Seattle Sounders - Houston Dynamo Game 2 Full Match Replay

Nine to fifty KJR AM and KJA B HD two c Mhart radio station. Listen on the free iHeartRadio app for all your music sports talking.

Podcastle You Never Sounded so good.

Welcome to the Sounders FC pre mat Show presented by Provident Swedish and the twenty twenty four MLS Cup Playoffs. Tonight, your Seattle Sounders FC face Houston DYNAMOFC in their best of three series. The Provident Swedish premat Show starts now.

Well after a penalty kick win in Game one, your Sounders now lead the Houston Dynamo one to nothing in this best of three first round MLS Playoff series, and tonight, both the boys on the field and our entire broadcast team have traveled down here to warm It's.

A sticky heat.

It's very humid here in Houston, Texas Shell Energy Stadium, where the Rave Green can end this series tonight and start looking ahead to a one off Western Conference semifinal. But it will take between now and perhaps ninety minutes and perhaps a penalty kick shootout to get them there, and if needed, a Game three, which would take place one week from tonight, one week from today, I should say and it will be back at Lumenfield there on November tenth, that is, if a game three is necessary.

Has been cloudy off and on.

Today we see a little bit of clouds, a little bit of blue sky right now, lots of thunderstorms and lightning. Last night it was raining, cats and dogs, raining as hard as it's rained in Seattle all year, it was last night. But today just clouds. A nice breeze coming into our broadcast both here at Shell Energy Stadium. Should be a pleasant evening for soccer here between the Sounders

To game two. Listen, we can talk about what happened.

In the ninety minutes, but at the end of the day, going five for five in pks and come away with a win, that's all the matters.

Well, it's just Seattle Sounders drama, and it continues to happen. And it's a way that no they know how to win a game is to make it down to the very end and then shine through. I mean, these guys are worked hard for ninety minutes. It wasn't a pretty game. It was an ugly game. It was battled in every way. There was fouls left and right. But they found a way to get through. They found a way to get to penalties, and obviously they took care of business. And what I mean they took care of business.

It was beautiful.

Every single one you know, either a top corner or away from the goalie. He never had a chance. We never had a doubt. Stephan Fry coming up big and making the guy go wide. It's it was a good performance when it came to the pks. Now can they translate that emotion into this game, which is going to be a lot harder obviously with the with the absences, they have.

The typical antics, starting with the goalkeeper Clark. For Houston, we expected when they came in and and and they.

I would say Houston was very happy.

Actually, you saw Clark after the game jawing at Stephen Fry taunting him.

Which I didn't like at all.

Most people in the stadium did not, But that's what they were hoping for, especially when they went down a man ten against eleven. It'll be interesting to see the tactics today if they take that. But you're right, Kellen, the five pks, and you know, some of the guys who would normally take a PK for Seattle we're not on the field.

So to see Jackson.

Reagan step up, the Michigan product, the Seattle United product, the Sounders Academy product, and then Christian rolled on and then his brother Alex, you know.

Get the fifth one.

I thought that was great, and then we knew Raoul and Albert would take penalty kicks, but they did what they needed to do to advance. And there was a basketball coach at Odai High School who said survive in advance, right, and that's what we've done.

Now we're here.

It would be fantastic for them to end this three game series on game two.

Can I just say that I love the first thing you said tonight on this broadcast is a dig at former Portland Timber Steve Clark, I mean.

Steve Clark and goal for Houston.

Like, the reality is we all as Sounder fans, we've watched him for years. We understand what he's all about. We don't like the guy. He clearly doesn't like the Sounders. We saw it in Game one. We'll see if it pops up again here in Game two tonight. But as Kellen mentioned, their absences, there are absences.

Let's start off actually.

With the Providence Swedish team health report, because this one is important and it's extensive and it's going to impact what you hear in tonight's starting lineup. So we'll start with Jacob Castro. He's out with an adductor injury. Danny Mazovsky has picked up a quad injury, so Mazofski is out tonight. You also have Cody Baker, he is not available due to a head injury. He came in as questionable, and then the following two players were questionable, but they

Tonight's Game two.

Rusnak will miss tonight's match against the Houston Dynamo after experiencing hip pain in training on Friday.

The situation's not expected to be long term.

Head coach Brian Spencer will provide more details, of course, in his postmatch press conference, but Albert is out tonight with a hip injury.

The Providence Swedish.

The team helperport is presented by Providence Swedish, the official healthcare partner of Sounders FC. So with that said, Pete feuing, what is Brian Spencer doing with his starting lineup?

Well, the back and the group in front of the back looks normal. The attacking sides a little different today. It's your typical four two three to one fry end goal. Alex rolled On as you're right back, Gomez Androti Reagan your center backs knew who your left back. The two in front, JP and Obed Vargas are back together again. Pedro de la Vega on the right, Paul Rothrock on the left, Christian rolled On will sit underneath Raoul Ruidias.

We'll go over Houston's line up later on.

I think we got to stick with Seattle right here, So callen no Jordan Morris roll in for him? No, Albert Rusnak. Christian slides up and is in for him. Who is the bigger absence of those two gigantic players for the Sounders.

Gosh, it's so.

Hard because they've had such good seasons, both of them, and they've worked well together, which I love. But for me it's it's gonna be Albert Rusnak because look, you're bringing out Jordan Morris. I understand that, but then you also have you know, your league and goal scorer for the Seattle Sounders and rivalry Das, so you know you can find goals. The problem for me is how you're going to find those goals when you don't have the

Well.

It's interesting, Pete, because Christian Roldan, he's filled in at the ten before, He's filed in about eight different positions before we know, but he also the ten was his best position at the University of Washington, or he became a star playing soccer and got his first round. Amon, a super draft pick, was playing this spot at you double. I'm sure you may have faced off a couple of times against Christian Rudon playing this position.

Yeah, we did not like seeing him in that spot. He was very dangerous for the Huskies. And you know he had a seven goal season one year a few years back, and that he was in that position.

So he knows it.

It gives him license to be the third man running, to move off Ruidiaz to.

Get higher up inside the box.

So and as you said, Jackson, he's played so many positions, he knows what this new role means for him and what his new responsibilities are. So I think he'll do fine in this position. I think the big thing too is to try to he'll try to keep Ruidiaz.

From not running over running.

We got to see if we can get Ruidiaz through ninety minutes so he can take.

A penalty kick if necessary. So I think it's a good spot.

I think this when you look at what he has options wise, we're missing twenty three goals and twenty one assists between Jordan and alwards, So that's almost half.

Of our goal production for the entire year.

It's going to be important that everybody, you know, wide players get their crosses in. Christian plays off for ru Ideas and that we keep ru Ideas from having to come back too far, keep them in between the eighteen the width of the eighteen yard bocks and get him some service.

So we talked about that with coach Spetzer of how they're gonna play, because it is a different lineup and it's not one that they find a lot of going forward. You don't have the pace in behind for Jordan Morris. If you've got Rally Diaz who's gonna want to come to the ball defeat Paul Rothrock and Peter Devala aren't

Two players back, two players out, one player back. Obed Vargas returns. He was suspended for the first game of this series due to the red card he got, the two yellows he got in the Portland Timbers decision day match way back when so Obed missed that he is back tonight and Pete having him next to Jual Paulo, a combination that has certainly produced lots of results this year that trio even you had Christian in there, but

A huge addition to the Sounders.

Yeah, no question, And I think he is one guy that can have some license to go forward. I think Brian Schmetzer will say JP, you stay home because we're hoping to keep him on the field for ninety minutes as well, and I think Obed will you know if Christian Phades off the left side of ruidaz Obed can take off and be maybe a third or fourth man running. I think he'll get that. But to Kellen's point, here's

It's managing the game.

So that three guys Dalea Vega, Rui Diaz, Joe Paul can if they can go in ninety minutes very important.

Now Georgie coming off can help.

Us, but we especially JP and and ru ideas we might need for penalty kicks.

We talk about managing the game. And obviously this is a series. It's something that's a little bit different. We did it last year, but you want to go through it. And I guess we did lose in Dallas and then we came back to win home, so you have another chance. And so obviously the Albert Rusnak and Jordan Morris might be a little bit more precautionary because there is another chance. But when you go into this game, are you thinking

The penalties, this is a good result for us.

You know, how do you how do you as a coach go into this game thinking we have another one if we need it, but we don't want it because we want to give guys breaks, we want to get guys back in fully healthy and things of that sort.

Well, Brian has never been a guy who parks a bus. Never and but this is maybe Park of Voltswegen in a.

Little Beatlem, Yeah, yeah, we hate me a little traveler.

Maybe Park a little bit something smaller.

But I think he's going to say, look, you don't have to do it all in the first twenty minutes. Get a feel for the game. The heat is a factor. It's warm, it's muggy.

Right, they're going to dehydrate it pretty quick.

But I think this is one where he's got enough you know, experience between goalkeeper back for the two in front of them. And I would say that Paul Rothrock can handle an assignment now, even though this has been his first year as a full time starter ish. So I think they've got to be really smart about when they go getting numbers behind the ball, catching their breath. Last game they had fifty five percent possession and so if they can keep possession.

Of the ball and again they've got to manage the game.

He's not a park. The bus guy restarts will be very important for the Sounders today. They were working on him yesterday at training.

Well, it is a muggy, it's a sticky, it's not a great heat.

We're about an hour north of Galveston and then the coast to the southern coast of Texas, and you can feel it. It is definitely feeling a very muggy hot night here in Houston, Texas. We're here at Shell Energy Stadium where we are just about a half hour less than a half hour, about thirty five minutes away from kick Here at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Today's count Down to Kickoff is presented by Emerald Queen Casino, the Entertainment Capital of the Northwest, Pete Few and Kellen Rode

I was blown away in a good way, a very good way, how so, by the generosity of our neighbors nice when Apollo Plumbing pledged our service fees.

Oh right to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital all month, all the way to twenty thousand dollars.

And even more. As it turns out, that is generous. It was more than I could have imagined. It's a good feeling, which is why I'm taking a minute to say.

Thanks to all of us who called Apolo.

And those who donated more on your website right do you made it possible for us to help Seattle.

Children, helping them provide patient care, support, research.

And ensure no child in need is ever turned.

Away because we called Apollo Plumbing.

And made donations through our website even more for Seattle Children's Thank you for helping us help them.

Giving is a good thing.

We're grateful to all who did.

It's good knowing Apollo Plumbing cares.

It's good knowing. We're ready right now too. Write sure.

That's what makes you Apollo Plumbing.

You call, we come, It's fixed, guaranteed.

Gotta love Apollo Plumbing Apollo Plumbing dot com.

When two forces for good come together, united by a greater purpose, something amazing happens. We become greater than the sum of our parts to better serve our communities, providing excellence and compassionate care, advanced treatments, and leading edge research. Together, for more than a decade, we deliver on the promise of world class healthcare in the Pacific Northwest. Sweetish together for you.

This is Lamar Nagle, former Seattle Sounders FC player and current Rave Foundation board member.

Rave, the official charitable.

Partner of the Sounders, uses soccer as a vehicle to inspire kids to be well, to learn, and to have fun. Through our twenty six Fields by twenty twenty six initiative, we are committed to building twenty six free play fields in underserved communities throughout Washington State in time for the twenty twenty six World Cup. Join Rave's twenty six Fields by twenty twenty six movement today by visiting ravefoundation dot org slash donating.

I want Bogo for a dollar Daily double?

Honey, wake up?

What's up?

You were talking in your sleep?

I had this dream. McDonald's Daily Double was Bogo for a dollar, just like the McChicken mcdoubell and hot and spicy McChicken.

Honey, that's not a dream.

The Daily Double is Bogo for a dollar.

Oh, my dreams are coming true.

I don't know about that.

What do you think that dream means?

I guess you really like McDonald's bogo for a dollar items.

Oh, you're good, prist.

Some participation mayvary, can combined with any other offer. A combo meal valid for item of equalor lesser value bought up.

Hey, Sounders fans, We're excited that Sharp Vision Modern Lacey Can Lens is the official Lasik provider of the rave grade. Sharp Vision Modern lacy Can Lens offers life changing lasix starting at four hundred and ninety five dollars per ie, along with a wide range of vision correction treatments. To learn more about your vision options schedule of free consultation online at sharpdashvision dot com or call us at four

You're listening to the home of Sounders FC, Seattle's sports Radio nine fifty kJ R.

Welcome back, tax We.

Are live sell at Stay there down.

There's about five minutes right outside of the heart of downtown Houston, Texas, where clouds are moving through very quickly.

Some dark ones, but so far no rain here.

There was about a ten minute gigantic rain storm this morning, but it's been pretty much just scattered cloud since then. We see some blue sky as well, but as we said in the first segment, it is extremely, extremely muggy. It is hot here in Houston and the players will need to stay hydrated tonight in Game two of Sounders versus Dynamo, it's time for tonight's Sharp Vision opponent, Alec

So, as we talked about the last.

Game as well, they roared into the playoffs with the five seed coming off of a two to one added time decision day win over the LA Galaxy thrilling Daniel starez hetter here in Houston. That got him that big win in the one hundred and fourth minute. But you look at the overall the pictures stepping back in the last six games, it's gone win loss, win, loss, win, loss, and that included there. The game one loss in penalty kicks to Seattle on Monday. So callen this is a

Play this differently?

I think Houston goes about it the way they were in that first half before they got that red card. They were obviously very good in possession. It's what they want. They get Herrera on the ball, they make good runs in the box. I see Dorsey running up and down this right flank as that right back kind of creating havoc for NW who for making sure that whoever's on that side, Pitt Daela Vega or Paul Rothrock is having to track back.

And it just creates so much.

Now that they know that they're in their heat, they're in their home field, it becomes a little easier because they know at some point the Seattle Sounders may drop, may slip because of their the tired legs, they're a little bit too hot. It might be a little thing. It's mentally it's hard to play in this area. And they know that, and so they're gonna keep possession as long as they can make Seattle move and run and chase the ball and find a way to find those openings.

I think they'll press a little higher. They're going to play a little more urgency. The plot today you know it's lose and you're done for Houston.

Seattle as a bit of a cushion.

In that regard, I think it's gonna be a faster version. Brian Schmetzer said that a faster version of what we saw in Seattle. You won't see the antics of the time wasting at all. They'll try to play balls a little bit quicker, and I think they you know, they're gonna have the fans behind them. And to Kellen's point, you know Cam Weaver played for US at Seattle, you and then played five years here.

They always knew they had an.

Advantage when they were home and it was warm because they were used to playing in this so so I think they're going to come out and for ninety minutes, try to press with some urgency, and as has said, they're going.

To try to wear us out.

They know that those three players Rui, Dias de la Vega and JP are not ninety minute fit.

Well, Kellen, you mentioned the red card there in game one. I think that's an important thing to talk about because you know it going all the way back to the game on September twenty eighth, back at Wlomingfield where the Sounders beat the Dynamo one nothing.

They didn't have.

Their great midfielder, Hector Herrera in that game. He came back for Game one and they had their full complement of midfielders in that in that first game on Monday. However, then Coco Karaiskia, who might be who may very well be be the Houston.

Dynamo best player.

He was the twenty twenty four Conka Calf Player of the Year. We're talking about a superstar in Koko Karaskia, midfielder, and he lost his head in the second half and it's a kick, it's a hit across the head, and Coko Kariskia is given the red card for violent conduct and he's out today. And not having another star midfielder there, Callen has to certainly make a difference.

It does make a difference. Now.

I think they're gonna slide in Kawalski and it's gonna be great. He's gonna he's gonna obviously perform, he's been in this area before. But for me, it's how well does Hector Herrera play without Karaskia right, because they did. They linked up very well. You know, our tour is one of those simple players. He's gonna be the number six. He's gonna win tackles. He's gonna find the ball to Herrera or anyone in a BOSSI and let them kind of play. But Karskia created, So so who else is

Or is it going to be punts who's going to.

Take control and say, all right, I may not have that assist, but I can make it on my own. I'm interested to see who's gonna step up. And if I look at this bench for Houston Dynamo, it's for me. It's gonna be a guy like Latif Blessing who's going to commit and just create. He is a havoc to deal with. He's a hard prayer to defend. He's such good. He's very low in a nice way. He's very low to the ground and his level gravity is incredible.

But he's for me.

It's it's his skill to get a defender leaning and blow right by him.

It's pretty incredible.

Yeah, their bench I think has a little more firepower than ours.

Perira has a five goals.

Blessing has five goals for this team this year, So they have some weapons that can come in and give us give Houston something. Seattle, on the other hand, I think Georgie can give us good minutes attention to You could come in for JP, but we don't really have goal scorers on the bench as we have in the past.

Well, you mentioned the goal scoring there. It's funny how you know, similar these teams are in a sense. You have the Dynamo who have forty seven goals on the year to Seattle's fifty one, and they also don't give up many goals. For Houston thirty nine conceded this year, that's second in the Western Conference and it's second to the Sounders, who are the best in MLS with thirty five goals conceded. Houston's top goal scorer this year, Ibraham Aliu, only.

Has six goals overall.

They're leading assists man, I mean Bossi has eight assists overall. It's funny how this team works. But Ben Olsen, their head coach who you know. We got to the stadium about ninety minutes ago. We shook hands with Ben Olsen and obviously you know a long time with DC United and took over the Houston job just a little over just under two years ago. Led them to the Western

And as I say that.

