West favorites LAFC and Seattle Sounders play to 0-0 stalemate
Mar 18, 2023, 5:43 PM
SEATTLE (AP) — Two of the favorites in the Western Conference relied on their goalkeepers as Stefan Frei of the Seattle Sounders and LAFC’s John McCarthy posted shutouts in a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
Frei made three saves and McCarthy had four as each turned away the limited scoring chances for two of the powerhouse clubs in MLS.
What a save by @Stefan24Frei! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/u8FOwoAGor
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 18, 2023
LAFC remained unbeaten at 2-0-1, while Seattle slipped to 2-1-1.
In the middle of some significant schedule congestion with MLS games sandwiched around CONCACAF Champions League play, LAFC had the better chances to escape with a victory in the closing minutes.
Kwadwo Opoku had two chances in the final 10 minutes, but he was unable to convert. Opoku sent a pass over the crossbar just a few yards in front of Frei in the 89th minute. In the second minute of stoppage time, Opoku had a left-footed shot denied on a kick save by Frei.
The Sounders have yet to allow a goal in three home matches this season.
Despite controlling possession, Seattle had only a few good scoring chances. Albert Rusnák hit the post from outside the penalty area midway through the first half. Xavier Arreaga sent a free header wide of goal midway through the second half and McCarthy smartly dived on a loose ball that pinballed around the front of goal in the 75th minute.
