Jordan Morris Scores Twice as Sounders Stun Galaxy
By Paul Taylor
Seattle Sounders secure their first win in Los Angeles since 2009, as rookie star Jordan Morris scores his sixth game-winner of the season.
The Seattle Sounders entered Sunday’s game seemingly facing mission impossible, as they took on a Galaxy team unbeaten at home in 2016. However, much like Tom Cruise, they found a way to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to leave Los Angeles with a crucial 4-2 win.
Jordan Morris took on the starring role as the Sounders’ version of Cruise — okay, we’ll stop with the movie references now — scoring twice, including his MLS-leading sixth game winner of the season. In the process, Seattle clinched their first road win against the Galaxy since their inaugural MLS season, back in 2009.
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Morris hasn’t been without his critics this season, ridiculous really, when you consider this is his first year in MLS. Regardless, the improvement in his play since March is plain to see.
Speaking to The Seattle Times’ Matt Pentz and the rest of the media afterwards, Morris said: “I think as the season’s gone on, the game has slowed down for me a little bit. In those moments, I don’t panic as much.”
This much was clear in the 21-year old’s second goal, which turned out to be the game-winner: “I took the touch, and maybe earlier in the season, I would have hit it first-time.”
Certainly, Morris’ growth, has been a pleasure to watch. He admitted that earlier in the season, there were times when he doubted himself: “I was almost waiting for the whistle.
“I’m like, ‘I’m too nervous to be out here. I don’t know what was going on.’ ”
Now, the Seattle native is at a point where he can joke around with the press, as evidenced by his description of his first goal: “I know you guys don’t like when I use the outside of my right (foot).”
That first strike for Morris proved pivotal, giving the Sounders their first lead and the belief they could actually win. Up to that point, the Galaxy had looked more likely to score a second goal.
As Sounders’ interim head coach — seriously, it’s time to remove the interim tag — Brian Schmetzer, told Pentz and the rest of the media: “The game could have changed in that moment.
“Big-time players come up in those moments and make a difference in games. Jordan’s performance was a big-time performance tonight.”
Morris’ 12 goals are the most in MLS history by an American rookie. In addition, he now seems almost certain to be named MLS Rookie of the Year.
However, first things first, qualifying for the playoffs take priority. The Sounders are still on the outside looking in, but as Morris’ confidence grows, so do the team’s chances of claiming sixth place (or better) in the Western Conference.
Next: Predicting the rest of the Sounders' schedule
After their unexpected win in Los Angeles, the Sounders find themselves right back in the thick of things. How confident are you now in their chances of clinching a playoff spot? Let us know in the comments section below.