SOUNDERS FC: Sounders: 2 Earthquakes: 2

The Sounders earned a draw against San Jose Saturday night. The match featured a slightly different lineup for the Sounders with Fredy Montero missing the match.

Head Coach Sigi Schmid started Mauro Rosales up front with O’brian White. Rosales filled the roll very nicely. He was active and created many chances in the early going for the Sounders, none bigger than in the 17th minute. Rosales split two defenders inside the eighteen and sent a low drive back across the box that found the foot of Brad Evans for the goal.

To Continue...Finally, the Sounders had jumped on top of an opponent early. However, the lead wouldn’t last long. In the 32nd minute, Simon Dawkins hit a low-ball far post that leveled the score. The goal for Dawkins broke a streak of 12 straight goals scored by Wondolowski in regular season games.

Just before half, Zakuani took the ball up the left side and after a couple of nice scissor moves (lollipops as Sounders broadcaster Arlo White called them) he sent a looping ball into the box. The ball found the head of O’brian White who nailed it home.

Again, I found myself saying, finally! The Sounders had found ways to put the ball in the net. They took the 2-1 lead into the half.

Alvaro Fernandez replaced Erik Friberg to start the second half. For San Jose, Khari Stephenson entered the match. He made his presence known just as the half got underway.

In the 52nd minute Stephenson hit a rocket shot from about 35 yards that again tied the score.

Although both teams had solid chances in the remainder of the match, the score remained 2-2. With the draw, the Sounders picked up one point, giving them two points in four matches.

Generally, earning a point on the road is considered a success, but in this case it doesn’t feel that way. It has been the Sounders lack of scoring that has failed them in the early going, but tonight you figured two goals would have been enough to come away with three points. Unfortunately, the Earthquakes capitalized on their opportunities as well.

The Sounders are in desperate need of a win and three points. Their next opportunity will come next Saturday against the Chicago Fire.

Reach Ryan Kinney at rkinney20@gmail.com