About a comeback, I mean this robot is coming back for us. Wow, coming down again. You see the fans starting to climb up, trying to find nowhere cover, Welcome to Welcome to Houston, where I've had about twenty raindo lays in four games here.

But yeah, no, this is gonna be uh, this is gonna be a fun one.

There's some lights in the lights kind of go off and on in kind of a fun way, but it makes it look like there's some popping of lightning. I don't think there has been. But the fans are putting on their towels over their heads here and leaving for the concourse as the.

Shelle Michelle get the poncho out there. It is Michelle get the poncho.

Out because it is now raining pretty good here at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

We'll take a break, we'll come back.

We'll let Michelle go finish getting her on her poncho before she Danny Jackson and Brad Evans have the call Sounders Dynamo. We're just about twenty minutes away right here on Sports Radio nine to fifty KGr AM.

I was blown away in a good way, a very good way, so by the generosity of our neighbors.

Nice when Apollo Plumbing pledge our service.

Fees all right to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital all month, all the way to twenty thousand.

Dollars and even more. As an turns out, that is generous. It was more than I could have imagined.

It's a good feeling, which is why I'm taking a minute to say.

Thanks to all of us who called Apolo and.

Those who donated even more on your website. Right do you made it possible for us to help Seattle.

Children, helping them provide patient care, support, research.

And ensure no child in need is ever turned.

Away because we called Apolo Plumbing and.

Made donations through our website.

Even more for Seattle Children's Thank.

You for helping us help them.

Giving is a good thing.

We're grateful to all who did.

It's good knowing. Apollo Plumbing cares.

It's good knowing. We're ready right now too. Write sure.

That's what makes you Apollo Plumbing.

You call, we come, It's fixed, guaranteed.

Gotta love Apollo Plumbing.

Apollo Plumbing dot com.

Here is what's happening at Emerald Queen Casino this week. Play Fallen Fortuneswipe at our promo Kiosks for a chance to win a share of twenty thousand dollars. On Tuesdays at seven pm, play Rake in the Riches for a chance to win a share of sixty thousand dollars in cash and free play earn entries every day. Experience the Rock and Latin Sounds of War live at EQC Events Center on Thursday, November fourteenth.

You've got to be here for it.

Emerald Queen Casino, the entertainment capital of the Northwest.

Twenty one and over mean gambling. Help visit Emerald Queen dot com.

At discount tire. We know your time is valuable. Get thirty percent shorter average weight time when you buy a book online at Discount tire dot com. Did you know that Discount Tire now sells wiper blades? Stop buy for a free air checker tire inspection and ask an associate about wiper blades today and remember, if ever you're not satisfied with one of our tires, please feel free to bring it back. Thank you, Discount Tire.

Let's get your taking.

Cad for behind the scenes content and exclusive access to Sounders FC and Defiance. Make sure to tune in to the newly revamped Sounders FC podcasts presented by Toyota. Hosting headliners include Your Captain, Brada Fans and the Flying Winger himself, Steve Zachlani, as they provide expert insight and analysis for your Seattle Sounders. Listen up for interviews with your favorite current and former players, Spuffo guests from the Seattle community, and the best soccer commentary in the sound.

When two forces for good come together, united by a greater purpose, something amazing happens. We become greater than the sum of our parts to better serve our communities, providing excellent and compassionate care, advanced treatments, and leading edge research. Together for more than a decade, we deliver on the promise of world class healthcare in the Pacific Northwest Providence, Swedish together for you.

You're listening to the home of Sounders FC Seattle's sports radio nine fifty KJR.

Welcome back to Shelle Andrews Stadium here in Houston, Texas.

We have all made the trip.

Our whole broadcast team, Danny Michelle Brad calling the match. This is Jackson Else, Calen Row and Pete Fewing. We are on your countdown and kickoff, and we are just about thirteen minutes away from kick here at Shell Energy Stadium where it is currently raining, but the rain is lightened up from just a few minutes ago when it just started coming down in absolute buckets. Houston fans right in front of us here in the broadcast we have towels over their heads. Just a couple with ponchos Seattle

Well. These two teams have faced.

Off twenty eight times from the MLS regular season. Sanders hold a great mark of sixteen wins, five losses and seven draws. Earlier this year, down here at Shell Energy Stadium, Sanders were down two and nothing two Latif Blessing goals in the first half, but Jackson Reagan and Paul Rothrock scored in the second half to get a point for the Sounders in a two to draw. Also important to note, and you know, find a piece of wood to knock

Let's dig in to.

Our Sounders players to watch today. Callen, who you looking at for Seattle?

I'm looking at Christian Rowdon. He's obviously in a new role a little bit farther up. Can he go back to that youthful Roddan who played that number ten, played that attacking winger. Can he create and he's gonna be the one that's gonna be the catalyst to open up space for the other midfielder's in the other forwards, like a ral Ruydiez. So he's gonna have to turn on his creative boots and make sure that makes makes something happen.

Pedro de la Vega for me on the right hand side, Uh, you see, you see sparks from him and little glimmers of taking people on. But there's times when he could he could either pass and he's dribbling, or dribble and he's passing. So you know, he's trying to find his rhythm. Tonight would be a really good night for him to get that rhythm and get service into the box, to find Raoul roy Diaz, to find Christian Roldan, to find Paul Rothrock.

On the other side, you said it, Roll Rediaz is my player to watch because I mean, we look at it. If Jordan Morris and he gets back and the hamstring injuries, no big deal, and if we do have a game three he starts game three, or if we're in the Western semifinal. Jordan then starts that this theoretically could be the final start of Roll Ruediz's career in Rave Green. It could be so We're asking for it tonight, Raoul. You've delivered a lot of magic over many games, over

Roul.

We will step aside one more time.

We'll come back and we'll wrap up the pre match show with Keys of the Match, Sounders Dynamo. It's coming soon here on Sports Radio nine to fifty KJR AM.

It's Mike Congrin from my friends at Toyota of Kirkland. If you're looking for a new truck, then see the championship team at Toyota of Kirkland. They got a huge selection of new trucks, including the all new Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra. You won't be disappointed. As always, you'll also be treated to an exceptional customer experience. Remember, Toyota Kirkland does all the little things that exceed your

Gallagher knows what's essential to our community is being there for one another when it matters most, facing the future with confidence together. It's why we're proud to sponsor Seattle Sounders FC. Through every challenge, Gallagher consults with employers from around the globe to better drive outcomes for their organization and employees. Because no matter what new normal comes next, Gallagher is here to help you face it. Gallagher Risk Management, Benefits,

At bumpkwap Bank, our business is about rooting for yours. Our bankers are experts at helping you navigate financial solutions centered around your business. As a top ranked SBA lender in Seattle, we believe that when small businesses grow, our communities thrive. Umpquadbank is the official banking partner of Sounders FC. Visit umquadbank dot com to learn more. Member FDIC.

Protect your dream home with American Family Insurance and you can weather any storm. You'll also save up to twenty five percent by bundling home, Auto and life American Family Insurance get a quote, find an agent at MFAM dot com.

Products not available in every state. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto or home policy. Discounts do not apply to life insurance policies. Visit MFM dot com to learn how discounts may apply to you. American Family Mutual Insurance Company, sign or Operating Companies American Family Life Insurance Company six thousand, American Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin.

Sounders FC is proud to partner with Regent's BlueShield, a health plan that's been helping keep Washington healthy for over one hundred years, and now two proud organizations are coming together, uniting under a shared mission. Both Sounders FC and Regent's Blue Shield believe that play is not a privilege. We will work hand in hand, leveraging the power of soccer to make a positive impact on children's lives. Sounders FC and Regent's Blue Shield champions on the pitch and in the community.

We need your help to protect your right to AM radio in your car. AM is always there in times of need with the keynfirmation for our community. The overwhelming majority of legislators support a bill to keep AM radio in cars, but time is running out. Please text the two letters a M to five two eight eighty six and ask Congress to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. Now text a M to five to two eight eighty six.

Message in data rates may apply. You may receive up to four messages a month. Next stop to stop a message from.

The station.

You're listening to, the home of Sounders FC Seattle's Sports Radio nine fifty KJR.

Welcome back to Shell Energy Stadium. The rain has stopped here in Houston, Texas for the moment.

At least.

The rain storm's over and we're just a couple of minutes away from getting kickoff between the Sounders and the Dynamo and Center Fans down with McDonald's at today and when the Sounders win, you'll win a free mix chick in the following day with a minimum two dollars purchase exclusively in the app. Let's get into Keys of the match, calen Row, what are you looking for?

We talked about the history between these two teams, and all I heard was ninety minutes, whether it be coming down from two zero, holding on to that one zero league at the end at home, or finishing off in penalties these This game is not going to be won in the first half or at late in the second half.

Is this going to be a ninety minute game? Who's gonna hold out longest?

I think you're right.

I think Seattle's got to manage the game as best as they ever have.

I think it's the wing play that's going to be very important.

Restarts for Seattle, restarts against Seattle, everybody's got to.

Be very sharp.

If they can get a goal on restarts, it really puts Seattle in a good position. If Houston's first, it puts Seattle a little bit on their heels. So again, we would love to see at least Raoul and maybe de la Vega go the whole ninety minutes. Although I think Georgie brought a great spark for us, but the wings for me and then a shutout critical for the Sounders to advance.

Danny Jackson, Brad Evans, Michelle Ludcoon the sideline. The three of them will have the call. As it's game two Sounders Dynamo. Will there be a Game three? Will we have then the Sounders in the Western semifinal? What will happen tonight? We'll have things over to Danny, Brad and Michelle. They have the call It Game starts next on Sports Radio nine to fifty KGRM.

It's Mike Cogrin from my friends at Toyota of Kirkland. If you're in the market for a pre owned vehicle, then you got to see the championship team. At Toyota Kirkland. You'll find a huge selection of previously owned vehicles with something for every budget. Plus, every Toyota Goals certified vehicle comes with a twelve month twelve thousand mile limited warranty and a seven year one hundred thousand mile powertrain warranty

Hey Sounders fans, We're excited that Sharp Vision, Modern Lacy and Lens is the official lasik provider of the Rave Greed. Sharp Vision Modern Lacy can Lens offers life changing lasik starting at four hundred and ninety five dollars per ie,

Here is what's happening at Emerald Queen Casino this week. Play Fallen Fortune Swipe at our promo Kiosks for a chance to win a share of twenty thousand dollars. On Tuesdays at seven pm, play Rake in the Riches for a chance to win a share of sixty thousand dollars in cash and free.

Play earn entries every day.

Experience the Rock and Latin Sounds of War Live at EQC Events Center on Thursday, November fourteenth.

You gotta be here for it. Emerald Queen Casino, the entertainment capital of the Northwest.

Twenty one and over meant gambling Health. Visit Emeraldqueen dot com.

When two forces for good come together, united by a greater purpose, something amazing happens. We become greater than the sum of our parts to better serve our communities, providing excellence and compassionate care, advanced treatments, and leading edge research. Together, for more than a decade, we deliver on the promise of world class Healthcare in the Pacific Northwest. Providence Swedish together for you.

Welcome to round one of the twenty twenty four MLS Cup playoffs. Tonight, your Seattle Sounders FC face Houston Dynamo FC in their best of three series. Sounders FC Soccer is brought to you by Providence Swedish, official healthcare partner of Seattle Sounders FC. Regent's Dream Team is presented by Regent's BlueShield, another proud partner of Sounders FC. Now time for Sounders FC playoff.

Sucker in Houston, Texas.

Baby sound.

All forget the business.

But Sounders for cheat that pot kind of right.

Worst than gold go On, probably don't have done producing.

A formidable appote code three pints of movies, the league leading six.

Because the.

Sounders the way lute the season.

Now for the next round, Jackson on.

The sideline, So the team.

Is getting ready to go.

Let's get you with the starting level yours Sounds.

A couple of changes. Nothing in the back line. That's the best the season.

Second, you're getting knew who in the back.

Four.

Ovid bargains back in the line up after a suspension in the last game. He plays alongside Jiao, Paolo Pedro de la Vega on the right, Christian rolled on slides up to the number ten as Albert Rosnett sits out tonight due to a slight hip issue that he picked up in practice.

Pull a rock Rock on the left and then raw Ruy.

Diaz run again in the starting lineup in place of Jordan Morris for Ben Olsen, Steve Clark and goal the back fourth Dorsey's at Schenka, Mikhel and Escobar, Barsi are Tour and Herrera in the middle, Kaval, Chik, Ponse and Aliu. As you're attacking three So as the teams get going, Brad Houston are in.

They're all orange. They're attacking the goal to our left.

Sounders in their chained strip, red shirts, black shorts and black socks.

They're attacking the goal to our right.

So Brad gotta win out of PK's last time another clean sheet. But what they have to do tonight trying to unbalance this Houston back line.

Well, the Sounders have done it for a better part of this season, is grinding out results, and so they must come in here and implant their game. And you saw it with Houston. They came into Seattle and didn't sit back and they went for the game. But that's the style of a team that keeps most of the ball most of the time. Right. They're the highest percentage this year in possession in the league, so they're not

Has Houston get the kickoff, get us going as Herrera knocks it long right down the middle chance for Puonse isn't able to bring it down. All of a sudden, one kick down the field by Herrera finds Ponci inside the eighteen yard Bucks isn't able to bring it down and Stephen Fry is able to pick it up as he starts to build out the back. It's Michelle Ludker is down on the sidelines.

We're gonna get to her in just one second. For I rolls the ball out.

Big crowd here tonight, raucus right in front of us, big introduction. Michael picks it up in the back line, rolls it across to Sevetchenko, the man who missed the all important penalty kick last Monday evening when the Sounders hit five out of five. As you mentioned five hours we were joking with kell and Rowe before the game.

He could have been the sixth half.

He was still playing the Houston build out the bat a little bit of pressure from Paul Rothrocker now knew who high up the field, putting pressure on Dorsey. Sounder is playing a higher line, holding the halfway light top of the boxes.

Ruy Diaz as Svetchenka.

Rolls it out to the far side the right to Dorsey comes inside to our tour ever present in the middle of the park for Houston as Ohbed goes down crunching tackle. As Paul Rothrock finds himself in a position he gets nut bundled to the ground for the first time this evening.

We're gonna throw down to Michelle, Luka, it's great to be joining you guys this evening from the sideline here.

And we really couldn't have a more different environment between.

Game one and game two, and that's not even taking into account the changes in the starting lineup for the Sounders. It is a balmy eighty degrees with seventy eight percent humidity, making it feel closer to mid eighties right now, and that humidity is supposed to keep going up and getting.

Warmer as the evening continues on tonight.

And unfortunately, we did have just a few rain showers a few minutes ago and it did nothing for this.

So definitely something the.

Sounders are gonna have to watch as they try and get off to a quick start, watching the hydration and of course the fatigue tonight.

Yeah, thanks Michelle.

We will mentioning the fields actually looked in great condition, considering there's a game last night. There was thunderstorms and spotting, flooding around the area, lots of rainfall. Sounders built out of the back, but bred the backline has been the rock in which you have to build any successful team from the Sounders have done that again obviously, Jackson Reagan MLSQU Defender of the Year candidate, That's what yemar was. What do they have to do tonight? Ponce can be lively.

Yeah, anytime a team is playing at home, you expect those front three for Houston to really get after it. So they just have to stay dialed in. Right. The pressure everything is amplified in the playoffs, and so one mistake can lead to the demise of the Sounders today. Right, if you do have another chance at home to get the job done next week, if the Sounders fail to stay stout defensively, it's going to require everything of this

Well over the top.

Stephi Fry comes out, reads it well, heads the ball clear outside his eighteen yard bucks. We'll play Stefan good reading of the game, but certainly you see what Houston are trying to do. They are a possession orientated team. You mentioned on Monday they have the highest possession count any team in the MLS, second all time, right about

But they're already reverting some balls over the top. That's catching.

It sounds out somewhat first few seconds of the game by Herrera and that's time we got two.

But wise to it, well, it's good play from the Seattle defense.

You have to hold your line at a certain point and as the other center back puts his head down, that's when you know you got to take five ten steps back because this field is playing slick. But in that situation, dal la Vega recovers well, and you've seen a few bright starts from from Pedro.

Here bull gets shifted from sense to to the fast side to left. Good play by job Palla. First time Bull finds roth truck so that by dors he comes to his right for little deflection, just under the leg of Alex. Rolled on from right back, found himself all the way.

Up, took it atflection.

It is gonna be a first corner cake for the Sounders, but Brad Evans a chance for the sound is in transition.

Yeah. Look, yesterday we were watching the Liverpool game and I said, Paul, you got to have that in your locker. Of course it's mos Allah, right, he's a different classic, different player, but if you can take your step inside, he's the right footed player, gets inside and he takes that shot and Alex Holdan just unlucky there escapes right underneath his feet.

Sounders with a corner kick.

Well, we wondered who was taken with rus that being out, it's gonna be Dela Vega go short to Christian, rolled on back to de la Vega. Towards the end, Lin whips it in well with his right foot, headed clear by zavet Chencob knew who top of the box from twenty five yard strike deflection. See does another corner kick? Yes, it is good concisive pressure from the Sounders. A little short on that corner kick step Pedro de la Vega.

