Seattle Sounders 2, Philadelphia Union 1 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Dave Zeitlin

The veteran and the rookie did it for Seattle.

Chad Marshall scored his second goal in as many weeks – matching his total from the previous three seasons – and Jordan Morris opened his MLS account as the Sounders (2-3-1) beat the shorthanded Philadelphia Union, 2-1, on Saturday at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Sebastien Le Toux, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in his long Union career, scored the only goal for Philly (3-3-0).

Box Score

41’ – SEA – Chad Marshall (Andreas Ivanschitz)
71’ – SEA – Jordan Morris (Andreas Ivanschitz)
73’ – PHI – Sebastien Le Toux (C.J. Sapong, Fabinho)
Full box score
Stats
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Three Things

WEIGHT OFF HIS SHOULDERS
: It’s no secret that it hasn’t been the easiest start for Morris, who has struggled to get acclimated to MLS play. But the much-hyped Homegrown signing finally offered a glimmer of his enormous potential, not only bagging his first professional goal but looking lively throughout his 82-minute shift.

April 17, 2016
Yes, he still was a bit tentative on the ball at times but he very easily could have had an assist if not for Blake's ridiculous save on Ivanschitz late in the first half. And his goal – which came after a very nice run to get behind the defense – will undoubtedly be the first of many.

RED-CARD WOES: The Union certainly played well enough to at least return home with a point but were burned by an untimely sendoff. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the same thing happened two weeks ago in a 1-0 loss to Chicago when Warren Creavalle picked up a costly red card early in the second half. This week, at around the same juncture of the game, it was Alberg who was shown in his second yellow, putting his team in a very difficult spot. Head coach Jim Curtin has consistently pointed out that refs are going into their pocket more this season but the bottom line is that his players have to figure out a way to stay on the field, especially in difficult road venues.

MILESTONES AND DEBUTS: On a day when Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso each made their 200th MLS appearance, two other players both made their MLS debuts. For Seattle, 20-year-old Oalex Anderson started up top for Seattle alongside Morris. And for the Union, Joshua Yaro, the second overall pick in this year’s SuperDraft, got the start at center back with Ken Tribbett injured. Both players looked solid but will likely need to do more to keep their starting roles. Meanwhile, Brian Carroll did not play in his 350th career game as expected, sitting out in favor of Creavalle.