Photo: Denise McCooey
Sounders FC Player Ratings
By David Wittstock
Mike Gspurning: (6/10) Probably not to blame for the goal as the group of players pursuing the ball was likely too large to allow him to come out to punch the ball. Recorded a couple of strong saves late as Dallas threw all the weight forward.
Adam Johansson: (6/10) Johansson had a very solid “James Riley” type night where he didn’t do anything wrong and was rarely noticed. Combined well with Mauro early as he found the midfielder alone in space on a number of occasions.
Jeff Parke: (6.5/10) Had a golden chance in the 16th off the corner as he received a loose ball in the box, but took a poor touch which was collected by the goalkeeper. Had another look at goal on the stroke of halftime but shot high.
The back line looked generally less organized then they did Wednesday night. Often their line was staggered and messy resulting in a chaotic feel that maybe gave Dallas more hope then they deserved.
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado: (6.5/10) Key interception in the 8th minute to snuff out a dangerous 2 v 1 situation. In the air he looked dominate with the very large exception of the goal, where he was no where to be found.
Marc Burch: (6.5/10) Drew much of the assignment on Castillo and subsequently stayed home in defense much of the match. Highly accurate passing from distance.
Mauro Rosales: (7/10) Put in a number of crosses early in the match as the Argentian found space alone on the right. Moved a bit more centrally later in the match and found himself in a good position to kill off the game with a goal in the 79th minute.
Osvaldo Alonso: (6.5/10) Appeared fatigued early as he was slow to close down Andrew Jacobson, who shot from distance just wide. Found his feet in the second half and had a great interception and run in the 71st minute nearly resulting in a goal if not for a great safe by Kevin Hartman.
Brad Evans: (8/10) From the start of the match Evans looked up for it as he was finding space on the left, and played in a couple of dangerous balls. His finish on the penalty was emphatic and on the second goal calm and clinical.
Christian Tiffert: (7/10) Tiffert was often the outlet and pivot man from defense to attack and when he wasn’t, his teammates found him higher up the pitch. He was involved in the buildup of nearly every Sounders attack in some way. Made a great final pass to Evans who scored the second goal.
Fredy Montero: (7.5/10) Had the opportunity to play Tiffert through as the German charged through midfield in the opening minutes, but he elected not to, to the midfielder’s fury. His flick and turn to open space, square his body, and get taken out to result in a penalty was an unreal piece of skill.
On the second goal, he was squeezed into a tight area on the left but forced himself to be fouled allowing a quick restart through ball to Tiffert who then assisted the goal. Grabbed another assist late to kill the game.
Eddie Johnson: (6.5/10) Did poorly on the free kick which resulted in the goal, as he turned his head away from the ball, instead of meeting it and heading it out. Generally appeared a little off his best form for much of the match though played a great ball to Montero on the edge of the box who then assisted the third goal.
Andy Rose: Not enough time.
October 21, 2012 at 10:25 pm
I gotta say, these rankings seem a little harsh for a team that won 3-1. Overall I thought they were very strong; tonight’s game bodes well for the playoffs, better than a 6.5 average rating.
October 21, 2012 at 10:28 pm
LL,
Run me some numbers where you think David could have given more. Anywhere where you and he are more than a point in disagreement?
October 21, 2012 at 11:52 pm
I Think the crowd was sullied by the Cascadia cup loss….
October 22, 2012 at 9:50 am
I guess my only disagreement is the burch affect. Everytime I see burch wind up for one of those long passes its exactly that. Long, too long in fact he just either puts it in the goalies hands or sends it out of play. In fact its become a joke that when burch is on the ball, here comes another burch speacial. Best served in the stands! Otherwise cant disagree with much more than that. Thanx 4 putting these up even tho im sure you get beat up on your #s after each one.
October 22, 2012 at 11:21 am
Dr Z,
Thanks for your comment. Of course we get beat up. However here’s the ethos behind them and behind a lot of what Prost Amerika does. We are fans of the sport and want more than anything, more than to see one particular team win; we want to see the sport survive, grow and flourish in North America.
We fundamentally believe that fans’ passion, as much as corporate savvy, is the key to that and our ultimate goal is to engender heated debate and discussion, so that the sport is on your minds and on your tongues all the time.
It’s what we call the watercooler argument. Only when soccer is the main topic of debate around the watercooler at your workplace or school, is our mission successful. That means putting things out there that the ‘unquestioning ultra loyalists’ may not like once in a while.
We get flack.
But the game wins.
October 22, 2012 at 1:26 pm
I would argue that EJ should have got a triangle while Evans the letter “T”, but that would be a pointless and silly argument.
October 22, 2012 at 1:39 pm
“but that would be a pointless and silly argument.”
Undoubtedly the best type