His corner kick.

Yeah, well he has to at this point. He's got to beat that player for the Sounders.

And anytime your assignments taking these free kicks, you got to be built on confidence.

Yet eleven minute in the box for Houston and then outside the box for the Sounder. Ball towards the back post pulled down is Jackson Reagan by Herrera. Nothing given by the referees. The ball goes all the way back from Jabe Polo to Stephan five, but certainly a potential case for obstruction by Herrera on the backstick on Jackson Reagan. That's been more fruitful than the attacking through of the

Little week on the ball.

By Rothrock caught short, Rowthroit looks up into.

The night sky and.

Frustration Sounders again at a chance hit around the eighteen yard box, but Houston pick it up on his k nears side, right in front of us Escobar to Basi back inside to Herrara and needs to be influential. Tonight said the season hasn't been quite as fruitful as last year.

As he rolls the ball out of bounds, just on Q.

Asking Ali, you top goal scorer for Houston this year to come short, he went long as communication in the passing ball goes out of bound, sound his throat, Well, it's incredible.

For Houston to have the highest percentage rate in this league overall and to have their top goal scorer only have seven. So they've really spread distribution around this team and that makes it difficult for the Sounders. Oftentimes, if you get a true number nine that's scoring twenty goals, you focus all your attention there. But that's what makes us Houston team so effective throughout the season and finds himself in the playoffs, is that their ability to share

Goes from you who to the far side the left with rough rock stood up again by Door to towards the end nine. He goes on his left foot, takes another deflection cleared by savet Schenko over the end line.

Cornerkick Sounders early on in this game.

Seven minutes gone, nine point fifty KGr Am, thanks for joining us wherever that might be in the car at home. SYNCD up with the game. We appreciate it, Sounders. I've had some good early pressure here Shell Energy Stadium.

Neil Neil.

Another corner kick for the Sounders. It's gonna be Dela Vega this time. It's gonna be on the Sounders left with his right foot, It's gonna be an in swinger. It takes a few steps back. JP goes short asking for the ball, doesn't get it. Eleven men in the box again by Houston. Four it's in towards the near post, clips up in the air by Kavalcik goes over the top. Fourth corner kick already in the first seven and a half minutes of this game.

Well, that's all you can ask for away from home, right, take your time on set pieces and make sure that when you do have the ball the offensive third, you've got to get something out of it and the Sounder is doing a better job of pressing this Houston defense and getting.

On the end.

The bull comes in short again, went in again up in the air by Michel. This sign fifth corner kick for the Sounders, and yes, the Sounders in the early parts of the season. I think it's one hundred and three corner kicks without a goal. We've got some off it now towards the back Sicky goes over the top and Luke Jackson Reagan on the back post goes over the end line.

Oh Kate remains Neil Neil brad Evans Well.

De la Vega hasn't taken many set pieces for the Sounders, but that's already I think five cornerticks for him, so he'll build into this game with his set piece distribution. But those first two at the near posts seem to be deadly and you can see around the PK spot it's Jackson, Reagan and Hector her Era matched up and that's got to be a matchup that the Sounders have to look for.

The Sounders FC socket is presented by Provident, Swedish official healthcare partner of Sounders FCS. The ball gets clipped up to the forward line of points. They picked up by alexaud steps in well gets it back from Della Veagon's near side the right, rolls it into Olberd Vargas cuts it by challenge by mikel comes off mckel finds the foot of Basil have been that one.

Of their consistent performers over the last number of years. Drops back into your more midfield slot today allow Kavalcik.

As we mentioned in pregame, Kaskia Ponker CAF Men's player of the Year.

He's going a red card. In the last game. In a sixty fifth minute Houston were.

Able to grind out that nil little draw, but lost five four and penalty far side. Now is Dorsey for Houston. Picks the ball up, rolls at short to Kivalchik go to the foot of Ponti. Awkward challenge by Jackson Reagan. Nothing given by the referee, the crowds asking for a foul top of the box. Ponce runs over to the assistant referee on the far side. Nothing given. You know, the VR can sometimes take a look, but it has to be clear and obvious error by the referee.

Well, you can't go down that easy on top of the bar. Especially you're only ten minutes into this game. He can feel some pressure, but he's got to be stronger because I think he has Jackson beat on the turn there, but Jackson just does enough. It's a little pressure on Ponzet, just baiting him into diving in that one.

In the referee I think makes the recorrect the right decision looks.

All the midfield rad We know that obviously Russnack's a big loss sixteen assist, ten goals on his year, of course, but you know the fluidity if de la Vega fuck s JP and roll Don certainly allows the soundest to have some change change up in that midfield. He's got the energy defensively as a foul is given up by that midfield in the middle of the punk, well, the.

Risk you run if you're gonna rotate a bunch of guys is maybe Pedro's not used to playing inside. That pressure is way different in the middle of the pitch than it is out wide. Right when you're standing out wide, you know no one's coming on your backside, and if you do receive that ball and switch with Alex Rodan in those situations, you have to make sure that you

Sounds coming in good form away from home. Won six out the last seven games away from home. The last three have been clean sheets, so Sounders know how to put some results together away from home. Houston is typically a very difficult place to play. The humidity in the summer can make it extremely harsh in the body, especially coming from the Pacific northwest. But tonight has mentioned Bami most eighty degrees humid.

We had some ranges before that slipped up. The field that looks in great condition.

Sounds should be.

Pretty comfortable today. You never need to have too much warm up when the weather's like this. Good twitch of played by JP first time, fantastic ball from center to the far side, brought down well by Rothrock rolls it back to Neuho in support from behind. JP will started the last game in place of Obert Vagas, who picked up that red card from the last game of the

From an injury picks up earlier this week in practice.

Well what can you ask for?

Right?

But in the past three games it's been three different starting defensive midfielders for the Sounders. First it's Obed and Christian, then it's Christian and JP, and now it's back to JP and Obed due to the injuries. So it is a like for like switching there almost and they all three of those guys bring the same amount of pressure in the midfield and creativity. And it's great to ce JP. You want that leadership on the field in the playoffs, right.

The Sounders so.

Far stronger to Beck knocking on the door in the attacking third. Here right in front of us, out rolled on rolls it into Christian rolled on because our tour knocks it over the end line challenge on Dela Vega. It's gonna be another corner kick for the Sounders. Set the corner kick of the game. Already thirteen minutes gone. Here Shell Energy Stadium, Neil nil between the Sounders and

Here is Della Vega right in front of us.

Outswinger with his right foot whips it in towards a penalty spot headed clear by Escobar, back forth, step up, top of the box, drop in now as Dellaveight goes in, goes short. Challenge by Ruids comes across mckel good, hard challenge by Druids.

Brian Schweitzer won't mind that the diminutive next Colmt.

Brian Schmetzer won't mind that when you dip your shoulder into a center back. You'd love to see the fight from Raoul their undersize and just smashing in and as a center back, we hate that right any time of forward comes.

In slashes across you. In mind. With ro Rudiez back on the field, we're going to throw it.

Down to Michelle, Thank you, Danny.

Yes, Grainschmidz are telling us that Raoul Rudiez was very eager to get back in the starting lineup tonight, making his first start since June eighth. Since then, he has only played three hundred and ten minutes. His last goal that he scored was back on June twenty second. But we have to remember that we are in the playoffs. Oh, Dann, I'm going to center back back to you.

Yet little algibargia between knew who I think in Dorsey there was a disagreement with the direction of the throw. Referee villarials it's gonna pull new who as I just needs to manage the emotions.

We know it's playoffs. A say, get a good talking too by the referee. We'll throw it back down to you, Michelle.

I'd be a praised if anything is happening down with that little scuffle that we just saw.

But it looks like play is going to resume as normal.

And I was just saying that while Raoul hasn't scored since June twenty second, we have to remember that he holds the Sounders playoff season Excuse me, he holds the Sounders record for most goals in the playoffs with nine, and he has six assists in the playoffs, which is currently third in the team.

Yep, we have Morris out here has eight goals in the playoffs, number two in Sounder's history.

So Sanders do have a void to fill, but no better person than that with Ruy Diez.

As Houston play with fire at the back, managed to come out of it, break out well out of pressure. Here comes Kavalchik down the right hand side, rolls it into Dorsey, into Sounder's territory. Close down top of the box by Reagan. Well done by Jackson as if all comes off his shin as he came across the defense, goes over the end line.

It's gonna be a Houston corner kickers.

The crowds stand on their feet supporting their team, knowing tonight is a must win for Houston, whether it's in regular time or in penalties. We've got to get a result tonight. We'll find a winner. Sounders get a winner, they get three weeks off. It's a crowd stand up as Herrera rocks over far side of the fields, give be an outswinger with his right foot. Sound is now eleven men in and around the bucks three ds high.

They will say that all day long. I means Neil, Neil Well.

The play before from Houston right in front of us, is something special. And if you can watch that replay, check it out. Because the way that they were able to break the Sounders pressure in that situation is top class. But the Sounders proving that they're not coming just to sit back. They're willing to risk if Houston can break the defense to just drop back and absorb pressure, but

Ultimately the Sounders successful good ball.

Over the top. Can it open up? Yes it does. Paul Rothark has it clip over the top. We saw it go over the top.

It goes, isn't able to bring it down, Steve Clark, No man's land outside is six you up. Great bull from Reagan split the back four Rothrock got on the end of it, wasn't able to keep it on target.

Go kick, But chance, Brett.

What a chance? I mean, Paul rothrockt it's a fantastic ball from Reagan up and over the top, and I'm not sure.

He doesn't even have to lift it that high.

In that situation.

You're just thinking I have to clear Steve Clark's hands, not that it has to hit the back of the net in a looping shot. And I think he just gets caught maybe in between two minds there and puts a little too much pepper on that one and it goes sailing over the bar. But away from home, those are the small chances that you have to convert if you want to make it to the next round. The Sounders sure will create a couple more chances with that one. A great opportunity for the Sounders to go out one

By roll done.

You're just coming through right now from New York. You're Red Bulls winning in penalties against Columbus Crew. Surely one of the favorites the MLS Cup this year. That puts the Crew out big shot Ober knees and conference. We'll get some of the other results from this weekend as we get it. Bull bounced around top of the bucks, off the line, it goes by rolled on, flick back over the top, goal kick for the Sounders.

Flirting with danger.

Bet there in the eighteen yard bucks to our left, those punks, how you pulled it down, swiveled in a shot clear up the line by Alex rolled on. It's gonna end up with a goal kick for the Sounders and Stefan freud Well it's de.

La Vega moving over to the left hand side and the ball goes wind to Dorsey and neither ped or de Lavega goes to close at the last second. Kind of caught again in between two minds between knew who and who's gonna go and pressure Dorsey. In those situations they do much like the Sounders do. Right Alex Rodan pushes way up this right hand sign on the flank. Dorsey does the same thing on the right hand side.

But you just can't give free service to any Houston player.

Is all of real estate on this field white good five six yards from the corner of the eighteen yard box from the end line to the ten yard hashmark from the corner flax. So nice, big field to play

Bull bounces through over the end line goal kick sounders here in.

The twentieth minute Shell Energy Stadium Sports Radio nine to fifty k am Houston nil sounders nil.

Oh, that's where you want the sounders to be. That's the shape you wanted in the previous play. If all goes out, Wine, it's gotta beat De la Vega tracking back. And that's one thing we asked Metz about, right, is his ability to track back. It's twenty two years old. There's no reason why he shouldn't be the fittest player on the field. And if you can force ball back to a center back, that's who you want serving the

Speaking of pushing, here comes new pushing the ball forward challenged by Gorsey picked up where Iapkin likes that bit of different defending.

Who works his way back? Giuse some build out of the back.

This copyrighting audio casts of Major League Soccer may not be retransmitted, reproduced, or rebroadcast without the.

Express written consent of Major League Soccer.

US and build see him sitting at fifty four percent possession so far in this game. Sounders were able to quell their possession count in the first game. Morrera has been revelation last year seventeen assists on his campaign last year this year suffered from some injuries, not quite as prolific one goal, three assists on his campaign in twenty four.

So Hector Herrera, the stage is set for him to.

Step forward and play a big role. But here comes dors and fastide the right for Houston. Close down well By. Now comes back to our tour to Sevet Schenko. Sounders just camped on top of their eighteen yard bobs, comfortable to defend. Davolchik tryes to term of the ball, clatters off his shin by a clearance of JP ricochets towards Reagan. He knocks it out of bounds, sounds able to reset, throw it fast side for Houston.

Anytime you play against this Houston team, you know that possession is their biggest piece.

So how do you stop the possession?

And at the end of the day, if you have two center backs sitting back for Houston, you're a man for man, maybe even plus one. So it's about getting tight to the next guy and you have to switch on. We've already seen Pedro de la Vega, Raoul switching positions roth Rock and I think the Sounders for the next fifteen minutes just need to stay in their positions and build that connection with the guys that are on the field.

Sounders have the ball in possession here it comes to Dela Vega tries to skip around the corner from Alau, closed down quickly by Alex Roldan out of position.

Barci picks it up. He's able to turn out of pressure.

Good challenge by Dela Vega, well played by the attacking midfield player for the Sounders comes back to.

Defend help his right back out.

Just looking around the stadium here, it's like where's Waldo With the Sounders fans, it's a sea of orange. I see about three or four green shirts one down right below us. Actually see a DK Metcalf jersey as well for the Seahawks, planted between two Sounders jerseys.

So Sounders fans again come.

To support their team, whether you live locally or travel, and you appreciate that support. It comes, Dorsy rolls it across, cleared by Vargas, sound steft absorbed pressure right now as Houston's sort of build.

Momentum right corner box's Dorsy clips.

Towards the back stick edded just away by Basi, finds the foot Valau top goal scorer, rolls it back to Escobar a little one too, picked up well by rolled on. Now the sound is can they break quickly? Don't have the speed and power of Jordan Morris? Of course, Della Vega tries to wriggle Claire isn't able to get around Herrera, giving up.

They come Houston again.

Well, here's the issue is, normally it's Jordan Morris up top right, and he's gonna be that guy that gets into space. Houston knows Colin was just on the bench standing up, saying to get the center backs as high as they can. They know that Rowl's not going to beat them for speed in behind, so why not play a high line. Keep the sounders pinned back, and you saw de la Pega lift his head when he received the ball. And Raoul just doesn't have the speed in

Here comes down to you off that left hand side Houston with Herrera alter it into Kavaltic down to Dorsey clips it in. Corner kick for Houston came off Knew who've defended well. Certainly getting some joy now as the fans get back up on their feet corner kick far side Houston's right as Herrera wanders over to take it. Certainly no lack of support from the home crowd. Tonight towels in the air waving it around. Ben Olsen just getting a little frustrated on the Houston bench just below us.

Houston taking the gold to our left.

Eleven men inside the box for the Sounders defending a corner kick outswinger towards the backstick. Ball comes in headed on target, straight down the gut of and Fredy easily clicked by the sound as goalkeeper. But Brad, you feel like these next five to ten minutes you have to continue to absorb this pressure. But you have to find the ball again because Houston are really putting their foot on the ball and sort of manage that temper.

Yeah, and as soon as Houston got into a rhythm, you can see why they've been a successful team this year.

Do they have the bite on the offensive end?

Not just yet, But the more you allow Houston to gain control of the game and move you side to side, that's when plays break down.

So the Sounders have to just knock the ball around.

There's no problem with knocking it back to staff, getting into Jackson and waiting for the right play to develop. It can't just be over the top, over the top, over the top if it's on, Yes, But until then, like I said, player patterns and just keep the ball and allow yourself to see how Houston is actually going to set up defensively, so you can take advantage of the soft spots.

As you mentioned.

Games Friday SATs today end today already Charlotte nil nail against Orlando City won on penalties. They take it to a game three out in the Eastern Conference. Galaxy dominating the Rapids in Colorado four goals to one, so it's a nine to one aggregate score of a two games a Galaxy move on to the next stage.

Saturday, New York.

City getting a three to one win against Cincinnati that puts it to a game three in that series. Atlanta United shot Miami at home, they win two goals to one, take it to a game three back down in Miami, and then Minnesota United one to one in regular time take it to penalties at home.

They win three goals to one, puts them through.

To the next round as well, puts one of the strong teams throughout the course of the regular season. RSL out, There come the Sounders. Now eleven men behind the ball for Houston. Sounders build inside. They're attacking half of the field. No real options for the Sounders, giving away cheaply by Vargas. Lot static for the Sounders. As Yama had the ball stepped in. Well is well done, Alex. That is coming off that right back spot up the field. Now he's

Another player in the midfield, and it's we're well in the last couple of games.

Yeah, look, I think what was it three or four weeks ago, we saw Alex really create that box in the midfield and paid dividends for the Sounders. This ball is skipping tonight. The field is wet, the grass is short, and the Sounder is just a couple of inches off on their passes. So if he's gonna tuck in, you have to be really good on your passes because you know that means that Pedro de la Vega is high and the gap behind Alex is wide open.

You're played by Paul Rothil.

I guess a long ball by new tries to head it past dorsy do or she does some good defending, tries to ramp up the crowd.

We saw that earlier in warmups. As he's clapping towards the fans, you hear their response.

