Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris score in Sounders’ 2-0 win over San Jose
May 7, 2016, 9:30 PM
The Sounders downed the San Jose Earthquakes at CenturyLink Field Saturday after goals from Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris. It was their second straight victory after last week’s 1-0 decision over the Columbus Crew.
The Sounders saw a few changes to the starting lineup, including Erik Friberg in for Cristian Roldan. The first half had plenty of action, with both teams getting a few chances, but it took 26 minutes for Dempsey to break the deadlock and put the Sounders up 1-0.
Both teams continued to put together some impressive attacking moves, and Seattle could have scored at least one more but couldn’t pull it off. Friberg justified his inclusion with some excellent passes from midfield and a few defensive interceptions.
Seattle came out after halftime with a mission, not content to rest on the lead as it bombarded San Jose’s goal. After a number of solid chances, San Jose broke the other way and earned a penalty late in the half. Chris Wondolowski beat Stefan Frei, but he couldn’t beat the post as his shot bounced off it then was eventually cleared by the Sounders.
Seattle’s rookie forward Jordan Morris made it four goals in four matches with an excellent goal in the 89th minute that the San Jose keeper didn’t even attempt to save, and the Sounders held on to get the 2-0 victory.
Man of the match: Clint Dempsey.
Turning point: Wondolowski’s missed penalty. If he had scored, the match would likely have ended differently.
One reason to worry: The Sounders continues to look lackluster at set pieces; their corner kicks were mostly poor and they didn’t do much with their free kick opportunities.
One reason to relax: The Sounders finally have two goal-scoring forwards. Morris’ four-match scoring streak means Seattle’s pursuit of the hometown boy was completely justified.
