Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Seattle Sounders #ThisMoment 2016 playoff campaign, we’re taking a look back at the moments that defined Sounders playoff runs of the past.
Oct. 28, 2015 was a match steeped in sour memories of a playoff run cut short by the LA Galaxy the previous year. The 2014 Sounders had claimed the U.S. Open Cup and the Supporters’ Shield and were well on their way to becoming the first club in league history to complete the treble. But the feat never came to be as the LA Galaxy prevailed in the Western Conference Championship by virtue of away goals and became the eventual MLS Cup Champions.
The following year, the Sounders had their chance at revenge, hosting the defending champs in a single game knockout round at CenturyLink Field. The match was electric from the start with forward Clint Dempsey opening the scoring in the 5th minute on a defensive miscue and the Galaxy coming right back to equalize the following minute.
The match continued to be fickle, swinging momentum back and forth between sides. Forward Nelson Valdez struck pay dirt in the 12th minute from a well hit set piece but once more, the lead was short-lived as Gyasi Zardes leveled things ten minutes later.
The teams went into the break even and the second half proved to be less volatile.
Until one moment.
Defender Tyrone Mears swung in a dangerous cross from the right flank that the Galaxy defense were only able to clear to the edge of the box. Seeing the opportunity, midfielder Erik Friberg rushed to the loose ball and struck it so sweetly on the half volley that goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts had no time to react.
It was Friberg’s first goal of the season after resigning with the Sounders in June and it led them into the next round with a 3-2 victory over their perennial playoff adversary.