But let me ask you this and bread from a tactical standpoint, Alex Roldan pinching into support that midfield three, What's what's the benefit of that play other than just an extra man.

What is Briyan trying to kind of get out of that move?

Well, I honestly think that that is that is the benefit, right you're trying to overload the midfield so that you can bypass the three and hopefully one of the two tens is on the wrong side of the number six. For it's almost always Archer. Sometimes it's Tector Herrara dropping back in. But if you can catch them in those situations, then off you go. You turn and you slip in Raoul.

Here comes Houston Man as you turn out of pressure. Well, with Ali, you'd ball over the top. That's the ball for Jordan Morris. As Vargas feels a little frustrated that Rudy hasn't made the run. But it's going to figure it out that not the same player showed a little short, Vargus looked long. It's that muscle memory, right, Brad. You

Over the top.

Yeah, every single time, the Sounders have always consistently looked for Jordan over the top, and it's almost always paid dividends for the Sounders. And now you add in Raoul, but you know, Raoul was the starting number nine for a number of years for the Sounders, so it's not like it's a random player coming into this fixture. And the Sounders just have to get back to basics and start finding his feet. So the more frustrated he gets,

Tonight, crunching jackle it looked like it was.

Ponce on Jacksonwagan and corner Jacksonwagan slow to get up as you mentioned, and Sounders started to drop in possession mentioned rail Reds five touches on the game so far, not enough for Ral. You'll know he'll get frustrated with that lack of service and involvement. He'll drop a little bit deeper and then the Sounders will certainly start to feel more compact.

No outlook over the top.

Well, in the last five to ten minutes, the Sounder is doing a better job of keeping that ball and allowing themselves just to get some possession and higher up the field and take the rhythm away in the tempo, away from the Houston Dynamo. It's a good spell there five or six minutes where Houston just looked all over the Sounders.

Thirty minutes gone. Here Shelle Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. Sounders Houston nil nil. The score update is presented by Provident Swedish Sounders have it. Can they find something before the halftime break fifteen minutes to go so they can get in, get some water, get hydrated. As Michelle Lovekat told us, it's going to be a focus. Today's crunchy tackle by Herrera on the back of JP seemed an obvious yellow card.

The referee Villa al is gonna pull Herrera over. It's not. It's like he's not gonna give HM a yellow car. Just a warning. I feel like there's a cynical foul right in the back of his legs.

Yeah, JP smashes his head on the ground there too, there's an awkward collision.

Awkward fall.

I think that'll be the last talking to that this game will see you before. If it's a it's a foul like that right from behind, players already going backwards. No need to smash him there and give up a free kick. The ball's going all the way back to the keeper right now. It'll give Sounders an advantage forty fifty yards up the field to maintain possession. In the Houston Dynamo.

Half good twitch of they're played by new from left to this near side. The right delevator right in front of us needs to get more involved as well. Sounders have picks up possession. They were sitting at forty five or seven minutes ago, now close to forty seven percent, So building in possession, getting more comfortable now, so cheap giveaway.

By all done.

Not what Brian Schmizer wants is he stumps back to his bench in frustration.

It comes Houston.

You can't give up the ball away easily, and you're away from home against a team that's desperate needs to find a win.

Full crowd here as we look out on this stadium come out to support their team tonight.

Perfect night really for soccer. As it cools down somewhat, it's still a little sticky and balmy, but certainly for the team. Nothing like what it's like in the heat of summer here in Houston. As they build on this near side, they're left with Michael goes down, him screaming into the microphone.

Big central defender.

Quite sure that happened in my day when they go down screaming, But lo and behold it gets a free kick.

I think Chad Marsha would have grabbed me by the nack.

It comes Houston again, down there, left hand side with bars. Good tracking back by your bed, just delaying the play. Ball goes to the central parts of savet Chenko. He wants to make amends after his penalty miss on Monday. Christian headed by Aliu back to Escobar pick up this season. Good pick up for Houston as the ball gets switched from bar all the way across. Well read by Knew good positive headed forward finds the foot of Rothra across

Headed away by sveke Schenko.

Really good ball by de la Vega on the second attempt, just whipped it across the front of the six yard box, headed clear by Szevetchenko, just eluded a sound As player who's gonna be flashing in behind.

It's gonna be a thrown on the far side.

That one all started because of good positioning from the Sounders defenders and Knew who reading and almost baiting them in hitting that big switching ball steps in, wins a header and off the Sounders goal on a counter attack, and it's good play again. Finding Raoul's feet draws out both center backs and the Sounder is able to find with in those situations, and it's good quick heads up play from de la Vega and that's just us inches off. It's great service.

All comes in with the right foot fines Alex Rodnotte cushion ball to Gpu, smashing it off Herrera first time shot. Why not Sounders built the halfway line with Jackson. Reagan has already shown his ability to deliver passes from forty to fifty yards earlier, ball into Rothrot That was really one of the best chance of the first half of the Sounder is good turn of pressure by turn a play by Dela Vega, whips around the corner, go square to rolled on top of the box.

Delaveaga comes back on side, but pocket picked by rolled On. It's up in a couple of.

Times of course of the game so far, Alex rolled on in good advanced positions.

But it's giving up the ball.

And here come Houston, something that Brian Schmidtzer I'm sure will comment on at halftime. Don't give the ball away cheaply and allow Houston to build again, because certainly work with the ball is a lot better than working without the ball.

Oh, that's what you wanted to see from Pedro de l Vega.

We haven't seen too much of it, but that's the flash of that starting inside and then taking an inside foot touch down the line and then obviously the ball gets cut out by Alex Roldan. And like you said, Alex has to do much better with these balls, because that's two or three now that's been given away.

He goes, Barsi drives across the top of the box, picked up by Kavalci.

So some referees flag is up.

I think Barsi just crept offside from this near side there left sounders right.

It's gonna be a free kick.

Well.

November is Native American Heritage Month.

Celebrate with us at the Burke Museum on Sunday, November seventeenth.

Get free entry by wearing your sound as FC gear.

Fans in attendance will be entered to win an autograph jersey. To learn more of visit Burtmuseum dot org nil.

Nil here shell Energy.

Stayed in Houston, Texas warm, humid evening. They had the thunderstorms last night, much better day today. Chushion headed by rolled On inside the attacking through the field to Rudiez now getting a couple of touches as Alex Rolledan makes the break.

He's gonna have to figure out the best times to go bull On the farst side of the left.

Now with Rothrock stands up doors, he goes back to Christian rolledon so new who pull on the foot on the ball, balls it back to JP.

You'll see how long he can last today. No injury to manage now, it's just affect your fitness.

As Rothrock goes down, Kavalcik has a little push out on Rothrot just needs to keep his.

Head, his young pull Houston come again.

This half is really flown by in this one. Not too many high quality chances. Again, and we've covered it week after week with this Houston team and the Sounders defense. Right, thirty six goals against for the Sounders, thirty nine against for Houston. These aren't two teams that lead goals and are willing to just let other teams score and then play catch up. They're both possession based oriented teams and so stout defensively. And like I said, once again, we

And it comes aascaba.

Now inside the Soundings attacking half of the field could defend Hi by Yam, I'll just holds it up, goes out left to l Au ten yards from the end line. Barga stands him up, whips it towards the top of the box. Are Rare brings it down well. Dorsey and support gets it right hand side of the box. Cuts by new Who good defending by News. It stands up the Houston right back. But Houston still have it full orange tonight attacking the goal to our left, they have it left hand side with Lu top.

Goalscorer for Houston this year.

As where had mentioned, no Houston players got into double digits with assists or goals this year. Sounders players who have double digits and goals are both out today Rosnick and Morris. Big loss for the Sounders in the attacking half of the field for sure, but so far the Sounders are standing strong.

Neil nil here.

Dorsey has it right hand side, whips towards the back stick available is Lau.

Good defending by Roll Dan picked up by Dolla. Vega.

Round needs to maybe show down the line. Whip down line. It does not far enough by Roldannie. It's puts foot through it, but well played by Christians runs out of player.

It's gonna be yellow card smashes it away. I think give him by the referee.

I'm surprised that he didn't give a yellow car to Christian Roldan as the ball went out of place, smashed it away. Two balls in the field right now. The referee hasn't seen it. Game goes on left hand side. It is with bar scenes top of the box. He goes, drops his shoulder to his right foot, goes out right to Dorsey inside the eighteen, flows.

Down by nude deflection, just wide. Took a nickoff.

Knew who as he came across the defend Dorsey's He came on his left foot, took a deflection, went wide of the far post, just narrowly.

He's going to be a corner kick for Houston.

Yeah, I knew Who's starting to get in these one on one situations are wide and having to defend it. It's hard when it's like an accordion, you're tucking in, you're having to go wide. You're tucking in having to go wide. But that's all because of houston sustained pressure and possession.

To be a corner kick from this near side. Herrera again one arm up in the air.

It's going to be an inswinger with his right foot Towels waving him sea of orange in front of us.

Bore comes in, whipped up toward the top of the sec.

Good defending by the sound As headed clear and picked up now by Brewidyas gets tumbles to the ground.

Little pushing the.

Back take that all day long free kick for the Sounders on their left hand side gives a back four and the.

Sound has seen a little breather to get here in the thirty ninth minute, nil nil.

Don't leave us at halftime as Jackson Felts, kellen Roe Pete Fume will be back to.

Break it all down. Feels very much like a chess match.

Like the first game, Let's not forget Houston did what they needed to do in ninety They got the clean sheet, They got the nil nil result after going down a man in the sixty fifth minute by one of their most influential players, Karaskia, and there was a Sounders were able to hold their nerve, won the penalty. Shoots out five to four sent fans home happy. Can they somehow grind out a result here as well? Missing Russneck and Morris says they earn a foul inside that defensive half of the field.

Now they build again.

Well, the first fifteen to twenty minutes, it couldn't have been a better start for the Sounders. There are five or six corner kicks to start this one, all right in front of us, and the Sounders just not able to capitalize. And then you have the Paul Rothrock chance where he's clear in on goal, tries to go over Steve Clark and you just think, you look back, if you'd put that on frame or slit it through the legs.

Through through the wickets right, just a little bit more.

Composure, and the Sounders find themselves one nothing with five minutes left in this half.

You have those chances away from home in these critical moments when the Sounders need to execute. Alau comes off that left town side, rolls into punts inside the six.

Shot books, right save by Fry, double save by Fry. Refereen needs to come in, gives the foul. We'll see who goes down? Is that Fogus and Fry?

But what to say from advantage, look like a strong left hand from Fry. You'll look down on that monitor at the replay.

Look at this replay. Alu cuts inside and it's a little slip ball in. It's a left footed strike, comes off the left foot, and then Obed just looks over his shoulder as Escobar comes in here and just smashes into Steph and I think it's a fifty to fifty ball. As this one bounces out, Steph doesn't have control, so he slides in. I think Steph takes a cleat in

Of course, he's a referee points to the head. He's gonna have to get checked here, and.

Of course, being a goalkeeper, you can't just go off the field. The game goes on, so there's gonna be a good long delay here. As you get here in the forty second minute, Neil, Neil, Steph.

And Fry will take his time. Of course, let's not forget that.

Portland game very very early on when he got clattered into as well.

Hat to go off the field. In that particular game, for a concussion and look, it's so tough here.

Here's another angle at it. It's a left footed strike, a great save and there's not much that old bed can do here except just try and clear it. But Steph somehow keeps his hand on that one. I think he's fine here.

Yep, he's back on his feet.

Maybe not fine.

Well, yeah, the medical staff are on now. Fry's going to have to walk off the field. The doctors for custin are gonna come over. They've gotta do their concussion check. Andrew Thomas has keely doing. He said in my earpiece he's down there warming up, fully kitted out in yellow as well. Tommy Deuchra, legendary goalkeeping coach, that he is warming him up. And we'll see what Stephan Fry does here. I think he's maybe given the all clear here. The ball is going to go down the deck as a

Foot, it was a difficult angle for us to see it as a sea of bodies made the save.

Did follow up that we know Tommy Dootrue and the goalkeepers duce on so many occasions. Is that double save, make the safe jump up, make the next save. He did that, Well, looks like he's gonna be okay to continue.

Well, Schmidtz brought the whole group onto the sideline, giving some information to the group, and with just a couple of minutes remaining here, I think he's probably saying, let's just find the corners and see if we can outnumber Houston on the wings and keep the ball in Houston's health. We can't allow him to just get forward now and

Well, discount Tier get thirty percent short to average weight time when you buy him book online at discount tire dot com.

Foul by new.

Who shows his displeasure to the referee as he goes into the back of the old chase And if they get up and set for a free kick for Houston, We're gonna throw it down to Michelle on the sidelines.

With those double saves right there from Stephen Fry.

He recorded a number ninety seven and ninety eight postseason saves for him in his career.

That is the most among active goalkeepers.

Thanks Michelle. Ball comes in clipped away by Jackson. Is that a couple of iffy clearances? This time just pokes a right leg out, goes over the end line for a corner kick. Feels like an unnecessary corner kick to give up.

Maybe he's to.

Use that left foot and just whip his left foot around the ball and clear it up the field.

But it's gonna be another corner kick.

As the fans yep, they get back up again, swirling their towels. Volume goes up scibby an outswinger by Herrera on their right hand side down the field to our left, Sounders defend eighteen eleven men inside the eighteen yard box. One 'm up in the air by Herrera, whips it in good defensive headed by Yama, goes all the way back to Herrera, picks the ball up defended. JP slashed

It's gonna be a goal kick for the Sounders.

Look, it takes a couple of deflections as it comes through the box. But JP has to know that Hector Herrera in that position, you have to show him to the end line. That's your best friend in that situation. Instead, JP, you watch a replay opens his body and allows Hector Herrera to come inside. And it's the same situation with Reagan. Right,

Right, you gotta get those things down.

Two minutes of an h time here in Houston Shell Energy Stadium AM but twenty twenty five season memberships are on sale. Now join the Sounders FC Legacy and secure your spot with the best fans in MLS. Becoming a member is the best way to gain access to Club World Cup. We're working closely with Fever to get our season members access to tickets, including three Sounders matches. Members also have access to MLS season pass ticket flexibility, our training facility in Clubhouse, plus more.

Learn more at Sounders fc dot com. Backslash tickets, backslash memberships.

And as I finish that read, Sounders get give up a foul about twenty five yards or so left of center. Another dangerous free kick to defend. Now for the sound as it was Rudi as it came back, little nudge in the back on BARSI Sounders look at the clock. Less than a minute to go, see they can defend this one. Get back in the locker room at nil nil home. Fans want to golf. Sounders want to just make Will they defend this one strong? Holding their line

It's a good, cleverly worked free kick clipped over to the back stick. Yeah, must look at that replay.

They're just inched offside, picked up by Fry who looks pretty gooder than landing a little bit more difficult. Let's see on that replay, and there's the referees whistle brings this first half to an end. Couple of chances for the Sounders in the first twenty minutes, then it was Houston who took control, but to get their bread, there's nothing to speak of in terms of goals.

What your thoughts about the first half?

Yeah, look, I think the Sounders came out the game plan worked well in the first fifteen to twenty minutes, but then Houston started to figure out how they were going to break the press from the Sounders, and when that happened, it was a good solid thirty minutes of Houston applying pretty consistent pressure throughout this one. The Sounders just not getting enough offensively for good periods and portions of that have so they'll have some work to do

Steve Clark, Well.

Don't leave us.

Take a short break, Jackson Phelts, Pete Feu and Kellen Rowe. We'll be back to break it all down halftime here at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

It's the dynamo O'Neil soundest nil.

When two forces for good come together, united by a greater purpose, something amazing happens. We become greater than the sum of our parts to better serve our communities, providing excellence and compassionate care, advanced treatments, and leading edge research. Together, for more than a decade, we deliver on the promise of world class healthcare in the Pacific, Northwest, Providence, Swedish, together for you.

This is Lamar Nagel, former Seattle Sounders FC player and current Rave Foundation board member. Rave, the official charitable partner of the Sounders, uses soccer as a vehicle to inspire kids to be well, to learn, and to have fun. Through our twenty six fields by twenty twenty six initiative. We are committed to building twenty six free play fields in underserved communities throughout Washington State in time for the

Here is what's happening at Emerald Queen Casino this week. Play Fallen Fortune Swipe at our promo Kiosks for a chance to win a share of twenty thousand dollars. On Tuesdays at seven pm, Play Rake in the Riches for a chance to win a share of sixty thousand dollars in cash and free play. Earn entries every day. Experience the Rock and Latin Sounds of War live at EQC Event Center on Thursday, November fourteen.

You've got to be here for it.

Emerald Queen Casino, the entertainment capital of the Northwest.

Twenty one and over mean gamblinghealth Visit Emerald Queen dot com.

Hey Drew Scott here, and I'm Jonathan Scott reminding you that life's better with the home policy from American Family Insurance. They can help you get just the right protection at just the right price, and help you save when you bundle home and auto. Kind of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, It'll be just right for you. We love a custom build. American Family Insurance Insure Carefully, Dream fearlessly, Get a quote and find an agent at AMFAM dot com.

Products not available in every state. Visit mfam dot com to learn how discounts may apply to you. American Family Mutual Insurance Company sign It's Operating Company six thousand American Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin.

