Seattle Sounders make no excuses after loss in Columbus

Despite missing several key starters versus Crew SC, Seattle Sounders still believe they should have done better on Wednesday night.

Despite traditionally faring well in Columbus, the Seattle Sounders were still expected to have a tough ride this time around. After all, they entered Wednesday night without Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris, who were both away on international duty for US national men’s team.

It didn’t help that Harry Shipp and Will Bruin were also both missing, due to injury. With Chad Marshall being given the night off to rest, you knew the Sounders were facing an uphill challenge.

And so it turned out, as Crew SC came away with a 3-0 win. Conceding two goals in the first 21 minutes didn’t help, and after that it just felt inevitable the Sounders would end up on the losing side.

More from Seattle Sounders

Objectively speaking, the Sounders battled gamely. Possession was fairly equal, and they produced more crosses and corners.

Unfortunately for the Rave Green though, Columbus created more chances and proved to be clinical, resulting in the final scoreline. In fairness to the Sounders, they didn’t make any excuses, despite six changes to the starting lineup which beat Portland 1-0 at the weekend.

Cristian Roldan spoke to the media about the team’s performance. As reported by Andrew Harvey of SportpressNW.com, Roldan said:

"“We can’t blame anybody but ourselves. We didn’t play well enough. We can’t use, ‘We were shorthanded,’ as an excuse. We weren’t dangerous enough. That was a key component. We didn’t take our opportunities when they came to us.”"

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer was also in no mood to make excuses, with him being particularly annoyed by the way his team conceded their first two goals. As reported by Harvey, Schmetzer said:

"“There’s no excuses for us there. Guys that come in to the field of play have to be competent, and I think those are two soft goals.”"

At least there was some good news in respect of the defense, with Roman Torres making his long awaited return from injury. And even though he only played 16 minutes after the result was effectively decided, the towering defender will hopefully be able to provide a stabilizing presence moving forward.

While we’re on the subject of good news, the Sounders also remain just one point out of a playoff spot. However, there’s no denying they need to perform more consistently, with them being particularly poor on their travels so far this season.

Next up is a clash with Houston Dynamo, who currently have the best record in the Western Conference. At least Saturday’s fixture will be within the friendly confines of CenturyLink Field, where the Sounders have only lost once in six games.

Next: Sounders need others to step up

What was your main takeaway from Wednesday night in Columbus? Do you believe the final scoreline reflected the Sounders’ performance, or did they deserve better? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Home/Seattle Sounders