What could have been, the Sounders squander two points on the road | OneFootball

Atlanta is a desperate team that needs points to get back in the playoff hunt and their window of opportunity is closing. Atlanta took advantage of poor passing by the Sounders and took an early lead in the game on an own goal deflected in by Yeimar.

Baker-Whiting struggled with his one-on-one defending and Christian Roldan and Yeimar looked as if they were playing in mud in the first half with slow mobility and inaccurate passes. Yeimar, still making his way back to full match fitness after his hamstring injury appeared to be laxidasical, but it was more likely the lack of crispness of his movement that repetitively but him in difficult positions to defend.

In the second half, the Sounders looked like a different team. According to Brian Schmetzer, there were some tactical shifts to press higher up the field and to better use the wings for the attack.

The Sounders went on the counter-attack and a long pass by Yeimar found Pedro de la Vega who sprinted about 70 yards before driving a shot just inside the near post and out of the reach of former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan. This was the second game in a row where de la Vega has been on the left side and provided the Rave Green with a goal.

After the official was taken off the field due to injury, the replacement official awarded 8 minutes of extra time.

Sounders took home just one point

The Sounders seemed to be poised to take home 3 points from Atlanta for the first time as Nouhou, back from his 2 game suspension and entering the game as a sub, crossed the ball into youngster Osaze De Rosario who then used his head to redirect the cross for a Sounders lead in the first minutes of stoppage time.

Rosario celebrated by running to the Sounders' bench and gave Schmetzer a costly hug. According to Brian Schmetzer, he was told a minute was added after the goal for the post goal celebration, and it was that extra minute that came back to haunt them as they were unable to communicate effectively on defense and allowed a shot by Atlanta's Alexey Miranchuk to go screaming past Andrew Thomas 8 minutes and 42 seconds into stoppage time.

Scoring multiple goals on the road is always promising, and the Sounders attack is growing stronger game by game. Ironically, it is their defense, and their attempt to emphasize possession and turning the ball over in the back that is keeping the opposition in striking distance. They will need to sure up the defensive side of the ball if they play on making a run in the Leagues Cup that starts on Thursday.