You're listening to SOUNDERSFC. Socker Sounders FC soccer is brought to you by Provident, Swedish official healthcare partner of Seattle SOUNDERSFC and by Delta Airlines, Proud to donate one soccer ball for every mile rand by Sounders FC players this season through the Rape Foundations One Mile.

One Ball program.

Now time for the Sounders FC halftime Show.

Welcome back to Shell Energy Stadium and welcome into the halftime show. Forty five minutes in the books here down in Houston, Texas, and it is zero zero between your Sounders and the Houston Dynamo. In Game two of the first round series, it's a best of three series. Sounders are up one nothing. If they win tonight, either in ninety minutes or in penalties, then they would move on

What did you see in the first forty five?

Well, I think a long way to go is exactly what you want to hear. There is it's it wasn't good enough on the attack. You heard Brad Evans say it at the end. There you didn't find anything. The only chance, I guess, and I'm putting that in quotes right now, is the one that Paul Rothrock had, but he put it, you know, twenty feet over when he could have had done a little bit better there. But I see a lot from Houston. You're in a ce Seattle kind of drop back, which we expected because we

I think Brian will be happy that it's that they didn't give up goal for I came up with a huge save. Yeah, just before the half, and just before that a ball went straight across the goal mouth, So they'll be pleased that it's at zero's. Houston had a couple of good chances. Seattle had a couple of good chances as well. One from the right side d le veg a very good cross in just didn't quite hit.

The mark, but it was a really good ball.

And then a really good long ball from Jackson Reagan up and over the top that kind of caught Houston a little bit forward.

So each team has had a couple of good chances. For I big save. But I'll tell you what you know, I like Rediaz has not done a tremendous amount of running.

JP not done a tremendous amount of running, because it's maybe.

It can preserve of them for another forty five minutes.

Deal.

La Vega on the other side has done a lot of running. But the good news is we got Georgie who can come help.

To that extent, Callen, I'm wondering because they haven't done too much running yet. At what point do you as a player start thinking, ok any for for Brian Spencer as well, Okay, time to think about penalties.

You don't think about that until maybe the eighty eighty fifth minute as a player. You know as a player that you feeling is the last ten minutes. You're kind of grinding down. You're going, Okay, nothing's going by me. I'm gonna go back to the basics. I'm gonna work hard. I'm gonna make sure anyhing gets by me defensively, and your attack is almost second nature unless it's one hundred.

Percent absolutely so, I'll tell you that.

Twenty twenty five season memberships are on sale. Now join the Sounders FC Legacy and secure your spot with the best fans in MLS. Becoming a member is the best way to gain access to the Club World Cup. We are working closely with FIFA to get our season members access to tickets, including three Sounders matches. Members will have access to MDLS season pass, ticket flexibility, our training facility

I was blown away in a good way, a very good way, how so, by the generosity of our neighbors nice when Apolo Plumbing pledged our service fees.

Oh right to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital all month, all the way to twenty thousand dollars and even more.

As it turns out, that is generous.

It was more than I could have imagined. It's a good feeling, which is why I'm taking a minute to say thanks to all of us who called Apolo and those who donated even more on your website. Right do you made it possible for us to help Seattle.

Children helping them provide patient care, support.

Research, and ensure no child in need is ever turned.

Away because we called Apolo Plumbing.

And made donations through our website even more for Seattle Children's Thank you for helping us help them.

Giving is a good thing.

We're grateful to all who did.

It's good knowing. Apollo Plumbing cares.

It's good. No, We're ready right now too.

Write sure, that's what makes you Apollo Plumbing.

You call, we come, It's fixed, guaranteed.

Gotta love Apollo Plumbing.

Apollo Plumbing dot.

Com for behind the scenes content and exclusive access to Sounders FC and Defiance. Make sure to tune into the newly revamped Sounders FC podcasts presented by Toyota. Hosting headliners include Your Captain Brad Evans and the Flying Winger himself, Steve Zachlani As they provide expert insight and analysis for your Seattle Sounders. Listen up for interviews with your favorite current and former players, Spuffo guests from the Seattle community, and the best soccer commentary in the sound.

Hey Sounders fans, We're excited that Sharp Vision Modern lacy Can Lens is the official lasik provider of the Rave Greed. Sharp Vision Modern lacy Can Lens offers life changing lasix starting at four hundred and ninety five dollars per ie,

Sounders FC is proud to partner with Regent's Blue Shield, a health plan that's been helping keep Washington healthy for over one hundred years, and now two proud organizations are coming together, uniting under a shared mission. Both Sounders FC and Regent's Blue Shield believe that play is not a privilege. We will work hand in hand, leveraging the power of soccer to make a positive impact on children's lives. Sounders FC and Regent's Blue Shield champions on the pitch and in the community.

Okay, you say I want some breakfast. The so called boyfriend says we got eggs in the fridge. Obviously when you say breakfast you mean McDonald's. Definitely a side eye situation.

And now it's a Bogo situation with buy one, get one for a sausage with muffin burritos, hash Browns and more. Price and participation may vary, cannot be combined with any other offer or combo meal valid for item of equal or lesser value bought up.

You're listening to the home of Sounders FC CLES Sports Radio nine fifty KJR.

Welcome back to the halftime show, Welcome back to Houston, Texas, and welcome back to Shell Energy Stadium where it is now raining quite nicely hard against Skys have opened up again for what about the fourth or fifth time today.

Will you have your list in your mind with the other coaches given feedback, and then you start to say, Okay, who's available to us, meaning who's on the field. Yeah, I would leave Raoul on the field, and frankly, I just say, hey, catch your breath, get your legs right. Only go for balls you know you're gonna have a chance at. But yeah, I would definitely try to keep him on the field, no question.

Okay, let's look at the Sounders bench here.

It includes Nathan josh Atensio, Jonathan Bell, Redbaker Whiting, Leo Chew, Danny Lavett, Georgia Noongoot, Dylan Tevez and Andrew Thomas. Callen will start with you who that group can help Bran Spencer before we even think about penalties.

The coach, Hewing said it in the beginning. In the pregame, he said, Georgie's gonna make a difference.

He's done it.

He's been that spark off the bench. We know that he's gonna be that guy. But I'm actually looking at someone who's not normally in the past, you know, six.

Seven months been involved. It's Leo Chu.

I have a guy like Leo Chu coming in and creating. He's gonna be the one that kind of steps up. This almost feels like it's midweek game where you're pushing a bunch of players out because we've got injuries, and it looks like it's a it's a turnover of a lineup. I think Leo Chu comes into this game and makes something happen.

Sonder's e f C Soccer is presented by Provident, Swedish official healthcare partner of Sounders EFC. The rain is coming down real hard. We'll see how long for Danny Jackson, Brad Evans, Michelle Ludge. They have the second half from Irainy Shell Energy Stadium down here in Houston, Texas, right here on Sports Radio nine to fifty KJR AM.

When two forces for good come together, united by a greater purpose, something amazing happens. We become greater than the sum of our parts to better serve our communities, providing excellence and compassionate advance treatment and leading edge research. Together for more than a decade, we deliver on the promise of world class healthcare in the Pacific, Northwest, Providence, Swedish.

Together for you.

At Discount Tire, we know your time is valuable. Get thirty percent shorter average waight time when you buy a book online at Discount tire dot com. Did you know that Discount Tire now sells wiper blades? Stop buy for a free air checker tire inspection and ask an associate about wiper blades today And remember, if ever you're not satisfied with one of our tires, please feel free to bring it back. Thank you, Discount Tire.

Let's get your takeing care.

Protect your dream home with American Family Insurance and you can weather any storm. You'll also save up to twenty five percent by bundling home, Auto, and life American Family Insurance at a qult Find an agent at MFAM dot com.

Products not available in every state. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto or home policy. Discounts do not apply to life insurance policies. Visit MFM dot com. To learn how discounts may apply to you. American Family Mutual Insurance Company SI and AT Operating Companies. American Family Life Insurance Company six thousand, American Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin.

At Umpquadbank, our business is about rooting for yours. Our bankers are experts at helping you navigate financial solutions centered around your business. As a top ranked SBA lender in Seattle, we believe that when small businesses grow, our communities thrive. Umpquadbank is the official banking partner of Sounders FC. Visit umpquadbank dot com to learn more. Member FDIC.

I was blown away in a good way, a very good way, how so, by the generosity of our neighbors nice when Apollo Plumbing pledge our service fees.

Oh right to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital all month, all the way to twenty thousand dollars and even more.

As it turns out, that is generous.

It was more than I could have imagined. It's a good feeling, which is why I'm taking a minute to say.

Thanks to all of us who called Apolo.

And those who donated even more on your website. Right do you made it possible for us to help Seattle.

Children, helping them provide patient care, support.

Research, and ensure no child in need is ever turned.

Away because we called Apolo Plumbing.

And made donations through our website even more.

For Seattle Children's.

Thank you for helping us help them.

Giving is a good thing.

We're grateful to all who did.

It's good knowing Apollo Plumbing cares.

It's good knowing we're ready right now too.

Write sure, that's what makes you Apollo Plumbing. You call, we come, It's fixed, guaranteed. Gotta love Apollo Plumbing.

Apollo Plumbing dot com.

You're listening to the home of Saunders FC, Seattle's sports radio nine fifty KJR.

Welcome back Sannders fans to Shell Energy Stadium in Houston Tech. The heavens opened up at halftime, the rain lash down. It's actually drying up now as we look out here.

Neil nil in this second game of the first round of the playoffs.

I'm Danny Jackson alongside Brad Evans here in the booth and Michelle Ludker down on the sidelines, and as we look down mad vantage point Michelle, We'll get us some information from Brian Schmetzer because they had a chance to chit chat as ever as they walk out from the locker room to the field, So we'll get to Michelle Ludker in a few short minutes. Once the teams get set and ready to go, Sounders in their huddle. Looks like no changes for either team, so let's get you

He's in goal back forth role.

Don yem Reagan knew who o Beed Vargas alongside job Parlo in the middle of the park, Pedro Delavega, Christian rolled down Paul Rothrock and then Dys up front for Houston. Steve parking goal back forth of Dorsey's Vitchenka mckel and Escobar, barsi Ar Tour Herrera and attacking through a Kovalcik, Ponse and ali U. Sounders in there, Bruce Lee away kit, red shirts, black shorts, black socks. They're attacking the goal to our left as they get us going for the

Houston gonna build out the back.

It's a good start from the Sounders. And that played by Pedro de la Vega is a forty fifty yard runner. I don't know how he doesn't connect with the ball on that when it just seems to skip underneath his foot as we search for a replay. But a good start from the Sounders, getting up down that right hand side, just like they did in the first half.

Well rough as the boy's gonna pick it up quickly, looking first and moving forward doesn't get it, goes back and it's new who builds slowly out the back.

We're gonna throw it down to Michelle.

Thank you, Danny.

Yes, no changes to the lineup as you indicated, although Brian Schweitzer did tell me coming back out for the halftime that he is switching Christian ruled on in Obed Vargas, hoping that Obed will be able to get up higher up the field and unlock some.

More guys from Barr.

He says, they're gonna try it around a few more things. Obviously with Albert Rusnak out, they just haven't quite found what they need to do to find success yet in this match, so they're gonna be experimenting with a few things, and he says if those don't work, he's not gonna be shy to make changes when needed.

But overall he got the first half. The team started out really.

Strong, but then they got tired and they got sloppy, and they can't loan the game if they continue to play like that.

Thanks Michelle. As Brian was walking out with just his shirt as the ring came down. Now he's in a rain jacket orchestrating things inside his technical area as us to have the ball with a throwing this near side. They're right challenge right into the clearance by Dorsey straight off. See it's the head or the chest of Herrera. He popped back up quickly. He actually joined the warm up. In the first game, Herrera got blasted in the side of the head and had to go down and get

They really got into it in that first half.

Interest to see how Rothrock kind of plays out against the experience right back.

Yeah.

Look, I think Dorsey's main focus is to get forward and drive, and for the better part of the first half, Paul Lothrock has been able to pin him back. And it's gonna be a game of cat and mouse because Dorsy's gonna want it and naturally have to get forward. Does this Houston team has to win this game to progress.

Foss ike Houston play it down, crowd asking for some kind of free can't referee let the advantage happen.

Late challenge, We'll see what it is. I think Lau on the foss Ie.

Just well Yamar drags his foot coming through this clearance and it's in it. It's in his swinging motion, so there's definitely not a foul there. Aliu just happens to stick his foot out and catch the worst of all and watch a replay here Yamar comes through kicking motion and there's nothing he can.

Do and millisecond to get his foot out of the way.

Ali he was actually coming in late to hopefully just get a piece of that one and block it.

But and he plays the ball. You can hear the referee in our ears say he plays.

The ball right, and you can see on the screen he's just showcasing to the players for Houston what happened.

It was a natural motion.

Well, it's a great it's a great shout from Schmitzer in switching up that number ten because someone has to unlock this deep and most of the time it's always been Roosnak going side to side and really playing those

Nature certainly played its part, softened up the field, sped up the field with a good down pour, and now it's fully stopped. Fans are back in their seats after hunkering down inside the concourses. Sounders now forty five minutes away from putting this series to bed. Can they find that winner? Can they grind out a result in regular time?

The two teams defensively very strong.

Sounders number one in the league of a regular season, Houston number three in the league with the best defensive record. Here comes Dorsy right in front of us, and the inside the right clips it in towards the back stick. Aliu has a chance slashing at it, clears the ball clearance by Rothrock tries to find Della Vega. He's not gonna get many more minutes on the field see challenges. The ball picked up by Houston farst side the left.

Plays the ball inside, he's not going to get him. There's Ruy Diez. We mentioned it's muscle memory with ball. With Morris up front, that ball in behind is always a threat.

Rue des a little bit of a different challenge he's getting get the ball to his feet and think get showed in the.

First half round. It's a lack of touches.

Yeah, and like Spencer said, looking a little bit tired. And that's one of those little errors now aren't characteristic. Tend to happen in the game, right and the sounders just have to settle down. Play the pass that you see, but it's got to come from someone on the field that's demanding it. And even after these mispasses, you don't see anyone really demanding, demanding, demanding those passes have to be completed otherwise it's constant pressure from Houston.

Al you down the far side that left challenged by two sound as plays here they come in transition.

Give it away again. The sound has a bit guilty of that all through the first off Slupp.

The giveaways allows Houston to build again in possession as they do with Herrara, and as they slow the game down, we're gonna throw it down to Michelle.

Thank you, Danny.

Yes, Houston's definitely been in more possession obviously of this game and really taking advantage of the opportunity here at home. When we look back to the match last week at Lumenfield, in that entire match, Houston only had seven shots the entire game and none of them were on target. Comparing that to today, they are already at seven shots and four have been on target.

Yeah, thanks Michelle. Sounders played with some fire in that first half.

The chances were there for Houston, but of course the sound has had some good chances as well in transition. Great ball by Reagan being wanted them to find Rothrock over the top, just a typical direct ball, found the opportunity. Rothrock wasn't able to find the back of the net that Steve Clark came out at no mental end. Good step by Reagan as he picks the ball up. Give it away cheap again by Rudiaz. That's gonna be energy

Play the ball in.

Here comes Ponse inside the eighteen, good save again with the right foot a Fry. It was Ponse in the first half that got denied again. It's Ponse inside the eighteen good saved by Fry.

Corner kick.

Houston pas just about to say the person you have to find is your most experience internationally and on the field, and that's Hector Herrara, and that's three or four times now in this second half. He's popped up in the soft spots and been able to really turn into space and provide that service for Houston Dynamo and Stephan Fry just stays big, stays on his feet, waits for Ponce to make a decision and it's another good save from Steph.

Third shot and target, third save by Stephan Frye as he organizes his eighteen yard box. Near side outswinger by Herrera bounces through all the way outside the eighteen yard box. Paul goes back to a tour who eventually gonna roll it all the way back to Steve Clark, who backs up into his eighteen yard bucks not quite sure why don't pick it up, takes a touch with his left foot, drives it forward towards Aliu. Cushion headed by Alex rolled

Well.

It's taking ten minutes for the Sounders now to string together five or six passes. At this point they have to keep up that possession and they cannot afford to give the ball away in silly situations.

Sounders defending now s Houston build out of the bat. Ball goes into the chest of Herrera, asking for a foul.

He got it.

It's been guilty of those fouls as well. In behind, ball goes over the top outside of the foot by kavalcicch knocks it out of bound. It's gonna be throwing the far side for the Sounders remains here in the fifty fifth minute, ten minutes into the second half, Houston nil.

Sounds now well, both coaches right now are throwing their hands up in the air because it seems like every time either team maintains possession, it's one silly pass, that one just played out of bounds by Kavalcich and Ben Olsen asking of his team, it's just not characteristic of this Houston team. And maybe that's credit to the Sounders

Good played by Rothrock goes down to the deck, knocks it him and just hooked long by the sound his midfield again giving up unnecessarily.

Sounds.

You need to keep some possession, just control the game as they did so well at Lumen Field. Did it start the game off well with the ball in possession I've lost their way a little bit. As Ponce's gonna come across to this near side as new has it rolls down the line still a vega holds the ball up well double team by Houston needs to be careful, rolls.

Out of pressure, well, turns the corner.

