Seattle Sounders Vs. Philadelphia Union, 2011 MLS: Freddy Adu’s Goal Hands Galaxy Supporters’ Shield

The Seattle Sounders they needed to be perfect to have any chance at catching the LA Galaxy in the Supporters' Shield race. Their 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union was far from perfect, handing the Galaxy their second straight Shield and taking just about all of the intrigue out of the Western Conference.

The Eastern Conference, on the other hand, just got even more interesting. The Union jumped two points ahead of Sporting Kansas City to take the inside track on the No. 1 seed in the East, handing the Sounders just their third loss in their 17 matches across all competitions.

To do it, the Union made the most of their chances, while watching the Sounders mostly waste theirs. The Union managed just six shots in the entire game, but second-half goals from Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll just 10 minutes apart proved more than enough.

On Adu's goal, Gabriel Farfan battled James Riley near the endline, reaching around the right back to poke the ball to the center of the goal. Adu one-timed it past a helpless Kasey Keller. The sealer came when Sebastien Le Toux was set free on a counter-attack. Le Toux fed Carroll, who beat Keller to the far post for his first goal of the season. It was Le Toux's ninth assist of the season.

The Sounders had plenty of chances, attempting 13 shots, but only put two of their shots on target. Their best chance was a Brad Evans chip that beat Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath but hit the crossbar.