Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids: 3 Takeaways from the 1st Leg

By Paul Taylor | Nov 23, 2016

Nov 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei (24) high-fives fans after a game against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Sam Cronin (6) and midfielder Jermaine Jones (13) celebrate after a goal by forward Kevin Doyle (not shown) against the Seattle Sounders FC during the first half in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Rapids score a crucial away goal

Give the Rapids credit where it’s due – they came to Seattle to play and try to get a result, rather than just sit back. Regardless, they seemed to take everyone by surprise, when they took the lead with their first shot on goal.

Coming in the 13th minute, Kevin Doyle’s effort went in, via a slight deflection off Sounders’ defender Chad Marshall. Not that this should take nothing away from Colorado’s excellent buildup to the strike.

Of course, giving up an away goal is not an ideal scenario for the Sounders, as it provides the first tiebreaker in two-legged playoff affairs. However, on the positive side, at least they did not allow the Rapids to score a second, which would have been even more disastrous.

This now sets up a major challenge for the Sounders in the second leg, specifically if Colorado scores themselves. They are unbeaten at home this season after only conceding seven goals at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which set a new MLS record with a 0.41 goals-against average.

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