Now he drives forward, got some space in front of him, right side is available, whips it out to the far side. The right bounces through and again just a simple ball whipped across Alex rolled on, ducked skip by rothrock throwing by Houston to get it going quickly. And that's the frustration, Brad, Right, you have a chance to break out like a simple bull rolled out to the fast side, necessarily given.

Away what happened on the play before JP receives the ball. And if you don't open up every body, you have no idea what's happening on the other side of the field. And for a player of that pedigree and experience, he has to know if the play has been built up on that left hand side for Houston, all the numbers from the Sounders and Houston have been pinched in on that side.

The ball turns over, where do you go?

You go to the opposite side, and you saw k new who over here in acres of space with the opportunity, and the Sounders just have to dial in a little bit mentally in this game, and I think I think there's something there for the Sounders to break through if they just focus in. And I think Spretzel will be saying, just keep the ball, keep the ball. Switch the point of attack.

Slavega comes across, clows down, Dorsey goes back to savett Chenko Kovalcic, showing he's in the team tonight. Of course, Karaskia, the influential midfield player go to red Cant in the first game, sits out tonight. Moll be back if needed, either for the first game of the season or his third games. The other sounder is gonna do Bull goes in across that post's Aliu just slides a vase ALU's left foot. It's a tough angle to play that cross in. It was gonna go at an angle that pushed the

Well, it's always starting with Hector Herrera and you see him pick it up midway point between the eighteen and halfway line, and it's barely even touches the ball, but then it's his run at the end of that. He's looking to get inside the box and finish this one. And Dorsey with the right idea, he just laid across the six and hope that someone's on the end of it. But with this slick surface, the ball skips out of bounds luckily for the Sounders. You have to get tighter

Sounders building on their back, giving away sloppily. They were.

In PRESSA comes Ponce tooped the box in his left foot, runs in Jrrera a little shut on the turn. Two of the most experienced marquee players for Houston run into each other. Bull goes over top EVAs Michel Rudiez has a what chance to get out behind Mickel in the back. Four goes off rue Diez in the far side, throwing full Houston. But sound as a feel like Brad. Yes they can build, we know they can build, but there's times when they are pressed high at Houston.

Sometimes you just gonna knock it long and then build out.

Yeah, of course, And it's up to the experienced players to know that if Houston does press and you're feeling pressured, the hardest thing is to come in here in the heat and attempt to play possession. But at the end of the day, if Houston pressures here, you're playing defense for the better part.

Of this game.

And it's tough to maintain that composure and to be able to have the mental wherewithal to build out of the back. And at times, yeah, you gotta go forward. And if you go to Raoul there and it gets knocked out of bounds, you know, in the Sounders offensive third, Houston's defensive third.

Then everyone has to get up as a unit and press.

He's cavult it into the foot of Ponce's been quiet somewhat this game in terms of it his back to gold be He's that the two best chances absolutely As row Rudiez skips around, picks it up, referee eventually gives the free kick hamball on Raoul, which is a little bit lonely up there. As the ball goes forward, nobody there to support Houston. Come again, let's get you the Sounders bench, because bruyns. She had some chot sitting there thinking right now, what changes are gonna happen. We'll get

Goal kick.

Sounders remains nil nil. They are knocking Brad, but so far the sound is a holding strong.

Yeah, but this is different than the first half.

Houston didn't have this same bite and intensity in the first half, and they've come out in this one and said we're gonna play and make you guys defend.

And the Sounders have.

Coughed up the ball on top of the eighteen three or four times now and just allowing Houston to keep them under sustained pressure.

And I watch Arturi and warm ups.

He's here shooting at this goal and he'll smash it from anywhere and the Sounders have to be careful. And it almost seems like the midfield three cannot just cannot keep track of Herrera in our tour and at the end of the day, like we said, it's three for three. Find your man and stay with him instead of keeping positionally. At some point you gotta go man for man because Hector Herrera is just picking up and have it a day.

Yep, Baul goes out to this nearsighted Dorsey advanced with his right back spot. It's being heavily involved this game. Left foot high and wide goal kick. Sounds will take that all day long. So let's get you that bench because Bryan Schwetz will surely be doing some changes. As the team starts to look a little tired. Leo Chu back on the bench for the Sounders, Josh Atensio Bell Andrew Thomas, and he was getting warmed up earlier in the first half because for I got check for concussion

Thank you, Danny.

Yes.

As this match continues to roll on, Obviously, the penalty kicks are in the back of all our minds because we know that this ends nil nil.

That will be where we're going again.

And you mentioned it earlier about how miss Sounders are the first team to ever have five players take penalty kicks with the same letters starting their last name, which of course was R, which of course is the first letter of relentless, which of course is the theme of this Sounders postseason run. Also the last match, when the Sounders went five for five, that was the first time in Sounders club history that they've gone five for five.

In penalty clicks.

Yep, thanks Michelle.

Sounders of course had success in US open cut with the Sir Andrew Thomas saving and then scoring. Flick of the foot again by Jackson Reagan, dangerous to Alio top of the box, skips by Yema, good comfortable save in the end by Sep and Fry.

It's Jackson Reagan's ad a.

Couple of those errant clearances this game so far, just a little off balance lb Aliu to straightforward shot from outside the box, Comfortable save in the end by Sefro and Fry. But Sounders need to maybe make a little change here. Whether it's positionally or the personnel in the field. Houston really getting a grip of this game headed by Delevate. Given away, ball's gonna skip through, It's gonna stay bounds, is it?

Nope?

Nope?

Who does a nice job just holding off Kavalcic. Now there is gonna be a change. JP comes off. Of course, started the game on Monday, starts again today. It's been out for a number of weeks going back from injury. And then, of course the play of Obrah Vargas and rolled On was so good after the league's cut break. It's half a JP to knock himself back in that starting lineup, but he gets a break. Now sixty third minute, Danny lab comes on. He continue to play well in practice.

Can he do some thing? Pocket picked?

Then he goes and plays, The ball goes down foul and a first yellow card.

Is it was it?

Yep, first yellow card for it is Escabar far side the left. He went down to make the tackle. Split second late, Danny Labor poked the ball away. First contribution by Danny Labor earns a foul. Chance for the Sounders to put some delivery in.

Yeah, a good position for the Sounders. This just to be the first free kick of the game, I think for the Sounders in the attacking half, and like you said, a good opportunity. But this change needed to happen. You can see that the three in the midfield are just getting overrun. So you put the young legs on a

Its Labor with the free kick, whips it in towards the fusst.

Good delivery headed clear by Dorsey, picked up by Rudia top of the box. Wasn't able to pull it down quick enough to get the shot off, plays the ball into Alex Wohldan back to ruy Diez for three dis look like nothing more than just bring.

A pile driver into the top corner add to his goal.

Ball goes in, driven in headed clear by Houston, picked up by Ali unnecessarily for the sounders. Here come Houston in transition, sounders retreating in their numbers. Ball gets shifted from far side to this near side, cut out well by Obed.

Good honest play by Obed Vargas.

As Herrera gets plattered into that's a yellow card that was coming, no doubt about it. First half it was on JP and then he spat down onto the referee. I'll be interested to see if the assistant referee does anything here. As a referee walk passed him, Herrera turned around and spat down on the ground. And what'd see if ar or the fourth official or the assistant referee on this near side saw that.

There you go.

Interesting.

So we've seen red cards given for less than that. It's the intent, right If I turn and face the referee and spit down at his feet.

It's complete disrespect rice, respect of the game, disrespect. Jackson Reagan is still on the deck, slow.

To get up well sound as f C Soker is presented by prominent Swedish official healthcare partner of Sounders. FC Herrera comes down here at VR. It's gonna get a red card. And it was the sixty fifth minute with Keriski in the first game. It is just ticked by the sixty fifth minute in this game. And I think Herrera knows exactly what he did. He's talking to our tour saying he made spat maybe innocently.

Yeah. Look here on the replay, yellow yellow card comes out. Referee walking away, Hector Herra.

It's about obvious of a red card as you can get right.

That's right of all the things you turn and spit out his feet. Yeah, that's an easy one here. You have to look for two seconds.

Your marquee player.

Sounders now needs just to stay out of things because there's a var.

We'll see what he has to say there.

It is simple message by the referee. Yellow card rescinded, straight red card. I think I'm not even sure if it was a yellow and then another yellow most likely was a straight red to earn that red card. Now Houston are incense. That's two red cards in two games, both at the same time in the game sixty fifth minute.

Well, the players are from Houston don't even know what just happened. They don't see a replay in the stadium just yet. I doubt they'll show this one in the stadium. But Ben Olsen, no one arguing on the sideline. You can see everyone on the bench knew that that was coming. If it was that agreedious missing, they'd be incense on

But maybe it's a Houston.

Side that galvanizers around a big loss like that and everyone steps up the tempo.

And it's a yellow can't given, I think to Ben Olsen or maybe one of his assistant coaches, we'll just have to wait and see. But the referee right now, he's pointing to the back of his foot, is spat down. I think if Ben Olsen sees the replay, which we have had the good fortune to see I saw it live, seemed obvious to me referee made the right call.

Well, there's three hundred and maybe sixty degrees right and three hundred and fifty five of them. If people have spit in those directions, he'd have been fine. But it's a fact that he turned, made the motion at the referee and spit out his feet. Now the Sounders have to take control. Houston were able to hold on last game. Can the sound is fine something here.

Georgie Minungo had some good success in that first game in that second half when he came on the field caused all sorts of problems for Escobar on that left hand side, and the Sound is now put that foot in the bowl and maintain control. Is exactly what the Sounders would have wanted, right. Chance to now play a man up, chance to keep possession and manage the tempo of the game. Bull goes into Danny Lava giving away slowly by Lava.

Good challenge by rolled On, healthy challenge.

O tool has it, turns away from pressure and rolled On flicks to the outside his foot to aliu able to control the bull fallside.

The left Sounds need to be disciplined.

Now.

It's great to have that man advantage, but you have to do something with it right and the Sounders have looked a little bit sluggish, and I think the call for a couple subs to get on the wings and really push up and down those wings and put Houston under pressure. And we haven't seen oftentimes at Loumenfield, we see the Sounders in the attacking half going side to side and really making those knifing passes inside the box, and we just haven't seen it tonight away from home.

Then it's ninety nine.

At that point there's Aliu heads to the ball.

Assistant referee on the far side, puts his flag up went out of bounds for a Sounders throw deep on their right hand side, and we look down to our left see the Sounders bench motion that a sub is coming. It's like it might be Georgie Munungo talking to Andy Rose getting some last minute instructions from a set piece standpoint mentioned he was a thorn in the side of Houston that second half. Can he find some dynamic play. Paul needs to shift a little bit quicker. Sounders need

Well, listen, you're in a playoff game and you have Pedro de la Vega all the way high at half field when Houston is attacking down this right sign. If you want to win this game, you have to double down and press. You've got to go until your legs can't do it anymore.

Ball goes over the top down in the back by Jackson, Reagan No, he goes down, ball goes back to Fry. Crowd or not liking the decisions that referee is making or not making right now.

As Escobar goes in, wins the header.

Ball bounces through Dawsey coming back from off side position, rolls through to Fry and he's gonna roll it out to the fast side to Alex rolled on as we see a couple of changes impending for Houston, rolled on middle of the park, rolls out to Vargas again, just give us the ball away. He's been sloppy this game so far. As ober Vargas pushing him all down, gets nudged in the back by Ali Yu. Can they get the game going quickly? Danny Labor available, Kavalcik standing in front.

We'll see who comes off. It's gonna be Rothrock.

So Rothrock comes off, Dela Vegas stays on and it's gonna be Georgie Munungo and he as he comes onto the field, we're gonna throw it.

Down to Michelle.

Coaching staff telling me they're making the substitution to get some more speed on the side.

Specifically, on the dribbling front from Georgie.

Thanks Michelle, yep, Georgie.

As you mentioned, his speed is gonna be something the sounders I've not had in this game so far.

Is that all out speed.

There's Obra Vargas could tackle by Obed skips by Georgie does Barsi goes to Kavalcik top of the box, crowd ask him to shoot, rolls it out to dorses nearside, right corner of the box, closed down by new sounders pushing up to the PK spot.

Goes out to Lu down the line.

It goes to Escabar, turns out oppressure, no real pressure by the sounders. Heady clear by Yemar, strip by our tour comes off Danny labor ricochets.

It's gonna roll out over the end line for a corner cake for Houston.

Crowd in it now loud, boisterous to get to their feet, towels waving. This might be the opportunity from set pieces to get their goal. And it's gonna be Barsie on this near side. It was Herrera on the set pieces. Now it's gonna be Barsie with Herrara again. The red card in the sixty sixth minute, Barsie clips it in outswinger headed down. Oh Bed just stuck a foot out and needed to attack the ball with his head. It's

And so Brad, let me ask you this. You're upper man. You know a win gets you through to the next round of the playoffs. Like what do you do it?

Is it going at speed of the right times and then but slowing the game down when you can, knowing that the players look a little fatigued or.

Yeah, the players are fatigue fatigue certainly, But so now it's about maintaining possession and just moving side to side. But the Sounders have to have some sort of tempo in this game. It can't be one speed. They have to have the will and want to go forward and score because it's on for them. But like I said, if you just sit back with two players, the matchups become too easy for Houston.

It comes Georgie skips by Dorsey with ease towards the end, none of his left foot towards Ruy dis corner kick Sounders.

Good direct play by Georgie Menungo that's the threat that he brings off the bench, and he's already getting involved.

Seventy fourth minute nil nil Houston Sounders, second game of the first round of the playoffs. If the Sounders win this game in regular time or pks, they.

Advance to the next round.

If Houston find a result, it goes back to a third game in Seattle. Ball comes in short disappoint delivery by Labor, cleared well by Houston. Seph And five forty five yards from his goal gets the ball. Bars is gonna challenge and press, but the ball finds fast side with Alex Roldan clips it towards his nearside, skips one bounce too new who rolls it out short to Danny Labor, then earning his position on the field. Due to his performances in practice. Good lesson for all young kids. You

That will be expressed written consent of Major League Soccer. Here is de la Vega.

I tries to find the ball into Vargas picked up by our tour gett a little sloppy by this sound is in possession, give him away needlessly, but good read by Yama cushes the ball down off his head to Lava, overlapping run by rolled on down the line.

It goes towards Vega.

The la Vega challenges for no reason at all, far side in the corner, barrels into the back of Michael.

It's gonna be a free kick for Houston.

Oh, this will drive you crazy. In the previous instant, our Tour came over when Georgie had the ball and it's a double down between him and Dorsey, and it freed up Danny Laba to pick up the ball. In the middle because their six has been drawn outside and you have a fresh legs on the field and the ball consistently in.

That run of place stayed on the right hand side.

You can see Schmid standing up screaming to get the ball to this left hand side. To be fair, Georgie is the best opportunity that this Sounders has of breaking down this Houston defense, and it has to be the smarts on the field from Jackson, Steph and Yamar. When I get the ball, yes we can draw Houston over on the right hand side, but then it's got to be switched over to Georgie and not force that ball down the middle. And Pedro unfortunately.

Misses a pass off, Houston goes.

And they have to settle for giving a foul away from the Houston defensive.

Thirds up by yam Off, fuss side challenge by roll Don, challenge by both players.

It looks like throwing by the referee given so no foul on any team. Houston could be.

Definitely looking for some decision from the referee to make up for that red cod cole that was completely warranted. By the way, It's gonna be a throwing for the Soundest well.

He's off the side of the field. I'm not sure why the Sounders can't get the ball and play quickly. That's two men down for Houston. The referee should have nothing to do with this one as he sits off the side of the field. The Salmers should play on. You got fifteen minutes to go and win this game.

Sub full of Houston Brooklyn reins comes on the field. Aliu. Their top goal score goes off. Looks like Rangers sitting in the middle of the park. Slides up Kavalchi.

Of course they have to reinforce that midfield now that Herrera's gone, and there's the mentality for Houston gonna be like it was on Monday night. Get to pks and then it's the flip of the coin. A lot of times the penalties. He's got the nerve to stand up and make the right strike. They come the Sounders now with Danny Labor ball into the foot of Manunga, slashing

But Sanders are starting to find some little pockets of space in the attacking third.

Well, when you're clean with your passes, you can actually break this team down. And that's something that was missing from the final thirty minutes of the first half and really the first almost thirty minutes of this half until the until the red card. Danny Labor wasn't clean on the ball. Christian Orbed was giving balls away and just with two or three passes and connecting all of a sudden, you can break things down.

So the Saunders have to build off of this confidence.

When the Saunders find the goal put themselves through this next round of the playoffs. It comes new left corner of the box, Georgian's support goes square middle of the park to roll on, rolls out to brother Alex fart side, right corner of the box.

That's time and space knocks along.

The sixth slipped up in the air by Michael, headed clear by reins, picked up by Christian out to Alex far side the right. Danny Labor and support gets it middle of the park twenty five yards, got some space.

Cynical foul by Artur. Obvious yellow card chance for the Sounders. Twenty five yards or so, just right of center.

Chance to put a shot on target with this slick surface, Gonna hit the target and tested pluck.

Now watch this tar too, just gets on the right side of Artur and there's an open open gap there about ten yards.

And he knows that if he.

