Per usual, it was raining in Seattle. But, somehow it rained heavier than usual on Saturday night, literally and figuratively. When it was all said and done, the Loons left Lumen Field without a point for the eighth straight time after falling to the Sounders, 1-0.
As has been the case throughout MNUFC's recent three-game skid, the boys played hard and were not short on effort. In terms of the attack, Sang Bin Jeong’s performance was a bright spot that could be taken away from this loss. His energy was palpable throughout the first half and early second. With Sang Bin at the 10, Bongi and Lod on the wings, and García up top, the Loons front quartet showed a great deal of pace and energy, if also a lack of familiarity in playing with one another. All in all, the MNUFC attack wasn't able to put together much in the way of quality scoring opportunities throughout the night, accumulating an expected goal number of just 0.5. The one attempt that had fans preemptively jumping out of their seat came in the 41st minute, a laser shot by Sang Bin that was well over the crossbar.
As has been the case throughout much of the season, it was the Loons defensive unit that really stood out on the evening. They consistently were able to keep the Sounders at bay throughout the match. But, when Seattle made the move to sub in MLS goal leader Jordan Morris, playing in a reserve role following his appearance with the USMNT’s against Mexico this past Wednesday, it made for a more dangerous version of the Sounders attack.
Then, in the 79th minute, the ferocious defense of the Loons finally gave way to an Albert Rusnák missile strike from outside the box to the bottom left corner of the net. 1-0, Seattle. The Loons amped up the late game push to find an equalizer, but only a late Kervin Arriaga free kick from outside the box in the 82nd minute would pose a real threat to the Seattle lead, and ultimately, the attempt flew just a bit too high and over the crossbar.
Another letdown in the Pacific Northwest has the Loons flying back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes with more questions than answers to how to get the train back on the track. While there is a lot of season ahead, MNUFC likely won’t be wasting any time strategizing a way to change their recent fortunes.
UP NEXT
U.S. Open Cup Third Round
Detroit City FC vs. Minnesota United FC
Keyworth Stadium | Hamtramck, MI
04.25.23 | 6:30 pm CT (Watch on Bleacher Report (B/R) app and B/R Football YouTube channel)
