Zach Scott Leads Sounders to Victory Against Rapids: A Fan’s Reaction

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

The Seattle Sounders secured their third shutout of the 2012 season on April 14, defeating the Colorado Rapids 1-0 at CenturyLink Field. With the win, the Sounders move up to the third spot in the MLS Western Conference table, currently trailing first place Real Salt Lake by 5 points.

Once again, Mauro Rosales wasn't able to suit up for the Sounders (due to a sprained knee), and it certainly affected the effectiveness of their offense. The Sounders were very successful at moving the ball up the field, but they were only able to capitalize on one of their 18 shot attempts. However, their defense was sharp as ever, holding the Rapids to only four shots throughout the match.

For a moment, it looked like the Sounders were on their way to another draw, but defender Zach Scott saved the day, nodding an Alex Caskey corner into the post for the only goal of the game. For Scott, it was the first goal of his MLS career, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Freddy Montero had a solid opportunity to increase the lead later on in the game, but Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens wasn't having any of it, deflecting his shot over the bar.

"Obviously we're pleased with the 1-0 win, another shutout for our defense, which is a good thing," Sounders coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "Especially in the second half, I thought we created a number of chances. Our finishing we're still struggling to find it a little bit, so sometimes you've just got to take a game like this. But overall, I thought we were more dangerous. Overall, I thought a lot of their possession was in their deep end of the field. It was possession that didn't concern us too much and I thought we did a good job when they came forward."

The Sounders will now get a two-week break, before heading over to the Windy City. They'll face the Chicago Fire on April 28, and Rosales should be able to play by then.