Despite being on short rest and having to use their eighth different line-up in as many games as a result, the Sounders extended their winning streak to four games and an overall unbeaten streak to five. Not only did the Sounders get the three points, they registered their fifth shutout of the season.
From the first whistle the Sounders dominated the match, defensively allowing only a single shot in the first half and ultimately allowing Philadelphia only a single shot on target while endlessly harassing Philadelphia's back line on the offensive side. Despite the pressure and number of chances the Union's Zac McMath held strong, denying all but one. That goal came in the sixty-third minute, Fredy Montero picked up the ball from Eddie Johnson at the top of the penalty area and slid a beautiful pass to a completely open Mauro Rosales who easily slipped it home into the far corner. MacMath didn't do all the work, however. On two occasions he got a little help from the woodwork, one saw Andy Rose with a header off of the crossbar direct off of a corner and the other a beautiful chip from Montero off of the upper ninety.
After the goal, the remainder of the second half proved to be nervy times for the Sounders as several giveaways and poor passing gifted the Union a handful of opportunities that thankfully they just could not capitalize on. The Sounders held on, though, winning for the third time in eight days and Bryan Meredith earning his first shutout in his first ever MLS start. Now to look forward to next Wednesday, when the Sounders travel down to Frisco, Texas to face FC Dallas.
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