When thinking about the best goals of the Sounders FC season to date, it’s easy to remember Obafemi Martins' spin moves that led to goals against the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo.
What may be even more impressive, however, is the amount of times the Rave Green have scored on lengthy passing sequences. Seattle’s second goal against Whitecaps FC was the third time this season the club has strung together at least 17 passes before finding the back of the net.
“It’s something that we’ve been working on because it seems to fit the character of this team,” Head Coach Sigi Schmid said of keeping possession. “Each year takes on a little bit of a different dynamic, and that’s just the dynamic of this team that they’re comfortable with. …Some of the guys who didn’t necessarily always want the ball are now becoming more comfortable with the ball.”
Brilliant individual efforts aside, what is the best team goal the Sounders have scored this year? Take a look back at the five choices and let us know which was your favorite in the poll below.
1) Dempsey’s second goal against New England Revolution
Martins, Clint Dempsey and Marco Pappa performed soccer’s version of a three-man weave, slicing through the Revolution defense with a beautiful sequence of passing that resulted in a wide-open Dempsey dribbling his way into the goal.
2) Dempsey’s goal against San Jose Earthquakes
The fastest regular-season goal in club history, Dempsey scored 18 seconds into this match against the Earthquakes. San Jose had not completed a pass by the time Seattle was on the scoreboard.
3) Martins’ second goal against New York City FC
Pappa and Dempsey are tied for the league lead with five assists, and this play shows just why. Dempsey’s backheel completed an 18-pass sequence that sprung Martins free for a clean strike.
4) Dempsey’s first goal against Columbus Crew SC
Once again the Sounders started the buildup from the back, slowly working their way up the pitch before finding some space down the right wing. Pappa found Dempsey just outside the box with the team’s 17th consecutive pass.
5) Barrett’s second goal against Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The central pair of Osvaldo Alonso and Gonzalo Pineda kept the Rave Green in control for most of Saturday’s match, as evidenced by this play. All Chad Barrett needed was one touch to give Seattle a 2-0 lead over its Cascadia rival following a 25-pass sequence.
