Sounders Handle DC United 2-0
By Ben Renner
The Sounders ended their losing streak in emphatic fashion last night, handling D.C. United in a 2-0 victory.
The Sounders came into the second leg of their dreaded East Coast swing against DC United having lost three matches in a row, including an embarrassing 2-1 loss to the New England Revolution last weekend. They desperately needed a win or at least a point on the road to keep from sliding even further in the MLS Western Conference standings.
DC United posed a difficult challenge for the Sounders not only because they have four wins on the season and four draws, but also because the Sounders had not won on the road yet this season.
The pressure was mounting to finally get the monkey off of their backs minus their best offensive threat Clint Dempsey, who is participating with the US Men’s Team in the Copa America.
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The Sounders responded with a resounding 2-0 victory in Washington DC last night, and in so doing, regained a bit of the confidence that bizarre calls, injuries, and stunning late-game goals have eroded so far this year. Defender Brad Evans returned for Seattle, which boosted a defense that needed its leader back. The Sounders withstood a potent DC United attack in the first half and used a late-game flurry to put them away and earn their first road victory.
Defender/midfielder Joevin Jones came onto the pitch for midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz in the 74th minute and had an immediate impact. In just five minutes he set up Jordan Morris’ 79th-minute goal and scored on a composed finish four minutes later. In all, Jones completed all eight of his passes, completed a cross, and recorded 19 touches in his short sub stint.
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The Sounders don’t play another MLS match until June 19th, when they face the New York Red Bulls. The win put a positive spin on their play heading into the break. On the other side, the Sounders may have Dempsey and Nelson Valdez back from their respective national teams ahead of their meeting with New York.