MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC Draws Sporting KC 1-1

Published on June 21, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE - Patrick Ianni scored the first-half equalizer from a Mauro Rosales free kick as Sounders FC (7-4-4, 25 points) and Sporting KC (9-3-2, 29 points) played to a 1-1 draw in front of 46,932 on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.

Kansas City struck first as Jacob Peterson scored in the 8th minute on a play that began with one of his long throw-ins. The throw bounced around the box until it fell back to Peterson at the top right corner of the box. The seven-year MLS veteran sent a hard volley that ricocheted off a Sounders defender and into the far top corner of the net.

Seattle equalized in the 15th minute when Ianni finished a Rosales free kick with a side-winding volley that rocketed past keeper Jimmy Nielsen and into the back of the net.

It was the first goal of the season and fourth career goal for Ianni, who was making his first appearance since May 5th after sitting out with lower back pain.

Rosales now has three assists in 11 games this season, tied for second on the team. The defending MLS Newcomer of the Year had a club record 13 assists in 2011.

Fredy Montero nearly scored the game-winner in the 88th minute when his low shot from the left side of the box was tipped by Nielsen at the near post, rolled across the mouth of the goal and bounced off the far post before it was cleared off the line.

Seattle's Weber made his first start in goal and recorded four saves. In the 71st minute he made a diving save to block a strong header off a Graham Zusi corner kick.

Seattle had numerous chances to go up throughout the game and finished with 16 shots, including 10 in the second half.

In the 29th minute Eddie Johnson got the ball at the top of the box with space and, after a few touches, sent a 20-yard shot that sailed just wide of the far post.

In the 38th minute, Alex Caskey blasted a volley that was punch-saved by Nielsen before Johnson picked up the rebound in the box and sent a shot wide. A minute later, Johnson made a strong run up the left side and slipped a ball to Rosales in the box, but the Argentine's poke went wide of the far post.

In the 62nd minute, Caskey got behind the defense on a ball from Rosales, but his low attempt rolled wide of the far post.

In the 19th minute, Seattle dodged a bullet when Kansas City's Soony Saad slipped behind the defense on a through-ball from Roger Espinoza and sent a strong shot that pinged off the crossbar.

Sounders FC returns to action on Sunday when they travel down to Portland to take on the Timbers. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. PT at JELD-WEN Field and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.




Major League Soccer Stories from June 21, 2012


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