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Originally Posted by Montana Moe
Yeah, Gspurning hasn't been very impressive of late. Looks like the rain may let up by kickoff.
Fouling Dempsey seems to be a pretty effective defensive tactic, and if this match was any indication, they're going to let the teams be pretty physical. EJ gets so emotional, I find it hard to believe that he won't get that next yellow and miss the 2nd leg in Portland. He was damn close to getting it tonight with his jersey/t-shirt message.
We know that Seattle is going to foul Nagbe at every possible occasion, as was protocol for the rest of MLS, as well. Alonso will be in his back pocket all night. Will Johnson will surely do the same with Dempsey/EJ, he seems to find a way to agitate everyone. (Those plucky Canadians!)
I'm sure it'll all come down to a deflected header by a reserve right back in stoppage time.
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Tonight's win was a huge relief for a mentally fragile group. You saw it as the match progressed. The stress on the players and in the stands was palatable and you saw in the cards.
The recipe for success for the Sounders based on their only playoff win is to play the home leg first and have the first match carry momentum.
Portland is very good with multiple lines of attack and that questionable back line is nicely reinforced by Johnson and Chara. They are playing with a huge amount of confidence but have no playoff experience so we'll see if whether experience or momentum win in the end.
The CLink will be packed with Timbers fans who can't get tickets to Jenweld so should be a fun and loud night. I'll be in the cozy and dry club seats....being one of the groupon fans and all.
