Sounders FC spiraling out of control with 3-1 loss to Dynamo

The Seattle Sounders FC were unable to get their act together against the Houston Dynamo on July 30, losing 3-1 at Robertson Stadium. With the way things have been going for Seattle in its last few outings, many were hoping for a better performance by the Sounders.

The Dynamo wasted no time finding the back of the post against the Sounders, scoring their first goal at the six-minute mark. Houston midfielder Colin Clark opened the scoreboard for the Dynamo, making the best out of a failed cross, and getting it past Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

The Dynamo increased their lead midway in the first half, when forward Brian Ching nodded a beautiful cross from Geoff Cameron.

The Sounders finally caught a break late in the first half, thanks to a hard tackle from Houston midfielder Corey Ashe inside the box. Seattle midfielder Alvaro Fernandez capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick, bringing the Sounders back in the game. Unfortunately, for Seattle, Fernandez's goal would be the only one in the game as the Sounders were unable to get their offense going.

Ching killed any hopes of a Sounders comeback in the 70th minute, tapping in a well-timed pass from Clark.

"I thought Houston was better, " Sounders coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "I thought Brian Ching showed his leadership abilities. I think he carried that team and was the Man of the Match without a doubt. We looked mentally tired, made some mistakes, and you can't make those kinds of mistakes. We talked about in the locker room before the game, that they were going to come out with intensity, and we had to match it. We had a chance to score a goal early, and we missed it."

The Sounders will need to win their next game against Panama's San Francisco FC on Aug. 3 by at least two goals, or risk elimination in the CONCACAF Champions League.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Joshua Mayers, "Houston Dynamo 3, Sounders FC 1, quotes and stats" Seattle Times

Player and game information from ESPN.com