Sounders lack bite in the Big Apple

The New York Red Bulls downed the visiting Seattle Sounders 2-0 at Red Bull Arena on Sunday night, riding a brace from Mike Grella to three vital points. The hosts improved to 7-7-1 (22pts, 2nd – East) while Seattle dropped to 5-8-1 (16pts, 9th – West). The win vaulted the Red Bulls several spots up the table in the crowded top half of the Eastern Conference. Seattle failed to capitalize on a variety of chances, but will take solace in finally having found the correct position for Joevin Jones.

The Trinidadian occupied the left back role for most of the first half of the season but was moved to a more advanced position following several successful substitute appearances at wide midfield. First came a goal from Jones at DC United to kill the game off at 2-0 during a midfield appearance just before the international break. He then iced his side’s Open Cup victory over Kitsap Pumas in similar fashion on Wednesday. Given the player’s explosive speed and attacking talent, it seemed to only be a matter of time before Sigi Schmid made the switch.

It only took thirteen minutes for it to produce results. Jones raced down the left flank on a counter and cut the ball back for Erik Friberg at the top of the area. The Swede fired first time with his right foot, and it took a smart block away to prevent the game’s opening goal. It was a sign of better things to come for Joevin Jones, even if Seattle would suffer similar series of frustrations at their lack of finishing touch as the match wore on.

Grella opened the scoring on 19’, but the goal belonged to Sacha Klestjan. Klestjan cut in on his right foot and curled a powerful strike past Stefan Frei and off the right post; the ball bounced straight to Grella, who tapped in easily. The match remained open until halftime with both sides creating chances. Aaron Kovar was lively for Seattle all night, setting up Jordan Morris on several occasions as well as registering five shots of his own.

The second half began in the same free-flowing fashion the first half ended with. Back and forth the chances went until just before the hour mark, when Grella scored his second goal of the night. Centerback Brad Evans failed to adequately clear a through ball with his sliding challenge on 59’ and the ball ran straight through to Grella, in on goal. He calmly chipped Frei as the goalkeeper rushed out to meet him.

2-0 was the signal for Jesse Marsch to shut up shop, and he soon subbed Aurelien Collin on for Klestjan to tighten things up at the back. Seattle would continue to threaten, but the Red Bulls held firm through the final half hour to claim the 2-0 victory.