Like Watcing Your Arm Getting Sawed Off...

Ok, maybe it wasn't quite that bad, but this was the  most agonizing 90 minutes I've yet experienced at Qwest, as Seattle gave up a soft goal and failed to score on what seemed an inexhaustible supply of chances. The final result, a 1-0 loss to a New York Red Bulls team that hasn't won a road game since the Bush Administration (W, that is)

The goal came early in the first half after one of New York's rare forays into Sounder territory. The Sounders defense made a hash of clearing the cross and the ball bounced to Macoumba Hatata (I know it's Kandji, but I love that song) who did a great job of bending his lanky legs to get a shot off, sending the ball into and under the crossbar.

The stats show Seattle's apparent control of the game. I couldn't find any stats for possession, but I have to think it was over 60% in Seatttle's favor. (This was despite very sloppy play, particularly from Porkchop, who seemed to give the ball away at every opportunity). We were quite literally in control of this game, with the simple exception of being down a goal, and not being able to roll the onion into the bag.

The worst of the culprits was normally reliable Freddie Ljungberg who headed the ball just wide of the post on a free header. The Swede grabbed his head in frustration as he knew he should've brought the Sounders back on level terms at that point. Freddie was also culpable for losing his cool with the refs and the RBulls Boltonesque tactics. At one point, Ljungberb tried to kick the ball into the back of an RBull opponent and missed sending the ball past the touchline for a Bulls' goal kick. It was a stupid, juvenile act that squandered what should've been, at least another attempt on goal. Thus was the Sounders' night.

Montero was back to his lazy ways. The most energy and commitment he showed all night long was in pestering the keeper on his kicks. I rate this as highly as Freddie L's throw-away free kick.

I've always liked Roger Levesque's work ethic and spirit, but he was wasted space on the field Saturday. He was making me think wistfully of the days of Nate Jaqua. When Sigi subbed new striker Pat Noonan on, the front line immediately gained a sharper edge to it. I'm thinking Noonan will begin to get more and more time and Roger will take his place on the bench.

Other than that, not too much to say about the game. I could complain about the RBulls fouls, and the inconsistent, weak-kneed refereeing, but there's no use pinning the blame on anyone else other than the Sounders. They shot themselves in the foot. It was about the only target they could hit last night!

Let's get it back against the Rapids!