Marshall, Svensson, Ruidiaz score in 3-2 victory

RECAP: Are you one of those people who thought that 2-0 over Houston was a save lead? I have bad/good news for you. It was a safe lead, but serious emotional wight was spent getting there. The 3-2 win will keep Seattle Sounders in the race to host MLS Cup, and keep them competitive for a home MLS Cup Playoff game, but there will be no confidence carried over from this game.

Houston’s two goals were strong. Dynamo played well in netting two honorable goals. There first from a fadeaway corner and their second a brilliant schross that froze Stefan Frei.

In between the Dynamo success Raul Ruidiaz reminded the entire league that he’s a low-touch scorer.

It’s a win, the 17th of the year and only two teams have more in 2018. There’s some worry. Seattle gave up two goals to a bad Houston side. But there is also glory. Only two Eastern Conference teams can finish above Seattle (December 9th plans are easier). Sounders can still finish as high as second in the West.

The 3-2 win is good enough. The playoffs are assured. A home game is certain with a win, or a draw, or a Portland non-win and Seattle loss.

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UPDATE (49’): Sounders didn’t wait long after the second half started to get that “dangerous” two-goal lead. Earning their 3rd corner Seattle was again dangerous. Nicolas Lodeiro lofted it dead center and a freshly shorn Gustav Svensson nailed the header.

Nico continues to climb the assist leaderboard.

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UPDATE (26’ ): Chad Marshall opened the scoring with a header on a corner. His fourth goal of the year occurred while held by a Houston defender, and he didn’t care. It is his 400th MLS appearance.

Seattle has dominated possession though Houston has few opportunities that created danger. With the other results in the West Seattle remains in 4th, at this time.

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The prequel to Decision Day involves every Western Conference team playing at 2 PM today. It could result in massive movement for the Seattle Sounders as they face the eliminated and demoralized Houston Dynamo. With a shot at second in the West on the line Brian Schmetzer will see the return of his best scorer (Raul Ruidiaz), best creator (Nicolas Lodeiro) and strong defender (Gustav Svensson).

Houston is also stronger than they were when they lost to Seattle in Seattle just two weeks ago. Their internationals are also back, which means they should have some scoring punch, particularly on the counter. Dynamo aren’t even able to play spoiler, the Sounders are in. Instead they are playing for 2019. Today’s match may be a final test for a few of the Orange.

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Seattle: Chenkam, Morris, Shipp and Smith are all out due to injury. Roman Torres is listed as questionable but will not play, per Sounder at Heart’s Niko Moreno.

Dynamo: Darwin Ceren is suspended. Juan David Cabezas, Jared Watts, and Mac Steeves are all out injured. Philippe Senderos and Alejandro Fuenmayor are questionable.

Boniek Garcia, Adam Lundqvist, Leonardo, Osvaldo Alonso and Jordy Delem (for real this time) are a single yellow from being suspended for the final match of the season. Accumulation resets at the end of the regular season.

Dave Gantar is the center referee. His video assistant is Armando Villarreal.

nos audietis in somniis | nos audietis in alto

you will hear us in your sleep | you will hear us from the deep

this is our Sound

Keys to the Game:

• Only watch the Houston-Seattle scoreboard
• Keep moving off the ball
• Understand that RunDMB is an ageless wonder
• Sit wider in static defense

How I'm watching

Outfit: You Will Hear Us

Scarf: Enemy’s Goal Is Down

Where: Berliner Pub, Renton (ahead of the curve)

How to Watch

Match date/time: October 21, 2 PM

Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

Online Streaming: YouTubeTV (Seattle & Spokane markets), ESPN+ (subject to blackouts)

Local English TV: JOEtv (Costigan, Keller)

Local English Radio: 950 KJR-AM Seattle (Johnson)

Local Spanish Radio: El Rey 1360 AM (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia)

Local Spanish TV: Univision-Seattle (Mendez, Arrioja, Hurtado)

International TV

Asia: BeIN Sports (ASIA) | Australia: BeIN Sports (AUS) | China: China Sports Media | Middle East & North Africa: Abu Dhabi Sports | Sub-Saharan Africa: FOX Africa | Vietnam: SCTV

Lineups

Sounders

Dynamo

Highlights will be posted as the match progresses.

This is Seattle Sounders at Houston Dynamo; watch with us