Doesn't foul, Danny Leavers most likely going to combine with her older or get a shot on target himself. So settles for a foul and a yellow card and a shot from distance. Here looks like Danny Leav's got his hand on the ball. Feeling pretty confident about this one.

Good for Danny Labor. He's come on the field, he's made a mark, wins the foul. De la Vega's walking away. Ruy Diaz is in and around the boy. He didn't think that Ruydiez would fancy his chances from this distance, just right of center, just outside the d top of the box, so twenty five yards or so.

From Steve Clark's goal.

The wall is lined up five to six along that wall player on the ground in rains, gonna prevent the ball going low and the war jumps. It's a tactic now used across the world. It's only Danny Lava.

Can he hit the target?

Can he find some bit of magic with his right foot over the topic goes disappointed by Danny Lava isn't able to get that tip on the ball.

It's gonna be a goal.

Kate remains nil nil here in the eightieth minute, ten minutes to go of the ninety and whatever the referee will add on, sure it will be some time. Sounders would love to find a goal in regular time. Don't go back to penalties. It's the hardest thing to do in soccer is get that ball up and over the wall. That's why there's a very chosen few throughout the world that can do it. And with all of Raoul's ability to.

Strike up all, they still leave it for Danny Lava to step up and try to get it up and over the wall. But it's certainly something that Sounders have practiced and levas shown in training that he can get the job done on those free kicks.

But on the biggest stages in the.

Playoffs, sometimes you look around the stadium and everyone's staring at you. The whistle blows and it gets into your head just a little bit. Not want sales five or six yards over the bar.

It feels it's one of those when it's too centered the big wall.

Maybe just shift it slightly to the right or left, stop it and then whip your foot around it and let's find that bottom corner. It goes elevated towards the end line right hand side for the Sounders bowled into by Escobar, tries to clicking around the corner, goes down again, does Della Vega.

Crowd don't lie that no foul given by the referee. There was no contact. Chest down by.

Now finds Georgie top of the box, got some time, gets pulled down though he doesn't good. Looks like a good fair foul by Michel. Crowd into it now. Ball goes from the centers nearside the rights of Ponse double team between Nuho and Jackson Reagan, no pressure on the ball. All goes out to Kovalcik far side the left. Challenge by Alex Roldan, Sounders top of the fox. They shift up, hold their line doors he available on the right hand side.

For Dorsey.

Wilse rolls it back to Kavolti ter sitting with his left foot over the topic goes bounces lunch goal kick Sounders remains nail nail.

And the Sounders will take that all day.

But they're up a man and you start finding a chance to test Steve klock andeckl Hell.

They're up a man and Pedro de Levega has the ball wide. It's okay, go ahead and hit the ball. If it gets knocked out at deflection for a corner, great, the Sounders get an opportunity to push up and get a set piece. If it goes out for a throw in for the Sounders, then you have another opportunity for a set piece. Instead, you're trying to flick the ball between three players and all of a sudden, within two passes,

Interesting change by Ben Olsen.

Daniel Staris, who scored one hundred and second minute goal against the La Galaxy in the last game of the season to put Houston in this spot to play the Sounders.

He's on the field playing right back. Dorsey's gonna shift up a lot.

It comes Georgie down the line, he goes it, his left foot flips it in just skips by eluded Steve Klark picked up fartside the right by Della Vega. Eighty three minutes gone, Neil nil sound does have it. Top of the box is labor.

Rolls Inscha Rui Diaz get shoved off, the ball cleared.

By kav SeMet Shenko, bounces once out of bounces near sight.

Sounder's throat, Well.

This is the matchup you want.

Is Stais has a right back against Georgia. The sounder's got to recognize this one because you know the double team is gonna come from Dorsey. And now it's about isolating Manongu against Stairs. You saw it a couple of years ago when Jordan was matched up in La versus Stairs. That sixty yard turn at halfway beaten Stairs on the on the run. He's not the fastest player, good in the air, even though fresh legs. You gotta get after him.

Dorsey runs into New who knew who goes down. Referee is not gonna give too much. You don't think I have to give him that red card already.

And you were holding his face square doll like it. They're booing sounders keep going New back on his feet. Georgie has it closed down by Daniel Steris and they've identified that Georgie is a problem and bo with Dorsey and steris now playing on that right hand side a bit more defensive cover right hand side. All the way out the far side is Dela Vega back to Alex, rolled on yamarn support gets it thirty yards from goal or so.

Nobody close to put pressure on procusive.

Paul gets clipped in towards Delaveager inside the box, brings it down straight his left foot.

Good block. If Mark has had a chance made to take a touch, absorb the pressure go down in the h and yard. Bob didn't do it, trying to knock it back.

To Alex Roldan and there's New who made a push. I don't know why I knew who is doing that. I just saw Dorsey fly into the ground. That's not a good thing now if you knew who's getting involved. Yellow card, yellow.

Card New who needs to be extremely careful. The Sounders do not need New to get sent off for this game or a potential third game.

Of course, Stacy used that experience as he's going to get the crowd wiled up, as he dream.

Right now, that's my least favorite thing in a player, alright. I just I just always thinking if you would focus that energy on the game, maybe you would have connected five or.

Six of your crosses in the game.

Instead, you want to get into antics and get the crowd amped up, do it through your play on the field, right, Let your play show and get the crowd into the game through your play.

But like you said, NW, who's got to be careful.

You don't want to get bought into a guy like that and get into challenges scuffles, because all he's looking for is that reaction.

Well, Sounds fans, If Sounds FC scores any time after the eight eighth minute during a home match, you'll have the chance to win free Lasik surgery from Sharp Vision modern les can lens. Sign up today at SOUNDSFC dot com slash laser focus eighty sixth minute here Shelle Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas. Second game of the first round of the playoffs, Game two of a potential three. Sound has won the first game on Monday night in Seattle five four on penalties.

It was nil nil in regular time.

Then it's nil nil right now. Four minutes ago of the ninety Brian Schevetz started to make a couple more changes. You're too ready to come on, really, bigger White are ready to come on. Here comes Sounder is now in possession. Paul gets rolled to Obad Vargas de la Vega making a slashing run. Nobody available for Argus has to go back to Alex Roldar, not to Yamar Houston just absorbing pressure, trying to push to penalties again, give themselves a chance.

They feel that's maybe their best chance to get the win.

It comes Georgie runs into Dorsey, no foul given Dorsey's asking for all sorts.

Bol goes in difficult ball.

Here comes Danny Lavin left foot bounces around good block by svetch Anchor again with Lava falling to new who now towards the endline, he goes, cuts it.

Back, striking a goal.

It's Christian roll gone as he put the Sounders into the next round of the playoffs with that goal, he was cut back and he just guided it into the corner.

Sound as lead one nil.

Well, what a finish, What a finish from Christian rolled on and that's all Danny Lava in that moment. And you know karma is something because Dorsey gets absolutely trucked on that one by Manoongu asking for a foul, but he's just got to get up in that situation.

And it's the constant pressure from Laba.

First it's the left footed shot, and then it's his ability to get inside the box receive and it's.

An overlapping run commitment from new who look at this.

He puts it exactly where he's supposed to, top of the box, extra runner and he just guides it with his right foot into the back post.

And that's a leader on the field.

You see Raoul throwing his hands in the air celebrate. Nothing you could do about that one. Although Raoul is in a position just he's off side, just in front of Steve Clark, but he doesn't make a play on the ball. They might be watching this one on a replay. That's why this restart hasn't happened. Saved for the subs, but what a finish from Christian rolled on. That's a tough one, that ball skipping on the ground inside foot slammed into the bottom corner.

Yet referee is taking his time. But I think it's subs. I think it's Ben Olsen making his moves. We'll get those subs in a minute.

But for the sound As it was a second goal of the season four Christian rolled On, one goal, five assists on his campaign and what better time for him to step forward than in the final minutes of this game. We're in the eighteen ninth minute. We'll see what the referee adds on. Ben Olsen just organizing his team, taking his time. Referees got his arms up, wondering why they delay.

Then Alsen looks were confused. Try to organize this team? Players are walking over or.

If there's a time limit for players that have to get off the field when the whistle blows, there's got to be a time limit for them to make their suck.

Ten seconds to get off the field. I'm sure what the small prince says when you have scored.

A goal.

For the Sounders, now they're gonna have a minute to go with Whatever the referee will add on.

For the Sounders. What better timing to score that goal than this?

The Sound is upper man the upper goal, and now they just have to see these final minutes out. Championship teams are built to score goals like that. Brian Schmittzer mentioned it in our production meeting. These are the times where big time players and big time teams step up, and now the back four have to do their job. Can they find another clean sheet? All goes in put

At fifteen before gets struck.

It's the back hands behind the back by Christian rolldar Refree's saying, yep, the arms were close to the body.

They were not in an unnatural position.

Houston.

Of course he's gonna keep knocking on the door.

They have the ball Sounders, eleven men behind the ball, ten men of Houston trying to find the equalizing goal. Goes out to Dorsey, closed down by Georgie. Good played by Georgia. But it's gonna go over the end line for a corner kick. If you get past the ninety minute mark, well.

Now the Sounders have to be big on these set pieces. Houston's gonna send everyone forward in this situation.

Della Vega comes off, read, Baker, Whiting comes on, more defensively minded player to play on the outside. Good shift for della Vega's first ninety minutes for the Sounders. Well done, Pedro, good shift, son Read Baker, Whitching comes on.

First thing he's gotta do is defend. Sounders need to stand strong.

Kavalchik has the ball and this near sight, it's gonna be an outslinger.

The tick by.

Bour whipped him towards the Poundry spot up goes Jemar all players of course it's Jamar heads the ball clear you knew who goes out challenge the ball up?

It goes, ball.

Bounces around strike good save by Frying not to strike over the top.

What a chance. I think it was Ferrera on the rebound. The players got in the way.

I see the bright smile of Jama Disease punches the air. I think he got in the way of Seph and Fry, except for Ray got up again. It was a combination of Jamar and Fry made the save and then the follow up over the top. It's gonna be a goalkick for the Sounders beause they want to see these final minutes tick.

By all the Sounders lucky to escape that one, and that's how this game is gonna finish with craziness, and Seph and Fry goes up for that one, gets just the slightest bump, and sometimes that's all it takes for the Sounders. Defenders hate the ability to consistently show up when it matters.

Most Alsagan needs to get up, needs to chase down Nick strites.

Good tackle by Obed Vargas. Bull comes in headed clear by Reagan.

The comes svet Schenko, he clips the ball put clear by Redbaker Whiting.

Sounds need to clear their lines top of the boxes.

Ferrera goes out to punch out of doors inside the eighteen across.

It goes back of the net, equalizing goal for Houston. The crowd erupt The Sounders weren't able to clear the lines and Houston tied up here.

Well, Houston never say dive and instead of sending that ball along and putting it in a corner and playing to win this game, the Sounders aside to play short and it ends up biting them, there. Now it's a complete counter attack from Houston and they end up making two or three passes, all the right decisions, finds its way to Dorsey plays the ball across and it's an

Now.

You don't want to see this one go into PK's but it's looking sure like it. Three and a half minutes going of eight.

Eight minutes of that eight time, sound Is still have, of course, the time to find a winning goal.

Up a man one to one.

Here, Christian Rolldon got the goal for the Sounds that unfortunately got the own goal.

Get his feet sorted, found the.

Back of the net. We're crowd erupted. Sounders need to now be patient. They're gonna get another chance.

Can they take it? That's the question.

Vargas out to this near side to Georgie oh New holding his run. Georgie comes to his preferred right foot from the left side, go square to Christian roll Do strikes it just wide, dragged it wide. He had the chance from just outside the eighteen yard box. It's gonna be a goal kick. It's one to one, but a really good chance to Chushing.

Roll a lot, a great opportunity. And this is Manngul coming inside. He knows that the double team is there and it's set up perfect for Christian to have a goal. And he's aiming for that bottom left corner and just closes his hips too much, maybe comes off the inside of the foot just a bit.

It skates by that far post.

Wait.

Time just keeps ticking well.

Your sound as FC continue their playoff run following tonight's match. Stay tuned for information we're going time and date. Learn more at sound as FC dot com.

Relentless since seventy four? Can the sound as be relentless?

Here?

Can they find a goal?

Georgia Munungo, striding forward left hand side, comes back on his preferred right foot, clips it in, ball goes off the chest of Tate Schmidt cleared Eventually sounders have it again. There's nearside the left with Nuhoe finds Georgie Munungo has been aggressive, sloppy in possession. As George gives it up, it comes Ferrera gains and then dor So.

You got that cross that.

Ricocheted off the fingertip of Fry that clipped into Christian rolled on, launched forward by Schmidt, headed down by Yea Mars Sounds pick it up fast side the right with Christian rolled on two and a half minutes to go of the eight. See if the referee ades on any more time because of the goal that was scored in injury time.

Goal scored. Christian rolled on on the ball got to his brother.

Alex now read Baker Whiting can he finds some delivery comes on his left foot, clips it in, headed clear by Sevet Schenka finds the foot of Ferrera, pocket pick by Breed Baker Whiting.

It comes Jackson Reagan rolls it out to this near side left foot outside the foot by.

Nude headed down strike or who's on target by Ruidias.

Danny Laver has it, clips towards the.

Back stick new strikes his left foot stuffs the shot finds Georgie Mungo left hand side, ten yards on the end line, whips it in with his right foot towards the backstick headed across, cleared away by Kavalcik, hanging on by a thread of Houston Sounders knocking, can't break.

Through throwing for the sound is this near side the left.

Eighteen yards or so from this corner flag holding the hands of Nu Who to Jackson Reagan, cushion back to new Who.

I'm quite sure why he's going in the corner flag knocks it off.

Maybe it's gonna be a corner kit. We'll see if Angle throwing deep on that side. And there's Jaws again railing up the crowd, and I think people focusing on his job.

Now he needs to maybe get the ball inc and the Sound's got one more chance.

Here comes Danny Lava bull whipped in headed clear just why goodness by Houston defender. I think it was mikeel headed it instead of out headed behind. It's gonna be a corner kick for the Sounders. Final minute of eight. We'll see what the referee adds on cornerkick for Danny Labor on this left hand side can be in swing of his right foot ball whipped in towards the backstick clears everybody. Disappointing delivery. Crowd like it it's gonna bounce through. Goalkick remains one to one.

The Sounders here with a good opportunity, three or four great opportunities here, and the ball was swung in so well from Lava on two or three occasions, and then that one when it mattered the most towards the end of the game, just sales out for a goal kick. I don't know how many blocks Houston had there on attempted shots from the sound with the Houston defense once again holding holding tight as this one gets down to the nail bider.

Goal kick for Houston.

Straight by Steve Clark, clears his lines up, goes jamrv falls over, there's Kavalchik balling behind cut out by Alex Roldan, goes down. Foul by Ferrera on Alex Roldan then knocks it away. It's got a yellow card and there's a referees whistle. Didn't add hardly any seconds onto the clock, and it's going to go to penalties again.

The second game in a row, it.

Was Christian Rolldon who found the back and that it looked like the winning goal in the eighty seventh minute. First assists on the season by knew Who and also for Danny Lava and then unfortunately for Christian Rolldon on the other end of the field, it was a cross by Dors He took the touches off the right hand of Steph and Fry. And now the sound is a're gonna have to pull themselves together. Take a breath. I

Now they have to just remember those good memories of Monday night.

Well, look, the heat isn't what zaps you in these conditions. It's a humidity that just sucks the moisture out of you. And it's really hard to stay in tune in these games away from home against a team that has to win. You knew that they were gonna throw everything they had at you. The first thirty minutes of that happen, it was pretty much all Houston. And then her Era makes

This, we got this well as this players get set and get that funnel woods from Brian Schmtz before this penalty shoots out, we're going to throw it down to Michelle.

Thank you, Danny.

I actually have a question for both of you because we've been talking a lot about how draining it is to play in this kind of heat and humidity.

Obviously, it was deflating the way.

That this match came to the end at end of regulation with the Sounders conceding a goal there. And I'm curious, as former players yourselves, how do you get past that draining and find the energy right now, both mentally and physically to compete in this type of a moment when it's all indicating right now that they will be doing peaks at the supporter's end of the pitch.

Yeah. Look, I think it's about mentality and how do you gain that strong mentality.

It's through experience.

Number One, you're away from home, so you have to try b killers away from home. So you get into the group, you got about five minutes to reset, figure out who's taken your pks, and you got a fuel the best that you can. Right. We have all the different types of fuels on the field, whether it's a salt packet, a goo, whatever it is to get a little some carbs, some sugar into the system and get

Well, Brian Schmidtz a tal it's about how he was gonna try and get Rui Das.

Through this game.

And I just have you mentioned nineteen minutes for Pedro, it's not done that yet in a green shit well tonight a red shirt.

But for Ruidaz you got to give him a huge credit.

Hasn't played in a good while, suffered from injuries since the middle of partner season, got a full ninety in today past that, and ruy Diez was the first player up. Now it's gonna be looks like it's gonna be Christian rolled on the penalties, set the stage. The penalties are down to the left hand side of us. So the Sounders end where they attacked in the second half. It's gonna be right in front of their supporters.

Well, the most difficult thing.

