Jordan Morris scores first goal to help Sounders beat Philadelphia 2-1
Apr 17, 2016, 8:03 AM | Updated: 12:40 pm
Jordan Morris looks to be back in his mid-early season scoring form after another goal Saturday. (AP)
(AP)
Young forward Oalex Anderson made his first start for the Sounders on Saturday evening against the Philadelphia Union at CenturyLink Field as the home side managed a 2-1 win for their second of the season. Dylan Remick also started in defense, pushing Joevin Jones to the bench. It also marked Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso’s 200th MLS appearances, as both have been with Seattle since their first MLS season.
Related: Sounders finally look better than opponent in win over Union
The first half started pretty evenly, with both teams getting some solid chances early on. Jordan Morris had an extremely dangerous chance in the box, using his strength and skill on the ball to beat the defenders, but his shot was a little weak and Union keeper Andre Blake saved relatively easily. Anderson and Morris both had opportunities, but nothing happened for Seattle until late in the half. Cristian Roldan’s shot from distance was deflected just over the goal, and Andreas Ivanschitz’s subsequent corner found Chad Marshall, who headed it powerfully down and past Blake for his second goal of the season.
The second half started off pretty rough for Philadelphia as midfielder Roland Alberg, already sitting on a yellow card from the first half, was sent off via second yellow card after a dicey tackle from behind on Seattle’s Roldan. Anderson seemed to roll his ankle later in the half and came off for Nelson Valdez, who was back in the 18 after a minor injury kept him out last week
Morris, the much-hyped rookie who’s had a tough start to the season, scored his first Sounders goal after latching onto an excellent pass by Andreas Ivanschitz. Almost immediately after the Seattle goal, former Sounder Sebastien Le Toux fired in a goal for the Union after CJ Sapong knocked down a Fabinho cross in the box. Seattle missed a few chances to put the game away, but managed to hold onto the lead until the final whistle.
Man of the match: Ivanschitz, who had both assists for Seattle’s goals. He’s improved his crossing and corners quite a bit, and his pass for Morris’ goal was nothing short of exquisite.
Turning point: Morris’ goal was not only the turning point of the match, but could well give the young forward the confidence to be a turning point for the Sounders’ season.
Key stat: Seattle had 19 shots, with eight of them on target and two goals. By far their best return of the season.
One reason to worry: Seattle’s defense looked a little shaky at times today, especially for Le Toux’s goal.
One reason to relax: Morris’ goal may have opened the scoring floodgates for the forward.
Injuries: Oalex Anderson looked to have rolled his ankle prior to being substituted, but it wasn’t entirely clear.
