Seattle Sounders Vs. Real Salt Lake, 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs: RSL Sneaks Through

Seattle has held possession in the box quite a bit in the past few minutes, and RSL are playing an ice hockey-style of defending, where they will basically shift bodies to get a block on a shot from any angle. Although Seattle needs to make the best chances and not waste their time on low percentage chances, if they can provoke a handball on an RSL player in the box, they might draw another penalty. With time running out, they may need to resort to such desperate measures to get an equalizer.

This is what Sounders fans and the neutrals who wanted to be entertained were looking for, folks. Can Seattle get another in the last half hour?

Then, Seattle scored on Fredy Montero’s shot, but referee Jair Marrufo calls the goal back in the 43rd minute. Montero was judged to have fouled Nick Rimando by impeding him. The two players collided and Montero got a bloody lip and his goal disallowed for his effort. Looks like Seattle just can’t get a break.

I suppose that Seattle is giving themselves as many obstacles as possible in order to make a comeback as incredible as they can. For now, they need to stay on the field and get a goal to even get started.

As long as you have a MLS ref.

H/T Mocksession and @BubbaProg.

RSL starters: Rimando; Russell, Schuler, Wingert, Beltran; Beckerman (c), Williams, Johnson, Morales; Espindola, Saborio. Bench: Reynish, McKenzie, Grabavoy, AAlvarez, Gil, Warner, Paulo Jr

Now the Sounders return home needing to erase a three-goal deficit. It’s do-able, but unlikely. If they are to pull it off, they will need an extraordinary performance from Alonso. He can’t look at all like the player he was in the first leg. He’ll have to be the player we saw all regular season, if not better.

For mor news and analysis, be sure to check out Sounders blog Sounder at Heart.

Without Rosales’ ability to hold possession and send it crosses, the Sounders looked downright feckless during Saturday’s destruction. The Sounders did not have a single shot on goal and really only had a couple decent scoring chances.

Losing either center back would clearly be a blow to RSL, even if they are holding a huge lead. Heading into the playoffs, RSL had lost by at least three goals in 3 of their last 6 games. Olave and Borchers are clearly their two best defensive players and facing a Sounders team that scored at least three goals in 10 games this year, their presence would surely be missed.

Real Salt Lake are very heavy favorites to advance to the Western Conference finals, but this tie is not over yet. This game is still going to produce some great football, and if Seattle can score early, a whole lot of drama. CenturyLink Field will be loud and filled with 36,000 wearing Rave Green on Wednesday night, and it’ll be worth tuning in for that alone.

For more on the two teams leading up to the game, check out Seattle Sounders blog Sounder At Heart and Real Salt Lake blog RSL Soapbox. For more on the entire world of soccer and the rest of the MLS Cup Playoffs, check out SB Nation Soccer.