MLS Playoff Player Ratings: Seattle Sounders FC 0-0 Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo
 
Pat Onstad – 7.5
Well-earned clean sheet that kept the home team off the score sheet.  He used a bit of bit of luck from the crossbar in the first half and made a spectacular save on Jaqua in the second.
 
Andrew Hainault – 6  
Part of a cohesive defense that didn’t provide much room for Seattle’s forwards to maneuver throughout most of the match.

Bobby Boswell – 6
Improved as the match progressed. Made several critical clearances in the second half.

Geoff Cameron – 6
Kept Seattle’s offense in check and solid defensively throughout the match.  

Mike Chabala – 6
Played hard and physically against Ljungberg. Won several battles for balls against one of the MLS’ best players.  
 
Brian Mullan – 5
Over-matched against Leo Gonzalez when he kept losing possession. Improved in the second half.
 
Ricardo Clark – 5
Managed a number of touches that netted few scoring chances. One shot on goal late in the match.

Stuart Holden – 6
Controlled the midfield and combined with Brad Davis to create several scoring opportunities.

Brad Davis – 6.5
Most energetic Dynamo player on the pitch. Distributed the ball effectively but the Sounders defenders we up to the task.  
 
Brian Ching – 5
Didn’t figure in any meaningful scoring chances.  

Dominic Oduro – 3.5
Played up front but didn’t connect with his midfield or with the net.

Substitutes  
 
Luis Angel Landin – NA
Cam Weaver – NA
 
Seattle Sounders FC
 
Kasey Keller – 6
Made a couple of save that were mostly directly at him. An uneventful evening for the veteran ‘keeper.  
 
James Riley – 6
Solid on the right.  Maintained close cohesion with his other defensive counterparts to keep Houston off the scoreboard.  
 
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado – 6
Calm and in control throughout the game. Made all the right touches and plays when he had to. 

Patrick Ianni – 6.5
More than adequate replacement for the injured Tyrone Marshall.  Should have had a first half goal.

Leo Gonzalez – 6
Had Mullan’s number in the first half. Tried on several occasions to jump start the Seattle offense.  
 
Osvaldo Alonso – 6
Distributed the ball throughout the pitch and started several counter attacks from the midfield.
 
Brad Evans – 5
Didn’t play a major role, but was able to keep the Houston forwards from doing any damage.

Steve Zakuani – 5.5
Made several of his characteristic runs on the left, but too often his passes missed the mark.

Nate Jaqua – 6.5
Had the best scoring chance of the night from a header. Enjoyed the physical nature of the match and could be the difference in the return leg in Houston.  

Freddie Ljungberg – 7
As usual controlled the game with his physical play, distribution and runs at the net. Seattle’s best player on the pitch.  
 
Fredy Montero – 5
Despite being sick, he had several chances to score. The illness detracted from his usual play and he was substituted in the 63rd minute.

Substitutes  

Sebastien Le Toux – NA

Roger Levesque – 6
The supersup brought a spark to the Seattle offense after coming in for  Montero. Had a chance to score late in the match.
 
John Zielonka, Goal.com

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