Is is you just took them seven days ago against the same exact team. And yeah, you watch film, it's both ways, right. The goalkeeper can think you're going the same way, maybe the shooter does as well, and oftentimes it's a subconscious thing. You end up switching at the last minute, and this is the mind game and the drama of penalty kicks.

Well, it's gonna be Christian rolled on goalscorer of the goal right at the end of ninety. He steps back, shut, untucked, hands to his side, crowd bowing. He needs to block it out, takes a break, steps forward, strikes it up and left corner.

Brilliant penalty.

And just like ruy Diez in the first game, we did a pinanka to kind of calm things down, We're all Dan steps up and absolutely roofs it. No chance for the goalkeeper. Sounders lead one nail.

Well, listen, that that is confidence, that's experience, and that's someone that wants to put his team on the back. And he went the opposite direction last week and he just right. There's no goalkeeper in the world that's gonna save that. Rifles it into the top left corner.

Sounders arms around there, his shoulders standing on the halfway line as Houston are Now it's gonna be.

Pon.

Se steps up, takes a breath.

Referee' whistle goes arms wide by Stephen Fry as he moves on the line.

Try to put him off the bottom corner. It goes confident penalty one to one.

To penalty from Ponse has a quick run up, slows his steps down, stutters his feet and just picks out that bottom right corner starter stutter two steps. Steph guess is the opposite way, and that's the cat and mouse game. Right Steph in any moment decides to go the other way. That's just a well taking Pik into the corner.

What's interesting is just the change up of players. It was Reagan now stepping up to the second penalty. He took the third penalty on Monday, well Don took the fourth penalty. He was the one that stood up first to score the first penalty. Steve Clark moves up and

No stranger to scoring goals, playing offensively forward attacking positions the majority of his career before joining the Sounders Academy, where it was Wade Webber who encouraged him to try out the center back position, saying he'd have more of a shot there to make a professional career out of it. Obviously that is going in his favor as he's just renewed his contract, but it's great to see him taking advantage of his other skill set in moments like this.

Thanks Michelle.

Let's not forget this is his first second full season for the Sounders, earns his new contract, earns a Defender of the Year nomination, and now it's going to be dorsy for Custon sits the ball down, goes down in his haunches, takes a breath. He's the one, of course, that was riling up the crowd. Can he stand up to the pressure Now he's the one that got the fuck the crowd fired up? Referee's whistle goes, takes five

It's a good PK from Dorsey. Steps up, takes a breath, takes a moment, crowd gets quiet, and he keeps his head up the entire time, never looks at the ball, just waits for Stephan Fry to move. And if I'm a goalkeeper and I see someone stepping up like that, I'm just gonna wait for him to kick the ball

Here's Alex Roldan third penalty for the Sounders. Steps up, whips it down the middle, just curls.

It down the middle. Confident penalty by Alex roll Don.

He scored the old desisive fifth penalty to win it last time. This time he was the third penalty for the Sounders and the Sounders go up three to two.

Yeah, it's a good pen takes his moment, decides to go down the middle after going to the right corner like you said in the previous game. And that's just a good confident penalty from Alex. The Sounders three for three.

Now he's gonna be kaval chick steps forward, takes a breath, comes it, takes a set of.

Step safe by Fry.

We could see it here. He just took his time, He arked his body did kval Chick. Fry red.

Read the penalty, dove to his left, strong hands, sounders are up.

Now and have the chance.

You know what gave it away? There is kaval Chick. As he steps up, he's too far leaned back. There's no way that if he is right footed leaning back, that you can get that ball back across to your left steps all his body open up and off he went.

Uh, it looks like Steph and Fry dove maybe a little bit too early, came off his loine.

Refrey goes up to the VR.

Can you see a replay here? Step heels are just off the line?

Aren't there?

Good six inches? It looks like.

It's unfortunate for Steph. He does all the right things. He just didn't need to see another one. It wasn't a great penalty either. All right, well we're gonna do it again. Kaval Chick's gonna have to figure it out.

Take your breath and fortune for Stephan Fry was a good save and Reddit Well, well.

This is a tough part for the PK taker. Right, do you go the same side? Do you switch it up. It's such a quick turnaround. As he runs to the spot and tries to hurry this one up.

I think kaval chicks backs up who's already ready to go. I think he's giving referee im a quick wood with Stephan Fry, just to remind him he's got to keep at least one foot on the line.

I think Stephan and fr just lost his bearings for a split second there. Kaval Chic now hands on his hips.

Can he.

Score this retake? Bar goes in left corner, it goes, He scores it. Stepan and Fry goes. It's the same way as the last time Battle of the Mines. Kabalcez wins that one three to three, and it's.

Just lucky from Kabalchich unlucky for Steph. Guess is the wrong way. He thinks that the taker is going to go the same side again. Look at his body shape. Now he's leaned a bit more over the ball and he closes his hips and finds that bottom left corner sends Stephan Fry the opposite direction.

Danny Labor got his first assists on his campaign tonight. Now he's going to step up to the fourth penalty kick for the Sounders. Brian schmittz Ha talked about how well he's been hitting these balls in practice.

And there's two things you get when you have penalties.

The coach will ask to play if he's ready, and the players go to step up and be ready.

Confidence comes from repetition.

There comes Labor now Arks has run, moves to his left, comes forward slowly but surely, slots it in the bottom right corner. Really good penalty by Danny Labor.

That's a great penalty from Danny you, Siad. He actually takes his steps all the way straight back, and like you said, he Archers has run just a little bit and keeps those hips open. Takes a couple steps to the left, head down, picks his corner, cool, calm and collected smashes it bottom left corner.

Gotta say, I mean, that's nine out of nine for the Sounders. Every penalty has just been dynamite. There's not been a chance for the goalkeeper in any of those nine penalties. And now it's gonna be it's Ferrera. He's gonna take this fourth penalty. Sounders lead four to three. It's to be five penalties taken here, at least for the Sounders, Ken Seffan Fry make another safe. Ferrera steps up, smashes it right side Cephro and Fry dove to Ferrara's left.

Four to four.

It's a great PK from Ferrera. I mean, that's a guy who was a starter for this team they make up ponce signing for gave it his best effort as he knew that that news was coming and scored some critical goals for Houston this year and that one he just smashes midway up the post hits aside netting. That's a great PK.

So this is the battle of the mines.

Raoul takes the fifth penalty now as he walks up, puts the ball on the spot. He took the first penalty on Monday, that was a panenka. We've seen him do several penencas this year. We'll see what he does here.

We're tightening up his laces right now to make sure that the footing's correct, the socks are perfect.

The routine is going on.

Steve Clark just standing inside his six yard bucks Raoul, it's just having a word with the referee. Referee saying maybe ball on the spot. Steve Clark comes out. You know, for some players this might put them off Raoul. It's all part of it.

Yeah, Look, I mean talk about pressure, right, The majority of your pks have been Penenca's, the mind games that have been going on between Steve Clark and since the first game.

Here we go.

Raoul steps back, three, four, five steps just outside, just inside the eighteen yard box. Steve Clark making his moves. Smash it it just tim no Penanka. Seve Clark was moving left and right, fans are back of the net. Sounders lead five to four.

Well, you love to see it, and you gotta switch it up every once in a while. Because Steve Clark just stood his ground, thinking, of course, Raoul is gonna put this down the middle and I'm just gonna stay. And he tries to get a hand out and react but can't even push off of his feet. And Roul gets a little touch on it with the right right fingertip and Rowell goes for a pacing power puts it in the back of the net.

Well, Danny Lavin made a quick job to the sidelines.

I wonder if the question was who's taking the sixth, who's taking the seventh, who's taking the eighth. Sounders lead five to four. This is the fifth penalty for Houston. Daniel steris substitute. Towards the very end of the game, Soka PK last time scored. Can he do it again? Stephan Fry saves it and Sounders go through. Here you go, steps up, finds the bottom corn. It was a slow

That one that was my favorite PK. If you pick out a corner, no matter how hard, you have to hit it with a little bit of pace, but if it hits side netting, it's it's virtually impossible for a goalkeeper to step up and make a save. What a massive moment for Georgie right now, stepping up, massive occasion and we've seen him rise of those in games, and can he get it done now?

Well?

Bryan Schmetz has said that he is a player that can certainly score. He's done it in practice.

He's shifting to his left foot and assume he's gonna shift back just like Danny Labor did. He's gonna ark his run yet here he goes steps up a couple set of steps. Great penalty. Well done, Georgie. Way to step up to the big occasion, young man, and.

He sent Steve Clark the complete opposite direction on that one. He almost slid outside of the frame of the goal. He was certain he was gonna go down to his left, and Georgie like, he just arches his run. Here little stutter step steps up and I like the acceleration at the end. That means that that pay in power is gonna for sure be behind the ball as it leaves the foot. So if the keeper does guess the right direction, he's got to get a real strong paw on it.

That's a great p k.

Well, there's ten players on the field for Houston, so I feeling like if it comes down to it, it keeps going through the numbers. Steve Clone's gonna have to step up at some point too, but it's gonna be Brooklyn Rains right now, substoot in the second half, hands on his hips just three steps away.

Can Stepan Fry be the hero here in Houston.

Takes a breath, moves forward instead a step chop corner that was inches away from being wide, but it was inches inside the posts and it was a brilliant penalty.

Yeah, this one, he just steps up and rifles this one, and I think it hits the crossbar and underside of the crossbar just in the perfect spot, little stutter step, slow steps up. Yeah, certainly does hits the underside of the crossbar, finds the back of the net much like Christian No goalkeeper.

Is gonna stop that.

One longest walk in sports here for young obed Vargas.

Wasn't part of the penalty shootout.

In the last game, missed out because of that red card against Portland.

Now he's got a chance.

Let's put the Sounds up seven goals to six sixty six right now, Now we're at sudden death one and one.

Sounds need to score.

Up.

He steps nice and slow, nice and calm rolls it in. It goes the crowd thought he was a safe. I think ob Vargas for a split second thought he was a save. But it goes to the back of the net. Sounders take a seven to six lead.

Wow, And it's the slow run up and he generates just enough power as that ball skips up and if Steve Clark just as perpendicular it all hit him in his chest and but it hits his hands, hits the underside of the netting, and the Sounders lucky to put that one in the back of the net.

Well, this is the drama that the MLS wanted from these games. No overtime, straights of penalties. Now it's gonna be Tate Schmidt. He steps up angle with his left foot, referees whistle, goes just inside the eighteen yard bucks. Stephan Frid make the safe. He does make the safe. The Sounders win. They run towards Stephan Fry. He walks up, goes across the Steve Clerk. The crowd goes silent.

And Stephan Fry makes the second save with the night and.

The all important saved to put the Sounders through to the next round of the playoffs.

Seven six in penalties. Sounders win.

Fantastic, fantastic from the Sounders.

That's that grit, determination, focus, whatever word you want to use.

They had it tonight. Was it the prettiest game?

No, But you got to go and be road warriors, and sometimes, like I said, it's more difficult to go a man up and go away from home against a team that has to win. Credit to Houston. They hung on in this game as best that they could. I think with eleven guys it may have been a different result, but that's the way they get. It's a cruel game and it ends in penalties, the most dramatic thing in sports. And the Sounders are able to prevail tonight, Stephan Fry

Michelle Luca just standing there talking to brun Schvetzo. He's getting ready to make his interview on Apple. We'll see who Michelle is able to grab. But for the sound as they're walking around, yes, handshakes to the opposition.

It was a well fought game.

First game was nil nil, went to penalties, sounds one, five, four.

That was the five.

Tonight it's a missmash. It got to seven penalties. The Sounders scored all of them, so that is twelve out of twelve penalty kicks scored in these two games. And then the all important seventh penalty for Houston. Tate Schmidt stood up, stood up move forward Seph and Fry made the save. It was his second save of the penalty shootout, but the one that counted its first save was pulled back. It gave Kavalcic the chance to score it again or

Ever so slightly.

But then when you need one of the all time greats for the Sounders to step up, he did that on that seventh penalty. The Sounders now will fly home happy and they will certainly have three weeks now to enjoy.

Do have to play in that third game?

They have a game off the week off because of international break, and they'll play the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Yeah, it's a massive opportunity for the Sounders to get healthy and get their legs underneath them. Listen, this this season is long and as successful as the Sounders have been if you really look back, the seasons have been extended more than probably any other club in MLS, So they're no stranger to short off seasons. And this one started and they did the job tonight just to advance, give themselves a chance to advance. They held strong.

Thank Michelle Leucaus slowly walking over to Stephen Freud giving him a big huck and we gotta throw it down to you.

Michelle, Thank you, Danny, I'm here with Stephan Fry first of all, Steph, congratulations, amazing save, two amazing saves. Let's be real here, Well, can you tell me about the emotion right now? Going through your mind? Headed back to the next level of the playoffs after a crazy win like that.

Very happy that we're able to get the result, but also sense a bit of a naive. We're naive, we're upper man, and we gotta go for the jugular. You know, it's humid, it's hot, we gotta make the ball roll, we gotta make them pay. And then once we finally get that, and we got to be ruthless and see it out, and so lots lots to learn, but it's always nice to be able to learn when you're still getting results. And then right now you need results otherwise your season's over.

So I'm happy with that.

I'm gonna go home and rest up, hopefully get some guys back as well, and then see who we're gonna play next.

The humidity and heat is no joke out here whatsoever. It's draining, it's it's exhausting. What what does it do to your mental ability to be able to be in a situation like this and really come through with that kind of mental strength in these moments.

Yeah, it's a test. It's ninety plus and then obviously shoot out and we do well. Again, the concentration level at the end on our on our takers is commendable. I'm very happy with that, you know, and wish we had that concentration level the last twenty minutes of the game. But yeah, it's difficulty. It feels like in the middle of summer eighty plus plus the humidity and uh difficult, difficult, difficult to play. But well, you guys, you gotta find ways to get results, and we did it tonight.

That last save there, did you know where he was going?

What?

What gave it away to you to go the right way?

Oh?

We uh?

I think he was with us in pre season one time and Tommy remember so uh Shad was to go right and was able to keep my trail leg and make the block. So took long enough, but Papiozella, make it last.

One for you.

Hare.

As we move forward, in the playoffs. The Sounders are now back in the semi finals of the Western Conference for the twelfth time in the sixteen seasons that they have been a part of Major League Soccer. What is it about this club that keeps going and living up to that high standard that they've set.

Uh determination drive, don't don't take anything for granted. If you're involved in any way former shape with his club, UH, don't take anything for granted.

I keep saying this.

I played five years in Toronto, and I don't mean to say this to to take off the Toronto fans, but I never made the playoffs, and so he gives you perspective. If you can reach the playoffs, and you can, you can gun for trophies and once you know, I'll be successful. It's a high, high standard, but it doesn't come free. Everything happens to be earned, and I think the guys, coaching staff and everybody involved, we try to do our.

Best to earn it every time, and more than.

Than not, it's allowed us to get into playoffs and play for trophy.

So I'm happy with that.

Steph.

Thank you so much for the time. I always love talking to you. Congratulations. Can't wait to cheer you on against either Vancouver or LAFC, who will hopefully know who are shortly who you guys will be playing.

So thanks again, thank you for sure, Danny, Thanks.

Michelle, yep, thanks for grabbing Stephan five all pit people to grab. Obviously the hero of the night makes that penalty save in the seventh penalty for Houston. Brad your thoughts about the game in general, obviously giving up that goal at the very end, whether he thought maybe they could sneak in and get that goal with Christian roll Don you had to kind of shake that off. I think Michelle asked that same question as how do you do that? They did it and they got seven out seven penalties.

Yeah. Look, I think we've said it before, but the beginning of that game started off well for the sound as the isolation of Rock Rock on one side and Dala Bega looking a bit more sharp and the service right. The service was on for five or six corner kicks in the first fifteen and then Houston settled in and gotten to their rhythm and they figured something out in the midfield, and at halftime Schmiz said it right, we have to switch something up. We need more from our

So well done by the Sounders.

You get into pks and like you said, twelve for twelve in the last two weeks, that is it's beyond impressive.

Yep, sound has got that big win on Monday night at home in loom And it was a nil nil draw. They went and won that penalty shoots at five goals to four, scored each of their five attempts, and then tonight they went upper man again. In the sixty sixth minute, it was a red card by Hector Herrera. Just like it was a Monday night, it was a red cat

We're gonna wait to see who we play.

Vancouver white Caps played the LAF pay LAFC right now. LFC won that first game two goals, so one there in Vancouver playing right now in the fourth minute of the game. The winner of that game will wait for the Sounders in a one game playoff. It's gonna be

Schmetzer and his men. But for now, we'll take a short break.

Jackson Felt, Pete Fe and kelln Rowe will be back to break everything down and oh there is so much to break down Fro Michelle Energy Stadium in downtown Houston. It finishes Houston Dynamo one, Sounders one, and with a big penalty shootout win seven goals to six.

The Sounders go through to the next round of the playoffs. We'll see you then.

You've been listening to Sounders FC Socker Sounders FC Soccer is brought to you by Provident, Swedish official healthcare partner of Seattle Sounders FC and by sharp Vision, Modern Lasick and lens Win. Free Lasik from Sharp Vision when Sounders FC scores any time after the eighty eight minute at a home match, and more at soundersfc dot com, slash laser Focus. Stay tuned. The postmat show is next