Sounders starting goalkeeper Michael Gspurning - who is off to a solid season with 3 shutouts, wasn't able to suit up against the Union due to a hip injury, but Bryan Meredith stepped up in his place, securing a shutout in his first MLS start.
Meredith shouldn't take all the credit for his accomplishment though, as the Sounders' defenders were in form as usual, limiting the Union to only 6 shots (just one on goal). The 22 year old was gracious after the game, praising his teammates for their solid effort.
"It's more time to think about it and prepare, but again, I wasn't really too nervous," Meredith told reporters after the game. "It was a relatively easy game for me. The back four really didn't allow much through and I don't think I saw any shots on target. I think it was a good way to start my first game."
The Sounders on the other hand had no problems against Philadelphia's defense, keeping Zac MacMath pretty busy throughout the game.
Midfielder Mauro Rosales eventually put the Sounders on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute, finishing a Fredy Montero pass for his first goal of the season. Without a doubt, the Sounders' offense is a completely different animal when Rosales is on the field, and Seattle soccer fans can only hope he remains relatively injury free for the rest of the season.
"I've been working very hard to get my fitness and [get over the] pain that I had in my knee and my ankle," Rosales said after the game. "These last two games, I felt very good and we have to keep going like that. When we win a victory like that it helps us to get confidence from everybody. Today was ... a lot changing and we were very concentrated. This was the way to win the game."
The Sounders will now head over to Texas, where they'll face Dallas FC on May 9.
David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Bryan Meredith: 'Unfortunately we smacked the crossbar…'"
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