the onus is on the referee to take action potentially well deemed to have been a cautionable offense well no question about it he deserved his ball looking there [Applause] thumps [Applause] clear Jong sang bin options in the middle and quick thinking defensively rul Ru Diaz well there a really stylish piece of [Applause] running fine buildup as they look to add to their advantage very effective pass could be and he scored not once but twice they simply cannot stop him and no wonder he's enjoying himself well here you can see what a good goal this is he hits it so cleanly and the keeper has no chance that's a great strike [Applause] [Music] so back underway with the score line standing at 2-n Jong sangin moving forward effectively could reduce the deficit and what a magical save it was well could this be the Turning Point the fans are certainly hoping so [Applause] trying to pick out a teammate and there is the goal wow that changes the equation and they have the momentum now well here it is again it's a Well delivered ball into the box and it's a comfortable finish in the end which is made to look so easy it's a lovely goal [Applause] [Applause] well two one it is here Andrade [Applause] well inching towards halime and probably fair to say the fans were hoping for a little bit better than this Stuart your thoughts well they're certainly not out of this they've created some good chances and look threatening but they need to be better defensively in the second half they just can't afford to concede again free kick awarded then by the referee [Applause] well that'll be a free kick well he's certainly been warned Stuart no more challenges like that well he's in no doubt now he can't foul again [Applause] good looking sequence ran well allowing them to come onto them not afraid of that well couldn't keep it excellent use of the ball as they make their way forward can they get in behind them in search of The Equalizer well these fans have had to be patient could this be the equalizer [Applause] can he deliver it with accuracy and No Nonsense defensive clearance noo onto Ru Diaz oh the threat is there Del into the area here but it looked so threatening but the danger [Applause] averted so the whistle then we're at the halfway stage in this match but he's been the standout for his side so far don't you think Stewart well what a first half he had I thought he was outstanding he calls the defend has all sorts of problems with his movement and pace and he fully deserved his two goals and I expect more from him in the second [Music] half well they've got things going again here and I wonder what kind of second half we have in store for [Applause] us ruie Diaz now Jordan Morris joal Paulo well it's a textbook example of dynamic passing gifting away possession [Applause] will trap teammates available here's trap pooki can he take advantage not out of the woods [Applause] yet and a chance to whip it in [Applause] here and a corner kick they referee verdict and time for the change [Applause] now can someone get on the end of this and swept out of [Applause] there and it's played into the center couldn't quite hang on [Music] nuu and a fine tackle well can they be creative from here teop puki Hassani doson here's trap he'll be delighted to have won the ball having made that difficult Challenge and so 30 minutes left for play in this one patient are not build up can they carve out a chance it's there for him well the post got on the way and the attack fizzling out well that would certainly have put them in a great position but with only a one goal lead they're never going to be out to relax well they're on the ball and they just got to forget about that moment of Misfortune they couldn't maintain possession dson BL moving the ball nicely trying to carve out The Equalizer he's protecting it well a really committed Challenge and it's gone out for a throwing well nothing productive really and they need to get tighter and cleared away a corner kick it'll [Applause] be and taken short rosak [Applause] joal poo he takes aim shot block but still alive well they can keep possession of it [Applause] now Rosalez the cross is on using his strength to hold on to the ball and wait for teammates to arrive and given the Defender touch the referee says [Applause] Corner playing it in and a Super Header it looked as though it might be going in throw in's given [Applause] he has time to play it over well they're going to be very crossed with themselves because that was a wasted opportunity and time for the change now [Applause] Alex ran Andrade Rolan it's with Andrade joal Paulo now Jordan Morris bad pass chasing this game desperate for a leveler the referee spotted the infringement and it will be a free kick in a position of genuine Menace both managers deciding this is the time to change things around both teams going to the bench not the best free kick we'll see today well of Target well not really what he was looking for there that's a waste of a good situation [Applause] well we've entered the final 5 minutes well time is ebing away and they're using this passing approach to marvelous effect and there to [Applause] intervene and it goes to increase their advantage and will that be the goal that ends up securing it for [Applause] them well here you can see what a good goal this is he hits it so cleanly and the keeper has no chance that's a great strike seatt that's a tale of four goals in this match now 31 it is and [Music] Taylor well the electronic board showing three additional minutes L and it's with Emanuel Roso options in the middle was it a great clearance they've got themselves back into it a Lifeline in this game and this could be a dramatic finale well just look at this he's so alive to the situation that's a neat headed goal in the end [Applause] and that is the end of the game it goes into the history books as a home defeat well Derek it was a half fought contest which neither side completely dominated but the result will certainly hurt them they need to bounce back next time out but it just seems in this game he's been a step ahead of his opponents in every way Stuart well he gave that backline a Tor time didn't he he was far too sharp for them always looking to play on the shoulder took his goals well to clearly the Difference Maker today oh [Applause]