Sounders Escape with 2-1 Win Against Fire: A Fan’s Reaction

Posted Sunday, April 29, 2012 by

The Seattle Sounders FC secured their second consecutive win on April 28, defeating the Chicago Fire 2-1. With the win, the Sounders remain at the fourth spot in the MLS Western Conference standings, currently trailing the conference leading San Jose Earthquakes by six points.

The Fire actually controlled the ball better during the encounter between the two teams. But the Sounders struck first on the scoreboard, thanks to a David Estrada shot that bounced off Arne Friedrich for an own goal.

Eddie Johnson increased the Sounders lead in the second half, capitalizing on a deflected free kick by Freddy Montero.

The game intensified in the 89th minute, when Chicago's Marco Pappa scored on a beautifully played corner-kick. The Fire had a chance to equalize during injury time, but Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning stepped up under the pressure, preventing what would have been the equalizing goal.

"It's a great win for us because we only play them once and to play away and be able to get three points is important," Sounders coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "Not our best game or our most artistic game, but at the end all that matters is the result."

Midfielder Mauro Rosales made his return to the Sounders' lineup against the Fire, but things didn't go exactly as planned. Rosales suffered an ankle injury during the first half - due to a hard hit by Gonzalo Segares, forcing him to leave the game at the start of second half.

"I think the guy has something personal [against me] because the last year was the same," Rosales said about the rough tackle.

The Sounders will now head back to Seattle, where they'll host the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 2. A win against the defending champions will certainly be a morale boost for the Sounders, as they try to fight their way to the top of the MLS Western Conference table.