Jordan Morris scored a dramatic game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time, sending the Seattle Sounders to a massive 1-0 road victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium on Sunday.
With both sides reduced to 10 men after second-half red cards, Morris broke a scoreless deadlock with a late breakaway finish, vaulting the Sounders up to a tie with Minnesota United for second on the Western Conference table ahead of the clash between Seattle and Minnesota on Decision Day presented by AT&T at CenturyLink Field next Sunday.
The game was open throughout the contest, with the Sounders nearly striking first off a 13th-minute shot from Morris that was denied by a reaction save from Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega. San Jose then nearly opened the scoring just two minutes later off a curling shot from Magnus Eriksson that looked destined for the top corner. However, the shot was denied by a highlight-reel diving save from Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei to allow Seattle to avert the threat.
The action continued into the second half, with San Jose nearly finding the opener again in the 54th minute off a rocket shot from distance off the boot of Guram Kashia, who saw the attempt scream by Frei and bounce off the woodwork.The home side were then dealt a blow just two minutes later after Tommy Thompson was sent off for flicking his cleat back into Xavier Arreaga, reducing the Quakes to 10 men.
The Sounders found themselves unable to capitalize on the advantage, and then were dealt a red card of their own in the 71st after Arreaga was sent off for his second yellow for a foul on Danny Hoesen just outside the penalty box, forcing the contest to finish 10-v-10. Hoesen then sent the ensuing free kick ringing off the post, to narrowly maintain the scoreless deadlock.
Morris provided the winner just before the final whistle, pouncing on a wayward backpass and slotting his shot home past Vega, allowing Seattle to snatch all three points in stunning fashion.
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Goals
- 90' +4 - SEA - Jordan Morris | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It was a much more entertaining match than the final scoreline might indicate, with both teams having plenty of chances and the pair of red cards contributing to the action. In the end, it's a huge win for the Sounders as they continue their quest for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. That looming clash with Minnesota will be a must-watch match. It's an equally deflating result for the Quakes, who have been knocked below the cutoff line and have everything to play for in their Decision Day clash with a Portland side that will also be playing desperate.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Morris' winner was the game's only goal, and its greater significance as it pertains to the Western Conference table make it an easy choice.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Scoring a stoppage time game-winner is a pretty good way to get the honors. The nod goes to Morris, who now has 10 goals and seven assists in 25 games on the season.
Next Up
- SJ: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Portland Timbers (4 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
- SEA: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Minnesota United (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; DAZN in Canada)
