Sapong and Union knock off Sounders, 1-0
For the second time this season, the Union have knocked off a conference leader. This time it came after their most lopsided loss of the season.
For the second time this season, the Union have knocked off a conference leader. This time it came after their most lopsided loss of the season.
After being blitzed, 5-1, Saturday in Los Angeles, the Union began the second half of their Major League Soccer season Wednesday with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at PPL Park.
Seattle (9-6-2) remains tied with Vancouver for the lead in the Western Conference. Earlier this season, the Union defeated Eastern Conference leader D.C. United, also at PPL Park.
"This was an important bounce-back from what was an awful performance in L.A.," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "The guys put a lot into the game."
Although the upset wins demonstrate potential, the Union's record of 5-10-3 tells the story of an inconsistent season but one in which the playoffs remain a realistic goal.
Seattle was missing several key parts, including its two leading scorers, U.S. national team standout Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins. Dempsey was serving a three-game suspension while Martins was out with a groin strain.
C.J. Sapong continued his torrid pace by scoring in the 69th minute, his fourth consecutive game with a goal, tying the team record by Jack McInerney set in 2012.
Defender Sheanon Williams sent a long cross into the box, and in stride Sapong headed it in for his sixth goal.
After a slow start this year, Williams has become a standout on the back line.
"The number of head balls C.J. wins is incredible - he's a monster," Williams said. "I just lofted it up and let him go get it."
The Union applied constant pressure during a scoreless first half. In the 28th minute, Maurice Edu scored off a throw by Williams, but the goal was negated when Andrew Wenger fouled keeper Stefan Frei.
The Sounders keeper kept the game scoreless when he made a diving save off an Edu penalty kick in the 30th minute. The Union earned the penalty kick after a high kick to the face of Wenger by Sounders defender Dylan Remick.
In the 62d minute, Sapong sent a cross from the right flank to Eric Ayuk in front of the box, but a saving tackle by Oniel Fisher prevented the Union midfielder from converting at the back post.
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